Unacceptable disparities--do they exist in the adult education movement?

In spite of the tremendous movement and excitement in adult education, there is growing evidence to support the premise that existing adult education programs are not reaching members of minority groups who seem to need them most. Over the past two decades positive strides have been made to bring about equal educational opportunities for all persons regardless of race, sex, or socioeconomic circumstances. Unfortunately these strides have not occurred in continuing or adult education. The purpose of this paper is to: 1) present the current trend in adult education's clientele (re: race, income, and educational attainment); 2) reflect if the movement is bridging or widening the gaps between black and white, poor and rich, and uneducated; and 3) provide a forum for discussion of the issues by current and potential adult educators.