Narrative: d.

WorkReady U will establish programs under Section 243 of WIOA that offer Integrated English literacy and civics education programs through the competitive, multi-year request for proposal process specified for integrated literacy and civics education funds using the process described in the Common Elements: Distribution of Funds; Title II. Through the RFP procurement process, the successful applicants must demonstrate the ability to provide integration and alignment of services that support the following literacy and English language acquisition activities:

• Civics education instruction that assists eligible students to become active and informed parents, workers, and community members;
• Rights and Responsibilities of citizenship;
• Integrated education and training that provides training opportunities to eligible individuals seeking workforce training for the workplace in combination with English Literacy instruction; and
• Advanced English literacy instruction that provides training opportunities to eligible individuals seeking workforce training, including professionals with degrees and/or credentials from outside the United States. State-approved English Language Proficiency Standards will be utilized for literacy instruction.

WorkReady U will provide available funds under Section 211(a)(2)(b) for the delivery of integrated English literacy and civics education in combination with integrated education and training activities to adults seeking workforce training. 

The Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Program engages students in purposeful use of the language. The skills provided through this funding source assist students in obtaining citizenship, achieving basic life skills needed to enhance employment, and functioning effectively as parents, workers, and citizens in the United States.

Each funded program under this section shall be designed to provide the following services.

1. Prepare adults who are English-language learners for, and place such adults in, unsubsidized employment in in-demand industries and occupations that lead to economic self-sufficiency and
2. Integrate with the local workforce development system and its functions to carry out the activities of the program.

English language learners seeking English language proficiency and civics education, but not seeking workforce training, should not be excluded or discouraged from participation in the Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education program. 

In the evaluation of applications, WorkReady U considers if the provider has demonstrated the need for IELCE services in a designated service delivery area. Applications must include data that demonstrates the need for IELCE services in their respective areas of the state. Data sources that may be cited are the US Census Bureau, reports from the Office of Immigration Services, documentation of prior effectiveness in the delivery of this type of service, or other data.

LCTCS’ full and open competition is consistent with the standards of 34 CFR Subpart C. All eligible providers have direct and equitable access to apply and compete for grants.  See Title I, Common Elements, (III.b.5.B.ii) Direct and Equitable Access.  The grant competition information is shared through the LCTCS communications office via posting on the LCTCS website and other means of available communication. LCTCS uses the same application process for all eligible providers for sections 225, 231, and/or 243.  This ensures that all applications are evaluated using the same rubric and scoring criteria.

As required in Section 427 of GEPA, each applicant must provide a description of the agency’s process to ensure equitable access to and participation in, the WIOA Title II adult education program for students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs. LCTCS has approved state policies that provide for equal opportunity for all qualified persons without regard to disability in the recruitment of, admission to, accessibility to, participation in, treatment in, or employment in the programs and activities operated and sponsored by the Louisiana Community and Technical College System.

LCTCS uses the 13 considerations specified in section 243 of WIOA to fund eligible providers by incorporating each of the considerations into the narrative portion of the application. Successful applicants must provide a narrative that demonstrates the program design and service delivery model to deliver each consideration.

Funds are used to support the operational expenses of the local IELCE programs, including teacher salaries and benefits, classroom supplies, textbooks, and other AEFLA allowable expenditures, to carry out instruction in literacy and English language acquisition and instruction on rights and responsibilities of citizenship and civic participation all in combination with integrated education and training.  LCTCS issues guidance and technical assistance to funded providers to assist in ensuring that all required components as set forth in 34 CFR Part 463 Subpart G of the regulations are included in the program’s design.

The term “integrated English literacy and civics education” (IELCE) means education services provided to English language learners who are adults, including professionals with degrees and credentials in their native countries, that enables such adults to achieve competency in the English language and acquire the basic and more advanced skills needed to function effectively as parents, workers, and citizens in the United States. Such services shall include instruction in literacy and English language acquisition and instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and civic participation and may include workforce training.

IELCE funded applicants must deliver services in combination with integrated education and training activities by: (1) using funds provided under section 243 to support integrated education and training activities as cited in subpart D; or (2) co-enrolling participants in integrated education and training as described in subpart D that is provided within the local or regional workforce development area from sources other than section 243.

English language learners seeking English language proficiency and civics education, but not seeking workforce training, should not be excluded or discouraged from participation in the Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education program. 

The program design for each funded IELCE provider must demonstrate the capability to: (1) deliver education services/activities under WIOA to English language learners who are adults, including professionals with degrees and credentials in their native countries, that enables such adults to achieve competency in the English language and acquire the basic and more advanced skills needed to function effectively as parents, workers, and citizens in the United States; (2) provide instruction in literacy and English language acquisition and instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and civic participation. The Section 243 funds are used in combination with integrated education and training.

Additionally, the IELCE program is designed with the purpose of improving productivity and obtaining gainful employment through the improvement of skills of non-native English learners. Working with employers throughout their community, integrating services/activities with the local workforce development system, programs identify the in-demand industries and occupations that lead to economic self-sufficiency.

LCTCS uses the same application process for all eligible providers for sections 225, 231, and/or 243.  This ensures that all applications are evaluated using the same rubric and scoring criteria. LCTCS ensures that all eligible providers have direct and equitable access to apply for grants. See Title I, Common Elements, (III.b.5.B.ii) Direct and Equitable Access.

LCTCS’ full and open competition is consistent with the standards of 34 CFR Subpart C. All eligible providers have direct and equitable access to apply and compete for grants. The grant competition is publicized through a variety of print and electronic media throughout the state. Information is shared through the LCTCS communications office via posting on the LCTCS website and other means of available communication. LCTCS adheres to all State and Louisiana WIOA Combined Plan laws regarding awarding grant funds and the expenditure of public funds.  During the initial period of the grant submission process, any eligible agency that contacts LCTCS with an interest in participating is provided the information needed.

LCTCS uses the 13 considerations specified in section 243 of WIOA to fund eligible providers by incorporating each of the considerations into the narrative portion of the application.  Successful applicants must provide a narrative that demonstrates the program design and service delivery model to deliver each consideration.