CAEP
Three-Year Plan

Produced: Jun 25, 2025, 12:13 AM UTC - By Nicholas Valsamides

Details

Consortium Information

In this section, information about the consortium, its primary and fiscal contacts, and CAEP funds received is auto-populated in NOVA.

As this information is auto-populated from your consortium's landing page in NOVA, make sure the information there is up-to-date, especially the Primary and Fiscal Contacts. This will ensure the correct information is auto-populated properly into the three-year plan.

Consortium Name:
68 West Kern Consortium
Address:
915 N Tenth St., Suite 34 | Taft, CA | 93268
Website:
www.wkaen.org
Funding Channel 2025-26:
Fiscal Agent
CAEP Funds 2025-26:
$1,034,308
CAEP Funds 2024-25:
$1,009,771
CAEP Funds 2023-24:
$999,080

Consortium Contacts

Auto-populated

ResponsibilityNameEmailTitlePhone
Primary Contactsfalgout@westkernlearn.orgDirector(661) 745-4315
Primary Contactboliver@westkernlern.org
Primary Contactlweaver@westkernlearn.org(661) 565-6168

Members

Auto-populated

Member AgencyMember TypeContactPhone
West Kern CCDDistrictNicholas Valsamides
Maricopa UnifiedUnified School DistrictMichael Coleman(661) 769-8231 ext: 202
Taft Union HighHigh School DistrictJason Hodgson(661) 763-2300
Kern Co. Office of EducationCounty Office of Education (COE)John Mendiburu(661) 636-4168
West Kern Adult Education Network Joint Powers AuthorityJoint Powers Authority (JPA)Stacey Falgout(661) 745-4315

Executive Summary

West Kern Adult Education Network (WKAEN) three- year planning team consists of a: Spanish and English counselor, GED Spanish and English instructor, ESL Instructor, data analyst, and Program Director/ Dean. During 2024-2025 fiscal year, WKAEN's planning team defined steps and strategies that focused on data, student enrollment, retention, outcomes, post-secondary education, Integrated Education and Training (IET) Programs, and workforce training. WKAEN serves 350 noncredit students annually with basic skills education, High school equivalency programs in English and Spanish, ESL classes, and CTE programs. WKAEN also provides counseling, tutoring, post-secondary pathways that lead to education and employment.

WKAEN' planning process initiated the gathering of data, defining student gaps, barriers, meet with local industries, and analyze the needs assessment for our West Kern Region. By incorporating weekly meetings, on the third Thursday of the month, WKAEN’s instructors strategized student success to meet our initial goal of 200 for 2024-2025 fiscal year. When recapping success within the last 3-years, WKAEN was able to make obtainable goals for the next 3-5 years. Our goal of relocation for the last 3 years was met. WKAEN has moved into its new location and is now serving 85% Hispanic/ Latino population. This new location has removed barriers for students that walk to school, have lack transportation, and need multiple classes such as Spanish GED, ESL, and workforce/ CTE courses. WKAEN’s objective for the Three-Year Plan is to address educational needs, integration in services, transitions to post-secondary/ workforce, and effectiveness of services. Objectives and strategies include the following: Ongoing data meetings to improve student gains and outcomes. Transition Data Review & Planning Team meetings to improve transitions. Personal Learning Plans is to improve persistence in retention, and Integrated Education and Training (IET) Programs.

The WKAEN's Three-Year Plan Metrics: Fiscal year 2024- 2025 WKAEN served 322 students. WKAEN's goal is to serve 400 students during the fiscal year of 2025- 2028. WKAEN defines our needs for adult learners by using our region's California CAEP Fact sheet, educational needs, Census, Cal works, and local stakeholders. Based on our assessment we know that we serve English learners, low literacy, low income, long-term unemployment, single-parent households, long term unemployment, and migrant farmworkers.

Summary of Funds Evaluation: West Kern Adult Education (WKAEN) is funded through California Adult Education Program (CAEP). WKAEN receives 100% of CAEP funding with no changes to the allocation. WKAEN's goal is to carry over 20% of the allocations annually. WKAEN's funds support a variety of programs, such as ABE/ASE, GED, CTE, ESL/Citizenship, and services to Adults with Disabilities. WKAEN will focus on increasing enrollment, enhancing outcomes, and promoting student persistence to achieve program goals. By leveraging CAEP funding alongside supplementary resources like WIOA I, WIOA II, and ELL Health grant will assist WKAEN in implementing goals for the Three-Year-Plan. This continues funding will ensure that adult education services and community needs will be met in the West kern region.

Assessment

West Kern Adult Education (WKAEN) uses student data (TOPSPro), Student Technology Intake Survey, CASAS Employment Follow-up Outcome Measure, WIOA Title II CIP, and the Implementation Survey to best grasp the educational and regional needs of WKAEN’S active student demographic.

WKAEN’s process for students is to first CASAS test to assess the students starting NRS levels. Once enrolled, students fill out a technology survey that highlights the student’s technology availability and needs. The student are also provided a social security consent form or ITIN. If consent is given, the students income an employment information is than sent to the Bureau Labor and Statistics (EDD). If consent is not given, students receive an Employment and Earnings Survey. All follow-ups for student employment outcomes is administered and input by WKAEN’s Data Analyst. Our Data analyst uses this information to align our metrics for each fiscal year to better serve and understand student regional needs.

