Narrative: e. 2.

LCTCS will use a strategic approach to designate State Leadership funds to develop and enhance the adult-education system of the state. Funds made available under adult education and literacy activities, AEFLA §223, for state leadership activities will support local program implementation and continuous improvement, innovation, integration and alignment of services with the workforce system, employers and postsecondary education and training. State leadership activities are critical to system enhancement and capacity building to support transformation into a fully integrated component of the Louisiana workforce system. State leadership funds will be used to support the following activities:

A) The alignment of adult-education and literacy activities with other core programs and One-Stop partners, including eligible providers, including the development of career pathways to provide access to employment and training services for individuals in adult education and literacy activities.

WorkReadyU will work collaboratively with other core programs and partner agencies to provide comprehensive and wraparound services to program participants. Collaboration with multiple partners at both the state and local level supports service expansion for the adult learners, prevents duplication of services, and enables partners to provide added value to participants through service alignment.

B) The establishment and operation of high quality professional development programs through the WRU Regional Resource Centers (RRC) to improve the instruction provided pursuant to required local activities, including instruction incorporating the essential components of reading instruction as such components relate to adults, instruction related to the specific needs of adult learners, instruction provided by volunteers or by personnel and dissemination of information about models and promising practices related to such programs.

WRU will continue to dedicate funds to the RRCs to provide targeted professional development based upon a statewide needs assessment, research regarding best practices and federal recommendations. WorkReadyU will survey local providers to determine areas in which there may be a gap in knowledge or a need for improvement. From these results, WRU will coordinate and execute broad-based training through a variety of modalities to assist program leaders and teachers in areas such as program improvement, instructional techniques, integrated education and training, college and career readiness standards, transition to postsecondary education and employment and the infusion of technology into instruction. Professional development may include:

• An annual administrators meeting, wherein local program administrators are given an overview of changes in policy and related practices, budget management and reporting requirements; • An annual statewide professional development conference for a variety of adult-education personnel; • Regional institutes to address instructional needs in the areas of adult education and literacy, ELA, Integrated Education & Training, Integrated EL/Civics and more and • Webinars/teleconferences.

C) The provision of technical assistance to eligible providers of adult-education and literacy activities receiving funds under this title, including: 1. The development and dissemination of instructional and programmatic practices based on the most rigorous or scientifically valid research available and appropriate in reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, English-language acquisition programs, distance education and staff training; 2. Strengthening partnerships at the local level to provide access to employment, education and training services and 3. Assistance in the use of technology to improve system efficiencies.

WorkReadyU will deliver technical assistance to eligible providers to enhance program effectiveness, increase the ability of providers to meet established performance standards and fulfill obligations associated with being a One-Stop partner. WorkReadyU will provide professional development/technical assistance via phone, webinar, teleconference and on-site trainings. Targeted technical assistance will focus on recruitment and intake, student engagement, data management and reporting, testing procedures, and transition to postsecondary education and employment. To ensure that local providers are adequately prepared to foster continuous improvement and maintain an ability to meet the needs of Louisiana’s workforce, WorkReadyU will:

• Deliver technical assistance to increase the ability of instructors to provide impactful instruction and obtain desired results in key areas including reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, English-language acquisition programs and distance education. Technical assistance will incorporate techniques gleaned from contemporary research and resources related to best practices in andragogy. Topics may include integrated education and training and college and career readiness standards.

• Provide state and local-level information regarding the role of adult education as a key component in the delivery of One-Stop Center services. Training will include resources to enable a local provider to establish, build upon or maintain effective relationships with other core providers within the local area. Topics may include referral systems, data sharing/reporting, integrating education with occupational training and transition strategies for post-secondary enrollment or employment.

• Provide training related to the use of technology to improve classroom effectiveness and program outcomes. Training may focus on National Reporting System (NRS) processes and the effective use of the statewide data system in order to maintain accurate student data. WorkReadyU may also provide technical assistance to prepare instructors and program administrators to identify and utilize technology to enhance classroom experiences.

D) The monitoring and evaluation of the quality of, and the improvement in, adult education and literacy activities and the dissemination of information about models and proven or promising practices within the state.

Evaluation of provider services is a key priority for the state. WorkReadyU staff has developed a strategic evaluation and monitoring process that draws from best practices. The multiphase evaluation process maintains oversight of local adult education providers and measures effectiveness of the adult education and literacy activities to optimize the return on investment of state/federal funds for the adult education and literacy activities. WorkReadyU will utilize the following process for monitoring and evaluating program improvement measures:

1. Desk Monitoring: WRU-designated staff conducts quarterly desk reviews of local program data using the approved statewide data management system. Areas of review include overall performance and outcomes, assessment data, attendance and compliance. Targeted technical assistance will be determined from desk monitor results in an effort to address the specific needs of any programs in need of improvement.

2. Programmatic/Fiscal On-site Monitoring: WRU will conduct on-site reviews of twenty percent of grant recipients each fiscal year. Programs are identified for on-site monitoring through a comprehensive risk analysis based on the following factors: (1) desk monitoring; (2) the need to verify data quality and program expenditures; (3) consistent low performance on NRS indicators in several categories; (4) prospective noncompliance with grant requirements identified through review of programmatic and fiscal reports, or ongoing communications with the program; (4) unresolved audit findings; (5) ongoing lack of progress in resolving required actions from prior monitoring visit; (6) significant staff turnover in the program and (7) recent or newly-established programs. Compliance with Section 427 of GEPA will be included in the on-site review process. A formal written report will be provided, and each program will be required to respond to areas that need improvement. Technical assistance, professional development and other support will be provided until support is no longer needed.