Purpose
Deliverables
Partners
Framework for Bridge Program Development
Implementation Plan
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Framework for Bridge Program Development
Evaluation Plan
Purpose
The purpose of this three-year project is to develop, evaluate and disseminate instructional materials for "adult tech prep bridge" training programs. Bridge programs are designed to prepare educationally-disadvantaged adults for career-path employment as technicians and post-secondary technical education in advanced technology fields. The focus of this project is on preparing disadvantaged adults for advanced technological education and employment in manufacturing. We hope to produce materials that are applicable to bridge training for other fields as well.
Deliverables
Over the three years of the project, the partners will produce the following deliverables:The partners will also disseminate the products and findings produced through the project to others interested in starting or strengthening adult tech prep bridge programs.
- Bridge curriculum guide
- Instructional aids for bridge students with limited English and other basic skills deficiencies
- Bridge program instructor training materials
- Bridge program implementation guide
- Evaluation of project outcomes and impacts
Bridge Partners
The project is being carried out through a partnership of universities, community colleges, community-based organizations and industry groups in Chicago and Detroit. The following table lists the partners. Click on the name of any partner to learn about their role in the program.
NSF ATE Bridge Project Partners
University of Illinois at Chicago coordinates curriculum development and piloting of bridge programs in Chicago, and provides technical assistance on instructional system design and program planning.
Richard J. Daley College (one of the City Colleges of Chicago) is providing instruction for the bridge pilots in Chicago and developing student and instructor training curricula. It serves as subject matter experts on curriculum development teams to ensure that bridge graduates are prepared for community college technical education.
Instituto del Progreso Latino, (a community-based organization serving the Pilsen/Little Village neighborhoods of Chicago) recruits and provides case management for students involved in bridge curriculum pilots in Chicago. It assists in piloting student curriculum materials at community sites and provides job placement assistance to program graduates.
Illinois Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Manufacturing Technology Program, advises on bridge curriculum development to ensure a foundation for graduates who will go on to pursue a post-secondary technical education.
Chicago Manufacturing Center provides industry input into the development of Bridge curriculum materials and helps market the program to Chicago area manufacturers.
Wayne State University coordinates curriculum development and piloting of the program in Detroit. It provides technical assistance on instructional system design and produces multimedia software for ESL students.
Henry Ford Community College collaborates with the university, employer and community partners on development of student and instructor training curricula in Detroit. Its faculty serves as subject matter experts on curriculum development teams to ensure foundation for community college technical education. It pilots student and instructor curriculum materials in conjunction with community partners.
Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation recruits and provides case management for students involved in Bridge curriculum pilots in Detroit. It assists in piloting student curriculum materials at community sites and provides job placement assistance to program graduates.
Wayne State University, Industrial Engineering Dept. and Engineering Technology Department advises on Bridge curriculum development to ensure a foundation for graduates who will go on to pursue a post-secondary technical education.
Hispanic Manufacturing Center provides industry input into development and evaluation of Bridge curriculum materials.
Academy for Educational Development is conducting a summative evaluation of project outcomes and impacts.
Framework for Bridge Program Development
We have created a framework to guide the development of adult tech bridge training programs. Click here to download the framework.
Our framework is built on our research on the widening gap between low-wage, dead-end jobs (i.e., unskilled jobs) and livable wage jobs with future (i.e., skilled jobs) in manufacturing and other advanced technology fields. Click here to download a research brief on the low-wage/livable-wage job gap and efforts to bridge it.
The framework includes at least three main bridge program levels (as well as some optional courses) leading to entry-level technician positions in industry and post-secondary technical education. These are (starting at the lowest rung and working up):
Basic Skills Remediation - This is a "Pre-Bridge" program. It prepares participants for semi-skilled jobs and for entrance into what we call the Technological Learning Skills Bridge program. It is appropriate for adults with limited English or other basic skills deficiencies.
Technological Learning Skills Bridge - This bridge prepares participants for entry-level skilled positions and for community-college advanced certificate and the next higher level bridge programs. It is appropriate for adults testing at the 6th-8th grade level in math and reading and who have at least some stable work history and demonstrated motivation.
Intensive GED Prep Course - This is an intermediate step for those who lack a high school credential but have completed a Technological Learning Skills Bridge or are otherwise qualified for entry-level skilled operator positions and community-college advanced certificate programs. The courses are designed to prepare students to pass the GED in as little time as possible. Click here to view the framework for the Intensive GED Prep Course we are piloting.
Pre-Technologist Bridge - This is our highest level Bridge program. It is appropriate for those who are employed in skilled operator positions and whose math and reading skills are at the 8th grade level or higher. The program is designed to prepare for community college advanced technical certificate/degree programs and for skilled trade apprenticeships and technical training in the workplace.
Apprenticeship Test Prep Course - These additional courses are appropriate for individuals with work experience and at least 8th grade math and reading who are seeking to pass entrance examinations for skilled trade apprenticeship programs. They focus on basic skills review and test taking skills and practice.
Weekend Technical College, Technology Occupation Seminars - These programs are designed for those seeking to become skilled technicians or journeymen and who are qualified for community college technical certificate/degree or skilled trade apprenticeship programs. They provide exposure to the technology of various technical career streams in manufacturing.
Implementation Plan
Year 1 Objectives (6/15/98 - 5/31/99): 1.1 Establish a framework for bridge program development 1.2 Develop and pilot bridge curricula in Chicago and Detroit 1.3 Develop and pilot instructional tools for bridge students with limited English and other basic skills deficiencies 1.4 Draft a bridge program implementation guide based on Chicago's experience 1.5 Design and implement an evaluation plan for the project 1.6 Establish systems and protocols for communication among the project partners in the two cities and for dissemination of project products
Year 2 Objectives (6/1/99 - 5/31/00): 2.1 Produce bridge program curriculum guide based on continued piloting and development in Chicago and Detroit 2.2 Continue piloting instructional tools for vocational ESL and basic skills remediation 2.3 Design and pilot curriculum for training bridge instructors 2.4 Produce bridge program implementation guide 2.5 Continue evaluation of project outcomes and impacts 2.6 Continue development of web site and other dissemination mechanisms
Year 3 Objectives (6/1/00 - 5/31/01): 3.1 Continue piloting bridge programs in Chicago and Detroit 3.2 Produce bridge instructor training materials 3.3 Disseminate all project products 3.4 Complete summative evaluation of project
Evaluation Plan
A summative evaluation of the project is being conducted by the Academy for Educational Development. Click here to download the evaluation plan for the project.