More than 12,650 adult students earned their high school equivalency diploma by passing the General Education Development test last year, said Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal.
For the second year, Arizona Adult Education System ranked fourth nationally for educational gains, producing over two grade level increases at an annual cost of less than $1,250 per student. Adults who pass the test earn $8,000 more in taxable wages each year, according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics.
In the release, Huppenthal mentioned the benefits of adult education, including greater tax revenue, less dependency on welfare and a lower risk of incarceration.
“While we are pleased with the success, it’s also important to note that during this last year over 6,000 more adults wanting to achieve their diploma are still on our waiting list,” he said. “We are hoping to acquire additional funds to ensure that everyone who wants to gain a high school education and become productive citizens with higher income have the opportunity to do so.”
mikedurham posted at 9:05 am on Thu, Jan 3, 2013.
Good. These dedicated adults need the encouragement to move on to college or technical schools. Keep learning!