The overriding purpose of adult literacy programs is to improve English language skills. While they began as a way for native speakers of English to develop their proficiency, the programs' scope has shifted to include non-native speakers learning English as a second language. Adult literacy programs focus on reading, writing and speaking skills.
By becoming a literate member of society, people may participate in society fully. Adult literacy programs cater to the clientele. Students who need slower paced instruction with hands-on teaching receive it, and, on the other hand, students who are more advanced are not held back to the pace of the class. Beginner classes provide students with the skills to get by day to day, while advanced classes focus on writing and work-related literacy.
Students and teachers in adult literacy programs often experience a language barrier. As a result, they are forced to find creative modes of communication, which may lead to miscommunication. Adult literacy programs service only a small portion of the population and do not provide learners with a degree or certification.
The purpose of adult basic education (ABE) is to provide adults with the minimal skills needed to obtain a General Educational Development (GED), including reading, writing and mathematics, and go on to higher education or vocational training. It prepares non-traditional students to continue their education and become productive, self-sufficient members of society
The benefits of ABE affect not only the learner but his family and society at large. With higher education, earning potential rises. The difference between the income of a high school dropout and a person with a GED or high school diploma is significant. The additional education has lasting, long-term economic benefits to the family of the student because the children of ABE students are more likely to go on to college, further improving the economic potential of the family. Many ABE programs prepare students for occupational programs, allowing for ABE participants to be gainfully employed at the completion of the program.
ABE does not close the academic gap between high school and college due to the lack of clearly stated state and national standards. Programs fail to prepare students for the level of reading required in college courses, which results in a higher collegiate dropout rate for non-traditional students compared to their traditional counterparts.