The history of adult education in British Columbia may be divided into three periods: from the early years of European settlement to 1914, from 1914 to 1954, and from 1954 to the present. Before 1914, the development of adult education was sporadic and carried out by many different agencies. Missionaries, clergy of various denominations, and church organizations provided an important amount of adult education in the province's early years. One of the major elements in the provision of adult education during the second period was the programs offered by local school boards. Important steps were taken in the field of vocational training (including apprenticeship) and extension education. The first provincial organization of adult educators was formed in 1954, by which time adult education had become a broadly based enterprise. School board programs grew explosively until the early 1970s, with the community school movement becoming a significant dimension of adult educational programming. An examination of changing practices and policies indicates that adult education in British Columbia has been transformed from a social movement to a profession, and the recent developments in the field would seem to indicate that adult education will continue to expand within the province. (MN)