AEL Qualifications
Procedures for Implementing a Local Adult Education and Literacy Program Minimum Standards for Local Adult Education and
The Missouri State Plan for Implementing Title II of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 establishes a program of Adult Education and Literacy (AEL). The Missouri State Board of Education is responsible for administering and supervising the program at the state level. Funds will be distributed to public school districts and other eligible agencies and institutions for the purpose of providing instruction in AEL. The smallest geographical area considered for approval for Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) funding is a single school district. Each institution within the state correctional system, overseen by one superintendent, will be considered as one school district for the purpose of program approval. School districts in which no AEL class was held in the previous program year will be considered as not being served. However, one geographic area may have multiple service providers if:
Multiple applications for serving a single geographic area are expected. These will be accepted for review and consideration, but only one program per geographical area will be funded with the exception of the aforementioned conditions. If it is determined that the geographic area is best served by allowing multiple programs to serve the same geographic area, the multiple programs should negotiate a cooperative service agreement. If a cooperative service agreement cannot be negotiated, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) reserves the right to call a hearing to determine the most cost effective and best plan to service eligible participants. The State Director may, when conditions warrant, make adjustments in geographic areas that may have more than one program. Procedures for Implementing a Local Adult Education and Literacy Program All applicants for Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) programs shall have direct and equal access to program funds. Application information will be supplied to all agencies that make written inquiries and requests. State Director of Adult Education and Literacy The deadline for receiving the plan applications will be announced in the current Request For Proposal (RFP). The signature of the Superintendent or chief executive officer must be entered on the Minimum Quality Assurances form and any other forms required by regulation, law and agencies. Copies of these signed forms must accompany the original proposal and subsequent renewal budgets. Minimum Standards for Local Adult Education and Literacy Programs 1. Report the number of contact hours generated in each school district served during the preceding program year. This information is due in the office of the State Director of Adult Education and Literacy not later than October 31 of each year. 2. All applications/plans must be comprehensive in nature. That is, the applying agency must agree to serve individuals in all areas of need where appropriate. These areas include, but are not limited to:
3. Have objectives compatible with those in the Missouri State Plan. 4. Provide instruction at no charge to all eligible students who are 16 years of age or older and out of school, within the district, jurisdiction or geographic area approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). (No book fee or charge of any kind may be made to the student.) 5. Provide adequate classrooms, furniture, equipment and/or office facilities for students and professional personnel. 6. Provide sufficient textbooks, reference books, library books, instructional equipment, teaching aids, standardized tests, etc., to meet the needs of pupils and teachers in the instructional program. 7. Provide services designed to meet the special needs of educationally disadvantaged adults. 8. Engage in outreach activities compatible with the Missouri State Plan for Adult Education and Literacy, and inform adults in the areas served of times and locations of class. 9. Adhere to budgeting and accounting procedures outlined in this appendix and have an audit completed and submitted each year. 10. Adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy for all AEL/DESE owned equipment and software. 11. Budget a minimum of $5 per student enrolled in AEL for teaching materials and supplies. 12. Record and keep on file enrollment and follow-up information on all students in AEL classes for a minimum of three (3) years. 13. Document each student’s progress and mastery of instructional objectives through the use of standardized tests. 14. Employ well-qualified teachers who are properly certificated by DESE. 15. Employ well-qualified administrators who are properly certified by DESE. 16. Require all professional staff to attend in-service and/or pre-service workshops approved by DESE. 17. Provide information about the availability of additional academic or career educational training for students upon the completion of their AEL training. This additional training should be available within the local geographic area served by the AEL program. However, for those seeking specialized training not available in the local area, appropriate referrals should be made. |