CLASS™ Project Research Study Summary
Feedback Survey Addendum, Addition of Lincoln Action Program Learners At-risk and Out of School Youth and Adults

IRB #99-07-379EP (LAP Administrator Study – 1999 – 2000)

The CLASS™ project was charged with collecting feedback from learners of all ages, youth as well as adults. A relationship was forged with Lincoln Action Program (LAP) to seek feedback from at-risk and high-risk adult learners. LAP offers educational services to all ages of individuals, including minors and also offers ESL education.

The definition of “adult” in the world of adult education differs somewhat from the traditional view of child–adult. All individuals selected for the study were eligible for “adult” services, regardless of age. All of these individuals were “at-risk,” having struggled and/or failed in the traditional school system, and have turned to LAP as a ray of hope to achieve educational goals.

Despite the seemingly simple framework of the study many barriers to implementation arose which prevented successful initiation of the study. No data was gathered about course features from the original study design. Much rich data was gained, however, regarding effort required to be the agency-side contact for a study involving innovative technology and at-risk youth and adults. Barriers to successful implementation emerged during the study. The administrator’s conclusions regarding working in the field addressed the reality of working with, and studying, at-risk learners. At-risk youth and adult learners who want to return to school often have many other barriers that get in the way of further education. Real-life issues that are pervasive in their lives do not subside for new education priorities or for the convenience of those conducting studies. For these learners, life circumstances that contribute to being considered at-risk serve as barriers that are not easily overcome. Such learners require tremendous support to achieve educational goals and to participate successfully in field studies. Administrators also require support, especially when the weight of management of such a study is added to the daily workload of the individual. In the case of this study, no data was returned from the survey but much insight was gained from debriefing the administrator.