Narrative: b.

Funding of Adult Education and Literacy Activities In accordance with Section 231 under Title II Adult Education and Literacy Act of WIOA, the Division of Career and Adult Education (DCAE) will award three–year grants, or longer as determined by the Commissioner of Education, to eligible providers for the provision of adult education services through a competitive process for 2017-2018. The grants awarded will be for years 2017-2018 (competition), 2018-2019 (continuation), and 2019-2020 (continuation). The competitive process is based within each county with a designated allocation. The 13 considerations will be incorporated into the state’s RFPs to ensure that the state is in compliance with each of the elements. Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet the literacy needs of the area, the ability to comply with WIOA expectations, the past performance of the entity in providing literacy instruction and meeting programmatic goals and state performance targets. A competition will be conducted in the early spring of 2017. DCAE will identify, assess, and award three–year grants to eligible providers throughout the state. An eligible provider is an organization that has demonstrated effectiveness in providing adult education activities that may include a/an: local education agency; community–based or faith–based organization; volunteer literacy organization; institution of higher education; public or private nonprofit agency; library; a public housing authority; nonprofit institution with the ability to provide adult education and literacy services; consortium or coalition of agencies, organizations, institutions, libraries, or authorities described above; and partnerships between an employer and an entity described above.

Evaluation and Selection Process - In the grant and contract awarding process, the required thirteen (13) considerations identified in Section 231 will be included in the evaluation and selection process. In addition, other factors that will be considered include: the ability of the eligible provider to meet the literacy needs of the area, the ability to comply with WIOA expectations, the past performance of the entity in providing literacy instruction and meeting programmatic goals, and state performance targets or improvement, and the overall qualifications and expertise of the provider’s personnel. Funding Integrated Education and Training Services - Also as part of the grant application awarding process, Florida will continue to incorporate integrated education and training services, which provides adult education and literacy activities concurrently and contextually with workforce preparation and training for a specific occupation and occupational cluster for the purpose of educational and career advancement. In the competition year, DCAE will ensure that all eligible providers have direct and equitable access to apply and compete for grants and contracts. The Request for Proposal (RFP) announcement will be distributed via various communication outlets, such as (but not limited): Florida Department of Education (FDOE) communication system, regional, and local newspapers, formal press releases, announcement on the FDOE website, major statewide educational publications, radio, and television stations in order to ensure that all prospective eligible providers will have access to the same standardized information. An annual webinar will be conducted to review the grant application process and facilitate any questions from prospective eligible providers. Grant application procedures will be the same for all eligible providers. This same process is used for the awarded grant projects funded under Corrections and Other Institutionalized (Section 225) and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Program.

Funding Adult Education and Literacy Activities (Section 203 of WIOA) - Adult education offered in Florida includes programs, activities, and services that include adult education instruction, workplace adult education and literacy activities, family literacy activities, English language acquisition activities, integrated English literacy and civics education workforce preparation activities, or integrated education and training (IET). IET programs are implemented in Florida’s Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (FICAPS). Family Literacy Activities may include the following: Parent or family adult education and literacy activities that lead to readiness for postsecondary education or training, career advancement, and economic self-sufficiency. A) Interactive literacy activities between parents or family members and their children. B) Training for parents or family members regarding how to be the primary teacher for their children and full partners in the education of their children. C) An age-appropriate education to prepare children for success in school and life experiences Adult General Education Literacy Activities/Programs and Courses - Standards for each course are reviewed and updated annually and submitted to the State Board of Education for approval. If major changes are made, they are outlined in the change document and posted on the FDOE website to notify stakeholders of the changes to standards or courses.

