I-BEST offered occupational training courses in a variety of areas, including allied health, welding, and clerical fields. I-BEST integrated basic skills and occupational training through the use of a team teaching model whereby a basic skills and occupational instructor team taught (for at least 50 percent of class time) an occupational training course. In the version of I-BEST evaluated in the Pathways for Advancing Careers and Education (PACE) study, participants could access financial supports for tuition and supportive services, as well as a dedicated advisor who provided academic supports and career planning. Most I-BEST programs evaluated in the PACE study lasted for one to two academic quarters. The population served by this intervention consisted of individuals with low basic skills, limited English proficiency, or both. I-BEST is a model of basic skills and occupational training team teaching used throughout Washington State. This intervention page describes a specific version of the I-BEST model evaluated in the PACE study. The PACE study the I-BEST programs at three colleges in Washington State: Bellingham Technical College (BTC), Whatcom Community College (WCC), and Everett Community College (EvCC). As of 2020, colleges in Washington continue to offer I-BEST programs in a wide range of occupations and academic programs.
I-BEST helped workers with low skills develop basic skills and receive occupational credentials.
I-BEST helps people without a high school diploma or GED develop basic skills and receive occupational credentials.
In March 2020, all I-BEST sites transitioned to online instruction for both basic education and occupational training.