Located in:
- Program-specific Requirements for Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Programs
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the following as it pertains to adult education and literacy programs and activities under title II of WIOA, the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA).
f. Assessing Quality
Describe how the eligible agency will assess the quality of providers of adult education and literacy activities under title II. Describe how the eligible agency will take actions to improve such quality, including providing the activities described in section 223(a)(1)(B) of WIOA. Describe how the eligible agency will use evaluations, data analysis, program monitoring, or other methods to improve the quality of adult education activities in the State.
Current Narrative:
The MPWS emphasizes program improvement, and AEL staff evaluates real-time data every month. State staff utilizes data to develop strategies that will help improve local program performance outcomes and deliver ongoing technical assistance to programs regarding academic gain, the number of students served, and the cost per student. Local AEL providers must instruct a proportionate number of students related to the funds spent. Throughout the year, there are communications between the MPWS and the local AEL programs regarding data quality, program effectiveness, and performance based on data reviews.
The MPWS identified methods to improve the reporting of AEL student follow-up outcomes through surveys. State staff offered technical assistance in survey completion and revealed to service providers the positive impact follow-up outcomes have on performance reporting and strategic planning. The MPWS provided survey scripts in multiple languages, updated its AEL survey collection tool with data validation features, and utilized state staff to distribute contact information of students ready for surveys. This allows the MPWS and local AEL providers to improve offerings for post-secondary attainment and employment supports based on a more accurate picture of student outcomes.
Missouri customized reports in the AEL student data system that provide extensive at-a-glance data for local programs. Using these reports, the MPWS hosts one-on-one meetings with local service providers to discuss trends. Programs receive feedback on enrollment, post-testing rates, student persistence, and skill gains. Those providers attaining targets are eligible for the annual AEL High-Quality Award. All of these procedures contributed to the MPWS surpassing its negotiated 62% AEL MSG rate by achieving 65% in 2023.
The MPWS regularly shares demographic and outcome data with local AEL service providers and provides targeted professional development to create data literacy among program staff. Utilizing personalized data review sessions, the MPWS made considerable strides toward restoring AEL enrollment numbers to pre-pandemic levels. Total enrollment of adult students is up 14% since 2022 and 38% since 2021. The MPWS evaluated trends in enrollment and persistence of adult students and adjusted delivery models to attract missing populations, especially those looking for distance education options. A focus on professional development for English acquisition educators allowed agility among AEL service providers to cater to a 90% increase in adult English language students in the MPWS since 2021. Focusing on the current trends in enrollment and student success allows the MPWS to translate data analysis to service delivery amongst its provider system through professional development and technical assistance.