National Coalition for Literacy

Update: January 2011: The National Coalition is updating its WIA Reauthorization Priorities for 2011. Check back here and on the main website in early February for updates.

During July 19 – August 5, 2010, guest bloggers from the National Coalition for Literacy have shared their thoughts with you as to why each of the NCL WIA Reauthorization priorities are important. Many readers have posted timely, relevant, and thought provoking comments in response. But are all of your priorities for WIA reauthorization on the Coalition’s list?

For easy reference, here are links to all articles on the Coalition’s WIA Reauthorization Priorities (You can also find these by clicking on Reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act in the Categories box on the right.)

Tell us, what are YOUR priorities for WIA reauthorization? Why are they important to you?

Are they listed below? If not, should they be added, and why?

Please post your responses in the Comment box below—we look forward to hearing from you.

NCL WIA Reauthorization Priority (In no particular order):

• Authorize Annual Appropriations for Adult Ed of $1 Billion or More Art Ellison discusses the need for adult literacy advocacy and the single challenge we face in advocating for funding: “As President Jed Bartlett said “those who show up make the decisions.” We need many more people showing up in order to get us to a $1 billion federal appropriation.”
• Amend State Grant Formula to Include ELLs with HS Diploma or Equivalent John Segota discusses the significance of 11+ million adult English learners being left out of the funding formula that determines federal funding for states. These learners have a HS diploma or equivalent, but are not included in the calculations.
• Fund and Improve the Use of Technology for Teaching and Learning Heidi Silver-Pacuilla will discuss the critical need to improve the use of technology for teaching and learning.
• Align Title I and II Amy Ellen Duke-Benfield discusses why we need to do better at aligning Title I/II for adult learners.
• Strengthen Direct and Equitable Provisions of the Law Jeff Carter discusses issues pertaining to direct and equitable access to federal funds for providing adult education services. Share your experiences and explore recommendations for strengthening these provisions.
• Increase State Leadership from 12.5% to a Minimum of 15% Andy Nash discusses why state leadership should change from a ceiling of 12.5% to a floor of 15%.
• Fund a Review of, and Update, the National Reporting System Peggy McGuire shares why NRS reform is important to move forward regardless of whether we see WIA reauthorization this year.
• Authorize and Codify EL/Civics John Segota discusses why it is important to put legislative backing behind the EL/Civics program, and what could happen if we don’t.
• Eliminate the Current Incentive Grant Program/Allow Funds to be Added to Formula Grants for States Art Ellison explains how adult education programs often do not benefit from the way the incentive grant program is currently structured and how we could benefit ($10M/year) if this were changed.
• Establish Independent National Center for Adult Education, Literacy, and Workforce Skills Nickie Askov explains how this independent Center would fill a research void in our field, as well as addressing other important priorities.
• Fund Research and Development Projects Jackie Taylor underscores the importance of research for adult education and invites input on how we should continue to advance this priority.
• Fund Programs of Sufficient Intensity and Duration for participants to achieve substantial learning gains, recognizing that programs providing individual instruction may provide fewer hours than programs employing group instruction. Jeff Carter discusses why intensity and duration differs for programs providing individual versus group instruction and should thus be recognized in legislation as fundable.
• Create a Separate Funding Stream in Title I for Operating One-Stops Art Ellison discusses why it is important to not use adult education funding to pay for the administration of one-stops.
• Use Consistent Definitions of Adult Ed and Allowable Activities in Title I/II Jackie Taylor explains how misalignment of definitions can impact who can access services, who can provide them, and what activities may result, both within WIA and across legislation.