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[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2117 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

112th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 2117

 To increase access to adult education to provide for economic growth.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           February 16, 2012

Mr. Webb (for himself, Mr. Reed, and Mr. Brown of Ohio) introduced the 
 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on 
                                Finance

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 
 To increase access to adult education to provide for economic growth.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Adult Education and Economic Growth 
Act of 2012''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) In order to remain competitive in today's global 
        economy, the United States must reverse the trend of 
        underinvestment in adult education and workforce development 
        and empower its workforce through adequate resources and 
        effective and innovative educational and workforce programs. 
        Since 1979, investments in adult education and workforce 
        development programs have declined in real terms by more than 
        70 percent.
            (2) Current Federal adult basic education programs serve 
        less than 3,000,000 individuals a year. Some States have 
        experienced difficulties integrating adult education public job 
        training and career and technical education programs that could 
        help these individuals meet specific industry demand while 
        advancing along a career path.
            (3) In 2007, more than 25,000,000 adults ages 18 through 64 
        had no high school credential. Every year, 1 in 3 young 
        adults--more than 1,200,000 people--drop out of high school.
            (4) Employers need highly skilled workers to be able to 
        compete globally. Between 2004 and 2014, 24 of the 30 fastest-
        growing occupations are projected to demand workers with some 
        form of postsecondary education or training. Yet nearly half of 
        the United States workforce has a high school diploma or less.
            (5) Technology and globalization, coupled with the 
        unfolding economic recession, are rendering low-wage and low-
        skill workers particularly vulnerable. Unemployment is highest 
        among those without a college degree and has grown at a faster 
        rate among this group since the start of the economic recession 
        in December 2007.
            (6) According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 
        unemployment rate for individuals 25 and older who have less 
        than a high school diploma has risen from 7.5 percent in 
        December 2007 to 15.9 percent in February 2011. The 
        unemployment rate for high school graduates with no college has 
        increased from 4.6 percent to 10.7 percent in February 2011. 
        The unemployment rate for high school graduates with some 
        college experience or an associate degree has risen from 3.7 
        percent to 8.2 percent in February 2011.
            (7) The United States ranks 11th among OECD countries in 
        percent of young adults with a high school diploma--the only 
        country in which younger adults are less educated than the 
        previous generation.
            (8) In 2006, 18,400,000 adults spoke English ``less than 
        very well'', according to the United States Census Bureau (2006 
        American Community Survey). Of these adults, 8,200,000 held no 
        high school credential and 5,000,000 had completed high school 
        but were not college or job ready.
            (9) Although 88,000,000 adults ages 18 to 64 have a high 
        school diploma or less, or limited English proficiency, funding 
        for programs authorized under the Workforce Investment Act of 
        1998 for adults, dislocated workers, and youth declined by 
        about 12 percent between 2000 and 2007.
            (10) According to the National Commission on Adult 
        Literacy, 1 in every 100 adults in the United States 16 and 
        older is in prison or jail in the United States. About 43 
        percent do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent, 
        and 56 percent have very low literacy skills. Ninety-five 
        percent of incarcerated individuals return to our communities.
            (11) In order to meet the needs of the workforce, there 
        must be a strong connection between the adult education and 
        workforce development system, in order to better meet the needs 
        of limited English proficient job seekers and those with basic 
        skills deficiencies. For example, in program year 2006, less 
        than 1 percent of individuals who exited the title I adult 
        program under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 were co-
        enrolled in adult education.
            (12) Workforce development programs, including adult 
        education, throughout the Federal Government and the States are 
        not aligned well, limiting their capacity to leverage 
        resources, to provide full and appropriate access to services, 
        and to provide reliable and comparable data related to 
        activities and outcomes across the programs.
            (13) In the current economic climate, it is imperative that 
        the United States invest in the education, training, and 
        development of all workers in the United States who are 
        unemployed or underemployed, to help fill the labor demands of 
        the United States so that they do not look elsewhere to find 
        skilled workers.

SEC. 3. PURPOSES.

    The purposes of this Act are the following:
            (1) To increase access substantially to adult education, 
        literacy, and workplace skills services for adults, including 
        both incumbent workers and unemployed adults, who have limited 
        basic skills, lack a high school diploma or its equivalent, or 
        are limited English proficient.
            (2) To create seamless pathways from adult education and 
        occupational skills development to postsecondary education or 
        training and workforce development programs and services that 
        help adult learners persist throughout the pipeline from the 
        lowest levels of basic literacy or English language proficiency 
        to the achievement of a level of proficiency that will enable 
        the adult learner to transition to and succeed in family-
        sustaining jobs in careers with the promise of advancement.
            (3) To develop an adult education, literacy, and work 
        skills system that coordinates and integrates adult education, 
        literacy, and workplace skills services with workforce 
        development and postsecondary education and job training 
        opportunities across agencies and programs.
            (4) To greatly improve outcomes for adults receiving adult 
        education, literacy, and workplace skills services in terms of 
        learning gains, acquisition of basic workplace skills, 
        accelerated learning, acquisition of a high school diploma or 
        its equivalent, or transition to and success in postsecondary 
        education, job training, and family-sustaining jobs.

                 TITLE I--WORKFORCE INVESTMENT SYSTEMS

SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS.

    Section 101 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
2801) is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(54) Integrated education and training.--The term 
        `integrated education and training' means education that, at 
        the same time, combines adult education services and 
        occupational skills training for a specific occupation or 
        occupational cluster leading to an employer-recognized 
        credential.
            ``(55) Sequential education and training.--The term 
        `sequential education and training' means adult education 
        services that may occur prior to job training or postsecondary 
        education and are appropriate for adults who need services 
        offered, one after another, in a progressive fashion.
            ``(56) Career pathway.--The term `career pathway' means a 
        system of educational and social services connecting education, 
        training, and support services, including adult basic skills, 
        English language instruction, GED preparation, and noncredit 
        and for-credit occupational certificate and degree programs, to 
        enable youth and adults to advance over time to successively 
        higher levels of education and employment in a given industry 
        or occupational sector and that--
                    ``(A) align adult education, job training, 
                postsecondary education, or occupational training to 
                create a pathway to attaining a recognized 
                postsecondary education credential that will qualify an 
                individual for career advancement in projected 
                employment opportunities identified in the State plan 
                under section 112;
                    ``(B) include advising and career navigation to 
                support the development of individual education and 
                career plans; and
                    ``(C) lead to a secondary school diploma or its 
                recognized equivalent (for individuals who have not 
                completed secondary school), a postsecondary degree, a 
                registered apprenticeship or another recognized 
                occupational certification, a certificate, or a license 
                in demand industries.
            ``(57) Workplace skills.--The term `workplace skills' means 
        the combination of basic skills, critical thinking skills, and 
        self management skills with competency in utilizing resources, 
        using information, working with others, understanding systems, 
        working with technology, and other skills necessary for success 
        in the workplace.
            ``(58) Registered apprenticeship program.--The term 
        `registered apprenticeship program' means an industry skills 
        training program at the postsecondary level that combines 
        technical and theoretical training through structured on-the-
        job learning with related instruction (in classrooms or through 
        distance learning) while an individual is employed, working 
        under the direction of qualified personnel or a mentor, and 
        earning incremental wage increases aligned to enhanced job 
        proficiency, resulting in the acquisition of a nationally 
        recognized and portable certificate, under a plan approved by 
        the Office of Apprenticeship or a State agency recognized by 
        the Department of Labor.''.

