Continuing education, also known as adult education, the education of those who have ceased to be full-time students, has grown in importance in the last two decades with the increase in the complexity of society and in the need for education. More and more adults are finding it necessary or advantageous to return to school on a part-time basis, to develop new skills or areas of competence, to keep current in their present specialties, or to seek cultural advancement. The more educated a community becomes, the more educational opportunity is needed and sought by its members.

In recognition of the growing importance of continuing education, the Commission for Economy in Governmental Expenditures undertook a study of the subject, and reported its findings to the 1970 session of the General Assembly. Among other things, the report recommended that further study of the subject be undertaken.

Pursuant to this directive, the Council appointed a Committee to conduct a study and report to it. Senator Robert C. Fitzgerald, Chairman of the Council, was designated Chairman. Appointed to serve with him were: O. T. Bonner, Superintendent of the Danville Public Schools; Emory W. Chesley, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, Fairfax County Public Schools; Melvin E. Fuller, Director of Continuing Education, Roanoke College; Charles R. Greever, Editor and General Manager of the Richlands Press and the Clinch Valley Times and Chairman of the Board, Southwest Virginia Community College, Richlands; George J. Kostel, member of the House of Delegates, Clifton Forge; Paul W. Manns, State Senator, Bowling Green; Theodore V. Morrison, member of the House of Delegates, Newport News; Walker H. Quarles, Jr., Vice President, Virginia State College, Petersburg; Yvonne Rappaport, President of the Adult Education Association of Virginia; and Henry W. Tulloch, Manager Relations, General Electric Company and member of the State Board for Community Colleges, Waynesboro. Senator Manns was unanimously elected Vice-Chairman.

The staff of the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council and the Division of Statutory Research and Drafting, represented by Sally T. Warthen, provided support and assistance. In addition, the Council received assistance from the State Council of Higher Education, the Department of Community Colleges, the Department of Education, and the institutions, both public and private, who are offering continuing education. In particular, the Council is grateful to Mrs. Rappaport, who undertook the task of drafting a questionnaire and compiling statistics, attached herewith as an appendix, to inform the Council as to the current status of continuing education in the State. Two hearings were conducted by the Committee, one of which was open to the public and the other not open to the public, the latter being designed so that the Committee could hear in private from representatives of the institutions interested in continuing education.

After considerable study and deliberation, the Committee made its report to the Council. The Council commends the Committee for its work, and makes the following report.