Adult Basic Skills Coordination

The Adult Basic Skills (ABS) education team in the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development supports the educational needs of Oregon adults by working with community colleges and other ABS providers across the state. Community college partners and other ABS education providers can find information here on state resources supporting this work.

Serving Adult Learners in Oregon

Oregon’s Adult Basic Skills (ABS) programs provide adult Oregonians with the skills they need to support their families, pursue their careers, participate in their communities, and/or further their education.

These programs generally offer instruction in the following areas:

• English as a second language
  
• Reading, writing, and math
  
• GED® test credential preparation
  
• High school diploma preparation
  
• Workplace skills, including critical thinking, digital literacy, locating and using information, and interpersonal workplace skills.
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• View a list of Oregon Providers of Adult Basic Education
  

The Role of the HECC

ABS education is supported by Title II of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, which is part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Title II provides federal funds to local providers and supports leadership and training to provide quality basic skills services for adults across Oregon, including English language instruction for adults. The HECC Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development ABS team is responsible for the following:

• Strategic guidance and coordination of ABS programming offered by Oregon’s community colleges and other adult education providers
  
• Administration of funds
  
• Technical assistance and professional development
  
• Monitoring and compliance
  
• Collection and reporting of performance data
  

Resources for Oregon Adult Basic Skills Providers

Find information on policies, data, reporting, forms, technical resources, the Reporting Calendar, and professional development to support the education of adult learners.

Resources for Community Colleges Offering the Adult High School Diploma

The Oregon Adult High School Diploma (AHSD) provides an opportunity for adults to earn a rigorous diploma equivalent to an Oregon high school diploma. The AHSD is offered by Oregon community colleges. The AHSD meets all state graduation requirements as provided in Oregon Administrative Rules and enables students to move toward postsecondary education and credentials. Find information for AHSD providers.