Source: https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title29/chapter32/subchapter2&edition=prelim
Timestamp: 2020-04-05 17:34:18
Document Index: 498242123

Matched Legal Cases: ['§3272', '§203', '§9215', '§3273', '§204', '§3274', '§205', '§3275', '§206', '§3291', '§211', '§3292', '§212', '§3293', '§801', '§3321', '§231', '§3322', '§232', '§3323', '§233', '§3331', '§241', '§3332', '§242', '§3333', '§243']

[USC02] 29 USC CHAPTER 32, SUBCHAPTER II: ADULT EDUCATION AND LITERACY
<< Previous TITLE 29 / CHAPTER 32 / SUBCHAPTER II Next >>
29 USC CHAPTER 32, SUBCHAPTER II: ADULT EDUCATION AND LITERACY
From Title 29—LABORCHAPTER 32—WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY
SUBCHAPTER II—ADULT EDUCATION AND LITERACY
§3272. Definitions
The term "adult education" means academic instruction and education services below the postsecondary level that increase an individual's ability to—
(A) read, write, and speak in English and perform mathematics or other activities necessary for the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent;
(B) transition to postsecondary education and training; and
(C) obtain employment.
(2) Adult education and literacy activities
The term "adult education and literacy activities" means programs, activities, and services that include adult education, literacy, 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.
(3) Eligible agency
The term "eligible agency" means the sole entity or agency in a State or an outlying area responsible for administering or supervising policy for adult education and literacy activities in the State or outlying area, respectively, consistent with the law of the State or outlying area, respectively.
(4) Eligible individual
The term "eligible individual" means an individual—
(A) who has attained 16 years of age;
(B) who is not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under State law; and
(i) is basic skills deficient;
(ii) does not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and has not achieved an equivalent level of education; or
(iii) is an English language learner.
(5) Eligible provider
The term "eligible provider" means an organization that has demonstrated effectiveness in providing adult education and literacy activities that may include—
(H) a nonprofit institution that is not described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (G) and has the ability to provide adult education and literacy activities to eligible individuals;
(I) a consortium or coalition of the agencies, organizations, institutions, libraries, or authorities described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (H); and
(J) a partnership between an employer and an entity described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (I).
(6) English language acquisition program
The term "English language acquisition program" means a program of instruction—
(B) that leads to—
(i)(I) attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent; and
(II) transition to postsecondary education and training; or
(7) English language learner
The term "English language learner" when used with respect to an eligible individual, means an eligible individual who has limited ability in reading, writing, speaking, or comprehending the English language, and—
(8) Essential components of reading instruction
The term "essential components of reading instruction" means explicit and systematic instruction in—
(9) Family literacy activities
The term "family literacy activities" means activities that are of sufficient intensity and quality, to make sustainable improvements in the economic prospects for a family and that better enable parents or family members to support their children's learning needs, and that integrate all of the following activities:
(A) Parent or family adult education and literacy activities that lead to readiness for postsecondary education or training, career advancement, and economic self-sufficiency.
(B) Interactive literacy activities between parents or family members and their children.
(C) 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.
(11) Integrated education and training
The term "integrated education and training" means a service approach that provides adult education and literacy activities concurrently and contextually with workforce preparation activities and workforce training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster for the purpose of educational and career advancement.
(12) Integrated English literacy and civics education
The term "integrated English literacy and civics education" means education services provided to English language learners who are adults, including professionals with degrees and credentials in their native countries, that enables such adults to achieve competency in the English language and acquire the basic and more advanced skills needed to function effectively as parents, workers, and citizens in the United States. Such services shall include instruction in literacy and English language acquisition and instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and civic participation, and may include workforce training.
The term "literacy" means an individual's ability to read, write, and speak in English, compute, and solve problems, at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in the family of the individual, and in society.
(14) Postsecondary educational institution
The term "postsecondary educational institution" means—
(16) Workplace adult education and literacy activities
The term "workplace adult education and literacy activities" means adult education and literacy activities offered by an eligible provider in collaboration with an employer or employee organization at a workplace or an off-site location that is designed to improve the productivity of the workforce.
(17) Workforce preparation activities
The term "workforce preparation activities" means activities, programs, or services designed to help an individual acquire a combination of basic academic skills, critical thinking skills, digital literacy skills, and self-management skills, including competencies in utilizing resources, using information, working with others, understanding systems, and obtaining skills necessary for successful transition into and completion of postsecondary education or training, or employment.
(Pub. L. 113–128, title II, §203, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1609; Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, §9215(c), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2166.)
