Workforce Edition of the COABE Journal featuring Judith Alamprese

Local, State, and National Perspectives About Integrated Education and Training (IET)

Judith A. Alamprese

Judith A. AlampreseJudith A. Alamprese, a Principal Scientist at Abt Associates, has directed research, evaluation, and technical assistance projects in education and workforce development for more than four decades. Her work includes leading random assignment and quasi-experimental evaluations of innovative practices in education and workforce development to designing state-systemic change initiatives in career pathways. Ms. Alamprese has published and presented papers in a number of venues on topics including reading instruction for low-skilled adults, the role of interagency coordination in career pathways, and family literacy. She has served on two adult literacy committees for the National Academies’ Board on Testing and Assessment. Email: judy_alamprese@abtassoc.com

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education convened the Integrated Education and Training (IET) Symposium on January 15, 2020, to obtain information about the progress with and challenges in implementing IET models in adult education programs. Forty-five representatives from adult education state offices, adult education local providers, national adult education technical assistance organizations, research organizations, advocacy groups, and federal program offices participated in the symposium. This article synthesizes information provided during the day’s activities. Discussed are key elements of well-implemented IET models, factors that should be considered in preparing adult learners to succeed in IET services, and the types of partnerships that are critical to designing and carrying out IET services. The article also provides examples of the ways in which adult education state offices support adult education providers in their IET activities, and suggests state and federal actions that could help expand IET services.