State Leadership Funds (Adult education and family literacy act Section 223 (AEFLA))
AEFLA Section 223(1)(a)
A primary use of state leadership funds has always been to further enhance the WIOA mission and vision by including career pathway integration into adult education classrooms to align with employment and training services of our core partners, as well as labor market needs. Programs continually analyze instruction, commercially developed materials used, computer software/distance learning platforms utilized, and types of instructor-developed resources for each educational functioning level. This analysis assists teachers in discovering how well the materials they use provide contextualized learning experiences with a scope and sequence that truly supports the college and career readiness standards and student transition to employment, postsecondary education, and training. Teachers engage in reflective activities that help them understand how they are meeting core partner needs through adult education instructional activities. Programs are encouraged to work together, information share, and collaborate with one another to ensure every adult learner has the tools they need to succeed. Core partner coordination, recruitment of diverse clients, intake, orientation, and client services remain integral to career pathway integration. Coordination of services is crucial to recruit and engage clients in a manner that results in occupational training, postsecondary education, and employment in a progressive career path.
Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs have been an ongoing focus of WIOA adult education providers in Montana and we are seeing great strides and growth with IET programs throughout the state. Local programs continually work to develop IET programs that are aligned with student interests and regional workforce needs. Relationships with community partners and local businesses are critical in designing and implementing these relevant IET programs. WIOA adult education providers keep updated contact information for all partners they work with in their regional area and strive to expand partnerships each program year. At the end of the program year, partners are asked to complete a survey to evaluate knowledge of and services provided by WIOA adult education providers. Survey results allow the state and local providers to gauge satisfaction, make necessary improvements, and/or tailor services in their regional area.
The state recognizes the need to expand and strengthen existing components of career pathway instruction provided by all local adult education programs. The state continues to use the statewide career pathway curriculum via Montana Career Information System (MCIS) and our web-based math and English curriculum, EdReady. EdReady allows teachers to develop and use a variety of instructional strategies for lessons within this learning platform. MCIS is a robust career-planning tool that motivates students to think about their next steps beyond adult education and engages them in thoughtful short- and long-term planning for further education and job attainment. Teachers integrate these materials and learning activities into existing career counseling activities. The use of MCIS and EdReady creates a systemic approach to adult education instruction across programs. In addition, the state includes components relevant to career pathways during fall and spring meetings and adult education staff have opportunities to network and learn from colleagues throughout the state. In general, teachers across the state use a variety of resources to positively influence student retention, high school equivalency attainment, and preparedness for postsecondary education and training. The state previously created an IET work group that met regularly to focus efforts on IET program development, resources, and best practices. It is important to note that the state staff deemed it necessary to reevaluate and revamp the IET offerings in Montana. In addition, Montana will begin implementing some Workplace Literacy (WPL) programs too. These ongoing efforts will be a major focus in the program years ahead.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic was challenging for Montana, just as it has been for other areas of the nation. WIOA adult education providers have expanded their educational services to include a variety of virtual delivery modalities. The state continues to see an increase in requests to approve additional distance learning platforms and programs are now able to assess students virtually using TABE and/or informal assessments. Programs have strived to become more innovative and creative to serve students via Zoom, Google, telephone, etc. Some local program staff members have gone into the homes of students to get technology setups established and/or have options for students to check out tablets, etc. Overall, programs seem to have rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic, but many still offer virtual and/or hybrid options.
AEFLA Section 223(1)(b)
The state determined that an essential element of a high-quality professional development program was the need to establish rules regarding required hours for professional development and the ability to track teacher participation. Therefore, the state developed policy language for a professional development tracking component that is included in the data management system. The state policies were updated, as this gives the state the ability to analyze teacher participation in professional development and its impact on student outcomes. In addition, the state monitors the competition of relevant professional development by program staff. All programs are expected to participate in state-sponsored professional development activities, such as monthly meetings and bi-annual conferences, as well as required to seek out other professional development opportunities that align with their specific needs.
