Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Activities

The State policy for WIOA Eligibility (PGL WIOA-2015-05) contains the following definition for basic skills deficient:

BASIC SKILLS DEFICIENT) - is an individual—

A. Who is a youth, who has English reading, writing, or computing skills at or below the 8th grade level - no higher than 8.9 on a generally accepted standardized test; or

B. Who is a youth or adult, who is unable to compute or solve problems,

or read, write, or speak English, at a level necessary to function on the job, in the individual’s family, or in society. This may also include lack of computer literacy.

Note on Standardized Tests: When using formal assessment tests to determine basic skills deficient, local programs must use assessment instruments that are valid and appropriate for the target population, and must provide reasonable accommodation in the assessment process, if necessary, for individuals with disabilities. In addition, if a standardized test is used to assess basic skills, the test should include reading, writing, or computing skills. Lacking soft skills or specific skills needed for a particular job may not be used to assess otherwise high-functioning individuals as basic skills deficient. As a result, tests such as Prove-It are generally not appropriate for determining basic skills deficient or computer literacy as they are focused on occupational skills rather than basic skills.

Acceptable Documentation for Basic Skills Deficient:

___Standardized assessment test

___School records

___Case manager observation and case notes

___Adult Basic Education program referral or records

___Other__________________