Abstract
Voluntarism, historically a fundamental principle and characteristic of adult education, is at risk with the development of mandated continuing professional education. Education is mandated by (1) direct regulation in state licensure laws; (2) indirect regulation through professional membership, employment requirements, and specialized certificates; and (3) informal social sanctions. While there are some signs of a halt in direct regulation, indirect and informal controls are on the upsurge, typically in order to avert threatened external regulation. Central is the concern for competence, which reflects broader social concerns with accountability, as well as a new moralism with respect to adult education participation. Economic incentives for continuing education providers are also an important factor. One outcome is the formalization of control as manifest in efforts to measure learning outcomes and the development of accreditation standards. More professionals are challenging the quality of mandated offerings and their potential in meeting accountability concerns.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.