WKAEN’s alignment of adult education and workforce services supported by CAEP are used in our education and workforce training. Per our assessments we are able to target barriers and gaps in the West Kern region pertaining to adult students. By building career pathways an employment strategy that are relevant to the students we found that our partnership with Taft College (TC) helps bridge the gaps. Our local community college (TC) is a consortium partner who contributes to our post-secondary pathways for GED and ESL students for educational barriers. WKAEN provides a counseling service for WKAEN students to meet with a TC counselor one-on-one to ensure student success as they transition to post-secondary. A corresponding pathway is done for WKAEN’s workforce training, students meet with a TC counselor. Local agencies are than paired with the counselor for fast employment and ensured student success. The resources used to help guide this process are the IELCE and CIP reports.

WKAEN’s consortium overall approach and process has identified our region’s barriers and needs. WKAEN attend’s community collaboration meetings such as: stakeholder meetings, Chamber of Commerce, Taft Union High School Council, Taft City School District Board, Taft Soroptimist International, Taft Rotary, and many other events to discuss all barriers and gaps needing to be bridged for student success in the West Kern region.

What type of representatives make up your assessment planning board members?

Which of the following data sources were referenced and contributed to the consortium's understanding of needs, current levels and types of services, and gaps?

As stated above, WKAEN’s process for students is to first CASAS test to assess the students starting NRS levels. Once enrolled, students fill out a technology survey that highlights the student’s technology availability and needs. The student are also provided a social security consent form or ITIN. If consent is given, the students income an employment information is than sent to the Bureau Labor and Statistics (EDD). If consent is not given, students receive an Employment and Earnings Survey. All follow-ups for student employment outcomes is administered and input by WKAEN’s Data Analyst. Our Data analyst uses this information to align our metrics for each fiscal year to better serve and understand student regional needs.

Regional Alignment and Priorities

Provide the names and types of the regional partner organizations that your consortium works with to ensure programs offered align with regional needs. *

Click Add Partner Organization, search for the organization’s name, and select it. If the organization is not listed, click Create a new one in the modal, enter the Partner Organization Name, and select the Partner Organization Type.

Partner Organization NamePartner Organization Type
Taft Union HighHigh School
Taft Chamber of CommerceCommunity Organization
Taft CityElementary School District
Taft MayorCommunity Organization
What relevant education and workforce plans that guide services in the region were used to develop this Three-Year Plan?

What are the top priorities in relation to regional alignment?

West Kern Adult Education Network (WKAEN), has sparked a transformation in the West Kern region to provide an avenue for ELL, long-term unemployed, low-income, low-literacy, migrant, and single-parent household adults to obtain greater career and educational opportunities. 

WKAEN’s core purpose is focused on providing educational and workforce opportunities that will help get students employed or enrolled in education programs which will ultimately provide better employability.  In order to accomplish this goal, WKAEN is utilizing a myriad of community collaborations that make it easy for students to identify the next steps to remove barriers from achieving their goals. Internally, WKAEN established protocols for workforce student development, partnership development, post-secondary alignment, employer partnership development, internships, and work-based learning standards. 

These protocols are at the base of all decisions to ensure WKAEN is being intentional in its growth. To track these developments, WKAEN is also using consistent data collection processes which help set goals and objectives with timelines. Allowing for seamless integration of aligning programs with Taft Union High School and Taft College. Further, WKAEN has an established quarterly advisory committee with Taft Union High School District and Taft College to merge curriculum and ensure that the partnership between all involved entities is on track. 

For WKAEN’s WIOA I program, modules have been put in place which allow students to get an easy-to-follow overview on expectations, next steps, and ultimately, meet all required guidelines found within the WIOA I program. WKAEN has created modules to assist students in WIOA I, to meet the required guidelines when utilizing any trainings or classes. WKAEN will provide counseling for each student that is moving into a post- secondary pathway. 

The TC counselor is connected to WKAEN and conducts sessions on an appointment basis.  The one-on-one personalized counseling service provides a comprehensive college pathway and career exploration. Looking ahead, WKAEN hopes to hire a second counselor that will help students gain soft skills training to further students in gaining skills to increase employability and stackable certifications. These certifications will provide an advancement to students in college who are preparing for their careers. 

 WKAEN's areas served in this diverse and rural population include Taft, Maricopa, Fellows, Elk Hills, McKittrick, and other census-designated places in West Kern. The communities of Taft and Maricopa are the primary population centers within West Kern region, and home to approximately 27,000 residents combined. 

Adult education services within West Kern region were fragmented, and in many cases, non-existent. The consortium has sparked a transformation in the West Kern region to provide a pathway to better employability, economic growth, and community development. 

In the fiscal year 2024-2025, the West Kern region has a population of 14,518 adults over the age of 18 that reside in the Taft area. With an increase of 4% in population since 2023. The average household income is $56,627 with a poverty rate of 80%. Approximately 33.7% of individuals residing within the West Kern area have less than a ninth-grade education level while 59.7% are considered unemployed. With a 70.2% Hispanic/ Latino population, 80% of our students are non-citizens. 

