What Works for Adult Learners: Lessons from Career Pathway Evaluations
    Author: Debra Bragg, Erica Acevedo, Nate Anderson, Barbara Endel, and Lisa Soricone
    Subject Area: LINCS Resources, Workforce
    Program Level: Professional Development
    Material Type: Collection
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    This report presents the results of a systematic examination of rigorous evaluation studies to determine what is known about the impact of career pathways on adults seeking to attain a living-wage career.
    A limited but growing body of rigorous evaluation studies examines how career pathways influence student success. Based on experimental or quasi-experimental studies, this growing body of results shows that career pathway participants are employed and retained in employment at higher rates and attain higher wages and annual earnings than students with similar characteristics who enroll in training that does not use a career pathway approach. They also earn entry-level credentials and gain basic skills at higher rates than the comparison group. The results make a case for scaling career pathways to reach many more adult learners. Persuasive evidence shows that well-designed career pathways can improve academic, employment, and income outcomes for adults. Descriptive Research Simple Descriptive What the experts say This is a well-written and concise review of rigorous research in the adult education career pathway field. The findings and recommendations are positive, and in general, validate existing best practice knowledge/research about successful implementation of career pathway programming. Together they provide a big picture, systems change framework for adult education stakeholders in their pathways implementation and scaling considerations. The authors provide a unique and simplified model for understanding career pathway outcomes. These outcomes are grouped into three categories: Pathway Entry, Integrated Training, and Career Progression. For each of the outcome areas, results are synthesized from career pathway studies into results linked to pathway implementation and results linked to impact on the participants. Adult educators will find these implementation and impact results enlightening as there are many positive results noted as well as some results that show null or negative impacts of career pathway implementation. Adult educators and policy makers will find the recommendations with regard to practice and policy useful as these recommendations are evidence-based and flow logically from the synthesis of multiple, credible career pathway studies/evaluations. Although the study recommendations are practical and insightful, they lack embellishment with regard to a description or link to specific best practices (i.e., concrete examples) that could give the reader insight into actualizing the recommendations. 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
    2019
    CK-12 Adult Education FlexBooks
    Author: CK-12 Foundation and Outreach and Technical Assistance Network
    Subject Area: Health, IET, LINCS Resources, Workforce
    Program Level: Professional Development
    Material Type: Collection
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    This library of CK-12’s interactive FlexBooks was developed by the Outreach and Technical Assistance Network specifically to support adult educators and learners. The library includes FlexBooks for Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, English as a Second Language, High School Equivalency, and Career and Technical Education courses. All textbooks are interactive and include instruction, interactive media (including videos), and knowledge checks.
    This library of open-source textbooks can be beneficial to support on-ramp, bridge, or integrated education and training programming, and it can be used for Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, English as a Second Language, High School Equivalency, and Career and Technical Education courses. All textbooks are interactive and include instruction, interactive media (including videos), and knowledge checks. Three of the textbooks are relevant to health science careers, including a detailed course for home health aides. Given that these resources were developed on the CK-12 platform, they are designed to be easily reused with licensing that allows instructors to adapt and remix the content to be used in different contexts.
    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.
    Resource URL
    https://www.ck12.org/pages/adult-education/
    Publication Year
    2019
    Career Exploration Unit
    Author: Danielle Brown
    Subject Area: ESL/ELL, LINCS Resources, Workforce
    Program Level: Professional Development
    Material Type: Collection
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Designed for advanced English as a Second Language and General Education Development learners, this two-week unit helps students learn about currently available entry-level work that is in high demand, pays over minimum wage, and does not require a high school credential. This easy-to-use PDF unit contains eight lessons that include detailed objectives, teacher guidance for all activities, and activity handouts. Lessons are designed to help learners practice the English and employment-preparedness skills necessary to obtain entry-level jobs.
    The Career Exploration Unit includes detailed easy-to-follow lesson plans and accompanying print materials. The materials focus on the needs of students in the categories of English as a Second Language/English for Speakers of Other Languages/English Language Learner and may need to be adapted for Adult Basic Education-/Adult Special Education-level learners. It can be a helpful resource for guiding English as Second Language learners in deciding which integrated education and training pathway they would like to join.
    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.
    Resource URL
    https://www.literacymn.org/career-exploration-unit
    Publication Year
    2019
    Brewing Brilliance: Adult Education Virtual Coffee Talk
    Author: Steve Schmidt, Shaketta Thomas, and Sharon Bonney
    Subject Area: ESL/ELL, Workforce
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Material Type: Other, Presentations/Slideshows
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    This meeting focused on sharing best practices and challenges in adult education, particularly around ESL programs and workforce development. Participants discussed various initiatives including college and career readiness labs, apprenticeship programs, digital literacy efforts, and strategies for supporting ESL students during challenging times. Key topics included the implementation of Career Gateway classes that simulate workplace experiences, partnerships with employers for workplace learning, and the challenges of providing services to ESL students in correctional settings. Several participants shared resources including AI literacy lesson plans, digital literacy frameworks, and community partnerships, while others discussed the importance of trauma-informed instruction and multi-generational impact of adult education programs. The meeting highlighted successful collaborations between state directors, local programs, and employers, with participants emphasizing the value of working together to create pathways for adult learners.