The state regularly elicits feedback from teachers and other program staff to generate an understanding from their perspective of what is meaningful to support high-quality professional development offerings. The state encourages staff reflection and opportunities via collaborative meetings, monthly desktop reports, and field surveys to identify critical professional development needs. The state takes recommendations from the field that may lead to professional development activities for the dissemination of information and promising best practices. Ultimately, the state is committed to offering professional development opportunities that will meet the learning needs of diverse adult learners.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, annual meetings sponsored by the state during the program year were held virtually via Zoom. Programs appreciated being able to keep their programs operating, while also being able to attend professional development activities. The flexible agenda allowed a variety of program staff to attend the most applicable sessions. The virtual delivery saved programs significant travel expenses and resulted in overall increased participation by staff across all programs. The state plans to continue utilizing virtual delivery for future meetings and professional development activities, as it was initially well received. In addition, the state always encourages collaboration and the sharing of best practices or resources between programs. The state staff refer local programs to each other if programs are in need of support at the boots-on-the-ground level. Collaboration between WIOA adult education programs is recorded on monthly reports and is reviewed by state staff. These efforts are then recorded on an engagement rubric that ties into the state's performance-based funding formula. Participation in state-sponsored meetings is also recorded on the rubric and reflected in the funding formula. The state hopes this will elicit teamwork and increase outcomes across all programs. We are pleased to report that communication and collaboration between programs have seemed to improve with time and implementation of this state expectation.
AEFLA Section 223(1)(c)
State staff provided technical assistance to local programs as needed. State staff continually analyzed data, fielded questions/inquiries, and disseminated pertinent information to adult education providers. Technical assistance came after monthly desk audits of program data and performance or was determined and provided as needed on a case-by-case basis. Programs that are not meeting continuous improvement goals are monitored via monthly reports and are put on targeted assistance plans. Also, LiteracyPro, the state's data management system support staff helped programs understand NRS reporting rules. Zoom has allowed state staff to meet with local program staff, observe virtual classrooms, and engage in collaborative discussions with colleagues throughout the state. In addition, the state staff worked to develop a Google Website for WIOA adult education providers. This site is a common place to share applicable resources and collaborate with colleagues statewide. It continues to evolve and become more robust.
AEFLA Section 223(1)(d)
During the 2021-2022 year, each program was monitored via desk audits and monthly reports. Regularly scheduled desk audits ensured that data was accurate and that programs satisfied grant requirements. Desk audits also helped programs maintain compliance with federal and state rules and allowed the state to find areas of deficit within individual programs. Monthly report submissions were mandatory for all programs. These reports had two sections, data analysis and a partner collaboration/activity log. The data analysis section required programs to report and analyze data on the gains for each educational functioning level, the number of students exited, the number of students post-tested, total attendance hours, and the number of high school equivalency completers. The data section also provided an opportunity for programs to visualize progress between consecutive years. A component was built-in for quarterly reflection on data goals, and to help programs stay on track to meet or exceed a 10% increase in general performance measures. The partner collaboration/activity log section documented the programs' ongoing work with agency partners to support their career pathway integration and coordination of services. Programs were required to report on all monthly activities with current partners and identify new partner meetings and activities. In addition, it was required that programs report on the outcome, or anticipated outcome, with the partner. The partner collaboration/activity log also required that the programs document ongoing strategies for increasing educational gains and specify what recruitment activities were completed throughout the month. The partner collaboration/activity log will become the basis for identifying models of promising practices. State staff plans to enhance the written portion of the monthly report desktop audits in the coming program year. Programs will report on more targeted questions to elicit reflection for continuous program improvement. Topics for discussion will be areas they view need improvement, areas they are struggling in, areas they are doing well in, professional development, motivational strategies implemented, how they are reaching distance learners, and more.
State staff completed the most recent WIOA Title II Adult Education Request for Proposal (RFP) competition during spring 2022. All RFP documents were updated with concise language and clearly defined expectations. The recent competition will guide ongoing efforts to monitor local programs either onsite or virtually. The state has always encouraged peer monitoring, onsite or virtually, as well. Programs visit and observe other programs to glean new information and resources to implement. Local programs find this activity meaningful and beneficial, and it has fostered a statewide team approach. As mentioned previously, the state was able to observe virtual classrooms and activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, the state is confident that future virtual monitoring visits will continue to be manageable and successful. The state also hopes to work on updating monitoring processes to better align with federal monitoring expectations.
