By Brian Gilliland

GEORGETOWN — The Adult Basic Education Task Force, formed in 2023 by two state lawmakers, released its final report Wednesday, sharing how to replicate positive results seen at facilities like Sussex Technical High School.

The group was formed by Sen. Darius Brown, D-Wilmington, and Rep. Kim Williams, D-Newport, and included Sen. Eric Buckson, R-Camden, and Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Millsboro, as well as a cadre of political appointees. Its goals were to develop a plan to enhance programs that give adults a second chance at a high school diploma.

Recent Sussex Tech Adult Education grad Cole Carter can attest to the flexibility of that school. “What you’re not doing is working for them,” he said. “They’re working with you. The best thing about the program is the scheduling and availability. It’s wonderful how they can do that.”

The challenge in that sentiment, explained Kelly Whaley, director of adult education at Tech, is accommodating everyone.

“We offer 43 sections of adult education classes, from Selbyville to Seaford, but still have a significant waiting list,” she said. Countywide, that list exceeds 450 potential students.

Such obstacles were among the task force’s discussions. The group has met seven times since last September, to determine if adult education initiatives might better succeed if they were able to increase funding, stop students from dropping out, endorse first-year apprenticeships while still in school and create a certification pipeline from the prison system into the trades.

“While we continue encouraging teenagers to stay in school, the reality is that hundreds of teens across Delaware end up dropping out every year, often due to family circumstances beyond their control,” Sen. Brown said. “Every one of them deserves a second chance to earn a high school diploma. And, as elected leaders, there is more we can do to help them get back into school and back on the road to economic prosperity.”

The final report recommends restoring funding to adult education to 2017 levels, along with a one-time expenditure to clear waiting lists; exploring a voucher program; improving the coordination between continuing education and traditional programs; and providing both support and representation to the affected constituencies.

“If we want to build a strong, resilient workforce, we have to equip Delawareans of all educational backgrounds with the skills and training needed to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” Rep. Williams said. “The findings and recommendations contained in our report will serve as an important road map for unlocking the full potential of adult basic education, creating a robust talent pipeline for employers and empowering all residents — regardless of their age or educational history — to thrive and prosper.”

The findings will be delivered to all members of the General Assembly, as well as to the governor.