60 for 60: The introduction of Adult High School Education Programs in the state

In celebration of Durham Technical Community College’s 60th anniversary, the College is publishing 60 for 60 – a storytelling campaign that highlights the people, places, and events that have progressed and shaped the College’s six decades of impact. To view more 60 for 60 stories, visit www.durhamtech.edu/60for60. 

In the mid-1960s, North Carolina leaders looked to retool the state’s economy as well as engage an undereducated populace who needed more high school education and post-secondary training. The process was rapid. Over seven months, the state passed a major economic investment act, trained teachers, and Durham Tech became one of the first community colleges in the state to provide adult basic education and training. 
 
More than a million adults in North Carolina had an eighth-grade education or less in 1964, according to Adult Education for North Carolinians Journal (1965). That fall, the North Carolina State Board of Education became the first board in the nation to approve a state plan for adult basic education under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. 
 
Meetings were held throughout the state to discuss the program and learn about the importance of this need to community leaders. Planning sessions were held, and programs were approved. The state then needed teachers with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree to teach adult basic education courses across the state. On December 17, 1964 in Durham, North Carolina, the first class of 125 teachers began training to teach the adult basic education classes. Trainings were held for three-day periods and because of the high response rate classes were held until January 30, 1965. 
 
In July 1965, Adult Basic Education classes and Adult High School Diploma programs were offered in addition to career training at Durham Technical Institute. These programs provided educational opportunities based on students’ abilities and objectives in life. 

Adult Basic Education (ABE), was designed to teach the skills of communication and computation to individuals 18 years of age and over. The objectives were to increase social and political competence, coordinate ABE with the High School Diploma Program, and teach courses and gear curricula with individual student’s needs, according to the early College Catalogues. 

"College and Career Readiness programs are inherently designed to meet students where they are, and to provide instruction and learning experiences that serves as a platform for achieving both their academic and life goals," said Gregory Bellamy, Chief Student Services Officer at Durham Tech.

Today, ABE are courses designed to prepare students to move into the Gateway to College, Adult High School Diploma, or High School Equivalency programs by improving reading, writing, and math skills. The Gateway to College and Adult High School Diploma continues to serve students over the age of 18 who wish to complete the credits they did not earn in high school. 
 
"We are committed to helping students earn their high school diplomas as they prepare for college and their chosen careers," said Marguerita Best, Interim Dean, for College and Career Readiness programs at Durham Tech. 
 
Launched nearly 60 years ago, adult basic education programs continue to assist adults today with continuing their education and reaching their personal and professional goals. 

For more information, contact Desiree Towson, M.S., Communications and Public Relations Coordinator, at allisontowsond@durhamtech.edu.