Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 172 - Department of Career Education
Rule 172.00.17-004 - Adult Education Program Policies Update
Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 9, September, 2024
Arkansas Department of Career Education, Adult Education Division Policy Manual
Subject: Effective and Efficient Evaluation Calculations
POLICY According to Arkansas Act 1280 of 2007, Section 30, "All funds that become available for adult education shall first be distributed to those administrative units determined to be operating effective and efficient adult education programs, under criteria established by the Career Education and Workforce Development Board. The criteria shall include the relative efficiency of administration of the program in the counties served and achievement of the federal performance indicators."
To be considered effective and efficient, local adult education programs and literacy councils receiving adult education funds will be required to meet or exceed the percentage of the federal negotiated core indicators as determined by the Deputy Director of Adult Education. Programs not meeting percentage requirement in the first year will be required to submit an improvement plan. The improvement plan will address each core indicator of performance that was not met and will include measurable objectives for correcting deficiencies during the following year. State program advisors will provide technical assistance to each program submitting an improvement plan and closely monitor programs during the year. Core indicators of performance are defined in the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, Title II, the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA); however, using the core indicators as criteria for effective and efficient evaluations and imposing a minimum score is a state decision.
Programs that do not meet the percentage requirement of their negotiated core indicators of performance for a second consecutive year will be assigned a state technical assistance team to assist the program in addressing its deficiencies. The team members may include but not be limited to state and local staff, administrators, teachers and students. Quarterly progress reports will be submitted by the program being monitored to the Adult Education Division describing the progress being made to bring the program into compliance with core indicators. Programs not achieving percentage requirement of their negotiated core indicators of performance for three consecutive years will be submitted to the Career Education and Workforce Development Board for appropriate action prior to continuation of funding.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: Relevant sections of law and regulation: Arkansas Act 1280 of 2007, Section 30; and federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-128), Title II, The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), Sections 116 and 212.
EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 1, 1991
REVISED DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: Service Delivery Area
POLICY: Adult education programs receiving state or federal funding for a designated service area or county are not to cross into counties or other designated service areas where there is an established adult education program without a written memorandum of understanding between the programs. The Adult Education Division must approve this agreement annually.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: Funding for local adult education programs is based on census data intended for a designated area or county. Funds must be spent in the designated area or county for which the funds were provided. To ensure that each service area or county receives adequate adult education services and to avoid duplication, it is essential that each local program stay within its designated area.
EFFECTIVE DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: Distribution of State Funds
POLICY: According to Arkansas Act 1280 of 2007, Section 30, "All funds that become available for adult education shall first be distributed to those administrative units determined to be operating effective and efficient adult education programs under criteria established by the Career Education and Workforce Development Board. The criteria shall include the relative efficiency of administration of the program in the counties served and achievement of the federal performance indicators. The Career Education and Workforce Development Board shall promulgate rules and regulations for the distribution of funds in accordance with criteria to be determined by the Board. In distribution of funds to local units the board shall consider the literacy rate in each county and performance in meeting state and federal performance indicators. For the purposes of this section, the term 'literacy rate' shall be determined by the number of adults completing less than the twelfth grade as reported by the most recent decennial federal census. Unallocated funds will be redistributed based upon need as determined by the Career Education and Workforce Development Board."
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: Procedures set forth in Arkansas Act 1280 of 2007, Section 30, govern distribution of all state adult education funds.
EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 1, 1991
REVISED DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: Termination of an Award to a Local Grantee: Voluntary
POLICY: According to the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) 2 CFR 200.339"(a) The Federal award may be terminated in whole or in part as follows:
(1) By the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity, if a non-Federal entity fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award;
(2) By the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity for cause;
(3) By the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity with the consent of the non-Federal entity, in which case the two parties must agree upon the termination conditions, including the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated; or
(4) By the non-Federal entity upon sending to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity written notification setting forth the reasons for such termination, the effective date, and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated.
