A True Team Effort: Managing for MSGs in Region 2

by Beverly Proffitt, Regional Program Manager

Adult education programs face universal challenges such as helping learners achieve meaningful, measurable progress while balancing the complexities of work, family, and life. Region 2 has been very blessed and fortunate as our students earn a high percentage of Measurable Skill Gains (MSGs).

One factor contributing to this success is connecting and creating a rapport with students at intake. We hold a partner registration event that includes our local community college as well as our local WIOA representative. Students are able to connect with all three programs from the very beginning. This creates rapport and builds a support system. Students are informed of expectations, potential challenges, and great reward opportunities from the beginning.

Our instructors are another contributing factor to student retention and success. Our instructors have been with our program for many years. They are experts in their field. Our instructors are not accessible to students only during class time. They make themselves available when students need them. Our program manager, instructors, and college workforce success coach also monitor attendance weekly. If a student is absent from class, he or she will receive contact from three different individuals.

Students also receive multiple stackable certifications during their cohorts. Our students realize the value of the comprehensive program and the opportunities that will arise. We have wonderful community agencies who come in and provide certifications to our students. We have employer partners who attend class and share employment opportunities.  We have a college and career coach who meets with each cohort. She covers resumé and portfolio creation and helps with interview skills, postsecondary transition, and finding employment.

Southwest Regional Adult Education is very fortunate to have wonderful partners who contribute to the student’s overall success. It takes each agency/program working together to provide the best support and opportunities for our students. It is a true team effort.