Mayor Palmieri Proclaims Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
Carol Clamon, Supervisor Jefferson-Cocke Adult Education, Jefferson County Mayor Alan Palmieri
– Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri signed a Proclamation this week promoting Literacy in Jefferson County. Literacy is tied to success in the work place and the more literate the populous of an area, the better the economic outlook. Jefferson County and Cocke County have joined to promote adult education, in an effort to move toward a more marketable citizenship. According to the Department of Labor, there is a direct correlation between education and income. The new effort provides a push for adults to complete their GED before the cut off for the current test in December 2013. Those that do not complete the test before the change date will be starting anew in January 2014 and will have a choice of the GED or the HiSET. Jefferson County Schools has a grant that provides for adult education in the Jefferson County/Cocke County service area. Those that are interested can find classes available in two locations. The Jefferson County location is next to Jefferson County High School and the Newport location is in the alternative school behind Cocke County High School. Both locations have a full staff for both day and evening classes. Classes are open to those age 16 and over that are not enrolled in High School. Carol Clamon, Supervisor of the Jefferson-Cocke County Adult Education Program, was on hand to witness the signing of the Proclamation and encourage citizens in need of assistance to contact the program office in their area. According to the Mayoral Proclamation, Jefferson County will observe Adult Education and Family Literacy Week from September 23rd –September 29, 2013.
