Located in:
- Program-specific Requirements for Adult Education and Family Literacy Act ProgramsThe Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the following as it pertains to Adult Education and Literacy programs under title II, the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA).
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 Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) requires that Adult Basic Education grant applicants describe the racial and other demographics of the student population served in comparison to the demographics of the geographic area served. In addition, applicants must describe how they plan to address equitable access to and participation in programming for all members of the communities they serve; how they will build a common understanding of equity among program staff; and what staff professional development regarding equity they will provide. MDE monitoring activities include reviewing: dis-aggregated enrollment data in comparison with K-12 Limited English Proficiency enrollment and local demographic data; agency outreach, intake and course placement practices; agency program course and progression structures; and implementation of the above noted plans.
The Minnesota Department of Education supports Adult Basic Education providers in addressing equity by providing both program supports and professional development through a several competitive state and federally (leadership) funded Supplemental Services grants. The Supplemental Service grants are competed every three years and include grants focused on providing services for students with disabilities; using instructional technology including distance/asynchronous learning; and instructional methodology including evidence-based practices in reading (STAR) and math (Minnesota Numeracy Initiative); and ELL instructional best practice. Program supports provided by Supplemental Services grantees include: a web site focused on providing services to participants with disabilities, an accommodations resource lending library, outreach materials, and statewide access to technical assistance from specially trained staff. Professional development opportunities available to all Adult Basic Education program staff include Universal Design, inclusive programming, cultural competency, mental health, shared programming, career pathway development, course design and other topics.