Narrative: f.

Assessing Quality

OAE utilizes several methods to assess and improve the quality of its local programs. The specific methods are detailed below.

• Grant Program Support Coordinators: OAE’s Instructional Services team includes Grant Program Support Coordinators (GPSC) that provide technical assistance and support to local programs.  Specifically, GPSCs monitor and analyze program data to assess each program’s progress toward meeting established performance benchmarks. GPSCs then provide tailored support, technical assistance, and training to programs to ensure continuous program improvement.
• Program Monitoring Process: Per 2 CFR § 200.332, OAE conducts annual program monitoring on its adult education programs. The program monitoring process includes an assessment of program quality in key areas such as instruction, workforce partnerships, career services, data, recruitment and retention, and student support. OAE uses the results of the program monitoring process to disseminate best practices and, as needed, provide technical assistance and support to ensure continuous program improvement.
• Target Negotiation and Strategic Improvement Plans:  OAE negotiates annual enrollment and performance targets with all providers. OAE regularly monitors each program’s progress towards their targets to surface best practices and identify areas for support. During the year, programs that are not on track to meet their targets receive additional technical assistance. At the end of the year, programs that fall well below their targets may be placed on a Strategic Improvement Plan for the following year.  OAE also uses these data to determine areas where programs may need additional professional development, such as preparing students to take and pass the mathematics portion of the GED or recruiting ABE students.
• Mid-Year and End-of-Year Program Snapshots: OAE uses Georgia Adult Learner Information System (GALIS) data and reports to produce mid-year and end-of-year program snapshots, which are provided to local programs. The snapshots capture program performance on a variety of metrics, including WIOA performance accountability measures and statewide performance benchmarks. OAE staff, including the Instructional Services and Accountability teams, work with local providers to interpret program snapshots and use the data to inform program improvement.  
• Professional Development: OAE's Professional Development team conducts targeted professional development for local providers, determined by an annual statewide needs assessment, research-based practices, and federal recommendations. Professional development includes but is not limited to an annual statewide conference, quarterly operations meetings for program administrators, regional institutes, online courses, and webinars. While the specific offerings change annually based on needs, local providers consistently access training on standards-based instruction (CCRS and ELPS), best teaching practices, IET, and technology integration. Additionally, OAE provides professional development on reading instruction via the Student Achievement in Reading (STAR) program. OAE assesses the quality of each professional development offering through evaluation surveys administered to participants. 

Adult education programs also offer local professional development to their staff. OAE’s Instructional Services team observes local professional development and reviews evaluation forms to monitor the quality and consistency of professional development throughout the state.

Adult education staff report their professional development activities and attendance in GALIS.