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2 Year Modification

Plan: Colorado PYs 2018-2019
Combined Plan C

Section: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Program

Narrative:

Published
Located in:

Section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (gepa )

In the text box below, describe the steps the applicant proposes to take to ensure equitable access to, and participation in, its Federally-assisted program for students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs provide the information to meet the requirements of Section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA), consistent with the instructions posted at https://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/gepa427.doc.

Current Narrative:

The Office of Adult Education Initiatives (AEI) has taken multiple steps to ensure federally funded adult education programs are providing equitable access to, and participation in, Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) services in regards to students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs. AEI conducts monthly data monitoring and frequently reviews program data disaggregated by the barriers outlined in the statute against state and local demographic data to spot trends in service provision and technical assistance opportunities. AEI also monitors the plans for Section 427 compliance that programs submit with their applications.

A new role, Student Re-Engagement Coordinator, has been added to AEI to work with programs and school districts to re-engage opportunity youth ages 17-24 in the way that is most appropriate for their long-term goals, ensuring that age is not a barrier to participation in services.

To ensure that disability status is not a barrier to participation in adult education programs, AEI is a lead partner on the new Disability Employment Initiative grant Colorado was awarded in September 2017 by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The state team will make more strategic use of a career pathways framework to improve training and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-funded employment and training services. AEI also has an Accessibility Policy that outlines requirements for local programs around ensuring equitable access to services, staff training, testing accommodations, language on promotional materials, etc. Programs must write accessibility policies that are approved by AEI and execution of the policy is monitored by AEI staff during on-site visits. Professional learning opportunities are provided by AEI in collaboration with disability experts for local program Accessibility Coordinators.

To ensure that race, national origin, and/or color are not a barrier to participation, AEI collaborates with multiple offices and agencies to understand and try to meet the needs of various populations around the state. AEI is fortunate enough to have a longstanding relationship with CDE’s Office of Migrant Education and Office of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. As part of the Colorado Department of Education’s ongoing tribal consultations, AEI is collaborating with the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs to ensure tribal concerns and needs are reflected in adult education services.

AEI takes a multi-pronged approach to ensure compliance with Section 427.