Policy

Bold programmatic interventions alone are not enough to bring this work to scale and sustain it. That’s why state policy support is critical. This initiative will include a focus on state policy and require each participating state to charter an Accelerating Opportunity policy team.

State policy can foster or constrain the ability of colleges to redesign programs and delivery systems. Accelerating Opportunity will encourage states to provide support and resources for institutions to innovate and attempt these new interventions. The I-BEST and Breaking Through models that this initiative is promoting are based on evidence. These models work. Participating states will review their policies around financial aid, assessment, data systems, and other areas to remove barriers preventing better outcomes.

Accelerating Opportunity Policy Priorities and Activities

Data and Analysis
Setting goals and benchmarks for adult learner transitions and tracking individual student progress toward them

Aligning data systems to measure student progress from precollege programs to postsecondary career pathways to employment

Linking data to innovation in order to determine which models best enable adult learners to reach momentum points along with the time required for each

Innovation/Redesign
Demonstration grants for accelerated learning options and comprehensive (academic and nonacademic) supports

Incentives to link employers with community college for-credit programs

Aligned Expectations
Aligning the standards and curricula of precollege programs to college readiness

Aligning noncredit to credit programs

Assessment and Placement
Dual enrollment for adult education and college programs

Crosswalking assessments for basic skills and college

Making adult education a placement option for some developmental education students

Finance
Aligning ("braiding") funding from various funding streams (e.g., adult education, community college, workforce, employer) to strengthen implementation and outcomes