ERIC Number: ED576144
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 174
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-3697-1270-4
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Exploring Adult Basic Education--Quality Services with Limited Funding: Qualitative Multiple Case Study
Calaf, Dolores C.
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Northcentral University
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are in great demand by immigrant adults in the Boston area. The problem investigated in this study was the limited funding to implement ESOL programs in Boston, which has resulted in waiting lists for many contracted community-based programs. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore through the perceptions of staff and adult learners from a non-profit community ESOL program in Boston whether ESOL programs can be successful based upon the nine essential factors identified by the state and adult basic education scholars despite limited funding. The ESOL program selected for the research study is considered among the best two programs in Boston with proven performance outcomes. Participants included teachers, staff and adult learners from the intensive ESOL program in Boston. Data were triangulated not only in terms of participants but as well in methodology. Individual interviews with four teachers and staff, a focus group discussion with eight adult learners, and archival data analysis provided by the Center were the methods used. Results of the study showed the importance of the nine factors of success for all participants. It also showed that in spite of the success of the program and outcomes, teachers and staff felt challenged with funding decisions as they lack a full-time counselor, and the parent organization claimed the program ran deficit to the institution. Teachers felt time to plan and evaluate instruction was limited due to having to do other duties such as counseling. Staff faced fundraising strategies have changed in Boston and are limited with time and competition with other ESOL programs. Further research is recommended on the area of limited funding among other types of non-intensive ESOL programs with and without state funding contracts and in different geographical areas. Future research should explore quantitative methodology as well as data source and methodology triangulation to assess the application of the nine factors of success. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Adult Basic Education, Qualitative Research, Case Studies, English (Second Language), English Language Learners, Second Language Programs, Financial Needs, Financial Problems, Program Effectiveness, Program Evaluation, Teacher Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Performance Factors, Interviews, Focus Groups, Success, Faculty Workload, Noninstructional Responsibility, Fund Raising, Research Needs, Time Perspective, Program Administration
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Adult Basic Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Massachusetts (Boston)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A