Within the same school year, WKAEN provided services to approximately 350 students. The West Kern Consortia was allocated to serve 200 students. Our student demographic is 45.3% female and 54.7% male. Students seeking services range from 18-70 years of age; however the main demographic seeking services is 18-24. The West Kern region currently has 49% of adults who have not obtained a GED.

In 2024-2025, about 18% of West Kern Adult education students were enrolled in a career technical education or workforce readiness program in order to qualify for entry level positions. Approximately 37% enrolled in the high school equivalency programs. The English as a Second Language (ELL) program had a 36% enrollment rate. Additionally, 4% of the students that are enrolled are adults with disabilities. 


Please identify the categories of needs of your region.

Not Entered
What challenges does your region face that impact the programs you have previously or are currently offering?

Not Entered
Which populations are currently being served by your programs?

Contributions by Entities*

NameRoleThree-Year Plan Contribution
Taft Union High School Administrator Participated in planning meetings
Taft community College Community college faculty Participated in planning meetings
Maricopa School District Administrator Participated in planning meetings
KCSOS Administrator Participated in planning meetings

Regional Service Providers

For each Consortium Member service provider, enter the number of Participants in each program area.

Provider NameProvider TypeNumber of Participants in Program AreaTotal Participants
ABEASEAWDCSSCTEESLPre-ApprenticeshipShort Term CTEWorkforce Reentry
*Kern Co. Office of EducationMember Representative

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0
*Maricopa UnifiedMember Representative

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0
*Taft Union HighMember Representative

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0
*West Kern Adult Education Network Joint Powers AuthorityMember Representative

125

0

64

0

8

100

0

60

0

357
*West Kern CCDMember Representative

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0
Total Participants 125 0 64 0 8 100 0 60 0 357
* Consortium Member required to input number of Participants

For each service provider added, check the box in the program areas where services are provided.

No Service Providers for this consortium.

What industries do you currently serve/plan to serve in the future?

Not Entered

The existing education and workforce services offered by WKAEN to pipeline services for the consortium is based on student enrollment through CASAS. WKAEN’s services are provided after 12 hours of instruction for ESL, ABE, ASE, and CTE. 

For students inside the classroom (ESL, ABE, ASE) are considered part-time students until they have met their 12 hours. WKAEN’s hours of instruction offer students 12 hours of instruction partnered with 12 hours of independent study (homework). Due to the nature of our CTE classes, all students are enrolled as a full-time student. CTE, short-term courses, classes operate with 40+ hours of instruction and hands-on training. 

WKAEN’s seven program areas provided include: Adult Basic and Secondary Academic, English as a Second Language (ESL), Civics/ Citizenship preparation, Career Technology Education, Adults with Disabilities, Parenting and Family Consumer Awareness, and Older Adult population. WKAEN’s adult education and workforce services supported by the consortium are used in our education and workforce training. Per our system we are able to target barriers and gaps in the West Kern region pertaining to adult students too best identify an meet all program areas. 

Metrics: CAEP Barriers & Metrics

Goals & Metrics

Metrics

Adult Ed Metrics

  • English Language Learner (149AE)
  • Long Term Unemployed (153AE)
  • Low Income (154AE)
  • Low Literacy (155AE)
  • Migrant Farmworker (156AE)
  • Single Parent (159AE)

Metrics

Adult Ed Metrics

  • Adult Basic Education (1001)
  • Career Technical Education (1003)
  • English as a Secondary Language (1002)
  • Programs for Adults With Disabilities (1004)
  • Short-Term CTE Training Programs (126AE)
  • Workforce Preparation (124AE)

Metrics

Adult Ed Metrics

  • Completed Educational Functioning Level Gain (400AE)
  • Immigration Integration Milestone (411AE)

Metrics

Adult Ed Metrics

  • Transitioned to ASE (500AE)
  • Transitioned to Non-Developmental Credit College Course (637AE)

Metrics

Adult Ed Metrics

  • Diploma, GED or High School Equivalency (633AE)

Metrics

Adult Ed Metrics

  • Employed Two Quarters After Exit (505AE)

Consortium Level Metric Targets

In this section, Consortium Level Actuals data from DataVista for the previous three years, including areas to input data for Consortium Level Targets are shown below.

The first row shows the required metric of Number of Adults Served. The following rows show metrics previously selected in the CAEP Barriers and Metrics workflow section.

Input Consortium Level Targets as whole numbers for the upcoming three years for all of the rows of metrics shown below

The 2023-24 data in DataVista will be made available in Spring 2025 and the 2024-25 data will be made available in Spring 2026.

Metric SetMetric DescriptionConsortium Level Metric Actuals Consortium Level Metric Targets
2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28
AllReportable Individuals (200AE) 454 321

350

370

400

Student BarriersEnglish Language Learner (149AE) 180 168

110

108

106

Student BarriersLow Literacy (155AE) 298 281

120

118

116

Student BarriersLow Income (154AE) 430 240

8

6

4

Student BarriersLong Term Unemployed (153AE) 34 17

6

4

2

Student BarriersMigrant Farmworker (156AE) 32 23

2

1

16

Student BarriersSingle Parent (159AE) 41 28

6

4

2

Member Level Metric Targets

In this section, Member Level Actuals data from DataVista for the previous three years, including areas to input data for member level Targets for the upcoming three years are shown below.

