Education System

School District Adult General Education

For assistance, call 850-245-9062 or visit https://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/

What is the purpose of Adult General Education programs?

According to the 2021 American Community Survey, an estimated 1.6 million Floridians 25 or older do not have a high school diploma. Adult education programs are intended to address this problem by helping students become employable, productive citizens. These programs range from helping adults improve their basic academic and literacy skills to assisting teenagers in earning a high school credential.

What programs are available?

School districts  provide five main programs that serve adult education students.
  • Adult Basic Education (ABE) is a course of instruction designed to improve the employability of the state's workforce through instruction in mathematics, reading, language, and workforce readiness skills for students who are performing below the 9th grade level.
  • Academic Skills Building (ASB) is a non-credit program designed to develop the literacy and math skills necessary for students to be successful workers, citizens, and family members. The program provides workforce readiness skills for students who are performing at or above the 9th grade level.  
  • Adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) are non-credit English literacy courses designed to improve the employability of the state's workforce through acquisition of communication skills and cultural competencies that enhance the ability to read, write, speak, and listen in English.
  • Adult High School (AHS) provides instruction preparing adult students to successfully complete credits leading to a high school diploma or its equivalent.
  • GED® Preparation Program provides instruction that prepares students to pass four content area assessments (reasoning through language arts, mathematical reasoning, science, and social studies) and be awarded a State of Florida High School Diploma. General Education Development (GED) coursework is at the high school (9th through 12th grade) level, while Adult Basic Education (ABE) improves skills in mathematics, reading, language, and workforce readiness for students who are performing below the 9th grade level.
School district technical centers also offer adult education programs.

Who is eligible to enroll in Adult Education?

Adult education programs are available to individuals who
  • are 16 years or older and legally left the secondary school system;
  • do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent; or
  • want to learn or speak, read, and write the English language.

What are the curriculum frameworks?

The Department of Education provides curriculum frameworks for each adult education program. The frameworks describe the program's purpose, eligibility, and length, as well as the standards the program covers. A listing of the frameworks is found on the department's website.

How are program outcomes measured?

The National Reporting System is a federal accountability system measuring student outcomes and literacy gains in adult education and literacy programs.

What fees are students assessed for Adult Education?

Section 1009.22(3)(c), Florida Statutes, requires adult education programs to assess block tuition of $45 per half year or $30 per term.

Where can I find related OPPAGA reports?

Career Statewide Articulation Agreements, Report 23-10, November 2023

Where can I get more information?

Websites of Interest
Florida Department of Education, Career and Adult Education
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education
Adult and Community Educators of Florida
National Reporting System
Florida GED Test

Performance Information


Performance measures and standards for the department may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

What are the applicable statutes?

Sections 1004.93, 1004.94, 1004.935, 1004.96, and 1004.98, Florida Statutes

Whom do I contact for help?

Kathleen Taylor, Bureau Chief, Standards, Benchmarks, and Frameworks, 850-245-9062; email: careerandadulted@fldoe.org
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