SEC. 102. PURPOSE.

    Section 106 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
2811) is amended by inserting ``adult education and'' before 
``workforce investment systems''.

SEC. 103. STATE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARDS.

    Section 111 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
2821) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(1)(C)--
                    (A) in clause (vi)(II), by striking ``and'' after 
                the semicolon;
                    (B) by redesignating clause (vii) as clause (viii); 
                and
                    (C) by inserting after clause (vi) the following:
                            ``(vii) the lead State agency officials 
                        with responsibilities for the programs and 
                        activities carried out under title II; and''; 
                        and
            (2) in subsection (d)(2), by inserting ``adult education 
        and'' before ``workforce investment system''.

SEC. 104. STATE PLAN.

    Section 112 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
2822) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``and aligns with the 
        State plan described in section 224'' before the period at the 
        end;
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (4)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting 
                        ``academic levels and'' before ``job skills'';
                            (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking 
                        ``and'' after the semicolon;
                            (iii) in subparagraph (D), by striking 
                        ``State;'' and inserting ``State, including 
                        education, training, and registered 
                        apprenticeship programs and their relationship 
                        to such career opportunities and skills and 
                        economic development needs; and''; and
                            (iv) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(E) the integrated education and training and 
                sequential education and training activities that will 
                be integrated and aligned with workforce programs and 
                services under this title, and the State's efforts to 
                promote greater integration and alignment of adult 
                education and workforce programs and services under 
                this title;'';
                    (B) in paragraph (8)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (A)(x), by striking 
                        ``and'' after the semicolon;
                            (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the 
                        semicolon and inserting ``, including 
                        performance on the core indicators described in 
                        section 212; and''; and
                            (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(C) a description of any integrated data systems 
                used to track performance outcomes over time for the 
                participants in the programs and activities described 
                in subparagraph (A);'';
                    (C) in paragraph (9), by striking ``businesses and 
                representatives of labor organizations'' and inserting 
                ``businesses, representatives of labor organizations, 
                and representatives of education and training 
                (including adult education providers, postsecondary 
                education providers, and training providers)'';
                    (D) in paragraph (17)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (A)(iv), by adding ``, 
                        including individuals receiving services under 
                        title II'' after ``disabilities)''; and
                            (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
                        ``and'' after the semicolon;
                    (E) in paragraph (18)(D), by striking the period at 
                the end and inserting a semicolon;
                    (F) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(19) a strategy for coordinating services to populations 
        in need of such services, including guidance, counseling, 
        mentoring, and other supports through public and private 
        partnerships and creating transition strategies with such 
        elements as dual enrollment, curricular articulation, and high 
        intensity instruction; and
            ``(20) an assurance that every region, as defined by the 
        State, in the State has at least 1 adult education program that 
        offers more than 1 option for earning a credential with value 
        in the local market to students who do not yet have a high 
        school diploma or GED and who are unlikely to earn a diploma or 
        GED in the short-term, which option may include partnering with 
        a community college or job training provider and may include 
        getting a GED in the process.''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Program Development Period.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of this section, a State may be eligible to receive an 
allotment under section 127 or 132, or to receive financial assistance 
under the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.), before the State 
submits a single State plan under this section if the State is in a 1-
year program development period.''.

SEC. 105. LOCAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARDS.

    Section 117(h)(2)(A) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 
U.S.C. 2832(h)(2)(A)) is amended--
            (1) in clause (v), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; 
        and
            (2) by inserting after clause (vi), the following:
                            ``(vii) representatives of adult education; 
                        and''.

SEC. 106. LOCAL PLAN.

    Section 118(b)(1) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 
U.S.C. 2833(b)(1)) is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (2) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``academic 
        competencies and'' before ``job skills''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(D) the type and availability of workforce 
                investment activities in the local area, including 
                education, training, and registered apprenticeship 
                programs and their relationship to such business, job 
                seeker, and worker needs, employment opportunities, and 
                economic development needs; and
                    ``(E) the integrated education and training and 
                sequential education and training activities that will 
                be carried out under this title or title II and the 
                alignment of those activities.''.

SEC. 107. USE OF FUNDS FOR YOUTH ACTIVITIES.

    Section 129 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
2854) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' after the 
                semicolon;
                    (B) in paragraph (6), by striking the period and 
                inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(7) to provide opportunities for multiple pathways for 
        eligible youth.''; and
            (2) in subsection (c)(1)(C)--
                    (A) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' after the 
                semicolon;
                    (B) in clause (iv)(II), by striking the period and 
                inserting a semicolon; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``(v) opportunities for career pathways; 
                        and
                            ``(vi) for the completion of secondary 
                        school, in appropriate cases.''.

SEC. 108. USE OF FUNDS FOR EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES.

    Section 134(d) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
2864(d)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (3)(A)(i)(I), by striking ``and are unable 
        to obtain employment through core services provided under 
        paragraph (2)'';
            (2) in paragraph (4)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``and who 
                are unable to obtain or retain employment through such 
                services'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (D)--
                            (i) in clause (viii), by striking ``and'' 
                        after the semicolon;
                            (ii) in clause (ix), by striking the period 
                        and inserting ``; and''; and
                            (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``(x) integration of adult education and 
                        training.''; and
                    (C) in subparagraph (G)(ii)--
                            (i) in subclause (II), by striking ``or'' 
                        after the semicolon;
                            (ii) in subclause (III), by striking the 
                        period and inserting ``; or''; and
                            (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                                    ``(IV) the local board determines 
                                that it would facilitate the training 
                                of multiple individuals in high-demand 
                                occupations; or
                                    ``(V) the local board determines 
                                that it would facilitate the provision 
                                of integrated education and training 
                                and sequential education and training 
                                programs.''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(5) Authorization of contracts to institutions of higher 
        education.--The local board may award a contract to an 
        institution of higher education or other eligible training 
        provider, including an adult education provider, if the local 
        board determines that it would facilitate the training of 
        multiple individuals in high-demand occupations, if such 
        contract does not limit consumer choice.''.