The first row shows the required metric of Adults Served Who Became Participants. The following rows show metrics previously selected in the CAEP Barriers and Metrics workflow section.

Input Member Level Targets as whole numbers for the upcoming three years for all of the rows of metrics shown below

The 2023-24 data in DataVista will be made available in Spring 2025 and the 2024-25 data will be made available in Spring 2026.

Kern Co. Office of Education (Reported by Kern County Superintendent of Schools)

Metric SetMetric DescriptionMember Level Metric Actuals Member Level Metric Targets
2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28
AllParticipants (202AE)

0

0

0

Employment & EarningsEmployed Two Quarters After Exit (505AE)

0

0

0

ProgressCompleted Educational Functioning Level Gain (400AE)

0

0

0

ProgressImmigration Integration Milestone (411AE)

0

0

0

SuccessDiploma, GED or High School Equivalency (633AE)

0

0

0

TransitionTransitioned to ASE (500AE)

0

0

0

TransitionTransitioned to Non-Developmental Credit College Course (637AE)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsAdult Basic Education (1001)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsEnglish as a Secondary Language (1002)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsCareer Technical Education (1003)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsPrograms for Adults With Disabilities (1004)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsWorkforce Preparation (124AE)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsShort-Term CTE Training Programs (126AE)

0

0

0

* Mandatory for all members


Maricopa Unified (Reported by Maricopa Unified School District)

Metric SetMetric DescriptionMember Level Metric Actuals Member Level Metric Targets
2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28
AllParticipants (202AE)

0

0

0

Employment & EarningsEmployed Two Quarters After Exit (505AE)

0

0

0

ProgressCompleted Educational Functioning Level Gain (400AE)

0

0

0

ProgressImmigration Integration Milestone (411AE)

0

0

0

SuccessDiploma, GED or High School Equivalency (633AE)

0

0

0

TransitionTransitioned to ASE (500AE)

0

0

0

TransitionTransitioned to Non-Developmental Credit College Course (637AE)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsAdult Basic Education (1001)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsEnglish as a Secondary Language (1002)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsCareer Technical Education (1003)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsPrograms for Adults With Disabilities (1004)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsWorkforce Preparation (124AE)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsShort-Term CTE Training Programs (126AE)

0

0

0

* Mandatory for all members


Taft Union High (Reported by Taft Union High School District)

Metric SetMetric DescriptionMember Level Metric Actuals Member Level Metric Targets
2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28
AllParticipants (202AE)

0

0

0

Employment & EarningsEmployed Two Quarters After Exit (505AE)

0

0

0

ProgressCompleted Educational Functioning Level Gain (400AE)

0

0

0

ProgressImmigration Integration Milestone (411AE)

0

0

0

SuccessDiploma, GED or High School Equivalency (633AE)

0

0

0

TransitionTransitioned to ASE (500AE)

0

0

0

TransitionTransitioned to Non-Developmental Credit College Course (637AE)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsAdult Basic Education (1001)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsEnglish as a Secondary Language (1002)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsCareer Technical Education (1003)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsPrograms for Adults With Disabilities (1004)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsWorkforce Preparation (124AE)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsShort-Term CTE Training Programs (126AE)

0

0

0

* Mandatory for all members


West Kern Adult Education Network Joint Powers Authority (No reporting institution)

Metric SetMetric DescriptionMember Level Metric Actuals Member Level Metric Targets
2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28
AllParticipants (202AE)

350

370

400

Employment & EarningsEmployed Two Quarters After Exit (505AE)

120

130

140

ProgressCompleted Educational Functioning Level Gain (400AE)

30

40

50

ProgressImmigration Integration Milestone (411AE)

16

20

25

SuccessDiploma, GED or High School Equivalency (633AE)

15

20

25

TransitionTransitioned to ASE (500AE)

30

35

40

TransitionTransitioned to Non-Developmental Credit College Course (637AE)

5

10

15

Students and ProgramsAdult Basic Education (1001)

50

55

60

Students and ProgramsEnglish as a Secondary Language (1002)

120

130

150

Students and ProgramsCareer Technical Education (1003)

60

70

80

Students and ProgramsPrograms for Adults With Disabilities (1004)

20

25

30

Students and ProgramsWorkforce Preparation (124AE)

15

20

25

Students and ProgramsShort-Term CTE Training Programs (126AE)

10

15

20

* Mandatory for all members


West Kern CCD (Reported by West Kern)

Metric SetMetric DescriptionMember Level Metric Actuals Member Level Metric Targets
2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28
AllParticipants (202AE) 284 282

0

0

0

Employment & EarningsEmployed Two Quarters After Exit (505AE) 38

0

0

0

ProgressCompleted Educational Functioning Level Gain (400AE) 31 84

0

0

0

ProgressImmigration Integration Milestone (411AE) 0 26

0

0

0

SuccessDiploma, GED or High School Equivalency (633AE) 15 10

0

0

0

TransitionTransitioned to ASE (500AE) 11

0

0

0

TransitionTransitioned to Non-Developmental Credit College Course (637AE) 18

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsAdult Basic Education (1001) 0 26

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsEnglish as a Secondary Language (1002) 86 112

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsCareer Technical Education (1003) 117 18

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsPrograms for Adults With Disabilities (1004) 15 32

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsWorkforce Preparation (124AE)

0

0

0

Students and ProgramsShort-Term CTE Training Programs (126AE)

0

0

0

* Mandatory for all members

Member Spending Targets

The Percent of Available Funds Spent in 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25, imported from NOVA, is in the first row. This is a required metric. Add 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 Targets for each member district’s Percent of Available Funds Spent.

