- Multiple entry points are needed so that adults with skills gaps and lower levels of education can enroll in career pathways classes. Providers should consider what entry requirements are needed for students to understand the course material, complete the program, and prepare for postsecondary education or employment. Similarly, programs should track how entry-level students are advancing through the course sequence, from ESL, ABE, or GED® classes to occupational or career and technical education (CTE) classes.
- Programs should ensure that counselors, coaches, case workers, and other support staff have manageable caseloads. Funders and policy makers should consider increasing the funding for support services that address students’ non-academic concerns. These supports should help increase persistence and program completion.
- For careeer pathways to be effective, organizations need measures that capture interim outcomes toward longer-term goals such as completing a degree or obtaining a job. Interim outcomes are especially important for showing the achievements of students with greater barriers to education or employment. Policymakers and funders should support the development and use of interim outcome measures.
- To minimize problems such as gaps in services, duplication, and competition for students, funders and policy makers should support the creation of groups, events, or initiatives that help career pathways providers coordinate their efforts. Funders and policy makers can play a key role in helping workforce and adult education entities collaborate in providing career pathways programs.
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Abstract:
This report details 14 "Building Blocks" of a comprehensive, community-based adult literacy program, identifies the resources needed to fully implement the Building Blocks, and includes an operating budget for a local program implementing this model. Resource URL https://www.lacnyc.org/investing-in-quality.html Publication Year 2017 Investing in Quality was created as a tool for programs and funders to use in a variety of ways: (a) to inform new program design or development; (b) to spur program reflection and continuous improvement; (c) to understand and articulate quality program practices; (d) to identify key areas for professional development; (e) to delineate and benchmark program costs; and (f) to pave the way for funding levels that fully support sustainable, comprehensive, quality adult literacy programs and adult literacy infrastructure. The report is divided into four main sections plus an Introduction that provides the background and context for the project. The first section summarizes the "14 Building Blocks for a Quality Adult Literacy Program" for easy reference. The second section describes each "Building Block" in detail. The third section, "Key Elements for Investment," outlines the critical areas that programs need to invest in to create high-quality, sustainable adult literacy services. Finally, the "Defining Costs" section presents a sample operating budget for a hypothetical mid-size adult literacy program that incorporates all of the Building Blocks and Key Elements for Investment. What the experts say This report outlines a robust cost model of a hypothetical adult education program based on research from the question “What are the defining features of a quality literacy program and what does it cost to run one?” The authors conducted a review of the literature going back more than 20 years, and collected feedback from experts, providers, and students to identify the key features of successful adult education programs and develop the 14 Building Blocks. Adult education programs can use the sample operating budgets to compare and consider the cost of their programs. The blueprint is intended to be used by programs and funders in a variety of ways including informing program development and continuous improvement; understanding quality practice; identifying areas for professional development; and outlining program costs. Rather than use to predict future outcomes, the authors suggest a better use would be to use the "Building Blocks" and "Key Elements" to analyze what is needed now. Although the report is focused on New York City, its content is relevant to adult education programs in general because it is not a rigid prescription for a program; rather, the report presents a wide variety of elements from which to choose. The “blueprint” outlined in the report is flexible and adaptable based on the needs and abilities of each program, and provides a roadmap for continuous improvement. Resource Notice This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites. Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.
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Abstract:
This planning guide is designed as an interactive tool for initiating or expanding the alignment between existing career and technical education (CTE) and apprenticeship programs.
Publication Year
2017
This planning guide is designed as an interactive tool for initiating or expanding the alignment between existing CTE and apprenticeship programs. It provides a blueprint for state, regional, and local administrators leading efforts to transform CTE and apprenticeship linkages across a state or community. The blueprint begins with defining the potential impact that CTE and apprenticeship alignment will have for students, employers, and communities. The process then moves to developing a plan of action tailored to the needs and readiness of state or local programs. Once a plan is in place, partnerships are developed with institutions, employers, and agencies who then help in defining and designing the program. Customizable tools and templates are provided that allow users to adjust each resource to fit their unique needs.
