[NLA] URGENT ACTION: WIA Reauthorization in House

[Hal Beder]

There is another "potential" reason to be concerned with what is happening 
with WIA reauthorization.   The administration is proposing to eliminate 
the Perkins program because according to the OMB, it has not proved its 
effectiveness.   see:   http://www.aafcs.org/public/ppi_Feb2003.html  This 
is what the OMB said about adult education in the same report that 
recommended eliminating Perkins:

Education for Adults

      The Department awards grants to states to help adults become 
literate, obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent, and learn skills 
necessary for work or self sufficiency.  While this program has
   demonstrated positive results for some adult students in terms of 
reading gains and job placements, most students being served by these 
programs are not seeing measurable benefits.  Therefore, the budget
   proposes significant reforms to the Adult Education programs designed to 
improve their performance and increase accountability for results.  Federal 
resources will be targeted to educational approaches that
   have proven effective in increasing reading and math skills. New 
accountability provisions will ensure that grantee funds are contingent on 
achieving real and measurable outcomes, such as the number of
   participants who obtain high school degrees or find a job.  (For further 
discussion see the Performance and Management Assessments volume.  (For 
more on the OMB assessments see: 
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2004/education.html )

If Perkins, which is a much larger program than adult education, can go, it 
is not inconceivable that we could go.  If we do not make a strong showing 
on the current issues, thus making it clear that we care and have some 
clout, we might not be taken seriously if and when a far greater threat emerges.


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