The governing board of a school district maintaining secondary schools or a county superintendent of schools, shall have the power, with the approval of the department, to establish special classes for adults designed to serve the educational needs of adults with disabilities. These classes shall be directed to providing instruction in civic education, career technical education, work readiness, independent living skills, community access and integration, communication and social skills, literacy, and academics. These classes shall conform to standards of attendance, curriculum, and administration established by the department.