SEC. 109. PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM.

    Section 136(b)(2)(A) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 
U.S.C. 2871(b)(2)(A)) is amended--
            (1) in clause (i)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by 
                striking ``and (for participants who are eligible youth 
                age 19 through 21) for youth activities authorized 
                under section 129''; and
                    (B) in subclause (IV)--
                            (i) by inserting ``and performance on the 
                        core indicators described in section 212, as 
                        appropriate'' after ``recognized equivalent''; 
                        and
                            (ii) by striking ``, or by participants who 
                        are eligible youth age 19 through 21 who enter 
                        postsecondary education, advanced training, or 
                        unsubsidized employment''; and
            (2) in clause (ii)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by 
                striking ``(for participants who are eligible youth age 
                14 through 18)'';
                    (B) in subclause (I), by striking ``and, as 
                appropriate, work readiness or occupational skills'' 
                and inserting ``, workplace skills, or occupation 
                skills, as appropriate'';
                    (C) in subclause (II), by striking ``and'' after 
                the semicolon;
                    (D) in subclause (III), by striking the period and 
                inserting ``; and''; and
                    (E) by adding at the end the following:
                                    ``(IV) performance on measures 
                                described in subclauses (I), (II), and 
                                (III) of clause (i) by youth 18 years 
                                of age and older.''.

SEC. 110. DEMONSTRATION AND PILOT PROJECTS.

    Section 171(b)(1) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 
U.S.C. 2916(b)(1)) is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``and'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (2) in subparagraph (H), by striking the period and 
        inserting a semicolon; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(I) projects that assist low skill and limited 
                English proficient workers to acquire the basic, 
                English, work readiness, and applied technical or 
                occupational skills through integrated education and 
                training and sequential education and training programs 
                to successfully transition to postsecondary education, 
                workforce development, and employment in career 
                pathways; and
                    ``(J) projects that test effective ways to develop 
                comprehensive career pathways learning approaches that 
                fully align adult education with secondary education, 
                postsecondary education, including registered 
                apprenticeship programs, workforce development, and 
                supportive service activities, and with regional 
                economic development strategies to meet the skill needs 
                of existing and emerging regional employers as well as 
                the needs of low skilled adults, helping adults, 
                especially those who are low skilled, to advance 
                through progressive levels of education and training as 
                quickly as possible and gain education and workplace 
                skills of demonstrated value to the labor market at 
                each level.''.

       TITLE II--ADULT EDUCATION, LITERACY, AND WORKPLACE SKILLS

SEC. 201. PURPOSE.

    Section 202 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9201) is amended--
            (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
            ``(1) assist adults to become literate and numerate and to 
        obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to transition to and 
        succeed in postsecondary education, job training, and 
        employment in family-sustaining jobs, and to be self 
        sufficient'';
            (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (3) in paragraph (3)--
                    (A) by inserting ``and transition to postsecondary 
                education and career pathways'' after ``education''; 
                and
                    (B) by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; 
                and
            (4) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) assist adults with limited English proficiency in--
                    ``(A) improving their reading, writing, speaking, 
                listening, and comprehension skills in English and 
                mathematical skills;
                    ``(B) acquiring an understanding of the American 
                system of Government, individual freedom, and the 
                responsibilities of citizenship; and
                    ``(C) where necessary, obtaining the knowledge and 
                skills to transition to and succeed in postsecondary 
                education, job training, and employment in family-
                sustaining jobs.''.

SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.

    (a) In General.--Section 203 of the Adult Education and Family 
Literacy Act (20 U.S.C. 9202) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), 
        (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), and 
        (18), as paragraphs (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), 
        (12), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20), and (21), 
        respectively;
            (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
            ``(3) Career pathway.--The term `career pathway' has the 
        meaning given the term in section 101 of the Workforce 
        Investment Act of 1998.'';
            (3) in paragraph (6), as redesignated by paragraph (1)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
                inserting ``an organization that has demonstrated 
                effectiveness in providing adult education, literacy, 
                and workplace skills activities that may include'' 
                after ``means'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``of 
                demonstrated effectiveness'';
                    (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``of 
                demonstrated effectiveness'';
                    (D) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``and'' after 
                the semicolon;
                    (E) in subparagraph (I), by striking the period and 
                inserting ``; and''; and
                    (F) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(J) a partnership between an entity described in 
                any of subparagraphs (A) through (I) and an 
                employer.'';
            (4) in paragraph (8), as redesignated by paragraph (1)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
                            (i) by inserting ``the economic prospects 
                        for'' after ``sustainable changes in''; and
                            (ii) by inserting ``and that better enable 
                        parents to support their children's learning 
                        needs'' after ``a family'';
                    (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (D) 
                as subparagraphs (B) through (E), respectively; and
                    (C) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as 
                redesignated by subparagraph (B), the following:
                    ``(A) Parent adult education, literacy, and 
                workplace skills activities that lead to readiness for 
                postsecondary education or training, career 
                advancement, and economic self-sufficiency.'';
            (5) by inserting after paragraph (12), as redesignated by 
        paragraph (1), the following:
            ``(13) Integrated education and training and sequential 
        education and training.--The terms `integrated education and 
        training' and `sequential education and training' have the 
        meanings given the terms in section 101 of the Workforce 
        Investment Act of 1998.
            ``(14) Integrated english literacy and civics education 
        program.--The term `integrated English literacy and civics 
        education program' means programs of instruction designed to 
        help an individual of limited English proficiency achieve 
        competence in English through contextualized instruction on the 
        rights and responsibilities of citizenship, naturalization 
        procedures, civic participation, and United States history and 
        Government to help such an individual acquire the skills and 
        knowledge to become an active and informed parent, worker, and 
        community member.''; and
            (6) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(22) Workplace skills.--The term `workplace skills' has 
        the meaning given the term in section 101 of the Workforce 
        Investment Act of 1998.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 173A(b)(8) of the Workforce 
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2918a(b)(8)) is amended by striking 
``section 203(10) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9202(10))'' and inserting ``section 203(11) of the Adult 
Education and Family Literacy Act (20 U.S.C. 9202(11))''.

SEC. 203. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 205 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9204) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 205. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    ``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title 
$850,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and such sums as may be necessary for 
each succeeding fiscal year.''.

SEC. 204. RESERVATION OF FUNDS; GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE AGENCIES; 
              ALLOTMENTS.

