U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Located in:

d. Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Program

Describe how the eligible agency will, using the considerations specified in section 231(e) of WIOA and in accordance with 34 CFR 463 subpart C, fund eligible providers to establish or operate Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) programs under section 243 of WIOA.  Describe how adult English language learners, including professionals with degrees and credentials in their native countries, are served in IELCE programs.

Describe how the Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education program under section 243(a) of WIOA will be offered in combination with integrated education and training activities found in 34 CFR section 463.36.

Describe how the Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education program under section 243(a) of WIOA will include instruction in literacy and English language acquisition and instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and civic participation.

Describe how the Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education program under section 243(a) of WIOA will be designed to prepare adults who are English language learners for, and place such adults in, unsubsidized employment in in-demand industries and occupations that lead to economic self-sufficiency.

Describe how the Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education program under section 243(a) of WIOA will be designed to integrate with the local workforce development system and its functions to carry out the activities of the program.
 

Current Narrative:

West Virginia Adult Education will consider whether an eligible provider has demonstrated the need for these types of services through its use of data sources that may include tables from the U.S. Census Bureau, reports from the Office of Immigration Services, and documentation of prior participation in these types of services, or other data. West Virginia Adult Education will award grants for a multi-year period with yearly grant contracts. Renewal of the grant for the continuation years will be based on evidence of success and subject to the availability of funds.

Programs applying for IELCE funds under Section 243, in accordance with 34 CFR part 463, Subpart C will be required to provide IELCE instruction that includes integrated education and training activities. Applicants will be required to provide extensive data to demonstrate the need and potential for success of IELCE activities in conjunction with integrated education and training in the proposed service area. Such data will include, but not be limited to, immigration trends, demographics of the English language learners in the area where the program will be provided, and employment and labor market statistics for the area. In addition, applicants will be asked to provide evidence that they have developed or will be able to develop in a timely fashion, partnerships that support the purpose of the program. Applicants will be required to provide assurances that the occupational training included as part of the program will be provided by qualified providers. Funding under this title will be awarded based upon the criteria for evaluation of program applications contained in Section 231(e) of WIOA.

Federal adult education legislation does not specify the need to prove legal status of ELLs as a condition for enrollment in adult education classes.  Students (with F-1 Visas) enrolled in universities or private English language institutes may not simultaneously enroll in publicly funded adult education programs.  Spouses and family members of these foreign students may be served because they are assigned a different visa classification.  English language learners  who have completed post-secondary education in another country but who lack English language skills may enroll in WVAdultEd programs, if they do not have an F-1 Visa.

Adult Education receives the minimum ($60,000) allotment of section 243 funds to prepare English language learners for unsubsidized employment in in-demand industries and occupations that lead to economic self-sufficiency.  Programs partner with local businesses to develop workplace activities and lessons to enhance specific related job skills.

Workplace literacy provides individuals the ability to read, write, and speak at levels proficient to function on the job, within the family, and in society.  Programs focus on enhancing occupational language skills, along with workplace preparation training.  Participants receive additional support beyond the curriculum, including assistance with resume building, career assessments, and job search assistance.

Educational services will be provided for English Language Learners, including professionals with degrees and credentials in their native countries, that enables them to achieve competency in the English language and acquire the basic and more advanced skills needed to function effectively as parents, workers, and citizens in the United States.  Academic program activities include adult basic education, workplace adult education and literacy activities, family literacy activities, integrated education and training, and career pathways.

Programs are designed to include instruction and lessons on citizenship and civic participation.  It is important for immigrants and refugees to understand the rights, responsibilities, and legal requirements of the national, state, and local government.  Civic involvement can include voting, political activism, volunteering, community engagement and democratic processes.

Applicants will be required to provide data to demonstrate the need and potential for success of IELCE activities in conjunction with integrated education and training in the proposed service area. Such data will include, but not be limited to, immigration trends, demographics of the English language learners in the area where the program will be provided, and employment and labor market statistics for the area. In addition, applicants will be asked to provide evidence that they have developed or will be able to develop in a timely fashion, partnerships that support the purpose of the program. Applicants will be required to provide assurances that the occupational training included as part of the program will be provided by qualified providers

Programs will use regional labor market information showing in-demand industries and occupations from which employer partnership are established. In cooperation with the employer, a specific educational pathway will be determined. Elements that may be included: workplace employability skills, contextualized English workplace vocabulary, and industry-recognized stackable credentials.

Programs will work with local workforce development boards to provide training on online job search skills and resume writing. Workforce provides weekly on-the-job training opportunities and individuals are referred whom may be qualified for these positions. Regional labor market results are used to develop integrated training opportunities.