Project Activities
This partnership conducted two broad categories of work to address GOAE's immediate research needs and long-term goal of being better equipped to leverage data and research. First, the joint team met frequently to discuss findings and policymakers' needs, develop, and refine research agendas, and provide professional development and training to state and program data analysts. Second, using GOAE's insights and interests, the research team conducted mixed-methods exploratory research that leveraged existing program administrative data and qualitative data that they collected from administrators, students, and instructors.
Structured Abstract
Setting
The research took place throughout Georgia in adult education programs that offer Adult Basic Education and Adult Secondary Education classes.
Sample
The research team used data from all 378 program sites in Georgia and interviewed 13 students, 9 instructors, and 7 program administrators from 9 program sites.
Data analytic strategy
The researchers used mixed methods including thematic analysis of the qualitative data retrieved from case studies and interviews. They also used hierarchical linear modeling and logistic regression analyses of state administrative data and other quantitative data (e.g., online survey responses).
Key outcomes
This partnership has helped to strengthen and lay the groundwork for future joint research projects and produced data to help GOAE provide support to programs to improve retention and learner gains. Some of the GOAE learnings through this partnership include -
- leveraging teacher experience for training and mentorship of new teachers
- ensuring real world applications in class content that are relatable to all groups of students
- taking note of grade completion and age at intake
- ensuring that times and virtual options encourage attendance from employed students
People and institutions involved
IES program contact(s)
Project contributors
Partner institutions
Georgia Office of Adult Education
Technical College System of Georgia
Georgia State University
Adult Literacy Research Center
Products and publications
ERIC Citations: Find available citations in ERIC for this award here.
Questions about this project?
To answer additional questions about this project or provide feedback, please contact the program officer.
