Fairfax County promotes adult education programs to enhance accessibility and outreach

The Fairfax County Public Schools Advisory Committee held its Annual Summit on May 31, 2025, focusing on enhancing community engagement and accessibility in education. Key discussions revolved around improving communication about adult and community education (ACE) programs and ensuring that information is available in multiple languages.

Committee members emphasized the importance of the new website's translation capabilities, which aim to make educational resources more accessible to non-English speaking families. They encouraged collaboration with family and school partnerships to effectively disseminate information about available programs to parents and students.

A significant point raised was the need for better outreach to high school students, particularly those enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Members noted that many students are unaware of the ACE courses that could further their certifications. Suggestions included direct communication with students and their families to highlight opportunities for continued education after completing CTE programs.

The discussion also touched on the potential for integrating advanced technology, such as chatbots, into the website to assist users in finding relevant courses. This feature could enhance user experience and streamline access to educational offerings.

Concerns regarding instructor compensation were also addressed. Members highlighted the challenges faced by ACE instructors, many of whom do not receive benefits comparable to full-time teachers. The need for sustainable funding to support competitive compensation was underscored, as budget constraints continue to pose challenges for the program.

Overall, the summit underscored the commitment of Fairfax County Public Schools to expand the reach of ACE programs and improve communication with the community, ensuring that all families are informed about educational opportunities available to them. The committee plans to continue exploring innovative solutions to enhance accessibility and engagement in the coming year.