AEFLA Section 223(a)(2)
Other activities supported by leadership dollars included: state-sponsored fall and spring conferences, distribution of pertinent information, assessment training, purchase of distance learning curriculum or educational materials, and monthly “shop talks” for program directors. The creation of adult education specific marketing materials and distribution costs will be a focus in the coming year. It is important to note that a significant portion of the state leadership funding is used to completely cover the cost of LACES, the data management system, for all WIOA adult education programs. Local programs and the state continue to be highly impressed with the robust data management system itself as well as the support/training received from LiteracyPro personnel. Because LACES is so costly, in relation to overall leadership funding Montana has available, other state leadership expenditures and opportunities are limited. However, transitioning to this robust and accurate data management system has been an extremely beneficial change for WIOA adult education programs in Montana.
Performance Data Analysis
Montana’s WIOA adult education services and overall performance for the 2021-2022 program year seem to have rebounded since the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs have continued to implement distant learning initiatives, utilize virtual classrooms, and adjust program procedures to coincide with the overall shift to an increased virtual presence and workforce. Outreach via phone, e-mail, and text message remains common. Programs remain focused on diligent efforts to provide client support and continued service.
Montana primarily served WIOA adult education students in person prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although all programs have opened back up, most programs are utilizing both in-person and online modalities. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic forced programs to navigate and explore new services, utilize distance learning platforms, and hold classes virtually. Programs viewed this as an opportunity to expand services to individuals who may be geographically distant or hesitant to pursue in-person services – another great tool in the toolbox.
Most HiSET test centers operated during the 2021-2022 program year. The remote proctored option, HiSET at Home, experienced an increase in popularity. The HiSET at Home exam provided those hesitant to test at a public test center, due to COVID-19 or other reasons, an opportunity to earn a high school equivalency. The option also reduced the burden of travel for individuals who did not reside near a test center.
As the COVID-19 pandemic improved, the state reflected on the impact of the evolving landscape of adult education. It appears that programs have rebounded, adapted, and evolved since the beginning of the pandemic.
|
|
4/1/2020 |
4/1/2021 |
4/1/2022 |
6/1/2020 |
6/1/2021 |
6/1/2022 |
6/30/2020 |
6/30/2021 |
6/30/2022 |
|
Total enrolled |
1483 |
1287 |
1599 |
1543 |
1532 |
1784 |
1575 |
1595 |
1842 |
|
Attendance hours |
104,033 |
88,734 |
103,809 |
117,441 |
114,928 |
125,830 |
123,119 |
122,498 |
131,713 |
|
EFL gains |
282 |
267 |
294 |
321 |
326 |
342 |
361 |
342 |
391 |
|
HSE gains |
227 |
197 |
266 |
243 |
319 |
428 |
289 |
391 |
488 |
|
IET gains |
N/A |
N/A |
78 |
N/A |
N/A |
155 |
N/A |
N/A |
142 |
|
Separated no MSG |
304 |
221 |
276 |
552 |
316 |
344 |
589 |
420 |
456 |
|
% of POPS with MSG |
34% |
35.8% |
39.9% |
36.40% |
41.9% |
51.98% |
41.20% |
51.18% |
55.69% |
- 2019-2020 final enrollment count – 1575 students
- 2020-2021 final enrollment count – 1595 students
- 2021-2022 final enrollment count – 1842 students
- 2019-2020 distance education count – 19 students (974 instruction hours)
- 2020-2021 distance education count –143 students (26,115 instruction hours)
- 2021-2022 distance education count – 175 students (25,112 instruction hours)
- 2019-2020 increased total enrollment from late March to end of program year – 92 people
- 2020-2021 increased total enrollment from late March to end of program year – 308 people
- 2021-2022 increased total enrollment from late March to end of program year – 243 people
- 2019-2020 total attendance hours – 123,199
- 2020-2021 total attendance hours – 122,498
- 2021-2022 total attendance hours – 131,713
- 2019-2020 increased number EFL gains from late March to end of program year – 79
- 2020-2021 increased number EFL gains from late March to end of program year – 75
- 2021-2022 increased number EFL gains from late March to end of program year – 97
- 2019-2020 increased the numbers of HSE gains from late March to end of program year – 62
