In 2019, the Office of Adult Education (OAE) and Adult Literacy Research Center (ALRC) at Georgia State University received a grant from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) to establish the Georgia Partnership for Adult Education Research (GPAER). The overall goal of this partnership was to broaden the understanding of adult education learners and services. Initial research questions focused on identifying key factors at the site, teacher, and student level that influence retention rates and learning gains in Adult Education programs across Georgia. Other research projects during the grant period have included:
Northstar Digital Literacy Study
Analysis Census of Need by County
Workforce Outcome Survey
Equity Study
ALRC and OAE recently presented at the 2024 COABE Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Their presentation titled “Bridging Data, Research and Practice: How to Build a Partnership with University Researchers” offered insights on fostering partnerships with adult education and higher education institutions. Daphne Greenberg, Director of GSU’s ALRC, stated, “I see this partnership with Georgia State and OAE as a win-win. It addresses crucial questions benefiting both researchers and stakeholders.” Jackson Lilly, OAE’s Director of Impact and Research, shared, “I’m thrilled about this partnership because it allows OAE and me to explore the bigger picture of what truly benefits adult learners.”
Though the IES grant period will end in August 2024, the GPAER project spurred other partnership opportunities. OAE is excited to continue to work with the ALRC to help advance Adult Education research in Georgia and nationally, as well as ensure Georgia’s Adult Education programs engage in research-based advancements. To learn more about the research findings or to learn more about the partnership, interested parties can access reports and other materials or reach out to Jackson Lilly or Daphne Greenberg for further information.
From the Office of Adult Education Monthly Newsletter, May 2024
Photo: Jackson Lilly, OAE’s Director of Research and Impact, and Daphne Greenberg, Director of Georgia State’s ALRC, during their presentation at the 2024 National COABE Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.