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ABE, ASE, and HSE Success Stories

Agencies and programs across the country are using CASAS to establish comprehensive performance accountability systems, address core indicators of performance, integrate literacy and occupational skill instruction, and evaluate the effectiveness of adult education and literacy programs.

Also see the National External Diploma Program (NEDP) Success Stories. The NEDP is a high school diploma program for adults and youth who acquire their academic skills through life and work experiences and can demonstrate them in an applied performance process

Managing Managed Enrollment at Burbank Adult School

Promising Practice: Burbank Adult School has implemented a comprehensive managed enrollment program, which includes structured enrollment and registration, pre-set class schedules, orientation and goal-setting for all entering students, improvements for all multi-level classes, and a structured assessment system. This program began as a pilot program in 2005-2006, in order to improve student retention and make administrative procedures more efficient. While at first it was difficult to get student "buy-in" for the managed enrollment procedures, the agency learned that after the first few terms, students were accustomed to the registration procedures and have since been prepared at the beginning of each course term.

Agency awarded: Burbank Adult School, 2009

Summary Description of Project:

Burbank’s managed enrollment program involves a variety of administrative and instructional procedures, such as:

  • Beginning and end dates for course terms, in which students must sign up for classes within a given period of time, and are accountable for maintaining their attendance.
  • Multi-level classes for students entering the program late. These multi-level classes have been improved greatly due to a partnership with ProLiteracy America. Burbank was one of three programs in the country chosen to receive a two-year grant to improve instruction and professional development in their multi-level classes.
  • Testing for all students during a set time before the class term begins. This allows the instructor to follow a lesson schedule and ensures that all students are placed in the correct class prior to the start of the school term.
  • Orientation for all students upon entry in the program. Students review school policies and discuss their personal goals.

All of these activities, although challenging to implement at first, have all contributed to improvements in student performance, instruction and program administration.

Evaluation Process/Results:

Burbank has seen improvements in student performance and data collection since the start of the managed enrollment program. In 2004-05 (prior to managed enrollment), Burbank’s level completion rate was 44%. In 2007-08, the level completion rate was 65%. Between 2004-05 and 2007-08 the school’s attendance rates had only grown by 2%, but the overall attendance hours increased by 31%. The agency exceeded California state performance goals in 11 out of 12 instructional levels in 2007-08. Burbank Adult School reports that higher student retention and persistence has allowed teachers to provide more focused instruction. Because students enter the classes after being pre-tested, instructors can begin the class right away and the classroom experience is much more streamlined. The multi-level classes provide individualized instruction, and provide students with valuable tools and knowledge for their future classes. These multi-level classes are an effective way to accommodate students that enter the program late. Burbank’s administration is now more professional and streamlined, the instruction is more effective, and students are remaining in the program and moving towards their personal and professional goals.

For additional information contact:

Dr. Cherise G. Moore
Telephone: (818) 558-4611
Email: cherisemoore@burbankusd.org

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