Clientele for Continuing Education in the 1970's

Abstract

THIS paper is not very academic. Neither is the topic. It is very popular these days to challenge the establishment, and such challenges should be welcomed even if some of the questions are aimed in our direction. The land grant system provides an interesting target. Despite its recent origins, that is, recent by European standards, it is the largest, best supported, and most highly regarded system of higher education in the world. So it can afford to be challenged by Mr. Hightower, Mr. Nader, and anyone else who wishes, including us. In fact, if it is to continue as the best public education system in the world, it must constantly innovate, evaluate, and accept change and challenge. Mr. Hightower and the Accountability project [1] are in good company with their challenge. Throughout their little book, which has evoked varying responses in agricultural colleges, Cooperative Extension, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, they quote those within the system who are also asking questions. The call for public is as American as apple pie. And we all should participate in it. Many of us think the land grant system has been held accountable for a long time. Substantial effort has been spent trying to keep track of those accounts. But perhaps that effort has too often been directed toward other establishment groups, hence the mixed reaction and response to the Accountability project's generally uncomplimentary and demeaning attack on the institutions in which most of us take so much pride. The topic for this session was proposed before most of us knew there was an accountability project. I have given this slashing bit of current journalism more space than it probably deserves. But the coincidence is impressive. The challenge for change in our continuing education programs should be coming from within the system. And it has been, but we have not given it the priority it deserves. Read People and A Spirit [3] prepared by professionals within Cooperative Extension. It is not a call for the status quo. Listen to commercial farmers, county agents, and representatives in county government. They are far from smug and self-satisfied about their adult education programs. Hear Quentin West's recent statement [5] to the Directors of State Agricultural Experiment Stations: