Background

In the current global economy, it is critical that workers have some form of postsecondary education and training to succeed. Low-skilled adults are among those who face some of the greatest challenges and barriers to participation in postsecondary education and training. For this population, there is limited availability of courses that bridge skills to credit-bearing postsecondary opportunities. States, however, are able to use policy strategically to assist adult education students in their transition to postsecondary education and training. Supporting States' development of policies for Adult Basic Education to Postsecondary Education Transitions (ABE2PSE) is an initiative designed to assist these adults in their transition. States will be provided with technical assistance to develop, implement, and evaluate such policies.

Overview

The purpose of this initiative is to expand the breadth and depth of States' use of data-based policies that enable local adult education programs to assist low-skilled adults in meeting their 21st century educational and employment goals. Eight states were recruited and are receiving training and implementation tools, as well as appropriate coaching designed to educate and inform State and local staff on effective policies, to support low-skilled adults' attainment of their education and employment goals. Among these goals are the following:

• Enhancing college and career readiness for low-skilled adults, through increased and quality access to training and learning opportunities.
• Helping adult education State directors to connect adult transition policies to larger policy initiatives in their states.

Project Milestones

• Develop policy resources to assist States, July 2012
• Case studies, June 2012

Outcomes and Products

• Comprehensive training and technical assistance to participating States that support college and career readiness for low-skilled adults
• Policy tools, dissemination strategies, and resources to assist all states in transitioning adults through the postsecondary education, training and employment continuum.

Web site:

www.policy2performance.org

Contact:

Tanya Shuy