- 2020-2021 increased the numbers of HSE gains from late March to end of program year – 194
- 2021-2022 increased the number of HSE gains from late March to end of program year – 222
- 2019-2020 percentage of POPs with MSG total change from late March to end of program year – 7% increase
- 2020-2021 percentage of POPs with MSG total change from late March to end of program year – 15% increase
- 2021-2022 percentage of POPs with MSG total change from late march to end of program year – 15.79% increase
Integration with One-stop Partners
The Montana Adult Education State Director is a member of the State Workforce Innovation Board (SWIB) and serves on the WIOA Committee for this board. In this capacity, the state director is directly involved in all one-stop discussions and decisions at the state level. This provides an opportunity to share the perspective of adult education in one-stop agenda topics and action items. Although the COVID-19 pandemic affected in-person events, the SWIB was able to continue meeting virtually.
The state continues to work collaboratively with the other core partners to provide one-stop services in each of our 12 Montana Association of County (MACO) Districts. Through a variety of meetings, representatives from each core partner agency continue to utilize the WIOA Collaborative Agreement previously developed which describes the overarching one-stop mission. The agreement covers integrating core partnerships, a proposed service delivery model, the role of the community management team, and outreach to employers. The collaborative agreement has been sent to core partner staff working in each MACO District to guide them in delivering one-stop services. This agreement is the foundation for future core partner meetings and discussions of services. Also, at the beginning of the 2017-2018 program year, an initial MOU regarding the infrastructure costs was initiated, drafted, and signed by core partner agencies. It is important to note that Montana operates under a single workforce board, and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry is the lead WIOA agency. All WIOA partners signed an MOU regarding one-stop services. WIOA adult education programs are not co-located but are required to pay for phone, internet, etc. as direct linkage to make sure they are available to WIOA partners and clients. The MOU continues to be utilized, evaluated, and renewed as necessary.
The WIOA Title II Adult Education RFP competition in spring 2022, required all eligible providers to respond to specific questions documenting how they would be responsible for meeting the one-stop requirements that the state would delegate to them. The eligible providers were asked to provide basic, individual, and follow-up career services. Basic services include a wide range of services from assessment to referrals to other programs and community partners. All adult education teachers have completed activities on accessing and understanding labor market data; all teachers have a working knowledge of labor market data that will be essential for delivering career services. In Montana’s WIOA State Plan, all core partners committed to use of the Montana Career Information System (MCIS) to provide individualized career services. All WIOA clients will set up a career portfolio that can be seamlessly transferred from one agency to another. The portfolio includes skill inventories, specialized career path assessments, and short- and long-term employment goals that are relevant to the client’s chosen career pathway. This statewide systemic approach will provide clients with streamlined career services with no duplication of activities to be completed. Regardless of the core partner that begins the individual career services, the client can be assured that all planning and information will be readily available to all agencies who are providing core partner services. WIOA adult education providers meet with core partners such as Job Service or Vocational Rehabilitation, as well as other community partners, in their regional area multiple times throughout the program year. Successful delivery of WIOA Title II adult education services requires continued collaboration between WIOA partners and the capability to provide one-stop responsibilities.
Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education
IELCE Funds and grants
As result of the WIOA Title II Adult Education RFP competition in spring 2017, two providers were awarded the IELCE funds for the 2017-2018 program year. Extension plans were required for subsequent years. The most current WIOA Title II Adult Education RFP competition was completed during spring 2022 and three providers were awarded IELCE funding for the upcoming program year.