    Section 211(a) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9211(a)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$8,000,000'' and 
        inserting ``$15,000,000'';
            (2) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) by striking ``1.5 percent'' and inserting 
                ``1.25 percent'';
                    (B) by striking ``$8,000,000'' and inserting 
                ``$12,000,000''; and
                    (C) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
            (3) in paragraph (3), by striking the period and inserting 
        ``; and''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) shall reserve 12 percent to carry out section 244.''.

SEC. 205. PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM.

    Section 212(b) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9212(b)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)(A)--
                    (A) in clause (i), by inserting ``and the 
                employment performance indicator described in paragraph 
                (2)(B)'' after ``paragraph (2)(A)''; and
                    (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``paragraph 
                (2)(B)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)(C)'';
            (2) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A)--
                            (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``in, 
                        retention in'' and all that follows through the 
                        period at the end and inserting ``in 
                        postsecondary education, including registered 
                        apprenticeship, or other skill training 
                        programs.''; and
                            (ii) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``(iv) Attainment of work readiness, 
                        workplace skills, and certificates that are 
                        nationally or industry recognized or approved 
                        by the State board or local board, as 
                        appropriate.'';
                    (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as 
                subparagraph (D);
                    (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the 
                following:
                    ``(B) Employment performance indicator.--Consistent 
                with applicable Federal and State privacy laws--
                            ``(i) an eligible agency shall identify in 
                        the State plan an individual participant 
                        employment performance indicator, which shall 
                        be entry into employment, retention, and 
                        earnings; and
                            ``(ii) the State agency responsible for 
                        maintaining and analyzing the data described in 
                        clause (i) shall assist the eligible agency in 
                        obtaining and using quarterly wage records to 
                        collect such data.
                    ``(C) Technology literacy indicator.--Beginning in 
                2013, an eligible agency shall include a technology 
                literacy indicator in its performance measure.''; and
                    (D) by striking subparagraph (D), as redesignated 
                by subparagraph (B), and inserting the following:
                    ``(D) Additional indicators.--An eligible agency 
                may identify in the State plan additional indicators, 
                including customer feedback, for adult education, 
                literacy, and workplace skills activities authorized 
                under this subtitle.''; and
            (3) in paragraph (3)(B)--
                    (A) in the heading, by inserting ``and employment 
                performance indicator'' after ``indicators''; and
                    (B) by striking ``paragraph (2)(B)'' and inserting 
                ``paragraph (2)(C) and for the employment performance 
                indicator described in paragraph (2)(B)''.

SEC. 206. STATE DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS; MATCHING REQUIREMENT.

    Section 222(a) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9222(a)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) by striking ``not more than 10'' and inserting 
                ``not less than 10''; and
                    (B) by striking ``82.5 percent'' both places the 
                term appears and inserting ``80 percent''; and
            (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``12.5 percent'' and 
        inserting ``15 percent''.

SEC. 207. STATE LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.

    Section 223(a) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9223(a)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(a) Activities.--
            ``(1) Required activities.--Each eligible agency shall use 
        funds made available under section 222(a)(2) for the following 
        adult education, literacy, and work readiness skills 
        activities:
                    ``(A) The establishment or operation of 
                professional development programs to improve the 
                quality of instruction provided pursuant to local 
                activities required under section 231(b).
                    ``(B) The provision of technical assistance to 
                eligible providers of adult education, literacy, and 
                workplace skills activities to enable them to fulfill 
                the purpose of this title, as described in section 202.
                    ``(C) The monitoring and evaluation of adult 
                education and related activities to determine what 
                works and broadly disseminate information about models 
                and best practices and tools within the State.
                    ``(D) The provision of technology assistance, 
                including staff training, to eligible providers of 
                adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
                activities to enable the eligible providers to improve 
                the quality of such activities.
                    ``(E) Coordination with the workforce investment 
                systems supported under title I.
            ``(2) Permissible activities.--Each eligible agency may use 
        funds made available under section 222(a)(2) for 1 or more of 
        the following adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
        activities:
                    ``(A) The support for State or regional networks of 
                literacy resource centers.
                    ``(B) Incentives for program coordination and 
                integration, and performance awards.
                    ``(C) Developing and disseminating curricula for 
                postsecondary and job training readiness, including 
                curricula for using technology for distance learning 
                and for instructional and teacher training purposes.
                    ``(D) Coordination with existing support services, 
                such as transportation, child care, and other 
                assistance designed to increase rates of enrollment in, 
                and successful completion of, adult education, 
                literacy, and workplace skills activities, to adults 
                enrolled in such activities.
                    ``(E) Developing innovative content and models for 
                integrated education and training and sequential 
                education and training programs.
                    ``(F) Developing innovative content and models to 
                foster the transition to and success in postsecondary 
                education and career pathways.
                    ``(G) Linkages with postsecondary educational 
                institutions.
                    ``(H) Linkages with community-based organizations.
                    ``(I) Support for recruitment and outreach for 
                instructors, students, and employers.''.

SEC. 208. STATE PLAN.

