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G2S Project Code: 2020-FL-84374
State: Florida
Fiscal Year: 2020

Grantee
Miami-Dade Public Library System

Project Director
Director Name: Marjorie Lopez
Director Phone: 305-375-1413
Director Email: lopezma@mdpls.org

General Information
Title: MDPLS Adult Learning Academy
State Project Code: 20-LSTA-B-12
Start Date: 10/01/2020
End Date: 09/30/2021
Abstract: The Miami-Dade Public Library System implemented the Adult Learning Academy designed to promote basic adult education, English language learning, technology education and language instruction. The Adult Learning Academy was launched virtually to enhance accessibility. Primarily services were concentrated at five regional libraries that are geographically located in the northern, southern, eastern, western and central regions of the county. The Adult Learning Academy recognized the needs of the adult population in the immediate and surrounding areas of the regional libraries with a focus on adults who lacked access to English language learning and other education services.

Classes ran for three semesters and met Monday through Thursday evenings, to better accommodate the schedule of adults who work during the day. Adult participants were recruited and registered before the start of each semester through a marketing campaign facilitated by the MDPLS Communications and Marketing division. Instructors utilized curriculum resources with a proven record of success for adult learners, and they integrated digital literacy instruction into each 90-minute instructional block.

State Goal: Goal 1 - Services: Floridians use information and innovative and responsive services from all types of libraries and archives that meet diverse information needs.

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$190,083.00

$0.00

$508,203.00

$698,286.00

Intent(s)
Improve users' formal education.
Education
Literacy

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Establish tutor positions, recruit and onboard tutors
Narrative: The Job Opening (JO) to establish 25 part-time tutor positions was approved. Interviews to fill the positions commenced in July 2020 and has been ongoing.

Recruitment, interviewing and hiring for the 25 Library Tutors has been ongoing. The position is advertised on www.miamidade.gov/jobs for a period of 2 weeks. All MDPLS subscribers are emailed to notify them of the need for tutors. Once the application date closes, resumes are screened for qualified applicants. Three-person panel interviews interview candidates and make recommendations for hiring.

Once Library Tutors are approved for hire, they are required to undergo the onboarding process through the Miami-Dade County Human Resources Department. The onboarding process includes being offered the position, accepting or declining, scheduling a background check and drug test, and completing the necessary paperwork.

Intent: Improve users' formal education.

Activity: Planning & Evaluation
Mode: Prospective
Format: In-house

Quantity
Number of evaluations and/or plans funded: 1
Number of funded evaluation and/or plans completed: 1

Partner Information

Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No

Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No

Activity Details
Title: Professional Development
Narrative: Professional Development for Adult Learning Academy Instructors
Professional development for the majority of Adult Learning Academy instructors took place on Monday, 12/28 and Tuesday, 12/29. As new hires were onboarded, individual training was provided. Tutors learned policies, procedures, and guidelines for the program. Training included the following items:
-Overview of MDPLS Administration, Mission, Vision and Operations
-Overview of Adult Learning Academy Program Structure
-Characteristics of Adult Learners
-Best Practices for Instruction of Adult Learners
-Policies and Procedures (taking attendance, payroll, timesheets, staff absences, sub plans, dress code, etc.)
-90-minute Instructional Block -Curriculum Materials -Educational Software and Technology Training

Professional Development for Branch Staff at Regional Libraries
Professional development for each of the branch staff took place on Wednesday, 12/9/2020 using virtual technology to be prepared for the program's launch in January 2021. Branch staff learned policies, procedures, and guidelines for the program. Training included the following items: -Overview of MDPLS Administration, Mission, Vision and Operations
-Overview of Adult Learning Academy Program Structure
-Community Awareness and Marketing the Program
-Overview of Policies and Procedures for Adult Learning Academy Instructors to include the 90-minute instructional block, curriculum materials and technology

Intent: Improve users' formal education.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: In-person

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 90
Number of presentations/performances administered: 2
Average number in attendance per session: 30

Partner Information

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 101 WEST FLAGLER STREET
City: MIAMI
State: FL
Zip: 33130

Activity Details
Title: Procurement of Materials
Narrative: All curriculum materials and software resources, laptops, and carts on wheels were ordered using the MDPLS online ordering system (OSOS), procured, and received. The Library Tutoring Coordinator worked with the Procurement and Information Technology Divisions to assure these supplies needed for the success of the program were ordered and accounted for when received.

