Educator Portal · NH Initiatives

Youth Learner Task Force

The Youth Learner Task Force met in 2004 and 2005 to study the issue of youth in adult education.

• The Task Force defined “youth” as students 16 to 21 years old.
• They concentrated on how to serve youth in classes that also include older learners.
• They conducted a literature review, interviewed teachers who specialize in working with at-risk youth, and tried out strategies in their own programs—a combination of study and action research.
• Original members were Maureen Cavanagh, Coos County Coordinator; Kimberly Cartier, Portsmouth counselor; Judy Fournier, Hillsboro coordinator; Pam Shaw, Dover teacher; and Kathy Stanley-Berting, Exeter counselor.

The Task Force developed guidelines based on their study.

• Principles for Effective Work with Young Adult Learners (PDF)
• Successful Teachers of Youth…What They Do (PDF)
• Successful Teachers of Youth…What They Need (PDF)

The Task Force has also assembled a booklet containing the most useful readings on youth learners in adult education and developed a workshop which they have presented at New Hampshire staff development conferences. Contact Debbie Tasker dtasker@ed.state.nh.us for a copy of all the readings or to request a workshop presentation.