Postsecondary Education: The New Meaning. Research Currents.

Overview & Synopsis

This document proposes a new meaning for the term postsecondary education: (adult learning through an accredited or eligible institution). Following a preliminary definition, this paper suggests some related issues in the milieu of higher education, then explores several of the abstract arguments for a new meaning. Aspects of the Education Amendments of 1972 which give weight of public law and financing to the new concept are described. Of great importance to traditional higher education is the range of new enterprises (and competitors) that postsecondary education embraces. The scope of educational activity for adults outside colleges and universities is described through references to the extent of adult educational interest, and role and extent of proprietary, military, government, business and labor education. A bibliography is included. (Author/MJM)