While the steps, tools, and resources in this guide are valuable to anyone interested in strengthening the potential intersection between CTE and apprenticeship programs, this resource is targeted at two distinct groups of users. The first includes state leaders of education and workforce training systems seeking to improve the alignment of secondary CTE and apprenticeship programs. The second includes education and training providers who are interested in working with regional or local employers or industry groups to expand the role of CTE in preparing high school students for apprenticeships.
Benefits and Uses
State, regional, and local administrators can use the customizable tools and templates to improve the alignment of secondary CTE and apprenticeship programs. Education and training providers can also use the tools with regional or local employers or industry groups to expand the role of CTE in preparing high school students for apprenticeships that fit well within the context of federal, state, and local efforts to build seamless career pathways that align and integrate education and workforce development programs.
Resource Notice
This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites.
Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.
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Abstract:
Nucleos presents, "One Person. One Plan. Many Partners." Every individual on a second-chance journey has a different story, different challenges, and different goals. A one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. In this webinar, we’ll explore how personalized learning and support pathways can help individuals identify their strengths, address their needs, and build a meaningful path forward. Through the Nucleos platform, education, career development, mental health resources, reentry support, and essential soft skills can come together to form a coordinated strategy for success. When these services are connected through trusted partners, organizations can move beyond separate programs and create a support system tailored to each person. Because real progress happens when we focus on one person, create one plan, and bring together many partners. Original webinar date: April 21, 2026 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/xP7LMUcKJNk
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Abstract:
This report presents findings from a research project that examines how adult education providers in three cities designed and implemented career pathways programming for adults who are immigrants or have barriers to employment and education.
This research project examined how adult education providers in Chicago, Houston, and Miami designed and implemented career pathways programming, especially for adults who are immigrants or have barriers to employment and education. The project consisted of three research phases: (1) a survey of all known adult basic education providers (ABE) in the three cities, (2) focus groups with adult education providers in those cities, and (3) case studies of six programs (two per city). The authors offer the following implications based on the findings.
What the experts say
This research provides critical insights into ways that community literacy providers, adult schools, community colleges, skill trainers, workforce development, and human service providers can find their place in developing a career pathway system that is responsive to all adult learners. Adult education programs will find the report useful in developing comprehensive strategic plans and operational pathways for individuals with barriers to employment.
Providers will find a wealth of information about the challenges ABE providers face when adding career pathways to their offerings and promising responses. For example, supportive services are a core element of career pathways but often are not part of the adult education mix of services. The IES research identified two models – bundled and voluntary. They found two national bundled models, the Center for Working Families, and the Financial Opportunity Center. Both bundled models require participation in two or more integrated support services, including financial coaching, employment coaching, and/or access to income supports. Voluntary models, on the other hand, give students access to one or more services, but participation is voluntary, and rarely offer financial literacy or counseling.
Another example is access for lower-skilled students and students with barriers to employment. The IES survey data showed that there are minimum test score, language, or other entry requirements for more than one-half of all the career pathways services or classes in their research. The case studies confirm that overall, lower-level students had less access to career pathways programs. The researchers did identify some promising models for addressing these barriers for lower-skilled students. For example, a Miami-based provider, Lindsey Hopkins Technical College, had, “per Florida state policy, an exit requirement for all but one of its CTE courses. This model enabled lower-level students to enroll and then demonstrate their academic or practice-based competence – a minimum TABE score or industry certifications, respectively – upon program completion.”
Resource Notice
This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites.
Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.
Publication Year
2018
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Abstract:
An evaluation of the two-year Transition to College and Careers demonstration project, which addressed academic and non-academic barriers to college for adult learners in six adult education centers across New England.
Transition to College and Careers (TCC) was a two-year demonstration project that addressed the academic and non-academic barriers to college experienced by many adult learners. The programs were designed to foster college and career readiness skills in four areas: personal readiness, career readiness, academic readiness, and college readiness and knowledge. One innovative program feature was an online "Introduction to Health Science" course that students from all programs took as a cohort.
