Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Program

In accordance with Section 231 under Title II Adult Education and Literacy Act of WIOA, the DCAE awards multi-year grants to eligible providers of adult education services through a continuation process for 2016-2017 and a competitive process for 2017-2018 in early spring of 2017. This includes awarded grant projects funded under Section 225 - Corrections and Other Institutionalized. Family literacy programs are optional. 13 considerations are incorporated into the state’s RFPs to ensure the state complies with each element. Applicants are evaluated on their ability to meet literacy needs of the area, their ability to comply with WIOA expectations, past performance of the entity in providing literacy instruction and meeting programmatic goals. Decisions about course offerings are made depending on local need.

DCAE identifies, assesses and awards multi-year grants to eligible providers who are organizations that demonstrate effectiveness in providing adult education activities including a/an:

• Local education agency;
• Community-based or faith-based organization;
• Volunteer literacy organization;
• Institution of higher education;
• Public or private nonprofit agency;
• Library; a public housing authority;
• Nonprofit institution with the ability to provide adult education and literacy services;
• Consortium or coalition of agencies, organizations, institutions, libraries, or authorities described above; and
• Partnerships between an employer and an entity described above.

Adult General Education Programs and Courses

Standards for each course are reviewed annually, updated and submitted to the State Board of Education for approval. If major modifications are required, these recommendations are outlined in the change document and posted on the FDOE website notifying stakeholders of changes to standards or courses.

Each course lists content standards used by local programs for a program’s curriculum development process. Standards provide guidance for new instructors with limited training in teaching adults enrolled in adult basic classes. The standards inform what should be taught in the classroom. To assist with the implementation of these standards, professional development is provided through local face-to-face workshops and webinars. The curriculum frameworks are available at http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/adult-edu/2017-2018-adult-edu-curriculum-framewo.stml

Figure 8.01 - Adult General Education Programs and Courses

Adult Basic Education (language arts, mathematics and reading) Program

Courses in this program are designed for students to obtain a level of educational instruction intended to improve the employability of the state’s workforce through instruction in mathematics, reading, language and workforce preparation skills at grade level equivalency of 0-8.9. These courses are based on the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education.

Adult High School Program

This program is designed for students to receive high school credit in one or more courses leading to a standard high school diploma. Students obtain credits upon completion of courses and passing state mandated assessments necessary to qualify for a high school diploma. Except as provided elsewhere in law (section 1003.4282, (7)(b)(1-3), Florida Statute), graduation requirements for adults are the same as those for secondary students.

GED® Preparation Program

This program prepares adults to successfully complete the four subject area tests leading to qualification for a State of Florida High School Diploma. Four courses included are: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science and Social Studies. These courses are aligned with the College and Career Readiness Standards. Florida approved the GED® as the only high school equivalency test.

GED® Integrated Course

This comprehensive course includes the four courses: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science and Social Studies. This course was developed for students with simultaneous enrollment in the GED® Preparation program and a career and technical certificate program.

ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL) PROGRAM

Adult ESOL Course

The adult ESOL course is designed to improve employability of adults seeking to enter the state’s workforce by acquiring communication skills and cultural competencies that enhance their ability to read, write, speak and listen in English. College and career readiness standards are included in the ESOL advanced level 6.

English Literacy for Career and Technical Education (ELCATE) Course

This course is designed for ESOL students who have a goal of enrolling in a career and technical program. Students must test at or above the High- Intermediate level for enrollment into or placement in ELCATE. The course helps prepare students for a successful transition to and completion of career and technical education.

THESE ADULT EDUCATION COURSES ARE NOT SUPPORTED WITH FEDERAL FUNDS AND ARE NOT REPORTED FOR NATIONAL REPORTING SYSTEM (NRS) PURPOSES

Citizenship Course

This course is designed to prepare students to become naturalized citizens of the United States (U.S.). For adults preparing for the citizenship test, the content includes U.S. history, government, culture and symbols, with specific emphasis on legal rights and responsibilities under the Constitution of the United States of America.

