Engaging Employers in Adult Workforce Development Research

• In Event: 16.041 - Studies in Adult Literacy and Adult Learning

Abstract

We report on the development of a Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale (BARS) to evaluate eight non-cognitive work readiness dimensions essential across industries as a method to engage employers in dialogue with workforce training programs in adult education settings. Approximately 100 managers across the fastest growing job categories of the U.S. labor market participated. Preliminary findings are reported. First, participating organizations find the tool’s cross industry approach to development will allow for wider use. Second, managers reported unique value in being part of a collaborative development process, leading to greater relevance and buy in of evaluation criteria. And finally, this approach was predicted by training programs as useful in meaningfully cycling feedback to their development curricula.

Authors

• Jane R. Shore, ETS

• Harrison Kell, Educational Testing Service

• Samuel Rikoon, Educational Testing Service

• David Marc Klieger, Educational Testing Service

• Kri Noel Burkander, Educational Testing Service

• Jennifer Bochenek, ETS