Training activity
To understand the IELCE requirement and provide services under WIOA, the state was in continuous contact with the two IELCE providers. The purpose was to assist those two local programs and English language learner (ELL) teachers in developing an understanding of how they could expand their existing efforts to provide required IELCE services. The following MCIS modules are utilized with ELL students: Exploring MCIS, Student Skills Inventories and Interest Profiler, Exploring Occupations, and Researching Education and Training. The two IELCE providers are among the largest and most successful programs in the state. Their personnel is highly qualified and effective when working with this population of adult learners.
Over the past program year, the ELL teachers have been participants in all state-sponsored workshops. Their participation allowed them to work with other adult education teachers in the creation of standards-based lesson plans and contextualized learning plans. This participation provided them the opportunity to see the planning required to prepare students for secondary credential attainment or transition to postsecondary education, training, and employment.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, IELCE programs continue to adapt and evolve. One of the IELCE providers transitioned the entire IELCE program to a virtual delivery modality and the other IELCE provider ensured their ELL students had access to technology and distance learning options by visiting their homes to help with the initial setup.
The following are some 2021-2022 highlights from one of the state’s IELCE providers – Missoula County Public School’s Academic Success Program:
The Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) Academic Success Program provides in-house appointments and career counseling in partnership with the Missoula Job Service. ELL students can explore careers, apply for jobs, or explore any of the following MCIS modules: Exploring MCIS, Student Skills Inventories and Interest Profiler, Exploring Occupations, and Researching Education and Training. The Missoula Job Service also provides opportunities for funding if ELL students are interested in pursuing training opportunities.
The Missoula ASP’s ELL clients in the IELCE programs have access to in-person and virtual classes. With help from Soft Landing (SLM) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) the Missoula ASP ensured their ELL students had access to technology and distance learning options by arranging appointments to help with initial technology and device setup.
During the 2021-2022 program year, the Missoula ASP providers completed and regularly scheduled ELL students in the Student Achievement in Reading (STAR), a rigorous national training cohort. The staff continued providing STAR assessments and instructional strategies in their ELL classrooms, and experienced success with increased student retention and outcomes. In addition, the ELL advisor in the MCPS ASP attended biweekly staffing meetings with WIOA partners and the IRC to stay current on the needs of ELL clients. Barriers to employment, civic engagement, training, and other needs were discussed and addressed at these meetings.
The MCPS ASP provided ongoing virtual classes for U.S. Citizenship during the 2021-2022 program year. Twelve ELLs received citizenship education and naturalization information in class. Two classroom participants earned their U.S. citizenship during the 2021-2022 program year.
IELCE Section 243(c)(1)
The state previously sent an ELL lead teacher to participate in a three-day Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) training presented by Miriam Burt. The teacher returned to Montana as a certified trainer to share cutting-edge strategies on how to incorporate workforce strategies into the ESL classroom. The strategies were based on the College and Career Readiness (CCR) standards with a focus on integration that connects reading, writing, and vocabulary using workplace situations. Additionally, there was a focus on soft skills, so students have a cultural basis for reading exercises and workplace information.
That ELL lead teacher remains a strong and reliable resource for other ELL teachers throughout the state. She also continues to serve as the certified trainer for Best Plus and other ELL-related training. She provided BEST Plus training in May 2022. In addition, she leads ELL work groups and supports ELL activities throughout the state.
The following are some 2021-2022 highlights from one of the state’s IELCE providers – Great Falls College and Career Readiness Center:
- Contextualization
- All experiences and knowledge acquired are integrated and related to the workplace with the intent of success.
- Partnerships with local businesses that employ IECLE students.
- Project Basic Learning
- What am I good at? (Examples: volunteerism, recipe, holiday, biography/book projects)
- A project generally integrates speaking, listening, reading, and writing; incorporates teamwork and problem-solving approaches; and encourages learners to engage in independent work that requires using English in authentic contexts.
- Student Empowerment
- Collaboration between IELCE teacher and current/former students.
- Building a learning community to include families and cultures.
- Student forums for constructive feedback and praise.
- Students are given decision-making power.
- IELCE students share technical knowledge with teacher.