    Section 224 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9224) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph 
                (4); and
                    (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
            ``(2) Program development period.--Notwithstanding any 
        other provision of this section, an eligible agency may be 
        eligible to receive a grant under this title before submission 
        of a 5-year State plan under this section if the eligible 
        agency is in a 1-year program development period.
            ``(3) Stakeholder involvement.--The 5-year State plan shall 
        be comprehensive in nature and developed and monitored by a 
        planning group of all stakeholders in the State's adult 
        education and workforce development system. The stakeholders 
        shall include--
                    ``(A) the agencies responsible for--
                            ``(i) the State's programs under this title 
                        and title I;
                            ``(ii) the State program funded under part 
                        A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 
                        U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
                            ``(iii) overseeing community colleges;
                            ``(iv) elementary and secondary education;
                            ``(v) corrections;
                            ``(vi) economic development;
                            ``(vii) family literacy; and
                            ``(viii) special services to immigrants; 
                        and
                    ``(B) representatives of business and labor.'';
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) by striking paragraph (10) and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(10) a description and strategy of how the eligible 
        agency will develop program strategies and coordinate services, 
        including guidance, counseling, mentoring, and other supports 
        through public and private partnerships and creating transition 
        strategies with such elements as dual enrollment, curricular 
        articulation, and high intensity instruction, for populations 
        that include, at a minimum--
                    ``(A) low-income students;
                    ``(B) individuals with disabilities;
                    ``(C) single parents and displaced homemakers; and
                    ``(D) individuals with multiple barriers to 
                educational enhancement, including individuals with 
                limited English proficiency;'';
                    (B) in paragraph (11), by striking ``and'' after 
                the semicolon;
                    (C) in paragraph (12), by striking the period at 
                the end and inserting a semicolon; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(13) a description of the knowledge and skills necessary 
        for acceptance in postsecondary education and training;
            ``(14) an assurance that every region, as defined by the 
        eligible agency, served by the eligible agency has at least 1 
        adult education program that offers more than 1 option for 
        earning a credential with value in the local market to students 
        who do not yet have a high school diploma or GED and who are 
        unlikely to earn a diploma or GED in the short-term, which 
        option may include partnering with a community college or job 
        training provider and may include getting a GED in the process;
            ``(15) a description of any certification or other 
        requirements for instructors in eligible adult education, 
        literacy, and workplace skills program providers in the State;
            ``(16) a description of the professional development needs 
        of adult education, literacy, and workplace skills providers in 
        the State;
            ``(17) a description of how the State will--
                    ``(A) use technology to improve the quality of 
                adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
                services; and
                    ``(B) expand access to such services for workers 
                and students;
            ``(18) a description of how the State will carry out 
        programs described in section 244;
            ``(19) a description of the data system that the State will 
        use to track over time student outcomes on the performance 
        measures described in section 212;
            ``(20) a description of the State's program to invest in 
        the skills of workers, including plans for involving business 
        as an active partner in the effort; and
            ``(21) a description of how the adult education programs 
        will be integrated with occupational skills programs and 
        aligned with postsecondary education, career, and technical 
        education, workforce development programs, and other Federal 
        funds available under title I and other relevant Federal 
        programs.'';
            (3) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
    ``(e) Peer Review and Plan Approval.--The Secretary shall--
            ``(1) establish a peer review process to assist in the 
        review and approval of State plans;
            ``(2) in consultation with the National Center for Adult 
        Education, Literacy, and Workplace Skills, appoint individuals, 
        representing the range of stakeholders, to the peer-review 
        process, including--
                    ``(A) representatives of adult learners, adult 
                education, literacy, and workplace skills providers, 
                eligible agencies, State educational agencies, 
                institutions of higher education, representatives of 
                local or State workforce investment boards; and
                    ``(B) experts in the fields of adult education, 
                literacy, and workplace skills;
            ``(3) approve a State plan within 120 days after receiving 
        the plan, unless the Secretary makes a written determination, 
        within 30 days after receiving the plan, that the plan does not 
        meet the requirements of this section or is inconsistent with 
        specific provisions of this subtitle; and
            ``(4) not finally disapprove of a State plan before 
        offering the eligible agency the opportunity, prior to the 
        expiration of the 30-day period beginning on the date on which 
        the eligible agency received the written determination 
        described in paragraph (3), to revise the plan, and providing 
        technical assistance in order to assist the eligible agency in 
        meeting the requirements of this subtitle.''; and
            (4) by striking subsections (f) and (g).

SEC. 209. PROGRAMS FOR CORRECTIONS EDUCATION AND OTHER 
              INSTITUTIONALIZED INDIVIDUALS.

    Section 225 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9225) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the 
                semicolon at the end;
                    (B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the 
                end and inserting a semicolon; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(5) integrated education and training and sequential 
        education and training programs;
            ``(6) career pathways programs;
            ``(7) dual enrollment programs; and
            ``(8) preparation for postsecondary education and 
        training.'';
            (2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
            (3) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
    ``(d) Report.--In addition to any report required under section 
212(c), each eligible agency that receives assistance provided under 
this section shall annually prepare and submit to the Secretary a 
report on the progress, as described in section 212(c)(1), of the 
eligible agency with respect to the programs and activities of the 
eligible entity receiving assistance under this section.''.

SEC. 210. GRANTS AND CONTRACTS FOR ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS.

    Section 231(b)(1) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act 
(20 U.S.C. 9241(b)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
            ``(1) Adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
        services, which may include workplace literacy services, 
        integrated education and training and sequential education and 
        training services, and transition to postsecondary education 
        and training, career pathways, and employment.''.

SEC. 211. LOCAL APPLICATION.

    Section 232 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9242) is amended--
            (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting 
        ``the measurable goals to be accomplished as a result of the 
        grant or contract and'' after ``including'';
            (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (3) in paragraph (2), by striking the period and inserting 
        ``; and''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) a description of how the grantee or contractor will 
        collect data for purposes of reporting performance measures to 
        assess and evaluate the progress of adult education students 
        and activities.''.

SEC. 212. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

    Section 241 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9251) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(c) Rulemaking.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall issue such 
        regulations as are necessary to reasonably ensure compliance 
        with this title.
            ``(2) Consultation.--Before publishing in the Federal 
        Register proposed regulations to carry out this title, the 
        Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Labor and obtain 
        the advice and recommendations of representatives of--
                    ``(A) adult learners;
                    ``(B) adult education, literacy, and workplace 
                skills providers;
                    ``(C) eligible agencies;
                    ``(D) State educational agencies;
                    ``(E) institutions of postsecondary education, 
                including community colleges;
                    ``(F) representatives of State and local workforce 
                investment boards;
                    ``(G) other organizations involved with the 
                implementation and operation of programs under this 
                title; and
                    ``(H) community-based organizations involved with 
                the implementation and operation of programs under this 
                title.
            ``(3) Meetings and electronic exchange.--The advice and 
        recommendations described in paragraph (2) may be obtained 
        through such mechanisms as regional meetings and electronic 
        exchanges of information.''.

SEC. 213. NATIONAL CENTER FOR ADULT EDUCATION, LITERACY, AND WORKPLACE 
              SKILLS.

