[NLA] Significant Victory for Adult Education

[Garrett Murphy]

Because of the size and complexity of reconciling the House and Senate
versions of the re-authorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
the conferees are releasing agreements on the legislation sequentially - as
these agreements are reached - rather than all at once.  Yesterday's
conference meeting yielded agreements on several sections affecting adult
education.  Christy Gullion of NIFL and I have agreed to analyze different
sections and post our findings on the NLA bulletin board.

I have just completed an analysis of the 21st Century Community Learning
Centers agreements.  The House version of  the new ESEA allowed such Centers
to serve only school aged children.  The Senate version allowed services to
families of enrolled children.  I am happy to report that the House receded
to the Senate on this issue. Services to adult family members will be an
allowable activity.  The Purpose section includes, "(3) offer families of
students enrolled in community learning centers opportunites for literacy
and related educational development."
This same phrase also appears in the definition of a Community Learning
Center.

   There has been no decision yet about a funding level for this program.
Funds flow to state education agencies that in turn flow monies to applicant
LEAs, community based organizations, other public or private entities, or
consortia thereof.


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