Report Card Initiative

Background

Program report cards for adult education can be an effective tool for accountability and program improvement if properly implemented. Demands for accountability require that states and education programs demonstrate their effectiveness to students, legislators, funding agencies, and the general public. To meet these requirements, education programs develop reports on program and student enrollment, achievements, outcomes, and cost effectiveness. Such reports can serve as a recruitment tool and to obtain recognition and funding.

Although U.S. Department of Education Office of Vocational and Adult Education, states, and local programs produce various reports on adult education students and outcomes, no federal requirements exist for adult education report cards, and very few states require them.

Overview

Texas LEARNS has developed a comprehensive report card designed to showcase individual program performance and compare with state and national averages. Training is provided to programs to complete the report card with the goal to offer programs a chance to build public support for adult education, inform students and others about program quality, and highlight efforts in program accountability. Additionally, implementing the report card will benefit programs by providing a ready source of information about local and state performance over time, assist in addressing the challenges programs face, and inform programs of any needed improvements.
 
Outcomes and Products

• Catalyst for program improvement
• Performance evaluation tool

Timeline

Training and Support:  Ongoing

Contact

Anthony Chan, Grant Services Manager
Helen Mills, Grant Services Manager