- Technology
- Improves collaboration.
- Incorporates different learning styles.
- Provides hands-on learning.
- Connects teacher with students.
- Helps prepare students for the digital future.
- Helps students learn at their own pace.
- Naturalization/Citizenship Education
- ELLs acquire procedural information, content, and language to complete the naturalization process and pass the citizenship exam.
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- ELL learners become active in the local community – volunteering, voting, and participating members of organizations.
- 14 ELLs were recognized as new citizens at Celebration of Success for the 2021-2022 program year.
The MCPS ASP participated in the Community Management Team (CMT) in Missoula and Ravalli counties, the Missoula Chamber of Commerce, and the Job Service Employment Council (JSEC) to stay current on the employment opportunities in the region and integrate them into the classroom as learning opportunities. In addition, the MCPS ASP continued its MOU with the Missoula Job Service for co-located services at MCPS ASP to provide easier access to employment services for ELL students. Finally, the Missoula ASP ELL advisor maintained bi-weekly meetings with the employment team at the IRC to stay current on employment needs and challenges for shared clients.
IELCE Section 243(c)(2)
MCIS, which the ELL teachers have been trained to use with their students, provides the current Montana workforce information. This gives the teachers updated labor market data and workforce information for the state. The state previously contracted with a lead teacher to build an adult/ELL student checklist within the MCIS system. Through this customization, the teachers can integrate relevant workforce activities into their instructional practices.
The following are some 2021-2022 highlights from one of the state’s IELCE providers – Missoula County Public School’s Academic Success Program:
Workforce Partnerships
Missoula County Public School’s (MCPS) Academic Success Program (ASP) continued to partner with community partners by offering an onsite collaboration with:
- The Job Service (serves all regional MACO District 11)
- The International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- Soft Landing Missoula
- Home Resource
- Child Care Resources
- Missoula College
- Sovereign Hope Church
- Big Sky Society of Human Resource Management
To stay current on employment needs and challenges for shared clients, the Missoula ASP participated in monthly meetings with WIOA partners and CMT groups to understand employer needs and integrate these needs into the classroom as learning opportunities.
Workforce Training Developed/Adapted
MCPS ASP was approached by the International Rescue Committee and Soft Landing Missoula to help current and prospective small business owners with limited English proficiency complete a small business training course. The learners worked with the Small Business Association (SBA) and a local business owner/educator to develop in-person classes focused on the vocabulary, English, and concepts/content needed for successful startup, licensing, insurance, operations, hiring, and other relevant topics. A series with six classes were developed, and seven students participated in three or more classes.
Supported Training and Education
MCPS ASP provided additional opportunities for supported training to assist 65 ELLs with building employment skills, training, certification, pre-employment advising, and college and career preparation and advancement.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Two students received individualized instruction to assist with understanding the language and content needed to pass the written and clinical skills examination.
- Bookkeeping - One student received individual support in the Missoula ASP classroom to study and complete an online bookkeeping certificate training.
- ServSafe - One student received individualized training to acquire the language skills and assist with understanding the content needed to pass the ServSafe Manager certification exam.
- Computer Fundamentals and Digital Literacy - Approximately 55 ELLs were provided with at least one, two-hour computer fundamentals and digital literacy training. Skills covered included Google suites, typing, Microsoft Office, and more. 20 ELLs completed eight or more hours of digital literacy and computer fundamentals training.
- Employment Advising with WIOA partners - Six students participated in employment advising with the job service to explore job opportunities, apply for work, and complete applications for job training or certificate programs.
- Missoula College Collaboration - Three current and prospective college-bound ELL students studied college-level curriculum in the Missoula College learning lab on campus. One college-bound ELL student studied in the Math 065 preparatory class to prepare for college-level math. These opportunities allowed the ELLs to take the next step in college readiness.
- College Advising and FAFSA Preparation - Nine ELLs participated in one or more college advising sessions to explore, apply, and enroll in postsecondary education. The Missoula Academic Success Program college advisor hosted FAFSA workshop sessions to help these nine students understand deadlines, requirements, and apply for financial aid.