Each course lists content standards that are used by local programs as the basis for a program’s curriculum development process. The standards provide guidance for new instructors who may have limited training in teaching adults enrolled in adult basic education classes. The standards serve as a basis for what should be taught in the classroom. To assist with the implementation of these standards, professional development is provided through local face–to–face workshops and webinars. The curriculum frameworks are available at http://fldoe.org/academics/career–adult–edu/adult–edu/2015–2016–adult–edu–curriculum– framewo.stml . Decisions are made about course offerings depending on local need. Workforce Preparation Activities Standards for career planning and exploration and technology (digital literacy) are included in the adult education curriculum frameworks. In coordination with advisory groups for ABE, ESOL, and ASE programs, additional standards in the area of employability skills have also been integrated into the adult education courses. The standards are based on the United States Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education’s Framework for Employability Skills and additional resources. Webinars will be provided on strategies to integrate employability skills into the classroom. All updated courses are submitted to the State Board of Education for approval on an annual basis. ABE, ESOL (advanced level 6)and GED® preparation courses are aligned with college and career readiness standards (CCRS). The learning objectives of the CCRS represent an application of skills that include critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills that will prepare students for success in career and postsecondary education. Integrated Education and Training (IET) During the next four years, the state will continue to pilot and refine the integrated education and training model for Florida’s Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (FICAPS). FICAPS is based on the Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I–BEST) model from the state of Washington. The initial pilot year includes eight programs with a cohort of students that are simultaneously enrolled in the GED® Preparation program (GED®–i course) and a career and technical certificate program. Students will learn about career ladders and how to earn stackable credentials. This will provide options for accelerated learning for those adults that are motivated to move ahead as quickly as possible. The goal is to increase the number of students that earn their high school diploma or equivalent and earn entry level industry recognized certification/credential. State wide implementation of the FICAPS will occur in phases as additional programs begin the planning and design activities. Support will be provided in planning and implementation grants as funds are available. The Division of Career and Adult Education (DCAE) promotes the development of contextualized instruction with a specific career pathway focus, career development, and transition services to be integrated into the lower levels of ABE and ESOL. This content will provide adults with the knowledge and skills they need to enroll and be successful in postsecondary education. After students have achieved the educational functioning levels in ABE and ESOL, the next step for those without a high school diploma may include enrolling in the GED® Preparation program (GED–i course) and a career and technical certificate program at the same time. Training will be provided to support the development and implementation of contextualized instruction with a career focus, career exploration and planning, and transition services. Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Civics standards are integrated in the ESOL curriculum frameworks. In addition, workshops on integrating civics activities into the ESOL program will be conducted annually. Webinars on civics activities and integration strategies will also be available and archived on the Institute for Professional Development for Adult Educators (IPDAE) website at http://www.floridaipdae.org. The adult ESOL courses will be contextualized to support transition to ABE or GED® Preparation and to postsecondary education and employment. Professional development will be provided on developing and delivering contextualized curriculum. Special Rule All Request for Application (RFA) and Request for Proposal (RFP) specify that no funds are to be used for activities to support individuals under 16 years of age and who are enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school except that the agency may use funds for programs, services, or activities related to family literacy activities. If family literacy activities are provided, the eligible provider shall attempt to coordinate other agencies that provide program and services that are not included in Title II funds. This should occur prior to using funds for adult education and literacy activities other than activities for eligible individuals. ADULT GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND COURSES Adult Basic Education (language arts, mathematics, and reading) Program The courses included in this program are designed for the student to obtain a level of educational instruction intended to improve the employability of the state’s workforce through instruction in mathematics, reading, language, and workforce preparation skills at grade level equivalency of 0–8.9. These courses are based on the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education. Adult High School Program This program is designed for students to receive high school credit in one or more courses leading to a standard high school diploma. Students obtain credits upon completion of courses and passing state mandated assessments necessary to qualify for a high school diploma. Except as provided elsewhere in law (section 1003.4282, (7)(b)(1–3), Florida Statute), the graduation requirements for adults shall be the same as those for secondary students. GED® Preparation Program This program prepares adults to successfully complete the four subject area tests leading to qualification for a State of Florida High School Diploma. There are four courses Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science and Social Studies. These courses have been aligned with the College and Career Readiness Standards. Florida has approved the GED® as the only state recognized high school equivalency test. GED® Integrated Course This comprehensive course includes the four courses, Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science and Social Studies and was developed for students with simultaneous enrollment in the GED® Preparation program and a career and technical certificate program.

ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL) PROGRAM Adult ESOL Course The adult ESOL course is designed to improve the employability of adults who desire to enter the state’s workforce through acquisition of communication skills and cultural competencies which enhance the ability to read, write, speak, and listen in English. College and career readiness standards have been included in the ESOL advanced level 6. English Literacy for Career and Technical Education (ELCATE) Course This course is designed for ESOL students that have a goal of enrolling in a career and technical program. Students must test at the High– Intermediate level or above for enrollment into or placement in ELCATE. The course helps to prepare students for a more successful transition to and leading to completion of career and technical education.

THE FOLLOWING ADULT EDUCATION COURSES ARE NOT SUPPORTED WITH FEDERAL FUNDS AND ARE NOT REPORTED FOR NATIONAL REPORTING SYSTEM (NRS) PURPOSES, AND ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT MATCH. Citizenship Course This course is designed to prepare students for success in becoming naturalized citizens of the United States (U.S.). For adults preparing for the citizenship test, the content includes U.S. history, government, culture and symbols, with specific emphasis on rights and responsibilities under the Constitution of the United States of America. Adult ESOL College and Career Readiness Course The purpose of this course is to improve the advanced ESOL students’ ability to communicate in English, and allow them to acquire secondary level English language skills. College and career readiness standards have been integrated into this course with the intention of successful transition and leading to completion of postsecondary education. Adult ESOL Literacy Skills Course The purpose of this course is to provide English language and literacy instruction for English language learner adults whose first language is other than English and who are non–literate or semi–literate in their home language, in order to increase their ability to communicate in English. Adult General Education for Adults with Disabilities Course This course is designed to provide specialized adult general education for adults with learning disabilities. Adults who require intensive, ongoing support, in their pursuit of educational instruction, literacy, workplace and life skills can participate literacy activities to accomplish desired personal goals for employment or further education. Applied Academics for Adult Education Course This course is designed for students who have tested at the equivalent of 9th grade and above but lack the required level of basic skills for completion of the CTE program in which they are enrolled. Students may or may not have earned a high school diploma. These courses have been updated to align with the secondary (9–12) college and career readiness standards..

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