    Section 242 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9252) is amended--
            (1) by striking the section heading and inserting the 
        following ``national center for adult education, literacy, and 
        workplace skills '';
            (2) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
    ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of the National Center for Adult 
Education, Literacy, and Workplace Skills is to--
            ``(1) provide national leadership regarding adult education 
        and family literacy;
            ``(2) coordinate adult education, literacy, and workplace 
        skills services and policy;
            ``(3) serve as a national resource for adult education, 
        literacy, and workplace skills programs by--
                    ``(A) providing the best and most accurate 
                information available;
                    ``(B) providing national leadership on the use of 
                technology for adult education;
                    ``(C) supporting the creation of new ways to offer 
                adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
                services of proven effectiveness; and
                    ``(D) providing effective practices for integrated 
                English literacy and civics education programs;
            ``(4) collect and disseminate information on methods of 
        advancing education and literacy that show great promise for 
        adults eligible for services under this title;
            ``(5) provide policy and technical assistance to Federal, 
        State, and local organizations for the improvement of adult 
        education, literacy, and workplace skills services; and
            ``(6) not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of 
        the Adult Education and Economic Growth Act of 2012, conduct an 
        evaluation and submit a report to the Interagency Group, the 
        Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the 
        Senate, and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the 
        House of Representatives on the effectiveness of programs 
        funded under this title in achieving the purpose described in 
        section 202, which evaluation and report shall include--
                    ``(A) a longitudinal study of outcomes for adult 
                learners served under programs under this title;
                    ``(B) an analysis of the adequacy of the 
                performance measures identified in section 212; and
                    ``(C) recommendations for improved performance 
                measures and on how to improve program 
                effectiveness.'';
            (3) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``National 
                Institute for Literacy'' and inserting ``National 
                Center for Adult Education, Literacy, and Workplace 
                Skills'';
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``separate'' and 
                inserting ``independent''; and
                    (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``National 
                Institute for Literacy Advisory Board'' and inserting 
                ``National Center for Adult Education, Literacy, and 
                Workplace Skills Advisory Board'';
            (4) in subsection (c)(1)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A)--
                            (i) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' 
                        after the semicolon;
                            (ii) in clause (iv), by inserting ``and'' 
                        after the semicolon; and
                            (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``(v) effective practices for integrated 
                        English literacy and civics education 
                        programs;'';
                    (B) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the 
                following:
                    ``(D) to collect and disseminate information on 
                methods of advancing education and literacy that show 
                great promise for adults eligible for services under 
                this title;'';
                    (C) by striking subparagraph (E) and inserting the 
                following:
                    ``(E) to provide policy and technical assistance to 
                Federal, State, and local organizations for the 
                improvement of adult education, literacy, and workplace 
                skills services;'';
                    (D) in subparagraph (G), by inserting ``and 
                integrated English literacy and civics education 
                programs'' after ``workforce investment activities'';
                    (E) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``and'' after 
                the semicolon;
                    (F) in subparagraph (I), by striking the period and 
                inserting a semicolon; and
                    (G) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(J) to carry out section 306 of the Adult 
                Education and Economic Growth Act of 2012; and
                    ``(K) not later than 4 years after the date of 
                enactment of the Adult Education and Economic Growth 
                Act of 2012, to conduct an evaluation and submit a 
                report to the Interagency Group, the Committee on 
                Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, 
                and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the 
                House of Representatives on the effectiveness of 
                programs funded under this title in achieving the 
                purpose described in section 202, which evaluation and 
                report shall include--
                            ``(i) a longitudinal study of outcomes for 
                        adult learners served under programs under this 
                        title;
                            ``(ii) an analysis of the adequacy of the 
                        performance measures identified in section 212; 
                        and
                            ``(iii) recommendations for improved 
                        performance measures and on how to improve 
                        program effectiveness.''; and
            (5) in subsection (e)--
                    (A) in the heading, by striking ``National 
                Institute for Literacy Advisory Board'' and inserting 
                ``National Center for Adult Education, Literacy, and 
                Workplace Skills Advisory Board''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``National 
                Institute for Literacy Advisory Board'' and inserting 
                ``National Center for Adult Education, Literacy, and 
                Workplace Skills Advisory Board''.

SEC. 214. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.

    Section 243 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9253) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 243. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.

    ``The Secretary shall establish and carry out a program of national 
leadership activities to improve the quality and outcomes of adult 
education, literacy, and workplace skills programs nationwide. Such 
activities shall include the following:
            ``(1) Technical assistance, which may include--
                    ``(A) assistance to eligible providers in 
                developing and using certification systems, performance 
                measures, and data systems for the improvement of adult 
                education, literacy, and workplace skills activities, 
                including family literacy services, transition to 
                postsecondary education or career pathways, and 
                integrated English literacy and civics education 
                programs;
                    ``(B) assistance related to professional 
                development activities and assistance for the purpose 
                of developing, improving, identifying, and 
                disseminating the most successful methods and 
                techniques for providing adult education, literacy, and 
                workplace skills activities, including family literacy 
                services, transition to postsecondary education or 
                career pathways, and integrated English literacy and 
                civics education programs, based on scientific evidence 
                where available; or
                    ``(C) assistance in distance learning and promoting 
                and improving the use of technology in the classroom.
            ``(2) National demonstration projects for improving adult 
        education, literacy, and workplace skills services, which may 
        include projects that--
                    ``(A) accelerate learning outcomes for adult 
                learners with the lowest literacy levels;
                    ``(B) promote career pathways;
                    ``(C) allow dual enrollment in adult secondary 
                education and credit bearing postsecondary coursework;
                    ``(D) provide integrated education and training and 
                sequential education and training services;
                    ``(E) build capacity to enhance the intensity of 
                adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
                services;
                    ``(F) establish partnerships to improve the quality 
                of and expand adult education, literacy, and workplace 
                skills services to more adults;
                    ``(G) provide professional development 
                opportunities to adult education, literacy, and 
                workplace skills service providers;
                    ``(H) develop new curricula and methods of 
                instruction that improve learning outcomes in adult 
                education, literacy, and workplace skills programs; and
                    ``(I) provide integrated English literacy and 
                civics education program instruction.
            ``(3) Dissemination of the results and best practices 
        identified in the national demonstration projects described in 
        paragraph (2).
            ``(4) Program evaluation and data collection and 
        reporting.''.

SEC. 215. INTEGRATED ENGLISH LITERACY AND CIVICS EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

    Chapter 4 of subtitle A of the Adult Education and Family Literacy 
Act (20 U.S.C. 9251 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``SEC. 244. INTEGRATED ENGLISH LITERACY AND CIVICS EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

    ``(a) In General.--From funds reserved under section 211(a)(4) for 
each fiscal year, the Secretary shall award grants to States, in 
accordance with the allocations under subsection (b), for integrated 
English literacy and civics education programs.
    ``(b) Allocations.--
            ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), of the funds 
        described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall allocate--
                    ``(A) 65 percent to States on the basis of a 
                State's need for integrated English and civics 
                education programs, as determined by calculating each 
                State's share of a 10-year average of the data compiled 
                by the Office of Immigration Statistics of the 
                Department of Homeland Security, for immigrants 
                admitted for lawful permanent residence for the 10 most 
                recent years; and
                    ``(B) 35 percent to States on the basis of whether 
                the State experienced growth, as measured by the 
                average of the 3 most recent years for which data 
                compiled by the Office of Immigration Statistics of the 
                Department of Homeland Security are available, for 
                immigrants admitted for lawful permanent residence.
            ``(2) Minimum.--No State shall receive an allocation under 
        paragraph (1) for a fiscal year in an amount that is less than 
        $60,000.''.

    TITLE III--21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGY AND SKILLS FOR ADULT LEARNERS

SEC. 301. PURPOSES.