2015—Par. (8). Pub. L. 114–95, which directed general amendment of "Paragraph (8) of section 203 of the Adult Education and Literacy Act", was executed by amending par. (8) of this section, which is section 203 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, Pub. L. 113–128, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The term 'essential components of reading instruction' has the meaning given the term in section 6368 of title 20."
§3273. Home schools
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to affect home schools, whether a home school is treated as a home school or a private school under State law, or to compel a parent or family member engaged in home schooling to participate in adult education and literacy activities.
(Pub. L. 113–128, title II, §204, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1611.)
§3274. Rule of construction regarding postsecondary transition and concurrent enrollment activities
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prohibit or discourage the use of funds provided under this subchapter for adult education and literacy activities that help eligible individuals transition to postsecondary education and training or employment, or for concurrent enrollment activities.
(Pub. L. 113–128, title II, §205, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1612.)
§3275. Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subchapter $577,667,000 for fiscal year 2015, $622,286,000 for fiscal year 2016, $635,198,000 for fiscal year 2017, $649,287,000 for fiscal year 2018, $664,552,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $678,640,000 for fiscal year 2020.
(Pub. L. 113–128, title II, §206, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1612.)
Part A—Federal Provisions
§3291. Reservation of funds; grants to eligible agencies; allotments
From the sum appropriated under section 3275 of this title for a fiscal year, the Secretary—
(1) shall reserve 2 percent to carry out section 3332 of this title, except that the amount so reserved shall not exceed $15,000,000; and
(2) shall reserve 12 percent of the amount that remains after reserving funds under paragraph (1) to carry out section 3333 of this title.
(b) Grants to eligible agencies
From the sum appropriated under section 3275 of this title and not reserved under subsection (a) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall award a grant to each eligible agency having a unified State plan approved under section 3112 of this title or a combined State plan approved under section 3113 of this title in an amount equal to the sum of the initial allotment under subsection (c)(1) and the additional allotment under subsection (c)(2) for the eligible agency for the fiscal year, subject to subsections (f) and (g), to enable the eligible agency to carry out the activities assisted under this subchapter.
(2) Purpose of grants
The Secretary may award a grant under paragraph (1) only if the eligible entity involved agrees to expend the grant for adult education and literacy activities in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter.
(1) Initial allotments
From the sum appropriated under section 3275 of this title and not reserved under subsection (a) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allot to each eligible agency having a unified State plan approved under section 3112 of this title or a combined State plan approved under section 3113 of this title—
(A) $100,000, in the case of an eligible agency serving an outlying area; and
(B) $250,000, in the case of any other eligible agency.
(2) Additional allotments
From the sum appropriated under section 3275 of this title, not reserved under subsection (a), and not allotted under paragraph (1), for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allot to each eligible agency that receives an initial allotment under paragraph (1) an additional amount that bears the same relationship to such sum as the number of qualifying adults in the State or outlying area served by the eligible agency bears to the number of such adults in all States and outlying areas.
(d) Qualifying adult
For the purpose of subsection (c)(2), the term "qualifying adult" means an adult who—
From amounts made available under subsection (c) for the Republic of Palau, the Secretary shall award grants to Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Republic of Palau to carry out activities described in this subchapter in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter, as determined by the Secretary.
The Secretary shall award grants pursuant to paragraph (1) on a competitive basis and pursuant to the recommendations from the Pacific Region Educational Laboratory in Honolulu, Hawaii.
(3) Termination of eligibility
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Republic of Palau shall be eligible to receive a grant under this subchapter except during the period described in section 3102(45) of this title.
The Secretary may provide not more than 5 percent of the funds made available for grants under this subsection to pay the administrative costs of the Pacific Region Educational Laboratory regarding activities assisted under this subsection.
(f) Hold-harmless provisions
Notwithstanding subsection (c), for fiscal year 2015 and each succeeding fiscal year, no eligible agency shall receive an allotment under this section that is less than 90 percent of the allotment the eligible agency received for the preceding fiscal year under this section.
If for any fiscal year the amount available for allotment under this subchapter is insufficient to satisfy the provisions of paragraph (1) the Secretary shall ratably reduce the payments to all eligible agencies, as necessary.
(g) Reallotment
The portion of any eligible agency's allotment under this subchapter for a fiscal year that the Secretary determines will not be required for the period such allotment is available for carrying out activities under this subchapter, shall be available for reallotment from time to time, on such dates during such period as the Secretary shall fix, to other eligible agencies in proportion to the original allotments to such agencies under this subchapter for such year.
(Pub. L. 113–128, title II, §211, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1612.)
§3292. Performance accountability system
Programs and activities authorized in this subchapter are subject to the performance accountability provisions described in section 3141 of this title.