Enter each of the Percent of Available Funds Spent as percentages for each year
Member% of Available Funds SpentMember Level Targets
2022-232023-242024-252025-262026-272027-28
West Kern Adult Education Network Joint Powers Authority 100% 100% 70%

100%

100%

100%

Objectives

Objective #1: Address Educational Needs

WKAEN has identified and responded effectively too the diverse learning needs of adult learners in the West Kern Region. In comparison to our recent WIOA II IELCE report, WKAEN will continuously restructure our CTE syllabi to reflect the IET component ensuring to align with the IELCE report guidelines and parameters. When restructuring, WKAEN will be able to align Novice, Basic, and Intermediate ESL classes to change to a co-teaching model. 

The adult education and literacy ESL courses are continuous classes throughout the program year. Workforce courses are available to students ensuring job placement and employment opportunities. We will continue to change the syllabus too reflect and integrate the IET components, focus on improving curriculum, and track student data for projected growth in our CTE classes. 

 Our three- year plan is to close so gaps in CTE and workforce through free construction, Home Care Aide, and Paraprofessional. Our engaging instructional programs integrate academic and technical preparation. This offers students career exploration, skilled preparation, and apprenticeship. The goal in the next three years is to continue and strengthen partnerships with community partners and stakeholders to best create a pathway to long-term employment. 

Objective #2: Improve Integration of Services & Transitions

Select the strategies that your consortium is using to improve 1) integration of services and 2) transitions to post-secondary education and the workforce
  1. Utilizing Data

  2. Providing Professional Development

  3. Identifying Best Practices

  4. Offering Flexible Courses and Services

Not Entered

WKAEN will implement to improve integration of services and transitions into post-secondary education and the workforce. WKAEN has hired two counselors, Spanish and English, to assess and place students into their educational pathway. WKAEN has partnered with Taft College (TC) by hiring an academic counselor to meet with those who have completed our GED and ESL programs. This provides our students with specialized one-on-one counseling for ensured post-secondary pathways. 

Once students transition into post-secondary education and the workforce, WKAEN will continuously collect data across all entities. WKAEN will continue to incorporate quarterly meetings for the CTE and ESL staff to ensure areas of improvement are communicated. For best outcomes, WKAEN will work directly with local industries and continue to align workforce and CTE courses as needed. WKAEN will continue to be at local committees and Educational Boards to support our educational growth and streamline the workforce pipeline. WKAEN will continue to have monthly data reviews, engage quarterly with fiscal reporting data from Nova, and meet with local school and subcommittees to address migrant gaps and barriers. This will create a wraparound service for adult education and student success.

Objective #3: Improve Effectiveness of Services

Select the programmatic strategies that your consortium is using to improve effectiveness of services:

Not Entered

Select the operational strategies that your consortium is using to improve effectiveness of services:

Not Entered

 WKAEN will improve effectiveness of data collection throughout WKAEN by focusing on Professional Development and the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) that aligns with our rural area. The activities and objectives previously written are to provide a high-level approach to expanding successes mimicked from the implementation of the last Three-Year Plan. WKAEN will continue to address regional needs and the community’s hardships through updated Professional Development Objectives such as:

Continued training that is focused on the needs of high-demand industry sectors and occupations.

Continued professional development in all program areas of CAEP.

Continued focus on best-practice instruction in all program areas for adult learners.

Engagement in all outcomes towards our WIOA I and WIOAII / CIP reports.

WKAEN will address needs related to staff effectiveness and improvement by integrating shifting staff, redistributing resources, continuously refining data collection, and facilitating staff and student improvement. To ensure staff support/ success, WKAEN’s administration has developed a check list:

1. Increase attendance in ABE/ASE and CTE/workforce classes.

2. Provide Professional development that focuses on Data as a whole.

3. Provide technology training to build learning experiences for students through one-on-one counseling and webinars.

4. Incorporate our Continues Improvement plan in our Marketing and messaging efforts.

5.  Increase the accuracy of student placement by increasing the efficiency of pre/post testing.

6. Increase Student learning gains by 5%.

7. Refine and improve practices of collecting & utilizing student data.

8. Expand instructional technology support from a Blended Learning Assistant (IELCE).

9. Use Pre/Post assessments to achieve a 15% increase of students with 40+ instructional hours

Activities & Outcomes

Objective #1: Address Educational Needs

Aligning Reports to Student Gaps

WKAEN will address educational needs by identifying and responding effectively to the diverse learning needs of adult learners. By identifying student barriers of language, employment, and pathways WKAEN will increase student retention and completion. This will be done by continuously restructuring our CTE syllabi to reflect the IET component ensuring to align with the IELCE report guidelines and parameters. When restructuring, WKAEN will be able to align Novice, Basic, and Intermediate ESL classes to change to a co-teaching model. All consortium members will adhere to WKAEN's alignment of academic standards and curriculum for programs across entities that provide education and workforce services to adults (Objective 2B). 

