Our Opinion: Missouri earns A+ for adult education

Missouri deserves an A+ for its programs to educate adults.

We reported on Tuesday that the state ranked No. 1 in academic gains among adult education students from July 2016-June 2017. It's the second time in three years the state's adult education students ranked first in academic gains, according to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Adult education classes in Missouri prepare students to take the HiSET high school equivalency test. Most students range between 19 and 44 years old, but many are older.

It's hard to overstate the importance of adult education, both for the individuals and for our community.

For individuals, education can provide a sense of self-worth and accomplishment by attaining something that, for whatever reason, they didn't earn earlier in their lives.

It helps them to develop marketable skills and learn new ones. That, in turn, leads to a vibrant local economy by allowing employers to fill positions with qualified workers.

Education later on in life also affords something that benefits employers and employees: adaptability. Often, learning a single skill doesn't carry us through our work lives. Our fast-moving economy requires the workforce to adapt and be flexible. Learning the basics through adult education classes is the foundation for this ability.

Twenty-eight adult education programs in Missouri offer classes to adults outside of traditional high schools. About 18,000 students are enrolled in the program. Of those, 11,000 take classes in basic adult education classes, 1,300 take classes in adult secondary education classes, and 6,000 take English as a second language classes. Students can take classes online or at one of about 250 class sites statewide.

Jefferson City Public Schools are among those that offer adult education classes at varying times of the day.

Elaine Bryan, director of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Office of Adult Education, said: "We're really proud. Being No. 1 means we're doing great things for our students."

DESE and its adult education program should be proud.