CCRC evaluated the Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) program model, which is designed to speed the transition to college and careers for adult basic skills students by pairing basic skills and career–technical instructors in the classroom so that students gain basic and occupational skills simultaneously. CCRC conducted in-depth field research to examine how the model works. Quantitative analysis suggests that the program substantially increases the rate at which adult basic skills students earn college credits and complete postsecondary occupational credentials. CCRC also examined whether the positive effects of the program are worth the costs.
This study was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and by Ford Foundation.