    Summary

    College Career Readiness Program Development

    Tammy described their college and career readiness lab, which offers various training programs like health sciences and HR, supported by Michigan Works and grants. The lab has created a class called Career Gateway that simulates a job environment, focusing on resume writing, cover letters, and LinkedIn creation for their high ESL population. Adrienne mentioned Louisiana's progress in developing pathways and hiring staff to coordinate between K-12, adult education, and CTE programs. Both Tammy and Adrienne noted challenges in apprenticeships, with limited opportunities and a mismatch between ESL students' needs and available programs.

    ESL Workforce Preparation Programs Update

    The meeting focused on ESL and workforce preparation programs, with Tammy discussing Career Gateway classes for intermediate to advanced students and Raynell presenting a new 8-week civics and citizenship pathway pilot using the USCIS civics test and Burlington English modules. Hannah shared World Relief's approach to teaching Know Your Rights information to refugee students, including memorizing A numbers and emergency contacts, and discussed their transition to online classes using Signal as a communication tool, which has maintained attendance despite the pandemic.

    Education Collaboration and Workforce Challenges

    Lynnette shared that recent administrative changes have led to more collaborative partnerships and outreach efforts in education, particularly in working with city hall offices to ensure student safety. Dinash discussed a challenge with their 25-year-old initiative in New York State, highlighting a disconnect between their computer technology services and the local workforce needs in the Rust Belt region, where traditional industries have disappeared, leaving a gap between available certifications and actual job opportunities.

    AI in Education and Literacy

    The group discussed using AI to analyze educational data, with Lynnette sharing that 65,000 people in their city lack a high school diploma or GED, and Ashley announced the release of a new digital literacy toolkit. Glenda and Ashley highlighted their work on AI literacy and digital skills training, while Alethea presented Upwardly Global as a resource for helping immigrants and refugees restart their careers in the U.S. through professional training and job placement services.

    IET Programs in Correctional Settings

    Tammy explained that county correctional facilities have been unable to implement IET (Individualized Education Training) programs effectively due to high turnover and restrictions on working with violent inmates. Shaketta inquired about successful IET programs in correctional settings, particularly in state prisons, and Kristine shared that Minnesota has developed a digital literacy curriculum that's been adapted for use in correctional settings, noting that their Lindale program in Minneapolis created a modified version of the North Star digital literacy curriculum that's more accessible for learners.

    Adult Education Best Practices Sharing

    The meeting focused on sharing best practices and resources in adult education. Glenda highlighted Texas's successful coordination between education and workforce agencies to streamline services for learners. Nakita discussed South Dakota's new volunteer training program using Monday.com, aimed at increasing classroom support. Adrienne praised Tracy for redesigning their website to better serve students, providers, and partners. Heather shared Memphis's success in workplace learning, particularly through a partnership with a distribution center and an apprenticeship program with IUPAT.

    Adult Education Best Practices Sharing

    The meeting focused on sharing resources and best practices in adult education. Xavier presented AI literacy lesson plans developed by his organization, while Patsy highlighted Minnesota's work on trauma-informed instruction and immigration-related resources. Echo discussed the need to update digital literacy frameworks, emphasizing the importance of literacy skills for accessing vocational programs. Tim shared a powerful success story of a student who went on to achieve academic and professional success, highlighting the impact of trauma-informed education. Sharon, representing COABE, encouraged participants to share their challenges and ideas, offering support and resources. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between state directors, state associations, and local programs, and encouraged participants to register for the upcoming COABE conference.