    The purposes of this title are the following:
            (1) To expand access to adult education services and bring 
        about cost efficiencies through increased use of technology and 
        the development of a national web portal.
            (2) To provide professional development for providers of 
        adult education, literacy, and workplace skills services so 
        that they are able to--
                    (A) effectively use technology in the delivery of 
                adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
                services; and
                    (B) improve the quality of instruction and 
                accelerate the--
                            (i) achievement of basic educational 
                        skills, English language literacy, and 
                        secondary school equivalency or postsecondary 
                        education; and
                            (ii) training readiness for adult learners.
            (3) To assist States in developing a 21st century delivery 
        system for adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
        services.
            (4) To assist adults in developing technology literacy.

SEC. 302. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
            (1) Adult education terms.--The terms ``adult education'', 
        ``eligible agency'', ``eligible provider'', ``Secretary'', and 
        ``State'' have the meanings given the terms in section 203 of 
        the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 U.S.C. 9202).
            (2) Center.--The term ``Center'' means the National Center 
        for Adult Education, Literacy, and Workplace Skills established 
        under section 242 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy 
        Act (20 U.S.C. 9252).
            (3) Distance education.--The term ``distance education'' 
        has the meaning given the term in section 103 of the Higher 
        Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003).
            (4) Technology literacy.--The term ``technology literacy'' 
        means the knowledge and skills in using contemporary 
        information, communication and learning technologies in a 
        manner necessary for successful lifelong learning and 
        citizenship in the knowledge-based, digital, and global 21st 
        century, which includes the abilities--
                    (A) to effectively communicate and collaborate;
                    (B) to analyze and solve problems;
                    (C) to access, evaluate, manage, and create 
                information and otherwise gain information literacy; 
                and
                    (D) to do so in a safe and ethical manner.

SEC. 303. RESERVATION OF FUNDS AND ALLOTMENTS.

    (a) Reservation of Funds.--From the sums appropriated under section 
307 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve 3 percent or 
$7,500,000 to carry out section 306, whichever amount is less.
    (b) Allotment of Remainder.--From the sums remaining for a fiscal 
year after making the reservation under subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall allot--
            (1) 75 percent to carry out section 305;
            (2) 20 percent to carry out section 304; and
            (3) 5 percent for administrative costs in carrying out 
        section 304.
    (c) Allotments to Eligible Agencies.--
            (1) In general.--From the sums available to carry out 
        section 304 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allot to 
        each eligible agency with an approved application an amount 
        that bears the same relationship to such sums as the amount 
        received under section 211(c)(2) of the Adult Education and 
        Family Literacy Act (20 U.S.C. 9211(c)(2)) by such eligible 
        agency bears to the amount received under such section for such 
        fiscal year by all eligible agencies.
            (2) Minimum allotment.--No eligible agency shall receive an 
        allotment under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year in amount that 
        is less than $100,000. If the amount appropriated to carry out 
        section 304 for a fiscal year is not sufficient to pay such 
        minimum allotment, the amount of such minimum allotments shall 
        be ratably reduced.

SEC. 304. GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE AGENCIES.

    (a) Authorization of Grants.--The Secretary shall award grants to 
eligible agencies from allotments under section 303(b).
    (b) Application.--
            (1) In general.--Each eligible agency that desires to 
        receive a grant under this title shall submit an application to 
        the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by 
        such information as the Secretary may require.
            (2) Contents.--An application submitted under paragraph (1) 
        shall contain the following:
                    (A) A description of the eligible agency's 
                technology plan for the adult education system, 
                including measurable goals to be achieved.
                    (B) A description of how the eligible agency will 
                provide technical assistance and support to local 
                programs.
                    (C) A description of how the eligible agency will 
                use technology to expand adult education, literacy, and 
                workplace skills services to more adults, including 
                those in rural areas.
                    (D) A description of the long-term goals and 
                strategies for improved outcomes for adult learners.
                    (E) A description of the professional development 
                activities to be undertaken.
                    (F) A description of the performance benchmarks and 
                how data will be collected.
                    (G) A description of how the eligible agency will 
                ensure that grants or contracts to eligible providers 
                are of sufficient size and scope to achieve the 
                purposes of this title.
    (c) Activities.--An eligible agency that receives a grant under 
this title shall carry out the following:
            (1) Developing a statewide technology plan for the adult 
        education system.
            (2) Providing professional development for adult education, 
        literacy, and workplace skills service providers.
            (3) Providing access to curricula, instruction, and 
        assessment for adult learners and eligible providers.
            (4) Supporting the development of curricula and assessment 
        tools for adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
        service providers.
            (5) Providing guidance and technical assistance to eligible 
        providers.
            (6) Supporting innovative pilot projects such as the use of 
        assistive technology to deliver content to adult learners.

SEC. 305. GRANTS AND CONTRACTS TO ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS.

    (a) Authorization of Grants and Contracts.--An eligible agency that 
receives a grant under this title shall award grants and contracts to 
eligible providers to carry out activities described in this section.
    (b) Eligible Provider Application.--An eligible provider that 
desires to receive a grant or contract under this title shall submit an 
application to an eligible agency, which shall include--
            (1) a description of how the eligible provider will 
        integrate technology into the eligible provider's delivery of 
        adult education, literacy, and workplace skills services;
            (2) a description of professional development activities to 
        be undertaken; and
            (3) a description of plans to regularly replace computers 
        and servers that lack the functional capabilities to process 
        new online applications and services, including video 
        conferencing, video streaming, virtual simulations, and 
        distance education courses.
    (c) Eligible Provider Activities.--An eligible provider that 
receives a grant or contract under this title shall carry out the 
following:
            (1) Acquiring and effectively implementing technology 
        tools, applications, and other resources in conjunction with 
        enhancing or redesigning adult education, literacy, and 
        workplace skills curricula to increase adult learning outcomes 
        and improve adult technology literacy.
            (2) Acquiring and effectively implementing technology 
        tools, applications, and other resources to--
                    (A) conduct on-going assessments and use other 
                timely data systems to more effectively identify 
                individual learning needs and guide personalized 
                instruction, learning, and appropriate interventions 
                that address those personalized student learning needs; 
                and
                    (B) support individualized learning, including 
                through instructional software and digital content that 
                support the learning needs of each student or through 
                providing access to high-quality courses and 
                instructors, especially in rural areas.
            (3) Providing professional development activities for 
        providers of adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
        services that includes--
                    (A) training that is on-going, sustainable, timely, 
                and directly related to delivering adult education, 
                literacy, and workplace skills services;
                    (B) training in strategies and pedagogy in the 
                delivery of adult education, literacy, and workplace 
                skills services that involves the use of technology and 
                curriculum redesign as key components of changing 
                teaching and learning and improving outcomes for adult 
                learners;
                    (C) training in the use of technology to ensure 
                that providers of adult education, literacy, and 
                workplace skills services are able to use technology 
                for data analysis to enable individualized instruction 
                and to use technology to improve technology literacy 
                for adult learners; and
                    (D) training that includes on-going communication 
                and follow-up with instructors, facilitators, and 
                peers.
            (4) Acquisition and implementation of technology tools, 
        applications, and other resources to be employed in 
        professional development activities.