Intent: Improve users' formal education.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Combined physical & digital

Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 80
Number of software acquired: 80
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 953
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0

Partner Information

Activity Details
Title: Marketing the Adult Learning Academy & Recruitment of Participants
Narrative: Each semester, the Library Tutoring Program Coordinator collaborated with the Community Engagement team and the Marketing division to market the Adult Learning Academy and raise community awareness. An email blast announcing the start of the classes was sent out to all subscribers, over 392,000 patrons, at the start of each semester. The landing page for the Adult Learning Academy was created and made available for viewing at www.mdpls.org/adultlearning. Promotion was through various internal and external platforms including the MDPLS website, weekly e-newsletter, social media, news releases, community outreach, online publications, Miami-Dade County government internal marketing channels (includes 26,000 employees), posters and flyers at all library locations.

Adults who expressed an interest in participating were assisted with class registration. An email blast announcing the start of the classes for the January 2021 semester was sent out to all patrons in the database and registration for the classes was full within one hour. Recruitment began for the other two semesters one month before the start of the semester.
Intent: Improve users' formal education.

Activity: Planning & Evaluation
Mode: Prospective
Format: In-house

Quantity
Number of evaluations and/or plans funded: 1
Number of funded evaluation and/or plans completed: 1

Partner Information

Activity Details
Title: Implement the MDPLS Adult Learning Academy
Narrative: As a result of the pandemic, the Adult Learning Academy launched as a virtual program on Monday, 1/11/2021. The Education Services team conducted observations, solved problems, recorded initial statistics and attendance numbers and answered questions or concerns from adult learners. Senior library staff provided support when needed. The Library Tutoring Coordinator, Administrative Officer 2 and the Library Tutors had significant roles in providing the service. The Branch Managers and their public service staff provided the necessary oversight.

Semester 1 launched the week of January 11, 2021, and ran through April 1, 2021. The classes took place four nights per week (Monday-Thursday). The tutors had a planning hour from 4-5 pm. During the planning time, tutors sent course reminder emails to students, planned lessons, prepared instructional materials and assessments, as necessary. The Library Tutors taught approximately three hours per night (5-8 pm) to improve adult learners' understanding of the content pertaining to the class they were attending by assisting them with language learning or support with reading, math or writing.

At the end of Semester 1, a survey was conducted of participants that measured their learning progress and garnered feedback as to their satisfaction with the services provided by the MDPLS Adult Learning Academy. The Library Tutoring Coordinator worked with the Library Tutors and the library's Marketing Department to distribute the surveys online. A final analysis and report of attendance statistics, feedback, anecdotes, and survey outcomes for the first semester was compiled into a final report at grant cycle's-end.

Semester 2 launched the week of April 12, 2021 and ran through June 21, 2021. The classes took place four nights per week (Monday-Thursday). The tutors have a planning hour from 4-5 pm. During the planning time, tutors send course reminder emails to students, plan lessons, prepare instructional materials, and assess as necessary. The Library Tutors teach approximately three hours per night (5-8 pm) to improve an adult learners' understanding of the content pertaining to the class they were attending by assisting them with language learning or support with reading, math, or writing.

At the end of Semester 2, a survey was conducted of participants that measured their learning progress and garnered feedback as to their satisfaction with the services provided by the MDPLS Adult Learning Academy. The Library Tutoring Coordinator worked with the Library Tutors and the library's Marketing Department to distribute the surveys online. A final analysis and report of attendance statistics, feedback, anecdotes, and survey outcomes for the second semester was compiled into a final report at grant cycle's-end.

Semester 3 launched the week of June 28, 2021 and ran through September 15, 2021. The classes took place four nights per week (Monday-Thursday). The tutors had a planning hour from 4-5 pm. During the planning time, tutors sent course reminder emails to students, planned lessons, prepared instructional materials, and assessments as necessary. The Library Tutors taught approximately 3 hours per night (5-8 pm) to improve an adult learners' understanding of the content pertaining to the class they were attending by assisting them with language learning or support with reading, math, or writing.

A final analysis and report of attendance statistics, feedback, anecdotes, and survey outcomes was compiled. The feedback and information gathered was used to make improvements to the services offered and/or adjust program operations.

