Adult Education
Representative Projects
DTI Associates – A Kratos Company:
Student Achievement In Reading (StAR) Evaluation
The StAR Project (Student Achievement in Reading) is a professional development initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education to translate adult education reading research into practice through a series of validated toolkits. MI evaluated the effectiveness of the pilot project under a contract with DTI Associates, the project managers. The pilot was conducted in 6 states and more than 30 local program sites within these states. MI developed a comprehensive research design to conduct the study, which addressed five areas: state and local program baseline conditions, early implementation of reading strategies, ongoing operations, impact on adult learners, and sustainability of reading strategies. A variety of quantitative and qualitative instruments were used in the study including program administrator and teacher survey, multi- method case study, extant data synthesis, and interview. The study design, methods, and implementation and outcome results were summarized in a reader- friendly report and shared with project leaders for purposes of project improvement.
The State University of New York (SUNY) and Instructional Systems, Inc.
(ISI):
ATTAIN Evaluation
Through a strategic partnership between SUNY Educational Opportunity Centers and ISI, Project ATTAIN has created state-of-the art technology centers in community hubs in key regions of New York. These hubs provide underserved and underemployed adults the opportunity to use technology as a gateway to education, vocational skills, better career opportunities, and, ultimately, economic independence. MI staff have been conducting the evaluation of ATTAIN since its inception. Our studies have examined the operation and utilization of the ATTAIN labs as well as participant satisfaction with courseware. Data have been collected through survey, case study, interview, and document review methodologies. A bottom-line outcome evaluation study is currently underway; this study is designed to examine the impact of ATTAIN on student outcomes, including GED attainment, college enrollment, job placement, community involvement, and student attitudes. ATTAIN final reports have helped state legislators to craft policy regarding labor and education initiatives.
New York State Education Department (NYSED):
Recognizing Excellence Technical Assistance Center
MI designed and operated this technical assistance center for 5 years. The purpose was to help adult education practitioners find/adopt quality programs to strengthen overall operations. The Center conducted nationwide searches to identify best practice in adult education, provided evaluation assistance to programs seeking state validation, and provided capacity-building services to help the staff of validated programs disseminate their practices to the field. While operating this Center, MI assisted family literacy programs, basic skills programs, GED TV programs, and job training/re-training programs. These programs appear on the Sharing Success website.
State University of New York (SUNY) University Center for Academic and
Workforce Development:
Financing your Independence (FYI) Program Evaluation
SUNY commissioned MI to conduct an evaluation of its financial literacy program, FYI, a 24-hour course in banking and personal finance designed for adult learners. FYI operates in Educational Opportunity Centers, state-funded centers that provide vocational and educational training to underserved adult learners in New York. The FYI evaluation employed a combination of formative and summative evaluation techniques and was designed to systematically assess program design, delivery, and implementation, and the extent to which program goals were achieved and sustained over time. Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods included a pre-post content assessment of adult learners’ knowledge of financial concepts, a pre-post survey of learners’ attitudes toward and practices related to personal finance, instructor implementation surveys, and full-day site visits. A longitudinal follow-up study was also conducted with FYI participants up to three years post completion to determine the extent to which program benefits were sustained over time.
New York State Department of Corrections (DOC):
Needs Assessment of Technology Applications in DOC Programs
MI assisted the DOC in improving the application of technology in adult education programs by conducting a comprehensive needs assessment study. There were three major components of the study: (1) analysis of the use of three pilot computer-assisted instructional programs, (2) assessment of the training and technical assistance provided to DOC staff to enable them to apply technology, and (3) evaluation of the accessibility, use, and perceived impact of computers. Needs assessment methods included intensive case studies, statewide survey, and individual interviews.
New York State Education Department (NYSED):
Adult Centers for Comprehensive Education and Support Services
(ACCESS) Technical Assistance Project
ACCESS agencies provide one-stop education and training services to adult learners. MI staff assisted the NYSED in the further planning and development of this statewide service delivery network. The assistance focused on four areas: (1) ensuring the alignment of ACCESS activities with the state Adult Education Learning Standards, (2) enabling ACCESS sites to incorporate technology into existing instructional programs, (3) developing performance standards as a basis for continuous improvement, and (4) identifying best practices in site operations to share statewide. MI staff provided the assistance though multiple channels including intensive site visits, material resources, self-assessment instruments, online chats, and telephone contact.
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