Narrative: f.

Framework for Program Assessment

An emphasis will be placed on high-demand, job driven skills attainment. The state will emphasize "demand-driven skills-attainment" in program planning. The state will give great weight to WIOA performance measures related to skills attainment, program completion, and credential attainment.

The monitoring and evaluation of the quality of, and improvement in, adult education and literacy activities and the dissemination of information about models and proven or promising practices within the State. Current efforts in West Virginia include: 1.) Desk monitoring by WVAdultEd to identify coding issues, system reporting and program outcomes; and 2.) Bi-annual Data for Program Improvement projects by each provider with the results being shared at various venues, e.g. State staff meetings, committee meetings, trainings etc.

WV Adult Education also conducts program monitoring visits for approximately 20% of the programs. In addition regular fiscal reviews are done for all funded programs. The establishment or operation of professional development programs to improve the quality of instruction provided pursuant to local activities required under Section 231 (b). These programs include contextualization of instruction, student self-efficacy, English language and numeracy fluency, and reading comprehension. Instruction must be provided by qualified, faculty, staff, trained volunteers or personnel of approved providers. All leadership activities are aligned to the Office of Adult Education’s State plan, Strategic Issues, and Goals. WV Adult Education has an extensive range of opportunities for program development for all Adult Education funded programs to improve the quality of instruction.

WV Adult Education strives to focus professional development on skills instructors require to address student’s needs and challenges to help students learn and raise achievements. The quality of professional development provided will be assessed by reviewing various data reports and the student achievement reports available in the Adult Education Management Information System. Teacher team learning (mentors) will be provided so best practices may be developed and shared. Student outcomes, achievements, successes, and measurable skill gains will be monitored for each class by regional Adult Education staff. All professional development training sessions, online courses, conferences and academies are evaluated at the end of each session. Presenters and training teams review the evaluations and adjust training materials to improve the sessions. Trainees are asked what topics need further attention and that information is added to upcoming training sessions. WV Adult Education conducts statewide needs assessment to determine professional development areas of need and/or improvement. Teachers are asked to select a professional development goal each year as part of the teacher evaluation process.

Every year, the West Virginia Adult Education Association (WVAEA) sponsors a state-wide conference. Faculty and staff present creative and innovative research-based practices that they have implemented in their programs.

Several online courses (Schoology) offer instructors new to Adult Education the grounding to understand the system and to build their instruction based on current practices.

WV Adult Education built and maintains a database to track participation in all trainings, meetings, and other activities.

WV Adult Education provides technical assistance, including staff training, to eligible providers of adult education and literacy activities to enable the eligible providers to improve the quality of such activities:

WVAdultEd provides all funded providers options for online learning to enhance technology skills. Funded providers are eligible to apply for grants that support local staff participation in mandatory leadership trainings, request funds to support participation in other state and national trainings, and to create innovative program improvement projects that increase student progression by providing opportunities for students to move further and faster through the continuum of basics skills and college and career readiness pathways; improve transition by offering opportunities for students to progress into college level training and be prepared to attain adequate levels of skills and knowledge; engage communities through outreach efforts to stakeholders and potential students to increase participation in and support for adult basic education, and support innovations that present opportunities for students to move further and faster along their educational pathway. WV Adult Education is an active partner in LINCS and staff participate in Regional Partner meetings. On an ongoing basis, staff monitor and participate in LINCS Community forums. Monitoring and evaluation of quality and improvement in adult education and literacy activities: WV Adult Education staff conduct on-site reviews of approximately 20% of funded programs to identify strengths and/or weaknesses and to provide technical assistance appropriate to increase program effectiveness and program compliance with federal and state requirements. WV Adult Education staff are available for targeted technical assistance. This assistance may be requested by a provider in the form of training, a site visit, or other type of support. The assistance may also be initiated by WVAdultEd staff based on a review of data or other factors.

In support of federal requirements, leadership funds promote high data quality, professional development on NRS Data Monitoring, the West Virginia Adult Education Management Information System (AEMIS) and standardized assessment testing tools. Funds also support ongoing program improvement assistance that improve service to students by increasing student progression, transition, retention, etc. These include training on NRS, AEMIS, and use of assessment toools.

The Adult Education team has developed and disseminated curricula incorporating phonemic awareness, systematic phonics, and fluency and reading comprehension.