Learning Disability Prevalence and Adult Education Program Characteristics

This study identifies adult education program characteristics associated with learning disability (LD) prevalence through statistical analyses of data from a single U.S. state (Kansas). Data indicate that several variables at the adult education (AE) program level are linked to LD prevalence, including disability incidence, educational background of learners, and learner age. In addition, after participation in AE services, learner outcomes associated with LD prevalence are adult basic and secondary learning gains, GED outcomes, and entering employment. Learner skill level on entering the AE program, learner outcomes of retaining employment, and program characteristics related to staffing and funding did not consistently associate with LD prevalence. These results have implications for AE program staff and policy makers and suggest a need for further research of individual characteristics of adult learners with LD.