150 Years of Adult Education History
Through its adult education programs, California offers learners a
diverse range of knowledge and skills necessary to participate
effectively as citizens, workers, parents, and family and community
members. Adult education has been an important part of California's
education system since the early years of statehood. The first
recorded adult school was sponsored by the San Francisco Board
of Education in 1856. Adult education in California grew with the
expanding population of the state and was particularly responsive
to the needs of immigrant populations. Through the years, California
adult educators have provided leadership to the nation in the development
of innovative instructional practices and creative educational
solutions.
Meeting the Challenge
Meeting
the Challenge; a History of Adult Education in California, from the
Beginnings to the Twenty-First Century. 2005
See the table of contents of the official history of adult education
published by the California Department of Education.
View a PDF version of the text