    Meeting date: March 10, 2026 Meeting recording link: https://youtu.be/qoX5PbooNSw
    Brewing Brilliance: Adult Education Virtual Coffee Talk
    Author: Steve Schmidt, Shaketta Thomas, and Sharon Bonney
    Subject Area: ESL/ELL, Workforce
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Material Type: Other, Presentations/Slideshows
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    This meeting focused on sharing best practices and challenges in adult education, particularly around ESL programs and workforce development. Participants discussed various initiatives including college and career readiness labs, apprenticeship programs, digital literacy efforts, and strategies for supporting ESL students during challenging times. Key topics included the implementation of Career Gateway classes that simulate workplace experiences, partnerships with employers for workplace learning, and the challenges of providing services to ESL students in correctional settings. Several participants shared resources including AI literacy lesson plans, digital literacy frameworks, and community partnerships, while others discussed the importance of trauma-informed instruction and multi-generational impact of adult education programs. The meeting highlighted successful collaborations between state directors, local programs, and employers, with participants emphasizing the value of working together to create pathways for adult learners.

    Summary

    College Career Readiness Program Development

    Tammy described their college and career readiness lab, which offers various training programs like health sciences and HR, supported by Michigan Works and grants. The lab has created a class called Career Gateway that simulates a job environment, focusing on resume writing, cover letters, and LinkedIn creation for their high ESL population. Adrienne mentioned Louisiana's progress in developing pathways and hiring staff to coordinate between K-12, adult education, and CTE programs. Both Tammy and Adrienne noted challenges in apprenticeships, with limited opportunities and a mismatch between ESL students' needs and available programs.

    ESL Workforce Preparation Programs Update

    The meeting focused on ESL and workforce preparation programs, with Tammy discussing Career Gateway classes for intermediate to advanced students and Raynell presenting a new 8-week civics and citizenship pathway pilot using the USCIS civics test and Burlington English modules. Hannah shared World Relief's approach to teaching Know Your Rights information to refugee students, including memorizing A numbers and emergency contacts, and discussed their transition to online classes using Signal as a communication tool, which has maintained attendance despite the pandemic.

    Education Collaboration and Workforce Challenges

    Lynnette shared that recent administrative changes have led to more collaborative partnerships and outreach efforts in education, particularly in working with city hall offices to ensure student safety. Dinash discussed a challenge with their 25-year-old initiative in New York State, highlighting a disconnect between their computer technology services and the local workforce needs in the Rust Belt region, where traditional industries have disappeared, leaving a gap between available certifications and actual job opportunities.

    AI in Education and Literacy

    The group discussed using AI to analyze educational data, with Lynnette sharing that 65,000 people in their city lack a high school diploma or GED, and Ashley announced the release of a new digital literacy toolkit. Glenda and Ashley highlighted their work on AI literacy and digital skills training, while Alethea presented Upwardly Global as a resource for helping immigrants and refugees restart their careers in the U.S. through professional training and job placement services.

    IET Programs in Correctional Settings

    Tammy explained that county correctional facilities have been unable to implement IET (Individualized Education Training) programs effectively due to high turnover and restrictions on working with violent inmates. Shaketta inquired about successful IET programs in correctional settings, particularly in state prisons, and Kristine shared that Minnesota has developed a digital literacy curriculum that's been adapted for use in correctional settings, noting that their Lindale program in Minneapolis created a modified version of the North Star digital literacy curriculum that's more accessible for learners.

    Adult Education Best Practices Sharing

    The meeting focused on sharing best practices and resources in adult education. Glenda highlighted Texas's successful coordination between education and workforce agencies to streamline services for learners. Nakita discussed South Dakota's new volunteer training program using Monday.com, aimed at increasing classroom support. Adrienne praised Tracy for redesigning their website to better serve students, providers, and partners. Heather shared Memphis's success in workplace learning, particularly through a partnership with a distribution center and an apprenticeship program with IUPAT.

    Adult Education Best Practices Sharing

    The meeting focused on sharing resources and best practices in adult education. Xavier presented AI literacy lesson plans developed by his organization, while Patsy highlighted Minnesota's work on trauma-informed instruction and immigration-related resources. Echo discussed the need to update digital literacy frameworks, emphasizing the importance of literacy skills for accessing vocational programs. Tim shared a powerful success story of a student who went on to achieve academic and professional success, highlighting the impact of trauma-informed education. Sharon, representing COABE, encouraged participants to share their challenges and ideas, offering support and resources. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between state directors, state associations, and local programs, and encouraged participants to register for the upcoming COABE conference.

