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Lessons Learned from a State-Funded Workplace Literacy Program

Author

Listed:
  • Kevin Hollenbeck

    (W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research)

  • Bridget Timmeney

    (W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research)

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 = 1800), 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 pre-assessments, 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Kevin Hollenbeck & Bridget Timmeney, 2009. "Lessons Learned from a State-Funded Workplace Literacy Program," Upjohn Working Papers 09-146, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:upj:weupjo:09-146
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    File URL: http://research.upjohn.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1163&context=up_workingpapers
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    Cited by:

    1. Gray, David & Morin, Louis-Philippe, 2013. "An analysis of a foundational learning program in BC: the Foundations Workplace Skills Program (FWSP) at Douglas College," CLSSRN working papers clsrn_admin-2013-41, Vancouver School of Economics, revised 26 Sep 2013.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    workplace; literacy; training; ojt; on-the-job training; hollenbeck;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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