Located in:
- Program-specific Requirements for Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Programs
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the following as it pertains to adult education and literacy programs and activities under title II of WIOA, the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA).
d. Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Program
Describe how the State will establish and operate Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education programs under Section 243 of WIOA, for English language learners who are adults, including professionals with degrees and credentials in their native countries, including how the Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education program under section 243(a) of WIOA will be delivered in combination with integrated education and training activities.
Describe how the State will fund, in accordance with the requirements of title II, subtitle C, an Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education program and how the funds will be used for the program.
Describe how the Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education program under section 243(a) of WIOA will be designed to 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.
Describe how the Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education program under section 243(a) of WIOA will be designed to integrate with the local workforce development system and its functions to carry out the activities of the program.
Current Narrative:
Missouri funds its IELCE programs through a competitive grant process. Local providers teach measurable proficiencies to English language learners who are adults, including professionals with degrees and credentials in their native countries, which enable 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. Services include instruction in literacy and English language acquisition and instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and civic participation. IELCE programs may team up with Title I and other partners to provide workforce training.
Local programs funded by DESE AEL deliver IELCE in combination with IET activities including forklift driver, commercial sewing, nursing, construction trades, hospitality, and manufacturing. At the core of IET and IELCE efforts are partnerships including Job Corps, housing authorities, local WDBs, community colleges, Habitat for Humanity, and local hospitals.
Missouri DESE AEL requires all eligible providers for WIOA sections 225, 231, and 243 to use the same application process ensuring that evaluations use an equal rubric and scoring criteria. DESE AEL ensures that all eligible providers have direct and equitable access to apply for grants/contracts and that the same grant and contract announcement, application, and proposal process is used for all eligible providers. Prior to submitting an application, any eligible agency may contact DESE AEL expressing interest in participation and to gather necessary details. Missouri DESE AEL trusts that its methods meet the requirements specified in AEFLA and ensures direct and equitable access. Missouri uses the considerations specified in section 231(e) of WIOA to fund eligible providers and incorporates each of the considerations into the narrative portion of the application. DESE AEL uses a point-based scoring rubric that assesses all eligible agencies on each of the considerations and the narrative must detail how they will meet each consideration.
Section 243 funds support the programmatic expenses of local IELCE programs including teacher salaries and benefits as well as necessary instructional materials for English language acquisition, workforce preparation activities, and civics education. IELCE programs must provide services in combination with IET. DESE AEL approved IELCE programs are designed to prepare adults who are English language learners for, and place such adults in, unsubsidized employment with in-demand industries and occupations that lead to economic self-sufficiency. IELCE programs in Missouri must integrate with the local workforce development system to carry out activities. As students reach skill levels necessary for success, they receive appropriate referrals to Title I services or directly to employment and post-secondary opportunities.
In conjunction with instruction in civics and citizenship, Missouri’s IELCE students earn certifications in forklift driving, OSHA 10+, commercial sewing, Certified Nursing Assistant, construction trades, medical terminology, phlebotomy, HIPPA, Certified Medical Assistant, Lead Awareness, power tools and other areas. Most IELCE/IET students earn multiple certifications.
For many IETs, it is necessary for English learners to obtain a certain literacy level prior to the start of training. To address this challenge, Missouri DESE’s local IELCE programs continuously develop appropriate IETs and job opportunities that lead to self-sufficiency and focus on competent literacy with all IELCE students. All of Missouri’s IELCE programs work closely with the workforce development system and hold representation on the appropriate local WDB. Local Title II programs develop IETs in partnership with the workforce development system. AEL staff attend local WDB meetings to expand and promote IET programming.