What is Community Learning in Schools (CLASS)

The U.S. community college model does not currently operate in New Zealand. In addition to university and vocational programs at polytechnics, further education within the community is provided through open-entry, low-cost, “night-school” courses run from various high schools and community centers. Courses once covered “general interest” subjects to basic academic and vocational skills with significant government subsidies. However, government funding changes now prioritize programs containing core numeracy and literacy components, leading to the cancellation of some nonconforming classes. This raises questions regarding the role of community education for delivering certain programs. For example, many non-subsidized business and entrepreneurship courses are provided through night-school education. To illustrate this type of community education program, entrepreneurship courses taught in four different night schools are described. This chapter will help readers understand the nature of community education in New Zealand and the challenges it currently faces.