This issue explores the growing field of adult degree programs andconsiders the theoretical underpinnings of such programs andhands-on issues as curriculum, faculty, marketing, technology,financing, and accreditation, all with a goal of informing andequipping both scholars and practitioners. More and more adults who have been out of school for many yearshave turned to colleges and universities to complete undergraduateand graduate degrees that will make them competitive in theworkforce, fulfill a professional requirement, or enrich themintellectually. Higher education institutions and many privateorganizations have responded to this demand by creating innovativedegree programs aimed specifically at mature learners, students whowant to self-design their educational programs and do not hesitateto change institutions if they believe their needs are not beingmet. This explosive growth in adult degree programs is largely theresult of distance education technologies and the Internet. Othersignificant factors include the potential such programs have forproviding additional revenue streams for institutions, the fiercecompetition from the private sector and other higher educationinstitutions, and the rising interest in interdisciplinaryprograms. This is the 103rd volume of the Jossey-Bass quarterly reportseries New Directions for Adult and ContinuingEducation.

Whether it is earning a GED, a particular skill, or technical topic for a career, taking classes of interest, or even returning to begin a degree program or completing it, adult learning encompasses those beyond the traditional university age seeking out education. This type of education could be considered non-traditional as it goes beyond the typical educational path and develops learners that are self-initiated and focused on personal development in the form of gaining some sort of education. Essentially, it is a voluntary choice of learning throughout life for personal and professional development. While there is often a large focus towards K-12 and higher education, it is important that research also focuses on the developing trends, technologies, and techniques for providing adult education along with understanding lifelong learners’ choices, developments, and needs. The Research Anthology on Adult Education and the Development of Lifelong Learners focuses specifically on adult education and the best practices, services, and educational environments and methods for both the teaching and learning of adults. This spans further into the understanding of what it means to be a lifelong learner and how to develop adults who want to voluntarily contribute to their own development by enhancing their education level or knowledge of certain topics. This book is essential for teachers and professors, course instructors, business professionals, school administrators, practitioners, researchers, academicians, and students interested in the latest advancements in adult education and lifelong learning.

Systemic oppression continues to disenfranchise students at the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigrant status, religion, ableism, and economic status. Because of this, school counselors are called to function as advocates and change agents, but often find themselves underprepared to address these oppressive systems in schools. It is vital that school counselors are provided resources that enable them to increase their preparedness and allow them to address oppressive practices within schools as well as work with diverse populations using culturally affirming and antiracist practices. Developing, Delivering, and Sustaining School Counseling Practices Through a Culturally Affirming Lens informs culturally affirming and antiracist professional practice and advocacy work by school counselors. It serves as a learning tool that better prepares school counselors to address the needs of marginalized students and work as effective change agents to disrupt systemic oppression in school settings. Covering topics such as professional identity, racial trauma, and social justice, this book serves as a dynamic resource for school counselor educators, school counselors-in-training, school counselors, directors, supervisors, district leaders and administration, researchers, and academicians as they implement antiracist, social justice, and culturally affirming practices in school settings and academia.