Adult ESOL College and Career Readiness Course

The purpose of this course is to improve advanced ESOL students’ abilities to communicate in English, allowing them to acquire secondary level English language skills. College and career readiness standards are integrated into this course with the intention of successful transition to and completion of postsecondary education.

Adult ESOL Literacy Skills Course

The purpose of this course is to provide English language and literacy instruction for English language learning adults whose first language is not English and who are non-literate or semi-literate in their home language, enhancing their ability to communicate in English.

Adult General Education for Adults with Disabilities Course

This course is designed to provide specialized adult general education for adults with learning disabilities. Adults requiring intensive, ongoing support in their pursuit of educational instruction, literacy, workplace and life skills can participate in literacy activities to accomplish desired personal goals for employment or further education.

Applied Academics for Adult Education Course

This course is designed for students who tested at the equivalent of 9th grade and above but lack the required level of basic skills for completion of the CTE program in which they are enrolled. Students may or may not have earned a high school diploma. These courses are updated annually to align with the secondary (9-12) college and career readiness standards.

Workforce Preparation Activities

Standards for career planning and exploration and technology (digital literacy) are included in the adult education curriculum frameworks. In coordination with advisory groups for ABE, ESOL and ASE programs, additional standards in employability skills are integrated into the adult education courses. Standards are based on the United States Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education’s Framework for Employability Skills and additional resources. Webinars provide information on strategies to integrate employability skills into the classroom. All updated courses are submitted annually to the State Board of Education for approval. ABE, ESOL (advanced level 6) and GED® preparation courses are aligned with college and career readiness standards (CCRS). The learning objectives of the CCRS represent an application of skills including critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills that prepare students for success in career and postsecondary education.

Integrated Education and Training (IET)

The state pilots and refines the integrated education and training model for Florida’s Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (FICAPS) which is based on the Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) model from the state of Washington. The initial pilot year included eight programs with a cohort of students simultaneously enrolled in the GED® Preparation program (GED®-i course) and a career and technical certificate program. Students learned about career ladders and earning stackable credentials. This provides options for accelerated learning to adults motivated to move ahead quickly. The goal is to increase the number of students who earn their high school diploma or equivalent and earn entry level industry recognized certification/credentials. Statewide implementation of the FICAPS occurred in phases as additional programs began their planning and design activities. Support was provided during the planning and implementation grants as funds became available.

The Division of Career and Adult Education (DCAE) promotes the development of contextualized instruction with a specific career pathway focus, career development and transition services integrated into lower levels of ABE and ESOL. This content provides adults with knowledge and skills needed to enroll in and be successful in postsecondary education. After students achieve educational functioning levels in ABE and ESOL, those without a high school diploma may simultaneously enroll in the GED® Preparation program (GED-i course) and a career and technical certificate program. Training is provided to support the development and implementation of contextualized instruction with a career focus, career exploration and planning and transition services.

Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education

Civics standards are integrated in the ESOL curriculum frameworks. Workshops on integrating civics activities in the ESOL program are conducted annually. Webinars on civics activities and integration strategies are available and archived on the Institute for Professional Development for Adult Educators (IPDAE) website at http://www.floridaipdae.org. The adult ESOL courses are contextualized to support transition to ABE or GED® Preparation and to postsecondary education and employment. Professional development is provided on developing and delivering contextualized curriculum.

Special Rule

A Request for Application (RFA) and Request for Proposal (RFP) specify that no funds are to be used for activities supporting individuals under 16 years of age who are enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school except that the agency may use funds for programs, services, or activities related to family literacy activities. If family literacy activities are provided, the eligible provider shall attempt to coordinate with other agencies that provide programs and services not included in Title II funds. This should occur prior to using funds for adult education and literacy activities other than activities for eligible individuals.