In response to rising college tuition and student debt over the past three decades, some institutions, localities, and states have implemented a range of tuition-free promise programs to promote college access and success. Programs vary widely in their design features, including eligibility stipulations and award structure. I explore the growing…

This brief summarizes findings from implementation, impact, and cost-benefit evaluations of Accelerating Opportunity (AO). AO is a career pathways initiative launched in 2011 that aims to help adults with low basic skills earn valued occupational credentials, obtain well-paying jobs, and sustain rewarding careers. AO was one of the first efforts…

This report presents the findings of the cost-benefit analysis of Accelerating Opportunity, an initiative designed to help adults with low basic skills earn industry-recognized credentials in high-growth occupations and succeed in the labor market. It compares the value of the benefits associated with AO--principally labor market benefits--with…

Universal screening and referral are crucial for maternal, infant, and early childhood home visiting programs to improve maternal, infant, and early childhood outcomes. The purpose of this article is to describe a county-wide, centralized intake and referral system. The authors report results and lessons learned for reducing service duplication…

This article reports the results of a follow-up analysis of 779 students with disabilities who participated in group-randomized, control group studies designed to examine the efficacy of self-determination interventions in secondary school to examine the relationship between self-determination status when exiting high school and adult outcomes 1…

The second annual implementation report for the Accelerating Opportunity (AO) initiative in four states finds that: (1) colleges aligned pathways and supports with local needs; (2) students were satisfied with AO; (3) AO instructors grew more adept at team teaching; (4) colleges struggled to recruit adult education students; (5) states and…

This book presents some of the experiences of men and women, poor and not poor, who participated in a community's OEO poverty program. The research upon which this book was based focused upon those subcomponents of the program which best revealed the process experiences of the participants. The study was concerned with three major components of…

Aurora, a village of 147 residents in north central Kansas, was the focus of a 1978 investigation of the community development potential for Kansas rural villages. Students and staff from the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare worked with community residents to identify three programs the village wanted (a recreation program, a…

Seven phases are outlined for implementing career education in Kansas school districts, with suggested steps included under each phase. For example, Phase I: Pre-Commitment, consists of the following steps: Discuss concept of career education with board, introduce concept to staff and students, and obtain commitment decision from board. The rest…

Based on the educational philosophy of "anybody can teach, anybody can learn", a free university offers ungraded, unaccredited classes to the general public, without charge, on any topic such as societal issues, arts and crafts, intellectual subjects, and practical skills. To plan a program, only a borrowed phone and office, human…

This study was undertaken to assess the adult education and community service responsibility of Colby Community Junior College, Kansas. A survey was made of pertinent literature, followed by questionnaire surveys of 64 similar public junior colleges in Kansas and five nearby states and of 200 adults residing in the community. The proposed program…

This document consists of two publications: the five-year state plan for career education in Kansas and a handbook providing guidelines for program development at the local school level. The plan includes the following information: (1) the results of a two-year needs assessment survey; (2) its two goals: first, to increase awareness of the…

A review of the effectiveness of extension education programs in Douglas County, Kansas is presented. Data were collected through a review of program data, interviews, and questionnaires sent to county residents. The results indicate a general knowledge and acceptance of the county's extension services among the respondents. (EC)

Based on the experiences of the University for Man (UFM) in Manhattan, Kansas, this model for rural adult learning presents guidelines for people and organizations to start free community education programs. The manual provides specific steps in beginning, operating, and expanding programs which utilize community leaders and resources, and which…

Kansas State University and the Topeka Public Schools are operating a model leadership academy for the identification and advanced preparation of educational administrators for building-level positions. (JOW)