Alabama

​​State staff and local staff use the state-developed management information system to conduct desktop monitoring and evaluate performance data down to an individual student level. The Adult Education System Office provides annual statewide training sessions on the data system, organizes regional training meetings, offers technical assistance, and enforces program guidelines to ensure compliance with federal and state policies and the NRS (National Reporting System). In addition, the state has an online policy and procedure manual as well as a New Director Training Course in the Canvas Learning Management System. The Assessment Policy is updated yearly with all staff required to complete training with a Technology/Information Security Agreement. Directors and teachers are encouraged to join statewide teaching and learning cohorts for ELA, technology, and Integrated Education and Training (IET).

The system is designed with features that prevent National Reporting System (NRS) violations and enhance the quality and integrity of the data. Additionally, the system does not allow for missing or incomplete data to be saved. The system also can accept inquiry information for the purpose of follow-up. Only NRS-approved assessments are available in the data collection system. Scale scores are entered, and the system calculates the level placement and advancement in accordance with NRS requirements. The system will not allow the same form of assessment to be entered for both pre- and post-tests. Alternate test forms must be used. The system generates participant alerts which are displayed on each adult education program’s AAESAP home page. These alerts are for attendance, testing, and high school equivalency, and the system notifies the program when there are dates and attendance out of the recommended range.

Data dashboards and drill-down reports allow users to monitor the data in real time. Desktop monitoring and actual on-site review visits make up the process used to evaluate the success and/or areas for program improvement. The programs are monitored quarterly on NRS Educational Functioning Levels (EFL), Measurable Skill Gains (MSG), High School Equivalency (HSE) attainment, and postsecondary education and training. Adult education programs are monitored on a three-year rotation for performance and program effectiveness. A formal report is submitted to the program to assist program directors with enhancing program quality. If necessary for state and federal compliance, a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) is put into place with ongoing technical support to address the program's needs.​