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When we use the term "adult learners" we think primarily of those individuals who have been out of the learning environment for some time. Some are returning to acquire a high school diploma in order to improve job skills and employment opportunities. Some have been caught in the web of downsizing and need to a new direction employment eligibility. Mature students immediately come to mind when the subject of adult learner arises.

An increasing number of students between the ages of 16 and 18 are now entering our adult programs. These students belong to the growing number of high school students who, for a number of reasons, find themselves unable to succeed in public school systems. Some are expelled for disciplinary reasons, other have not been able to pass required tests and have received a certificate of attendance instead of a diploma. Some younger students are also required to give assistance at home with siblings or parents in need of help at home. Sadly, some students are also homeless and have no idea as to where they Will even sleep from night to night. Receiving a certificate indicates that they did in fact attend school for the required time, but failed to pass the necessary exams for graduation. A certificate of attendance will not allow them to attend college or enroll in some vocational programs. It definitely is not a diploma.

Since students between the ages of 16 and 18 could actually be classified as younger learners, teaching them in an adult environment presents a unique set of challenges. Many of them have been recently enrolled in public schools, and much of their information is still "fresh on their minds." Teaching them is simply a matter of refreshing their skills and giving them necessary instruction to complete the subjects that they were recently pursuing. An alarming number, however, are severely deficient in their skills and need to be taught many of the subjects that should have been mastered in elementary school. My students are working within the 3rd to 11th grade level in mathematics and language. Those at lower levels are struggling to learn very basic elementary school skills. These student require a lot of individual attention and may not be able to function well in large group instruction. They do not bring a lot of positive job or life experiences to the table. The concept of academic failure looms large for these students makes them doubtful of their ability to succeed. Some are still "kids at

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