NLA Discussion: WIA and NAEFLA

[murphy at naepdc.org]

David, there was no requirement in predecessor legislation for hiring
certified teachers.  Aside from the requirement that there be direct and
equitable access for all eligible applicants, the previous law read, "In
determining which programs whall receive assistance under this paragraph,
the State shall consider--
	(A) the past effectiveness of applicants in providing service 
            (especially with respect to recruitment and retention of
            educationally disadvantaged adults and the learning gains
            demonstrated by such adults);
	(B) the degree to which the applicant will coordinate and utilize other
            literacy and social services available in the community; and
	(C) the commitment of the applicant to serve individuals in the
            community that are most in need of literacy services. 
(Sec. 322 of the Adult Education Act as amended by the National Literacy Act)

-----Garrett


	



At 10:58 PM 8/22/99 -0400, you wrote:
>
>NLA Colleagues,
>
>Since the focus of this electronic list is adult literacy public policy
>I think we might discuss the major piece of federal legislation which
>affects our field's activities.  This is the Workforce Investment Act of
>1998, Title II, Adult Education and Literacy, also known as the National
>Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (NAEFLA).  This act replaces the
>Adult Education Act of 1967.  This is timely because in various parts of
>the country there are now hearings being held on the Workforce
>Investment Act.  Go to  http://www.usworkforce.org/whatsnew/
>And click on August WIA Town Hall Meetings for a schedule of times and
>places.
>
>An on-line PDF document which compares the former Adult Education Act
>with the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (NAEFLA) can be found
>at  http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/AdultEd/InfoBoard/legis.html
>
>A Guide to The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, published by the
>National Association of Private Industry Councils is also a helpful
>review of the WIA and the NAEFLA.
>
>I would like to start the discussion by asking:
>
>What's different in NAEFLA that makes a difference to you?
>As an administrator or other staff member at the national, state or
>local level, as a teacher, as an adult learner, or whatever your role,
>what do you see as important changes that affect your work?  What
>changes should others in our field pay attention to?  Point out what's
>new or different, and  also what's not there, what's missing, if that is
>important.
>
>I would also like to suggest that you pose questions about the NAEFLA.  We
>might or might not have answers, but we could discuss them here.
>
>To begin the discussion, my observations:
>
>1) One of the big changes is the significant mention family literacy
>throughout the NAEFLA.  This is an important addition not only because
>family literacy is an important area to support but because its inclusion
>helps to balance in public policy a national tendency to focus only on 
>the economic or workforce benefits of literacy education.
>
>2) While state maintenance of effort continues to be required
>-- states must continue to support adult education with the same or
>increasing  levels of state funds -- the penalty for failing to do so is
>more realistic, a reduction of federal funds in proportion with the
>state funds that are reduced.
>
>3)  There is no longer a 20% cap on how much states can award eligible
>providers for adult secondary education (GED).  I wonder if that could
>be a problem, that with pressure for more accountability some states will
>shift funds from the hardest-to-serve.
>
>And I have a question.  I did not see any requirement in the NAEFLA for
>local eligible providers to hire certified teachers.  Does this mean
>that this is no longer a federal requirement, but rather is left to the
>states?
>
>Let us see your observations, questions and comments on the NAEFLA or
>other parts of the Workforce Investment Act which may affect adult
>literacy education. Send them to the list for everyone to see and discuss.
>
>David J. Rosen
>NLA List Moderator
><DJRosen at world.std.com>
>
>
>
>
>