Lessons Learned from a State-Funded Workplace Literacy Program

Authors

Kevin M. Hollenbeck, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment ResearchFollow
Bridget F. Timmeney, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment ResearchFollow

Issue Date

March 2009

Abstract

Findings from an evaluation of a workplace literacy program funded by the State of Indiana are presented. Working with employers, providers were given considerable latitude to design their own training regimens. The state awarded certificates to workers who achieved certain levels of proficiency in reading, math, critical thinking, problem solving (assessed by CASAS), and computer literacy (certified by IC3). The evaluation relied on qualitative and quantitative data. Multiple site visits were undertaken and a survey of participants (n = 1,800), learning gains, and earnings histories were quantitatively analyzed. Key findings include a significant interest in college attendance by incumbent workers, higher-than-expected levels of literacy in preassessments, little reliance on contextualization, and the importance of a program champion and supervisory support at workplaces. Business return was not formally measured, but employers and workers reported significant morale gains and frequent productivity gains.

Series

Policy Paper No. 2009-004

DOI

10.17848/pol2009-004

Keywords

workplace literacy, workforce literacy, on the job training, workplace training, OJT, quasi experimental, statistical matching, Indiana, incumbent worker training, adult education, economic returns, CASAS, Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems

Subject Areas

EDUCATION; Postsecondary education; Adult education; WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT; On the job training; Incumbent worker training