SEC. 306. NATIONAL ADULT LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE CENTER.

    (a) In General.--The Center shall establish and maintain the 
National Adult Learning and Technology Resource Center (referred to in 
this section as the ``Center'').
    (b) Duties of the Center.--The Center shall--
            (1) develop frameworks for technology-based learning and 
        professional development materials for adult education, 
        literacy, and workplace skills;
            (2) develop frameworks for performance measures for 
        technology literacy;
            (3) provide technical assistance to eligible entities and 
        eligible providers of adult education, literacy, and workplace 
        skills;
            (4) support distance education for professional development 
        for eligible entities and eligible providers of adult 
        education, literacy, and workplace skills services;
            (5) support the innovative uses of technology, such as the 
        use of assistive technology, to deliver content to adult 
        learners; and
            (6) be accessible to the public through the website of the 
        Center.

SEC. 307. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title 
$250,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and such sums as may be necessary for 
each succeeding fiscal year.

                 TITLE IV--RESEARCH IN ADULT EDUCATION

SEC. 401. RESEARCH IN ADULT EDUCATION.

    (a) In General.--Section 133(c)(2)(A) of the Education Sciences 
Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9533(c)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting 
``education and'' before ``literacy''.
    (b) National Research and Development Center.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of Education shall direct 
        the Commissioner for Education Research of the National Center 
        for Education Research established pursuant to section 131 of 
        the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9531) to 
        establish a national research and development center for adult 
        education, literacy, and workplace skills as described in 
        section 133(c)(2)(A) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 9533(c)(2)(A)).
            (2) Provision for expansion of research.--If, as of the 
        date of the enactment of this Act, the Commissioner for 
        Education Research of the National Center for Education 
        Research has established a center for adult literacy in 
        accordance with section 133(c)(2)(A) of the Education Sciences 
        Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9533(c)(2)(A)), the Commissioner 
        shall expand the topic of research of such center to include 
        adult education, in accordance with the amendment made by 
        subsection (a).

                      TITLE V--EMPLOYER INCENTIVES

SEC. 501. CREDIT FOR EMPLOYER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

    (a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end 
the following new section:

``SEC. 45R. CREDIT FOR EMPLOYER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

    ``(a) General Rule.--For purposes of section 38, in the case of an 
employer, the employer educational assistance program credit determined 
under this section for the taxable year is an amount equal to 50 
percent of the qualified educational assistance expenses paid or 
incurred by the taxpayer to or on behalf of any employee of the 
taxpayer during the taxable year, regardless if the program is provided 
at the workplace or outside of the workplace.
    ``(b) Limitations.--
            ``(1) Per employee limitation.--The amount of the qualified 
        educational assistance expenses taken into account under 
        subsection (a) with respect to any employee for the taxable 
        year shall not exceed $5,250.
            ``(2) Total limitation.--The aggregate amount of the 
        qualified educational assistance expenses taken into account 
        under subsection (a) with respect to all employees of the 
        taxpayer for the taxable year shall not exceed the average of 
        the aggregate qualified educational assistance expenses with 
        respect to all employees of the taxpayer taken into account 
        under subsection (a) in the 3 taxable years preceding such 
        taxable year.
            ``(3) Transition rule.--
                    ``(A) In general.--In the case of a taxable year in 
                which qualified educational assistance expenses of the 
                taxpayer have not been taken into account under 
                subsection (a) for each of the 3 taxable years 
                preceding such taxable year, the aggregate amount of 
                the qualified educational assistance expenses taken 
                into account under subsection (a) with respect to all 
                employees of the taxpayer for such taxable year shall 
                not exceed the average of the sum of--
                            ``(i) the aggregate qualified educational 
                        assistance expenses with respect to all 
                        employees of the taxpayer taken into account 
                        under subsection (a) in any of the 3 taxable 
                        years preceding such taxable year, plus
                            ``(ii) the aggregate amount of amounts paid 
                        or expenses incurred by the employer, for which 
                        an exclusion was allowable to any employee of 
                        the employer under section 127, in any of such 
                        3 taxable years in which no expenses were taken 
                        into account under subsection (a), plus
                            ``(iii) in the case of a taxable year in 
                        which expenses have not been taken into account 
                        under subsection (a) or section 127 for each of 
                        the 3 taxable years preceding such taxable 
                        year, an amount equal to--
                                    ``(I) $5,250, multiplied by
                                    ``(II) the number of employees of 
                                the taxpayer with respect to which the 
                                taxpayer has qualified educational 
                                assistance expenses in such taxable 
                                year.
    ``(c) Qualified Educational Assistance Expenses.--For purposes of 
this section--
            ``(1) In general.--The term `qualified educational 
        assistance expenses' means expenses paid for educational 
        assistance pursuant to an educational assistance program 
        (within the meaning of section 127(b)).
            ``(2) Educational assistance.--The term `educational 
        assistance' has the meaning given such term by section 
        127(c)(1), applied without regard to subparagraph (B) thereof, 
        except that such term includes a payment only if such payment 
        is made with respect to an employee enrolled in a program 
        provided at the workplace or outside of the workplace--
                    ``(A) leading to a sub-baccalaureate degree or 
                career technical certificate awarded by an accredited 
                postsecondary institution; or
                    ``(B) in basic education, workplace skills, or 
                English language training leading to a nationally 
                recognized certificate of proficiency.
    ``(d) Other Definitions and Special Rules.--Rules similar to the 
rules of paragraphs (2) through (5) of section 127(c) shall apply for 
purposes of this section.
    ``(e) Denial of Double Benefit.--No deduction or other credit shall 
be allowed under this chapter to an employer for any amount taken into 
account in determining the credit under this section.''.
    (b) Credit Included in General Business Credit.--Section 38(b) of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``plus'' at 
the end of paragraph (34), by striking the period at the end of 
paragraph (35) and inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at the end the 
following new paragraph:
            ``(36) the employer educational assistance program credit 
        determined under section 45R(a).''.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of 
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

``Sec. 45R. Credit for employer educational assistance programs.''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply to expenses relating to courses of instruction beginning after 
December 31, 2012.
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