(Pub. L. 113–128, title II, §212, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1614.)
§3293. Educational assistance and training
The Secretary of Labor shall provide for grants to States to provide educational assistance and training for United States workers. The Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Education in making grants under this section.
Within the purposes described in subsection (a), funds in the account used under this section shall be allocated among the States based on a formula, established jointly by the Secretaries of Labor and Education, that takes into consideration—
(c) Disbursement to States
(1) Within the purposes and allocations established under this section, disbursements shall be made to the States, in accordance with grant applications submitted to and approved jointly by the Secretaries of Labor and Education, to be applied in a manner consistent with the guidelines established by such Secretaries in consultation with the States. In applying such grants, the States shall consider providing funding to joint labor-management trust funds and other such non-profit organizations which have demonstrated capability and experience in directly training and educating workers.
(d) Limitation on Federal overhead
The Secretaries shall provide that not more than 2 percent of the amount of funds disbursed to States under this section may be used by the Federal Government in the administration of this section.
The Secretary of Labor shall report annually to the Congress on the grants to States provided under this section.
In this section, the term "State" has the meaning given such term in section 1101(a)(36) of title 8.
(Pub. L. 101–649, title VIII, §801, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5087.)
Section was enacted as part of the Immigration Act of 1990, and not as part of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act which comprises this subchapter.
Section was formerly classified to section 2920 of this title and to section 1506 of this title.
§3321. Grants and contracts for eligible providers
From grant funds made available under section 3302(a)(1) of this title, each eligible agency shall award multiyear grants or contracts, on a competitive basis, to eligible providers within the State or outlying area to enable the eligible providers to develop, implement, and improve adult education and literacy activities within the State.
(b) Required local activities
The eligible agency shall require that each eligible provider receiving a grant or contract under subsection (a) use the grant or contract to establish or operate programs that provide adult education and literacy activities, including programs that provide such activities concurrently.
(c) Direct and equitable access; same process
Each eligible agency receiving funds under this subchapter shall ensure that—
(1) all eligible providers have direct and equitable access to apply and compete for grants or contracts under this section; and
(2) the same grant or contract announcement process and application process is used for all eligible providers in the State or outlying area.
Each eligible agency awarding a grant or contract under this section shall not use any funds made available under this subchapter for adult education and literacy activities for the purpose of supporting or providing programs, services, or activities for individuals who are not individuals described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 3272(4) of this title, except that such agency may use such funds for such purpose if such programs, services, or activities are related to family literacy activities. In providing family literacy activities under this subchapter, an eligible provider shall attempt to coordinate with programs and services that are not assisted under this subchapter prior to using funds for adult education and literacy activities under this subchapter for activities other than activities for eligible individuals.
In awarding grants or contracts under this section, the eligible agency shall consider—
(A) regional needs as identified in the local plan under section 3123 of this title; and
(B) serving individuals in the community who were identified in such plan as most in need of adult education and literacy activities, including individuals—
(i) who have low levels of literacy skills; or
(ii) who are English language learners;
(3) past effectiveness of the eligible provider in improving the literacy of eligible individuals, to meet State-adjusted levels of performance for the primary indicators of performance described in section 3141 of this title, especially with respect to eligible individuals who have low levels of literacy;
(4) the extent to which the eligible provider demonstrates alignment between proposed activities and services and the strategy and goals of the local plan under section 3123 of this title, as well as the activities and services of the one-stop partners;
(A) is of sufficient intensity and quality, and based on the most rigorous research available so that participants achieve substantial learning gains; and
(B) uses instructional practices that include the essential components of reading instruction;
(6) whether the eligible provider's activities, including whether reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, and English language acquisition instruction delivered by the eligible provider, are based on the best practices derived from the most rigorous research available and appropriate, including scientifically valid research and effective educational practice;
(7) whether the eligible provider's activities effectively use technology, services, and delivery systems, including distance education in a manner sufficient to increase the amount and quality of learning and how such technology, services, and systems lead to improved performance;
(9) whether the eligible provider's activities are delivered by well-trained instructors, counselors, and administrators who meet any minimum qualifications established by the State, where applicable, and who have access to high quality professional development, including through electronic means;
(10) whether the eligible provider's activities coordinate with other available education, training, and social service resources in the community, such as by establishing strong links with elementary schools and secondary schools, postsecondary educational institutions, institutions of higher education, local workforce investment boards, one-stop centers, job training programs, and social service agencies, business, industry, labor organizations, community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, and intermediaries, for the development of career pathways;
(11) whether the eligible provider's activities offer flexible schedules and coordination with Federal, State, and local support services (such as child care, transportation, mental health services, and career planning) that are necessary to enable individuals, including individuals with disabilities or other special needs, to attend and complete programs;
(12) whether the eligible provider maintains a high-quality information management system that has the capacity to report measurable participant outcomes (consistent with section 3141 of this title) and to monitor program performance; and
(13) whether the local areas in which the eligible provider is located have a demonstrated need for additional English language acquisition programs and civics education programs.
