CHAPTER III: THE DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Quantitative analysis represents an effort to look at data in an objective and measurable way. Much of the quantitative analysis in this report is targeted toward the question of “what is,” and by report “what was.” This provides some basis for addressing “what changed.” While these questions may seem simple and straightforward, below the surface they raise several critical issues. Individuals are different making it difficult to quantify and proof of causality may be quite elusive. Therefore, much of the data presented in this Chapter are characterized as descriptive rather than quantitative. Two exceptions exist: 1) the pattern of change apparent in the Impact Survey’s Key Changes Over Time (Chart 8); and 2) the satisfaction levels scored by the participant group on the Quality of Life Inventory (pp.33-37).

The Impact Survey

Data gained from the Impact Survey were supplemented by information gathered from the Success Stories booklets and the Informal Interviews in order to arrive at the description of the study sample found in this chapter. The following groupings were established to provide a comprehensive representation of sample members: participant distribution by entry level, year of entry and year of Success Story award; family status, current activities, employment, financial status, educational attainment, major life occurrences and satisfaction index. While the demographics appear similar to other ABLE learners in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation, participants appear to have achieved a more successful employment and financial status, educational attainment, and quality of life satisfaction index.

Participant Entry Level

One section of the Impact Survey (See Appendix A) asked participants to indicate the level at which they entered the ABLE sponsored program. The following table shows the results of their responses, with adjus tments made based on information recorded in the Success Stories booklets.

TABLE III

Number of Participants by Initial Assignment

Based on the enrollment data reported by the participants, GED classes represent the greatest area of studies accounting for 40 percent of the study population. This is not surprising given the more objective nature of GED programs and the existence of a tangible concluding point. Females far outnumbered males in terms of GED program enrollment while males outnumbered females in Basic Literacy programs. Interestingly, about 48 percent of award winners indicated that they had been enrolled at either the Basic Literacy or ABE levels.