An Investigation of Perceptions of Program Quality Support of Adult Basic Education Programs in Arkansas

This study was designed to identify the degree to which the directors of adult basic education programs in Arkansas perceive they have program quality support, as evidenced by a well-defined mission and role in the community, a management system, human resources management, and a suitable learning environment. To collect data for this study, NSCALL's Evidence-based program self-assessment (2006) was modified and administered electronically. Thirty-nine administrators of adult education programs funded by state and federal grants under the Arkansas Department of Career Education were invited to participate. The survey consisted of 40 questions scored on a 5-point Likert type scale, four open responses questions, and three demographic questions. The study found that the directors of local adult education programs in Arkansas agree that their programs have a well-defined role in the community. Directors strongly agree that they have quality management systems, but almost a third of directors strongly disagree that they have an adequate budget for their program. The directors agreed that they have quality systems to manage human resources and provide suitable environments for adult learners. No significant differences were found in the responses between the different demographic groups examined.