(Pub. L. 113–128, title II, §231, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1618.)
§3322. Local application
Each eligible provider desiring a grant or contract from an eligible agency shall submit an application to the eligible agency containing such information and assurances as the eligible agency may require, including—
(1) a description of how funds awarded under this subchapter will be spent consistent with the requirements of this subchapter;
(3) a description of how the eligible provider will provide services in alignment with the local plan under section 3123 of this title, including how such provider will promote concurrent enrollment in programs and activities under subchapter I, as appropriate;
(4) a description of how the eligible provider will meet the State adjusted levels of performance described in section 3141(b)(3) of this title, including how such provider will collect data to report on such performance indicators;
(5) a description of how the eligible provider will fulfill one-stop partner responsibilities as described in section 3151(b)(1)(A) of this title, as appropriate;
(6) a description of how the eligible provider will provide services in a manner that meets the needs of eligible individuals; and
(7) information that addresses the considerations described under section 3321(e) of this title, as applicable.
(Pub. L. 113–128, title II, §232, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1620.)
§3323. Local administrative cost limits
Subject to subsection (b), of the amount that is made available under this subchapter to an eligible provider—
(1) not less than 95 percent shall be expended for carrying out adult education and literacy activities; and
(2) the remaining amount, not to exceed 5 percent, shall be used for planning, administration (including carrying out the requirements of section 3141 of this title), professional development, and the activities described in paragraphs (3) and (5) of section 3322 of this title.
In cases where the cost limits described in subsection (a) are too restrictive to allow for the activities described in subsection (a)(2), the eligible provider shall negotiate with the eligible agency in order to determine an adequate level of funds to be used for noninstructional purposes.
(Pub. L. 113–128, title II, §233, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1620.)
§3331. Administrative provisions
Funds made available for adult education and literacy activities under this subchapter shall supplement and not supplant other State or local public funds expended for adult education and literacy activities.
An eligible agency may receive funds under this subchapter for any fiscal year if the Secretary finds that the fiscal effort per student or the aggregate expenditures of such eligible agency for activities under this subchapter, in the second preceding fiscal year, were not less than 90 percent of the fiscal effort per student or the aggregate expenditures of such eligible agency for adult education and literacy activities in the third preceding fiscal year.
Subject to paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), for any fiscal year with respect to which the Secretary determines under subparagraph (A) that the fiscal effort or the aggregate expenditures of an eligible agency for the preceding program year were less than such effort or expenditures for the second preceding program year, the Secretary—
(i) shall determine the percentage decreases in such effort or in such expenditures; and
(ii) shall decrease the payment made under this subchapter for such program year to the agency for adult education and literacy activities by the lesser of such percentages.
In computing the fiscal effort and aggregate expenditures under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall exclude capital expenditures and special one-time project costs.
(3) Decrease in Federal support
If the amount made available for adult education and literacy activities under this subchapter for a fiscal year is less than the amount made available for adult education and literacy activities under this subchapter for the preceding fiscal year, then the fiscal effort per student and the aggregate expenditures of an eligible agency required in order to avoid a reduction under paragraph (1)(B) shall be decreased by the same percentage as the percentage decrease in the amount so made available.
The Secretary may waive the requirements of this subsection for not more than 1 fiscal year, if the Secretary determines that a waiver would be equitable due to exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances, such as a natural disaster or an unforeseen and precipitous decline in the financial resources of the State or outlying area of the eligible agency. If the Secretary grants a waiver under the preceding sentence for a fiscal year, the level of effort required under paragraph (1) shall not be reduced in the subsequent fiscal year because of the waiver.
(Pub. L. 113–128, title II, §241, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1620.)
§3332. National leadership activities
The Secretary shall establish and carry out a program of national leadership activities to enhance the quality and outcomes of adult education and literacy activities and programs nationwide.
The national leadership activities described in subsection (a) shall include technical assistance, including—
(1) assistance to help States meet the requirements of section 3141 of this title;
(2) upon request by a State, assistance provided to eligible providers in using performance accountability measures based on indicators described in section 3141 of this title, and data systems for the improvement of adult education and literacy activities;
(3) carrying out rigorous research and evaluation on effective adult education and literacy activities, as well as estimating the number of adults functioning at the lowest levels of literacy proficiency, which shall be coordinated across relevant Federal agencies, including the Institute of Education Sciences; and
(4) carrying out an independent evaluation at least once every 4 years of the programs and activities under this subchapter, taking into consideration the evaluation subjects referred to in section 3224(a)(2) of this title.