Outcomes

Use the space provided to identify the Outcomes that the activity will accomplish in the next year (Short-Term), in one to three years (Intermediate), and in three to five years (Long-Term). The brief description of each of these three types of outcomes should include one or more outcomes that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

WKAEN will focus on short term outcomes that will be achieved through systematic implementation and support. Clear data review processes with staff training, will ensure consistency and effectiveness. creating a data analyst team will allow for clear data-driven decision-making. WKAEN data analyst team will address individual learner needs and enable timely interventions. Regular data reviews will help identify trends and improve program delivery. Collaborative monthly meetings among the consortium members and partners will strengthen strategies and ensure alignment with educational and career pathways. Co-teaching with both ESL and CTE instructors inside the workforce perparation courses will meet curriculum standards and retention. The site coordinator will be meeting with all instructors to inform them of upcoming CTE courses and the updated integrated syllabus's This goal will be implemented September 2025 and will be used a strategy target for the following year. 


WKAEN will continuously adapt the integrated syllabus that meets in an effective time frame for CTE courses to be taught and installed into all ESL courses. In order to close gaps in CTE and workforce, WKAEN will align with CIP SMART goals of free construction, Home Care Aide, and Paraprofessional. Our engaging instructional programs integrate academic and technical preparation. This offers students career exploration, skilled preparation, and apprenticeship. Site coordinator will begin to meet with CTE instructors to ensure courses are incorporated bilingually to best decrease student barriers and implement a co-teaching model. The strategy target date of completion is September 2027. 

 

The goal for WKAEN's long-term outcomes will be achieved by establishing sustainable, data-informed practices that continuously support adult learner success. Collaborating with the data team and having regular data review meetings will refine strategies to address evolving student needs, while the use of TopsPro will ensure the information to be consistent with our data team. Our site coordinator will work through the program development,  data trends, and will create a framework for ongoing improvement. WKAEN's accountability meetings will be joined by WKAEN's data team for measured success, integrity, and direct accountability. This is best used to help show case to our instructors their student growth and lack there of. To achieve staff accountability, phased quarterly benchmarks will be implemented and extended as part of a foundational approach in WKAEN's yearly staff professional development. 


Adult Education Metrics and Student Barriers

  • All: Reportable Individuals (200AE)
  • Employment & Earnings: Employed Two Quarters After Exit (505AE)
  • Progress: Completed Educational Functioning Level Gain (400AE)
  • Student Barriers: Long Term Unemployed (153AE)
  • Student Barriers: Low Income (154AE)
  • Student Barriers: Low Literacy (155AE)
  • Student Barriers: Single Parent (159AE)
  • Students and Programs: Adult Basic Education (1001)
  • Students and Programs: English as a Secondary Language (1002)
  • Students and Programs: Programs for Adults With Disabilities (1004)
  • Students and Programs: Workforce Preparation (124AE)
  • Success: Diploma, GED or High School Equivalency (633AE)

Responsible Positions, Responsible Consortium Members, and Proposed Completion Date

Responsible PositionResponsible MemberProposed Completion Date
Stacey FalgoutWest Kern Adult Education Network Joint Powers Authority01/01/2026
Christian HoffmannWest Kern Adult Education Network Joint Powers Authority01/01/2027

Retention plan

WKAEN’s Retention Plan is to increase Student Educational Functional Levels (EFL) by 5% each fiscal year over the next 3 years. The focus on EFL’s will be combined with our student to instructor engagement, wrap around support system, and distant learning/ Hybrid approach. All students will continue to have access to a counselor, instructor, and a post-secondary pathway.

Outcomes

Use the space provided to identify the Outcomes that the activity will accomplish in the next year (Short-Term), in one to three years (Intermediate), and in three to five years (Long-Term). The brief description of each of these three types of outcomes should include one or more outcomes that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

WKAEN will inform all instructors and aides of the continuous accountability protocol that will be established August 11, 2025, for student success and retention. Before beginning GED classes, students will meet with an educational counselor to define what subject would best suit the student strengths, obtainable goals, and discuss pathways. After their counseling session, students meet with their instructor to affirm their educational plan and needs. For all classes, instructors are responsible to pivot curriculum, student retention, and class restructure towards student success or lack thereof. All instructors will be given a baseline data report at the start of the fiscal year and the goal to meet monthly that will be monitored in monthly meetings by site coordinator. Increased proficiency will be updated to our educational data report and discussed in accountability meetings that are held monthly. Accountability meetings will begin September 2025.

Our goal is to increase our 2025-2028 literacy for student outcomes of 48% and increase by 10 each fiscal year. To ensure student outcomes increase 10%, WKAEN will test students every 40 to 70 hours with a completion of three hours of instruction per class meeting. Each ESL, ABE, and ASE class will continue to implement instructional technology learning possibilities that will enhance our Hybrid approach to distant learning students. Once completed, students will be issued certificates for training or completion of class that will go towards our student learning outcomes. WKAEN’s site coordinator will continue to give detailed explanations of updated policies that will need to be implemented for all instructors and aides. WKAEN’s Retention Plan will be incorporated September 2025.

