Narrative: c.

(c) Allocated funds from section 222 (a)(1) shall be used to support correctional education programs. Allowable correctional activities are: • Adult education and literacy activities; • Special education, as determined by the eligible agency; • Integrated education and training; • Career pathways; • Concurrent enrollment; • Peer tutoring; and • Transition to re-entry initiatives and other post release services with the goal of reducing recidivism.

Funds will be distributed on a competitive basis that is direct and equitable through the RFP process as described in section III “Distribution of Funds for Core Programs”. Funds available under section 225 (a) (1) of the WIOA will be for a four year cycle, however, the ADCE-AED state office will review the performance level of providers after two years to determine whether or not do conduct a new competition. All programs competed will adhere to direct and equitable provisions to award funds under WIOA sections 225 (Corrections Education). The same grant announcement, application, and process will be used for all proposals and all proposals will be treated the same way in evaluation, and evaluated by the 13 considerations as found in the law at 231 (e)(1-13). The Arkansas Department of Career Education shall use not less than 82.5 percent of the grant funds to award grants and contracts under section 231 and to carry out section 225, of which not more than 20 percent of such amount shall be available to carry out section 225.

The activities for the correctional education programs are the same as those for regular programs of instruction for adults. In addition, programs are encouraged to use guidance and supportive services where possible and to provide education and training through cooperative efforts with providers in correctional settings. Special education as determined through the intake process will provide appropriate and effective instructional and testing accommodations for students who are identified as having a disability. Integrated education and training will include more job skills training. Career pathways will include apprenticeship opportunities. Peer tutoring is a tutoring arrangement in which students work in pairs to help one another learn material or practice an academic task.

A correctional institution includes any prison; jail; reformatory; work farm; detention center; halfway house; community-based rehabilitation center; or any other similar institution designed for confinement or rehabilitation of criminal offenders. A criminal offender is any individual who is charged with or convicted of any criminal offense.

For programs serving criminal offenders in a correctional institution, priority is given to serving individuals who are likely to leave these institutions within five years of participation in the program. Eligible providers who offer classes for incarcerated adults must consult with facility staff about expected release dates of potential students to assess eligibility and to determine class locations. Programs are asked to address this requirement in their applications, and the Adult Education Division monitors compliance.

Each eligible correctional institution seeking funds submits an application responding to the requirements of the ADCE-AED. Allocation of the available funds is based on each eligible correctional institution’s enrollment, performance, and demonstrated effectiveness. In addition to any reports required by Adult Education, each eligible correctional institution receiving funds under this section shall annually prepare and submit a report of progress. Reports of progress shall include, but not limited to, activities carried out under this section, relative rate of recidivism, enrollment, educational gains and/or High School Equivalency outcomes, employment (sustainable wage) and employment retention (length of employment).