History of Adult and Community Education in the 1960’s
Megan Tilford
Ball State University
EDAC 631: Adult and Community Education
Dr. Bo Chang
February 4, 2024
Name |
| Commented on: |
Megan Tilford |
|
Introduction
The 1960’s was a time of controversy and great change. This time period included the Civil Rights Act, the Assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Malcolm X, the Vietnam War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space race, and Apollo 11 lands on the moon. These incidents led to change socially, politically, and economically. These aspects helped to redevelop adult and community education.
In addition to the above the United States was in a recession that was stated to be the worst since the Great Depression. This recession caused a spike in unemployment rates. To improve the economy there was a push by the federal government for changes in adult education and vocational programs.
Highlights
During the 1960s the federal government became aware of the major societal issues in education that has been on going. This pushed the federal government to focus on education. There were multiple legislative acts that were put into place that pushed millions of dollars into education (The 1960s Education: Overview, 2023).
Due to the recession, the relocation of industry, and changes in technology, unemployment was continuing to rise in the early 1960s. Due to this the Area Redevelopment Act of 1961 and the Manpower and Development Act of 1962 were written to stimulate economic growth. These bills created a plan to train and retrain thousands of unemployed workers that were unemployed due to changes in skill requirements or technological advancements (Kremen, 1974). In 1963 this bill was amended to support a larger population of unemployed individuals. The amendment helped to fund the teaching of basic educational skills to unemployed adults and out of school youth to prepare them for programs that teach skills training (National Advisory Council on Adult Education, 1980).
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was the start of major changes regarding discrimination in within the workforce. This prohibited discrimination in employment based on race, sex, age, religion, or national origin. Although positive changes came from this, there were still many that were at a disadvantage in the workforce due to their limited education (National Advisory Council on Adult Education, 1980).
In 1964 the Adult Basic Education was established by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. It was later funded in 1965. This provided a plan for the federal government to work with state governments. Working together they could increase opportunities and remedy the inequities of educational disadvantages. The plan was to offer opportunities to learn reading, writing, language, and arithmetic skills. These skills would prepare individuals for the workforce (National Advisory Council on Adult Education, 1980).
Later, The Adult Education Act of 1966 and subsequent amendments were later approved and this strengthened and added to the Adult Education Program. The main goals included programs for adults to overcome language barriers and improve basic education to prepare for occupational training (National Advisory Council on Adult Education, 1980).
Influential Factors
There were multiple influences that helped to develop adult and community education in the 1960s. When President John F. Kennedy came into office he focused on rebuilding the economy and lowering the rising unemployment rates through education. President Kennedy set the stage for those who followed to continue to his work on equality and education for all.
After the assignation of President Kennedy, President Lyndon B. Johnson was able to step in and continue expanding education programs and reform. It was said that “Johnson declared that he would make the United States into a ‘Great Society’ in which poverty and racial injustice had no place” (The 1960’s History, 2020).
Civil Rights Movement influenced equality within the workforce and educational opportunities. Individuals that were major influencers in the Civil Rights Movement include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Implications
The 1960s brought about legislation that pushed profound change and these changes can still be felt today. The approved legislation not only gave access to adult education and training programs, but it also helped to fund them. During this time students of all ages started to study traditional subjects in new ways. The push in educational changes was to ensure that students are being prepared to enter the workforce (The 1960s Education: Overview, 2023).
Summary Table
Area | Summary |
Introduction | · Civil Rights Act · The Assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Malcolm X, · The Vietnam War · The Cuban Missile Crisis · The space race - Apollo 11 lands on the moon |
Highlights | · Area Redevelopment Act of 1961 · Manpower and Development Act of 1962 · Civil Rights Act of 1964 · Adult Basic Education / Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 · Recession / Unemployment |
Influential Factors | · Civil Rights Movement – Martin Luther King Jr., Malcom X, Rosa Parks, NAACP · President John F. Kennedy · President Lyndon B. Johnson · Recession / Unemployment |
Implications | · Access to adult education and training programs · Funding for education and training programs · Preparing students to enter the workforce |
References
Federal Adult Education: A Legislative History 1964-2013. (2013, November). Retrieved February 4, 2024 from https://lincs.ed.gov/publications/pdf/Adult_Ed_History_Report.pdf
Kreman, G.R. (1974). MDTA: The Origins of the Manpower Development and Training Act of 1962. United States Historical Office. https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/mono-mdtatext
National Advisory Council on Adult Education (1980). A History of Adult Education Act. Pennsylvania Bldg. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED245098.pdf
Public Law 88-210. (1963, December 18). https://govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-77/pdf/STATUTE-77-pg403.pdf#page=16
The 1960s Education: Overview. Retrieved February 4, 2024 from Encylopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences/culture-magazines/1960s-education-overview
The 1960s History. (2020, June 26). Retrieved on February 4, 2024 from http://www.histroy.com/topics/1960s-history
1 Megan Tilford Commented on Kaliee Saulsgiver
ReplyDelete2 Megan Tilford Commented on MaKenzie Brantley
3 Megan Tilford Commented on Shelbee Man