Racial Equity Grant Update

As required for round 1 of the Statewide Racial Equity in Adult Education Supplemental Service Grant, a research analysis was conducted to help us better understand the status of equity work in MN’s ABE system and the experience of the Learners. Three surveys were created and analyzed: 1 for Administrators, 1 for Educators and 1 for Adult Learners (and 1 modified version for Learners residing in the Department of Corrections).

Over the last 2 years, See Moua-Leske (Program Manager of SW ABE, and Grantee) and Addy Wolbaum (Grant Assistant) have been sharing and presenting the results of the Administrator and Educator Surveys. These results and more information on the grant can be found on the Southwest ABE website (www.southwestabe.org) under the Racial Equity Grant tab.

The Adult Learner Survey

The Racial Equity Adult Learner Survey’s analysis was completed Summer 2024. We collected 441 responses from learners across the state. The survey consisted of 7 sections, with a total of 40 required questions and 10 optional:

• (A) Starting my ABE Journey
• (B) Supporting my ABE Journey
• (C) What I am Learning
• (D) How I am Learning
• (E) Relating to ABE Staff & Classmates
• (F) Demographics
• (G) Additional Feedback/comments

Of these 441 respondents, 70% were female; 87% identified as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Color; 83% speak a language other than English; very few identify as part of the LGBT+ community; and very few reported having a disability that impacts their ability to learn (physical or mental). We collected these demographics in hopes of capturing the wide diversity of our learners, and to then compare them to the demographics of our Administrator and Educator surveys.

Survey results

The majority of the survey findings were not outlandishly shocking. Themes of gratitude for their education and educators shined brightly across the entire survey. Learners are beyond appreciative for such an impactful program, but there were a few areas we saw that could use some improvement. Section B (Supporting my ABE Journey) and Section C (What I am Learning) brought up a few concerns.

Section B targeted the awareness, access and use of resources and accommodations. There was only a 70% average positive response rate in regards to being fully supported, academically and mentally. Learners mention having access to basic resources like paper, pens, and glasses, but a lack of access and knowledge of more advanced resources/accommodations such as hearing assistance, internet access, mental health services, different learning methods, etc. It was also noted that there needs to be more awareness of religious accommodations. These findings tell us that although Learners are overall pleased with their experience, there is still room for improvement for Learners to reach their highest academic and social potential.

Section C (What I am Learning) also showed room for improvement with a 66% average positive response rate in regards to the context of learning materials and achieving their goals. Learners reported that they are not learning as many useful skills and strategies to advance their personal and professional lives as they would like to. But when asked overall, 90% of respondents did report that they are happy with what they are learning and their materials.

Although Sections B and C were not as strong as we would like, the rest of the survey sections showed the strengths of ABE. Learners feel welcomed and supported when starting their education. They enjoy their classroom environment, educators and learning experience. The respondents overwhelmingly report having respect and appreciation for their educators and fellow learners from all across the world. This survey captures the beauty of ABE and all that it does for those who partake. With this first step of research, these findings will help the Racial Equity Team advance equity efforts in the second round of this grant.