LAC Data Services 

​ASISTS: Adult Student Information System and Technical Support

The LAC developed and maintains ASISTS®, an online system which collects and analyzes data on over 80,000 adult literacy students in NY State each year. 

ASISTS® is the backbone of the accountability system employed by the NY State Education Department (NYSED) to evaluate and fund literacy programs. It is a powerful online tool through which adult education programs can manage their own programs and report their achievements to stakeholders, both public and private. Policymakers, researchers, and advocates also use ASISTS as the official source for data on the adult education system in New York State. 

ASISTS® is currently used by over 130 adult literacy providers statewide. It captures adult education student Information and class activity (demographic information, individual student goals, enrollment information, assessment results, contact hours, and outcomes). Based on these data, ASISTS® creates comprehensive reports for effective program management and improvement, and for NYSED submission to the federal department of education. 

The ASISTS® Team provides professional development and technical support for data entry and troubleshooting, and policy application. Our team has nearly 100 years of combined experience with New York City, State, and Federal adult education policy and ensures that ASISTS is compliant with the National Reporting System (NRS) and New York State Education Department (NYSED) standards.   Click here for the ASISTS website. 

​NYC RISE: New York City Results and Impact of Student Education

In FY25, the LAC created NYC RISE, a data collection system funded by the New York City Council to track outcomes and impacts on students and programs funded through the City Council’s Adult Literacy Forward initiative. Unlike many data systems that focus on quantitative data and accountability, NYC RISE allows providers to demonstrate the remarkable accomplishments of their programs and the students they serve in both qualitative and quantitative terms – in areas including educational development, digital literacy, culturally responsive education, support services, immigrant rights, employment preparation, civic participation, and more.  

NYC RISE supports the detailed analysis of student performance and achievements, allowing both providers and policy makers to understand the impact of different types of investments.  The inclusion of geographical markers such as city council districts allows city council members to understand the impact of Adult Literacy Forward investments on their constituents.  Providers are also able to upload stories of their students’ achievements, including pictures, videos, and audio recordings, so that the real life impact of the work of adult literacy providers can be understood more vividly.  Click here for the NYC RISE website.  

Custom Data Services

The LAC offers an array of data services for program managers, policymakers, funders, researchers, and advocates, including:
  • Integration of different data tracking systems that programs and funders use.
  • Designing new data collection and data tracking systems.
  • Professional development on collecting, managing, reporting and analyzing data.
  • Technical assistance on accessing and using data to inform decision-making.

For more information about LAC Data Services, please contact Venu Thelakkat at [email protected] or  212-803-3370. ​

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