    Meeting date: March 10, 2026 Meeting recording link: https://youtu.be/qoX5PbooNSw
    Issue Brief: Workforce Preparation
    Author: KayLynn Hamilton
    Subject Area: LINCS Resources, Workforce
    Program Level: Professional Development
    Material Type: Collection
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    This brief explains what workforce preparation skills are and why they are important.
    This brief explains what workforce preparation skills are and why they are important. It describes what skills students need to be prepared for the workforce and provides tips for teaching workforce preparation in the adult education classroom.
    Benefits and Uses
    This brief explains what is meant by "workforce preparation skills" and the importance of these skills in adult learners' lives. It provides clear examples of instructional tasks that can foster students development of the necessary skills as well as tips for teaching the skills in the classroom.
    Required Training
    No prior training required.
    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
    2020
    Illinois Community College Board Statewide Contextualized Curricula
    Author: Illinois Community College Board
    Subject Area: Career Pathways, Health, LINCS Resources, Mathematics/Numeracy, Workforce
    Program Level: Professional Development
    Material Type: Collection
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Illinois Community College Board, Division of Adult Education & Literacy, has designed several comprehensive model contextualized curricula, which includes instructions for use, supplemental materials, lesson plans, and related resources. Illinois Community College Board, Division of Adult Education & Literacy, has designed several comprehensive model contextualized curricula, which include:
    • ABE/ASE Curriculum
    • Career Pathways Contextualized Bridge Curriculum
    • Entrepreneurial Contextualized Bridge Curriculum
    • Healthcare Contextualized Bridge Curriculum
    • IT Bridge Contextualized Curriculum
    • Manufacturing Contextualized Bridge Curriculum
    • Transportation, Distribution and Logistics (TDL) Contextualized Bridge Curriculum
    Each set of materials includes instructions for use, supplemental materials, lesson plans, and related resources. All are designed to include academic skill development in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies while building learners' understanding of workplace and/or industry-specific concepts. Additionally, this set of resources includes an Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) Toolkit, designed to support programs in mapping out IELCE-aligned features offered within their programming. Benefits and Uses The materials focus on contextualized lessons to support learners in several high-growth industry areas across multiple learner levels and populations. These materials do contain some Illinois-specific content but can easily be modified to other states’ requirements. The site includes links to PDFs and websites for students to work in independently or as a whole class. Many aspects of the material could be adapted to be suitable for an Integrated Education and Training program or a bridge program that prepares students for entry into several industries. 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.
    Resource URL
    https://excellenceinadulted.org/resources/iccb-statewide-contextualized-curricu…
    Publication Year
    2020
    Building a Digitally Resilient Workforce: Creating On-Ramps to Opportunity
    Author: Digital US
    Subject Area: Digital, Computer Literacy & Technology, LINCS Resources, Workforce
    Program Level: Professional Development
    Material Type: Collection
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    This report from the Digital US coalition is the result of a six-month landscape analysis and strategic planning period, laying the groundwork for a new collective impact approach to support both on-ramps to digital skills as well as pathways to new opportunities.
    Highlighting the urgent need to support digital skills development for all Americans, this report argues that designing, building, and scaling the on-ramps and supports that millions of adult learners and workers need is a social impact imperative.
    Benefits and Uses
    This resource includes eye-opening data about digital literacy and the need for digital resiliency. It is extremely applicable, with useful features which include key data, a full gap analysis, important and meaningful graphics, learner worker stories, and specific strategies that can be used to expand digital access and build digital resilience, and recommended resources. Adult education leaders would greatly benefit the from this resource as it offers solutions to the existing gaps that are a result of digital inequity in the United States. Additionally, it provides great resources to help adult educators bridge the digital inequity, digital literacy, and digital resiliency gaps. It can be used as a part of a professional development program or curriculum development training for adult education professionals or digital navigators by outlining a research-based framework for the intentional development of digital inclusion strategies.
    Required Training
    No training is required.
    What the experts say
    Often, the terms digital literacy, digital inclusion, digital equity, and digital resilience are used interchangeably. This report builds on the changing social, educational, and workforce landscape as it applies to digital inclusion and provides an evidence-based depiction of the need for improved digital literacy, equity, and resiliency in the American workforce. There is a clearly outlined roadmap that includes both strategies and resources to help adult educators expand access to instruction (places, devices, time, and people), embed digital literacy in other supports through a digital navigator, and improve the effectiveness of instruction and supports. The report concludes with a model ecosystem for developing digital resilience through networking and stakeholder support.
    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
    2020