Press Release  Massachusetts Celebrates Adult Education and Family Literacy Week

CHELSEA — Governor Maura Healey has proclaimed September 18-22 Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in Massachusetts in order to highlight the incredible learning opportunities available to adult residents to help them reach their professional and personal goals through public education, at no-cost. 

“Adult education and family literacy programs throughout the state offer participants a critical path to make a difference for themselves, their families, and their community,” Governor Maura Healey said. “I hope more people will become aware of these opportunities and choose to enroll.” 

“Adult learners are among the most courageous and persevering students in the Commonwealth’s classrooms,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. “It’s a pleasure to recognize them and the programs that serve them and their families this week.”  

To kick off the week, Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Regina Robinson, Director of the Office of Adult and Community Learning Services Wyvonne Stevens-Carter visited the Intergenerational Literacy Program in Chelsea, which offers in-person and online classes in English for speakers of other languages and adult basic education classes so that participants can earn their high school equivalency. The program also has classes for preschool and school-aged children, so that parents and caregivers have child care when they attend class in person. State Officials were joined at the visit by Superintendent of Chelsea Public Schools, Dr. Almi G. Abeyta and Deputy Superintendent of Schools and Student Support at Chelsea Public Schools, Adam Deleidi.   

“The International Literacy Program is a great example of the opportunities that exist throughout the Commonwealth for adults interested in learning skills that will help them build confidence, advocate for their children, and take the next step in the workplace,” Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler said. “This program takes it above and beyond, providing a new community and family for the adult learners and their children. It was a pleasure to visit the program and hear from students and staff members about all the incredible work they are doing there.” 

Public Adult Education of Massachusetts, part of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, runs Massachusetts adult education and family literacy programs. Adult education classes serve adults who need to improve their basic literacy and math skills, improve their oral and written English, obtain a high school equivalency degree, and prepare for postsecondary education or training. 

Family literacy programs serve parents and their young children, teaching foundational skills, English as a second language, and parenting skills to adults while their children are provided high quality instruction. These programs are focused on breaking cycles of low literacy, low education, and poverty.  

Public Adult Education of Massachusetts uses federal and state grants to fund a broad network of education providers and programs, including local school systems, community-based agencies, community colleges, libraries, volunteer organizations, correctional facilities, and others.  

“The adult education team at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education likes to say that our goal is to bridge the gap between living and learning and put opportunity within people’s reach,” Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley said. “Today we’re celebrating all the agencies and students who build that bridge.” 

For more information about Public Adult Education of Massachusetts, including free high school equivalency testing, see https://www.doe.mass.edu/acls/.

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