Of the 397 adult learners who enrolled in one of the six participating TCC programs, 66% completed the progam, 69% attained college level reading skills, and a majority enrolled in college afterwards. Participants reported that the main reasons for non-completion of the program were a lack of reliable transportation and health issues. These findings support a program design that emphasizes students’ personal readiness, math, online learning, pro-active counseling and advising, and engagement with career centers and employers.
This article appears in an issue of the COABE journal. This article begins on page 4.
What the experts say
The ideas in this article will be helpful to ABE programs and colleges in designing or evaluating college transition or bridge programs. It describes a holistic college transitions project that considers academic readiness as one of the components for success along with personal readiness, career readiness, and college readiness and knowledge. The key elements for student success are laid out with the importance of each component and strategy clearly described. Project findings identify elements that promote student success and provide concrete suggestions for building or evaluating a college transitions program as well as challenges to be overcome. Consequently, the article could be used as a blueprint or discussion points by a staff, advisory board, or planning committee.
Resource Notice
This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites.
Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.
Publication Year
2018
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Abstract:
This guide summarizes considerations, tools, and examples that can be used by state and facility administrators and instructors as they develop and implement IET programs in jails and prisons.
When aligned with career pathways and other education and training programs in the community, IET programs offered in prisons and jails enable participants to make significant progress toward their education and training goals that can be continued after release. This guide summarizes lessons learned from the IET in Corrections project and serves as a companion to the IET Design Toolkit. It offers considerations, tools, and examples for planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating IET programs in prisons and jails, designed to supplement the guidance provided in the Toolkit.
Benefits and Uses
IET programs continue to gain momentum in adult education as a strategy for combining adult education and literacy, workforce training, and workforce preparation to offer contextualized instruction for learners. Since 2020, OCTAE has supported the development and implementation of IET programs in prisons and jails to help address the foundational and occupational skill needs of adults impacted by incarceration. IET offers important benefits to correctional education participants, such as accelerated learning, access to career pathways, and contextualized instruction. This guide summarizes lessons learned from early experiences developing IET programs for correctional education settings and can help correctional education staff to apply IET guidance to their specific context.
The guide also is being used to support OCTAE’s recent project designed to provide technical assistance (TA) to 36 states as they develop and implement IET programs in corrections. Participating states – and others – can potentially use the guide to complement information offered in the IET Design Toolkit as they develop, plan, implement, and evaluate IET programs in corrections.
Useful features of the guide include: considerations for developing and implementing IET programs in corrections related to each phase of IET design; examples from pilot states’ experiences developing IET programs in corrections; and tools for developing state policy guidance, making the case for IET in corrections, and understanding partner and staff roles in each phase of IET design and implementation.
Required Training
Prior training is not recommended for this resource, but it is encouraged to be used in conjunction with the IET Design Toolkit.
Resource Notice
This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites.
Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.
Publication Year
2023
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Abstract:
Programmatic evaluations not only show fidelity or effectiveness of an intervention but also allow for continuous improvement of services and make an organization more appealing to funders. Yet, evaluations also come with challenges and many organizations struggle to determine whether they are ready to use their data for research purposes. Evaluability assessments gather essential information about a program’s functioning and equip organizational leadership to ensure that programs are on the right track and set up for success in an evaluation. The Petey Greene Program (PGP) and RTI International (RTI) will present a case study of the PGP’s College Bridge Program, describing the process through which organizations can proactively strengthen their capacity and readiness to conduct a more rigorous evaluation of their programs. First, the PGP will describe the College Bridge Program model, rationale for evaluating it, and considerations for knowing when and how to prepare for an evaluation. RTI will then discuss common considerations, the role and importance of evaluability assessments, and the types of organizational practices and documentation often explored during this process. The webinar outlines the activities associated with evaluability assessment, key findings, and lessons learned from the current evaluability assessment and capacity-building exercises that organizations can implement to become more adequately prepared for evaluation. Original webinar date: October 20, 2025 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/MNJu8Ka0hDo