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Plan: Colorado PYs 2016-2017
Combined Plan C

Section: WIOA State Plan Common Elements

Narrative: III. b. 9.

Published
Located in:
  • III. Operational Planning Elements
    The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that support the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II.(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
    • b. State Operating Systems and Policies
      The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the State operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the State strategy described in Section II Strategic Elements . This includes—

III. b. 9. Addressing the Accessibility of the One-stop Delivery System for English Language Learners

Describe how the one-stop delivery system (including one-stop center operators and the one-stop delivery system partners) will ensure that each one-stop center is able to meet the needs of English language learners, such as through established procedures, staff training, resources, and other materials.

Current Narrative:

Colorado is committed to ensuring that local areas take reasonable steps to provide “meaningful access” to their workforce programs and services by English Language Learners. The Colorado Workforce Speaks Taskforce was established in February 2005 in response to Executive Order 13166, “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency,” and to make federally assisted workforce development programs and activities more accessible to individuals who are limited in their ability to use the English language.

Colorado Workforce Speaks! is a statewide task force working toward Colorado’s economic vitality by enhancing employment and career development opportunities for English language learners through collaboration with businesses, educational institutions, community/faith–based organizations, and Colorado’s Workforce Development System. Local workforce area representatives participate on this taskforce to provide input on the State’s directives and projects related to serving English language learners (ELLs).

Colorado has established policy on language assistance in State Policy Guidance Letter 10–18–L, which includes the state’s language assistance plan. Local areas are required to submit a Language Assistance Plan (LAP) or updated plan to the State biannually by June 1 of each year. The purpose of the Language Assistance Plan is to establish the need for language assistance services and to outline the process for responding to that need. The outcome of implementing a Language Assistance Plan is that language barriers have been removed enough to allow meaningful access to workforce programs by ELL customers.