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Lessons Learned from a State-Funded Workplace Literacy Program
Upjohn Institute Policy Papers
  • Kevin M. Hollenbeck, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
  • Bridget F. Timmeney, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
Publication Date
3-1-2009
Series
Policy Paper No. 2009-004
DOI
10.17848/pol2009-004
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.

Issue Date
March 2009
Citation Information
Hollenbeck, Kevin and Bridget F. Timmeney. 2009. "Lessons Learned from a State-Funded Workplace Literacy Program." Policy Paper No. 2009-004. Kalamazoo, MI: W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.