 

WKAEN’s goal is to continue incorporating technology for technology literacy gains and for student retention for distant learning. WKAEN’s IT personal will conduct quarterly comprehensive inventory of technology materials. The established inventory for all educational technology will be overseen by the site coordinator who will meet with instructors and bilingual staff for the implantation of technology. WKAEN will continue to purchase and update computers with the Burlington English (BE) software each fiscal year to assist students with distant learning possibilities. Each instructor and aide, new and returning, will have pilot training on the use of the software. In 3 years, WKAEN will continue to administer and build upon the curriculum to be offered in both English and Spanish. WKAEN’s site coordinator will meet with bilingual aides to ensure the curriculum on all technology devices are updates and translated.

Adult Education Metrics and Student Barriers

  • All: Reportable Individuals (200AE)
  • Progress: Completed Educational Functioning Level Gain (400AE)
  • Student Barriers: Long Term Unemployed (153AE)
  • Student Barriers: Low Income (154AE)
  • Student Barriers: Low Literacy (155AE)
  • Student Barriers: Single Parent (159AE)
  • Students and Programs: Adult Basic Education (1001)
  • Students and Programs: English as a Secondary Language (1002)
  • Students and Programs: Programs for Adults With Disabilities (1004)
  • Success: Diploma, GED or High School Equivalency (633AE)
  • Transition: Transitioned to ASE (500AE)

Responsible Positions, Responsible Consortium Members, and Proposed Completion Date

Responsible PositionResponsible MemberProposed Completion Date
Stacey FalgoutWest Kern Adult Education Network Joint Powers Authority01/01/2028
Christian HoffmannWest Kern Adult Education Network Joint Powers Authority01/01/2028

Objective #2: Improve Integration of Services & Transitions

Utilizing Data

WKAEN will include administrators, educators, data analyst, and site coordinators, to be involved in the collaboration and implementation of data-informed strategies to enhance instruction and support services. All educational staff will understand how to utilize data to ensure that programs are better aligned to student needs, leading to measurable improvements. Through rigorous data analysis, the consortium will ensure equitable access and outcomes for all students. WKAEN will continue to address the needs of underrepresented learners, including English language learners, individuals with disabilities, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. These efforts will create a more inclusive and supportive environment for adult learners.

Outcomes

Use the space provided to identify the Outcomes that the activity will accomplish in the next year (Short-Term), in one to three years (Intermediate), and in three to five years (Long-Term). The brief description of each of these three types of outcomes should include one or more outcomes that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

WKAEN will continue to utilize data for student success. Our data approach is used throughout a student’s pathway from initial registration to graduation of each program.All students that join our courses will continue to pretest as part of their registration. During registration we create a profile of the student in Topspro with their information so we can track attendance, post-testing, and outcomes. Students will attend class times until they reach 40 -70 hours and then they are called for post-testing. All student’s attendance is tracked weekly so that we contact the student as soon as they reach 40 -70 hours of instruction.Both our data analyst and instructors will inform students when to test. WKAEN has morning and afternoon testing times to accommodate all students. If a student is unable to attend the allotted times, then we do further accommodations for the student at the time of their choosing. As soon as the student has post-tested, the teachers receive the students score. 

Students that enroll into WKAEN programs are given access to either Aztec or Burlington English. These two online platforms allow WKAEN to track attendance, student outcomes, and retention in the class. It’s important for students to come to class, but if they are unable, students will receive attendance when using the online platform as if they had attended class. WKAEN’s projected Retention Plan used with our data integration for all students and instructors will increase attendance due to students not being dropped that often. The attendance on the online platforms will continue to be tracked weekly by the bilingual aides in each class. WKAEN has utilized data as a tool to increase student literacy gains. This allows distant learning students to participate while getting personalized instruction where the instructor is able to see the student and their mistakes. WKAEN plans to pilot launch the Hybrid approach for students seeking distant learning in June 2026.

WKAEN will continue to utilize CASAS etesting. Regular data meetings will be structured to refine strategies and to address evolving student needs. Etesting has helped decrease the amount of missing information, handwriting illegibility, and paper- based confusion. When students create their profile, that same ID number is used to create their online platform such as a Burlington English (BE) account. WKAEN has completely transferred to online testing allowing us to better streamline the testing process with no confusion. We are now able to easily access student information and guide them on the next steps for each student.  With online testing, it automatically tracks the student progression. All CASAS proctors will be able to post-test students to allow them to increase EFL gains and track success. These efforts will result in a consistent increase in skill attainment, retention, and program completion rates, ensuring long-term success for adult learners. 

