Friday, June 28, 2013

ADULT EDUCATION NEWSLETTER—JUNE 2013


by:  Dan Garcia

Principal
Ford Park Adult School

BUDGET SAVES AND ALTERS ADULT EDUCATION
The 2013-14 state budget on Governor Brown’s desk awaiting approval contains provisions that seek to preserve California’s Adult Education Program while also bringing major changes in 2015-16. The Governor has until June 30th to act on the budget. The provisions contained in the education trailer bills SB 81 and SB 91 impact current and future Adult Education programs:

No Cuts to Adult Education in Next Two Years and $500 million in 2015-16
The state budget requires districts that receive Adult Education funds to continue their 2012-13 expenditure level for the next two fiscal years, 2013-14 and 2014-15. Beginning in 2015-16, the state would provide $500 million to fund Adult Education with the institution of local consortia based on partnerships with community colleges. For the 2013-14 fiscal year, the budget provides $25 million to fund local planning grants for regional Adult Education consortia being required in 2015-16.

Funding and Coordination of the Local Planning Grants
With an appropriation of $25 million, California Community Colleges and the California Department of Education will have the joint responsibility of funding the regional consortia planning grants. In March 2014, the legislature is to receive a status report on the progress of the consortia planning grants.

Adult Education Consortium Requirements
  • A local consortium will require the partnership of at least one school district and a community college district.
  • If the local community college district chooses to not participate, a neighboring community college district may be in the partnership.
  • Other entities, including correctional facilities, public entities, and community-based organizations, may be included in a consortium.

Courses to be included in Adult Education Consortia Plans
Grant funds are to be used to assure the following subjects are offered:
  • Elementary and secondary basic skills.
  • Classes for immigrants in citizenship and English as a second language, and workforce preparation classes in basic skills.
  • Education programs for adults with disabilities.
  • Short-term career technical education programs with employment potential.
  • Programs for apprentices.

What to Do?
  • Encourage local boards of education and superintendents to support Adult Education, and understand the new budget provisions noted above.
  • Thank legislators for preserving Adult Education in K12 districts.

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