Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Program

Vermont remains committed to providing students equitable access to and participation in educational programs in accordance with state and federal civil rights protections, including section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA). Section 427 of GEPA aligns with Vermont Agency of Education’s (AOE) commitment to ensure all students are provided a high-quality education.

AOE will ensure to the fullest extent possible equitable access to, participation in, and appropriate educational opportunities for all teachers and students with special needs. The AOE does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, national origin, color, disability, age or any other status or classification protected by federal, state or law in its education and outreach activities. It provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations in response to the needs of its students and teachers.

In Vermont, all entities that carry out Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) activities must also comply with 9 V.S.A. § 4502 (2017), Public Accommodations, which provides the following purpose; “(a) An owner or operator of a place of public accommodation or an agent or employee of such owner or operator shall not, because of the race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity of any person, refuse, withhold from, or deny to that person any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, and privileges of the place of public accommodation.”

Under 9 V.S.A § 4501(1), any “establishment, or other facility at which services, facilities, goods, privileges, advantages, benefits, or accommodations are offered to the general public” is defined as a place of public accommodation.

The AOE will identify whether barriers may prevent students, teachers, etc. from such access or participation in, federally-funded projects or activities and will take the necessary steps to overcome barriers to equitable access to all federally-funded programs. Such steps will include, but are not limited to:

1. Ensuring AEL provider compliance with section 427 of the GEPA for all federally funded programs and with state regulations regarding equity for both teachers and students. Example: As a part of desk monitoring, the AOE will review disaggregated data to identify potential areas of concern or limited student access to program activities.

2. Ensuring AEL educational materials are accessible to individuals with disabilities and English learners (including translating material, when appropriate). Example: The AOE requires that students are co-enrolled with core partners as appropriate, including Vocational Rehabilitation, which provides access to Assistive Technology.

3. Providing professional development and technical assistance to ensure AEL students have equitable access to assessments and program services to address those needs from traditionally underrepresented populations including students with disabilities, English learners, and economically disadvantaged students. Example: Technical assistance is provided to AEL providers regarding access to consultation and services that best serve students experiencing multiple barriers to their education and to employment. Example: The AOE, per its assessment policy, requires that AEL providers assist students to apply for and access accommodations when taking assessments, as appropriate.

In accordance with section 427 of the GEPA, AOE will continue to ensure compliance with these regulations as it pertains to all locally developed educational programs, including those under WIOA, Title II.