Site Visits

Definition of a Site Visit

A visit to a program made by the program's designated program specialist (PS) assigned to support and provide oversight to the program as a condition of funding.

General Purpose of a Site Visit

• To provide programs with technical assistance (TA) guided by the ACLS Indicators of Program Quality; and
• To provide ACLS with a deeper understanding of programs in order to identify promising practices and areas needing development, as well as to check for compliance.

Specific Purpose a Site Visit

The specific purpose of a site visit is determined by the program specialist and program director in a collaborative effort. Topics of focus relate to one or more Indicators of Program Quality and are arrived at by looking at data from a number of sources, which may include, but are not limited to:

• Previous fiscal year's site visit or program quality review report
• Previous fiscal year's Measurable Skill Gains report
• Current fiscal year's desk reviews
• Program's Corrective Action Plan (if applicable)
• Program's Class Plan and Budget Workbook

Components of a Typical Site Visit

A typical site visit includes the following components:

• A conversation with program leaders and other key staff
• Classroom observations
• A conversation with adult learners
• A written report following the visit highlighting promising practices, areas for growth, and recommendations/resources for continuous improvement

The Right Mindset for a Site Visit

Program specialists conduct each site visit with a partnership mindset and apply an inquiry-based approach to their conversations with program staff and adult learners.

Last Updated: November 23, 2021