Intent: Improve users' formal education.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Combined in-person & virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 180
Number of sessions in program: 146
Average number in attendance per session: 78
Number of times program administered: 3

Partner Information

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 101 WEST FLAGLER STREET
City: MIAMI
State: FL
Zip: 33130
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 85
Agree: 15
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 76
Agree: 21
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 78
Agree: 22
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 77
Agree: 18
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 5
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 60
Agree: 36
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The MDPLS Adult Learning Academy LSTA-funded project was a new offering to the MDPLS Education Services unit. Homework Help and Tutoring is offered for children in grades K-12, and adult learners that require adult literacy skills are serviced through the Project L.E.A.D. adult literacy program. The grant funds for this project helped expand the community’s access to needed adult education. Public health and safety protocols were put into place and programming was modified to an online format. When measures were taken and programming briefly resumed in libraries, programming was halted. Programming is expected to resume in December 2021 and the Adult Learning Academy will continue to operate using existing resources. The program greatly impacted the community. Over the course of three semesters, total attendance was 11,400 during January 2021 to September 2021. The first semester of the Adult Learning Academy ran from January- April 2021. A total of 46 classes were offered by 23 library tutors with a total attendance of 2,939 during the semester. The second semester ran from April- June 2021. A total of 50 classes were taught by 25 library tutors and a total of 4,438 students attended classes during this semester. The third semester ran from June-September 2021. A total of 50 classes were taught by 25 library tutors and a total of 4,023 students attended classes during this semester. As a measure of the program’s impact on the community, MDPLS administered a learner survey at the end of each semester. The survey was distributed to registered participants of each semester’s class by e-mail in three languages: English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole. Excerpts of some of the survey comments for the third semester reporting the impacts of the program are seen below: "very good teacher and this course exceeded my expectations" "It was always upbeat and positive. Prof. Rubio did a wonderful job. (And I loved the convenience of taking the course online.)" "Not talking my native language during the whole class" "Relaxed environment. Everyone was interested to learn." "These remote programs are great! I would not have been able to make it to a physical location because of time (commute, work schedule, family)" Based on survey results and communication with students, many registered participants conveyed an interest to continue in the program. Between semesters 1, 2, and 3, MDPLS added two more levels of English and Spanish courses offered to include Intermediate and Advanced. Based on communication with the students, GED Test Preparation classes, U.S. Citizenship and Portuguese offerings were also added. For registered participants who could not attend a particular class due to time constraints or other commitments, recordings were made available for them to view. Eventually, the goal is to have an unlisted YouTube channel where students can receive a link to the previous week’s materials for individual review after class.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
For future program implementations, the opportunity will be taken to offer the program in a hybrid format. Adult learners will be able to use the resources available in a face-to-face format and will also serve learners in the same class in an online platform. The program was well received and we welcomed more registrants than initially expected. The program participants continue to request more levels of the English and Spanish courses and have indicated they would like to see other course offerings such as computer and financial literacy classes. MDPLS will work to expand offerings based on the community’s need and interest. Although the participation rates reflected a decrease from the start to the finish of each semester, the participation rates for the Adult Learning Academy courses between semesters is steadily rising. Participation rates are in line with overall library programming participation rates for other MDPLS events. The Education Services team have and continue to work to improve overall participation rates. Careful attention to attendance must be given and reminders to class participants are sent on a weekly basis to better ensure class turnout.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
MDPLS explored the opportunity to offer a hybrid model of the program, which will be implemented once the County lifts the suspension on in-person, indoor programming for libraries. Given the planned hybrid modality of the program, the need to identify an LMS (learning management system; for example, Canvas or Blackboard) may be useful to house course materials and provide an alternative method of communicating with students. An LMS would allow for the collection and compilation of course materials and data, that would serve to formalize instruction for our libraries. To account for student attrition, registration count will be increased in future semester offerings of the Adult Learning Academy.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:

Exemplary: Yes
Exemplary NarrativeThis project reflects a high level of impact. The MDPLS Adult Learning Academy LSTA-funded project was a new offering to the MDPLS Education Services unit. The Adult Learning Academy recognized the needs of the adult population in the immediate and surrounding areas of the regional libraries with a focus on adults who lacked access to English language learning and other education services. This program greatly impacted the community as a whole. Over the course of the three semesters the program was offered, total attendance was 11,400 (from January 2021 to September 2021). The program was well received by the community and MDPLS welcomed more registrants than initially expected. The program participants continue to request more levels of the English and Spanish courses and have indicated they would like to see other course offerings including computer and financial literacy classes.

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