Adult Education Standards
The Montana Board of Public Education, upon recommendation from the Superintendent of Public Instruction, adopted the Montana Content Standards for English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics, on November 4, 2011. These standards, along with Science standards adopted in 2016, ensure that secondary students have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the 21st century economy. Skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, research, and the use of technology.
In February 2015, the Adult Education (AE) Unit at the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) adopted the College and Career Readiness (CCR) Standards for adult education. These standards identify the essential CCR components required to be incorporated into the adult education classroom. By adopting these standards, Montana’s adult education programs will have student expectations that are consistent with K-12 students. Additionally, programs will have access to K-12 tools and materials that support student learning.
The state previously sent two adult education lead teachers and a professional development coordinator to the OCTAE 2016 CCR Standards Implementation Institute. The team brought the information back to adult education and ELL teachers by presenting a two-day Summer Institute that gave participants the occasion to delve deeply into the standards to understand key advances in their content areas. In addition, one of these teachers worked diligently to create an online course specifically for mathematic standards in adult education during the 2018-2019 program year. This online professional development course is available for adult educators in our state, free of charge. It is important to note that enrollment in online professional development courses has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Programs for Corrections Education (AEFLA Section 225)
The Montana Department of Corrections follows the Association of State Correctional Administrators (ASCA) definition of recidivism.
Recidivism rate – the rate at which adult offenders return to prison in Montana for any reason within three years of their release from prison. Each release can have only one corresponding return.
Given this definition, we would need to wait three full years before we could calculate a recidivism rate. With a 6/30/2022 end date, a recidivism rate for this group of participants would not be available until sometime after 6/30/2025.
Some general statistics provided by our WIOA adult education corrections program housed at the Montana State Prison:
- 68% of all inmates coming into Montana State Prison do not have a verifiable high school education.
- 78% of those incoming inmates complete the HiSET and move on to jobs, postsecondary education, or training programs inside the prison or in the community within 18-24 months.
The most current recidivism rates available via the Montana Department of Corrections 2021 Biennial Report (most current report available):
- 2015 – Male Three-Year Prison Recidivism Rate
- Total Recidivism Rate – 38.6%
- Violation – 33.7%
- New Crime – 4.9%
- 2015 – Female Three-Year Prison Recidivism Rate
- Total Recidivism Rate – 24.4%
- Violation – 21.9%
- New Crime – 2.5%
- 2016 – Male Three-Year Prison Recidivism Rate
- Total Recidivism Rate – 38.2%
- Violation – 31.0%
- New Crime – 7.1%
- 2016 – Female Three-Year Prison Recidivism Rate
- Total Recidivism Rate – 27.9%
- Violation – 20.8%
- New Crime – 7.1%
- 2017 – Male Three-Year Prison Recidivism Rate
- Total Recidivism Rate – 39.5%
- Violation – 27.3%
- New Crime – 12.2%
- 2017 – Female Three-Year Prison Recidivism Rate
- Total Recidivism Rate – 32.2%
- Violation – 24.5%
- New Crime – 7.7%
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adult education services and HiSET testing has been more limited in correctional facilities. These facilities worked hard to keep everyone safe and limit the spread during the continued COVID-19 pandemic. They did not allow inmates from different units to co-mingle which impacted programs greatly in terms of instruction and assessments. Some correctional institutions have continued with the transition to tablets, distance learning platforms, and computer-based assessments when applicable. However, technology access in a correctional setting is limited for inmates even for educational purposes. The Montana Department of Corrections has transitioned some services to make education more equitable for all. They are working closely with the Department of Labor and Industry to bring more IET pre-apprenticeships programs and career readiness programs to all correctional facilities in Montana, as well as working closely with Job Service and employers. In addition, Montana State Prison applied to become a Pell Grant pilot state/institution and was successful. They are now in the pilot stage of Second Chance Pell and have fully implemented it in partnership with the Montana University System. Four Montana universities are working with three adult correctional facilities. Also, additional career readiness programs such as The Last Mile coding program and programs with Accelerate Montana have been implemented.