(c) Allowable activities
The national leadership activities described in subsection (a) may include the following:
(1) Technical assistance, including—
(A) assistance related to professional development activities, and assistance for the purposes of developing, improving, identifying, and disseminating the most successful methods and techniques for providing adult education and literacy activities, based on scientifically valid research where available;
(B) assistance in distance education and promoting and improving the use of technology in the classroom, including instruction in English language acquisition for English language learners;
(C) assistance in the development and dissemination of proven models for addressing the digital literacy needs of adults, including older adults; and
(D) supporting efforts aimed at strengthening programs at the State and local levels, such as technical assistance in program planning, assessment, evaluation, and monitoring of activities carried out under this subchapter.
(2) Funding national leadership activities either directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements awarded on a competitive basis to or with postsecondary educational institutions, institutions of higher education, public or private organizations or agencies (including public libraries), or consortia of such institutions, organizations, or agencies, which may include—
(A) developing, improving, and identifying the most successful methods and techniques for addressing the education needs of adults, including instructional practices using the essential components of reading instruction based on the work of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development;
(B) supporting national, regional, or local networks of private nonprofit organizations, public libraries, or institutions of higher education to strengthen the ability of such networks' members to meet the performance requirements described in section 3141 of this title of eligible providers;
(C) increasing the effectiveness, and improving the quality, of adult education and literacy activities, which may include—
(i) carrying out rigorous research;
(ii) carrying out demonstration programs;
(iii) accelerating learning outcomes for eligible individuals with the lowest literacy levels;
(iv) developing and promoting career pathways for eligible individuals;
(v) promoting concurrent enrollment programs in adult education and credit bearing postsecondary coursework;
(vi) developing high-quality professional development activities for eligible providers; and
(vii) developing, replicating, and disseminating information on best practices and innovative programs, such as—
(I) the identification of effective strategies for working with adults with learning disabilities and with adults who are English language learners;
(II) integrated education and training programs;
(III) workplace adult education and literacy activities; and
(IV) postsecondary education and training transition programs;
(D) providing for the conduct of an independent evaluation and assessment of adult education and literacy activities through grants and contracts awarded on a competitive basis, which shall include descriptions of—
(i) the effect of performance accountability measures and other measures of accountability on the delivery of adult education and literacy activities;
(ii) the extent to which the adult education and literacy activities increase the literacy skills of eligible individuals, lead to involvement in education and training, enhance the employment and earnings of such participants, and, if applicable, lead to other positive outcomes, such as success in re-entry and reductions in recidivism in the case of prison-based adult education and literacy activities;
(iii) the extent to which the provision of support services to eligible individuals enrolled in adult education and literacy activities increase the rate of enrollment in, and successful completion of, such programs; and
(iv) the extent to which different types of providers measurably improve the skills of eligible individuals in adult education and literacy activities;
(E) collecting data, such as data regarding the improvement of both local and State data systems, through technical assistance and development of model performance data collection systems;
(F) determining how participation in adult education and literacy activities prepares eligible individuals for entry into postsecondary education and employment and, in the case of programs carried out in correctional institutions, has an effect on recidivism; and
(G) other activities designed to enhance the quality of adult education and literacy activities nationwide.
(Pub. L. 113–128, title II, §242, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1621.)
§3333. Integrated English literacy and civics education
From funds made available under section 3291(a)(2) of this title for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall award grants to States, from allotments under subsection (b), for integrated English literacy and civics education, in combination with integrated education and training activities.
Subject to paragraph (2), from amounts made available under section 3291(a)(2) of this title for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate—
(A) 65 percent to the States on the basis of a State's need for integrated English literacy and civics education, as determined by calculating each State's share of a 10-year average of the data of the Office of Immigration Statistics of the Department of Homeland Security for immigrants admitted for legal permanent residence for the 10 most recent years; and
(B) 35 percent to the States on the basis of whether the State experienced growth, as measured by the average of the 3 most recent years for which the data of the Office of Immigration Statistics of the Department of Homeland Security for immigrants admitted for legal permanent residence are available.
No State shall receive an allotment under paragraph (1) in an amount that is less than $60,000.
Each program that receives funding under this section shall be designed to—
The Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and make available to the public, a report on the activities carried out under this section.
(Pub. L. 113–128, title II, §243, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1623.)