Adult Education Metrics and Student Barriers

  • All: Reportable Individuals (200AE)
  • Employment & Earnings: Employed Two Quarters After Exit (505AE)
  • Progress: Completed Educational Functioning Level Gain (400AE)
  • Progress: Immigration Integration Milestone (411AE)
  • Student Barriers: English Language Learner (149AE)
  • Student Barriers: Long Term Unemployed (153AE)
  • Student Barriers: Low Income (154AE)
  • Student Barriers: Low Literacy (155AE)
  • Student Barriers: Migrant Farmworker (156AE)
  • Student Barriers: Single Parent (159AE)
  • Students and Programs: Adult Basic Education (1001)
  • Students and Programs: Career Technical Education (1003)
  • Students and Programs: English as a Secondary Language (1002)
  • Students and Programs: Programs for Adults With Disabilities (1004)
  • Students and Programs: Short-Term CTE Training Programs (126AE)
  • Students and Programs: Workforce Preparation (124AE)
  • Success: Diploma, GED or High School Equivalency (633AE)
  • Transition: Transitioned to ASE (500AE)
  • Transition: Transitioned to Non-Developmental Credit College Course (637AE)

Responsible Positions, Responsible Consortium Members, and Proposed Completion Date

Responsible PositionResponsible MemberProposed Completion Date
Stacey FalgoutWest Kern Adult Education Network Joint Powers Authority01/01/2026
Christian HoffmannWest Kern Adult Education Network Joint Powers Authority01/01/2026

Objective #3: Improve Effectiveness of Services

Integrated Education and Training (IET) Programs

WKAEN has implemented co-teaching models that combine Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL), and workforce training in sectors such as healthcare, construction, and Paraprofessional. To address educational needs by expanding course options and curriculum, particularly around Career and Technical Education (CTE), WKAEN will expand our available CTE courses. WKAEN's goal for IET programs is to enroll 15 students per fiscal year into the workforce using a co-teaching model with a 70% completion rate.

Outcomes

Use the space provided to identify the Outcomes that the activity will accomplish in the next year (Short-Term), in one to three years (Intermediate), and in three to five years (Long-Term). The brief description of each of these three types of outcomes should include one or more outcomes that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

WKAEN will improve workforce outcomes with local industries that recognize WKAEN certificates. To increase our student enrollment in IET, WKAEN’s Director and WIOA coordinator will attend community meetings with local industries to ensure all curriculum aligns with their needs securing job placement for students. WKAEN will continue to provide a counselor from Taft College (TC) for post- secondary education and CTE. WKAEN will administer two types of student follow-ups. The Completer and Employment & Earning (E&E) surveys are sent two quarters after exit. For the E &E, the survey is sent out whether the student completed the class/ program or not. The follow-up completers, those who completed the class, every 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after exit. WKAEN surveys are already in effect, any need for restructuring will be completed September 2025.

To increase numbers in 2028, WKAEN will support student transitions to post-secondary education and employment by providing employment and educational pathways within the West Kern region. WKAEN will continue to improve workforce outcomes through industry-recognized credentials. With a 70% completion rate, WKAEN will strive for another 10% before the three -year fiscal year mark, July 2028.


In 3 years, WKAEN’s increase in the number of students completing IET programs, will build a competitive alumnus to allow other students to seek knowledge, employment, and aide in transition. WKAEN’s CTE instructors will be trained to support students' transition to the workforce securing employment in their field of study. Instructors will attend workshops and training, per The State Leadership Project (SLP), to assist in curriculum development, EFL’s, and student outcomes. By 2030, WKAEN will be secured to serve all the West Kern Region.

Adult Education Metrics and Student Barriers

  • Progress: Completed Educational Functioning Level Gain (400AE)
  • Progress: Immigration Integration Milestone (411AE)
  • Student Barriers: English Language Learner (149AE)
  • Student Barriers: Long Term Unemployed (153AE)
  • Student Barriers: Low Income (154AE)
  • Student Barriers: Low Literacy (155AE)
  • Student Barriers: Migrant Farmworker (156AE)
  • Student Barriers: Single Parent (159AE)
  • Students and Programs: Adult Basic Education (1001)
  • Students and Programs: Career Technical Education (1003)
  • Students and Programs: English as a Secondary Language (1002)
  • Students and Programs: Workforce Preparation (124AE)
  • Success: Diploma, GED or High School Equivalency (633AE)
  • Transition: Transitioned to ASE (500AE)

Responsible Positions, Responsible Consortium Members, and Proposed Completion Date

Responsible PositionResponsible MemberProposed Completion Date
Stacey FalgoutWest Kern Adult Education Network Joint Powers Authority01/01/2028
Christian HoffmannWest Kern Adult Education Network Joint Powers Authority01/01/2028

Funds Evaluation

Member Allocations and Expenditures

Member AgencyPrior Year Total Leveraged FundsProgram Reporting Status
Kern Co. Office of Education $0Certified
Maricopa Unified $0Certified
Taft Union High $0Certified
West Kern Adult Education Network Joint Powers Authority $267,495Certified
West Kern CCD $0Certified
Totals$267,495 5/5 Certified

The WKAEN Board meets regularly to discuss the allocation of funds. All allocations of the WKAEN funding goes directly to WKAEN. WKAEN will be incorporating Healthcare Career and Construction pathways in ESL for students and expanding career pathways in this quickly growing industries sector 

Certification

Kern Co. Office of Education - Member Representative

Approved by John Mendiburu

06/20/2025 10:31 AM PDT

Maricopa Unified - Member Representative

Approved by Michael Coleman

06/21/2025 12:47 PM PDT

Taft Union High - Member Representative

Approved by Jason Hodgson

06/20/2025 02:49 PM PDT

West Kern Adult Education Network Joint Powers Authority - Member Representative

Approved by Stacey Falgout

06/20/2025 10:17 AM PDT

West Kern CCD - Member Representative

Approved by Nicholas Valsamides

06/24/2025 05:13 PM PDT