A grantee that chooses to relinquish responsibility as the local education agency (LEA) for an adult education or literacy council program must provide written notification to the Department of Career Education, Adult Education Division at least 90 days prior to termination. The Department of Career Education, Adult Education Division, with notice to the Career Education and Workforce Development Board, will be responsible for selecting a new provider for the local adult education program. A statewide competition may be used to bid out the new eligible area(s).
Upon termination, inventory purchased with adult education funds must be returned to the Department of Career Education, Adult Education Division, who reserves the right to transfer equipment to the new local education agency or other current providers.
Employees are not included in an administrative transfer of grant funds. The hiring of staff, from a previous LEA, will be at the discretion of the new grantee, but must follow the Salaries of Adult Education Personnel policy.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: Provide guidance on the termination of local grants and to ensure state and federal guidelines for grants are followed.
EFFECTIVE DATE: DECEMBER 31, 2017
Subject: Termination of an Award to a Local Grantee: Involuntary
POLICY: Monitoring is action taken by the Department of Career Education, Adult Education Division to ensure that the grantees or subgrantees are using Federal and state awards for authorized purposes in compliance with the laws, regulations, and provision of contracts or grant agreements and that performance goals are achieved. Subgrantees are subject to all applicable Federal laws and regulations that the grantee must follow. According to the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) 2 CFR Part 200.338, if a grantee fails to comply with any term of an award, whether stated in a Federal statute, regulation, assurance, State Plan or application, notice of award, or elsewhere---the state or awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described below:
State requirements will follow federal guidelines.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE:
In order to maintain effective adult education and literacy council programs, the Department of Career
Education, Adult Education Division is responsible for program monitoring and corrective action for noncompliance with identified program requirements, program accountability standards, and financial propriety.
EFFECTIVE DATE: DECEMBER 31, 2017
Subject: Direct and Equitable
POLICY: Direct and equitable access to all federal funds will be provided to local educational agencies, community-based organizations of demonstrated effectiveness, volunteer literacy organizations of demonstrated effectiveness, institutions of higher education, public or private nonprofit agencies, libraries, and public housing authorities, nonprofit institutions that have the ability to provide literacy services to adults and families; or consortia of the agencies, organizations, institutions, libraries, or authorities described according to Section 203 (5) of Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-128), Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA). In order to provide direct and equitable access to all adult education federal funds provided under Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-128), the Adult Education Division shall award funds on the basis of competitive applications submitted by eligible recipients. Direct and equitable access includes:
(1) all eligible providers have direct and equitable access to apply 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.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: Relevant sections of federal law and regulation: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-128), Title II, The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), Sections 231(C) and 203(5).
EFFECTIVE DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: Correctional/Institutional Federal Funding
POLICY: Grants for correctional/ institutional education shall be awarded and used according to the guidelines as stated in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-128). Not more than 20% of federal funds allotted to a state for adult education activities shall be used for corrections education and education for other institutionalized adults.
Local program operators will be charged with the responsibility of designing, developing, and implementing instructional programs. Various activities will be undertaken which will be designed to include--but not be limited to--basic education, special correctional and institutional education programs, and English literacy programs.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: Relevant sections of federal law and regulation: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-128), Title II, The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), Sections 222 (a) and 225.
EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 1, 1991
REVISED DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
REVISED DATE: DECEMBER 31, 2017
Subject: Tuition, Fees, and Other Charges
POLICY: Adults enrolled in Arkansas adult education programs will not be charged tuition or fees. Adults enrolled in adult basic education will not be required to purchase any books or any other materials needed for participation in the program.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: The Arkansas State Unified Plan states the strategy to serve those populations most in need will focus on populations as listed in the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-128), Title II, The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), Section and 116 and 224.
EFFECTIVE DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: Purchase/Disposal of Equipment
POLICY: Equipment can be purchased by local adult education programs with adult education funds disbursed by the Adult Education Division. Prior to purchasing any equipment with adult education funds, written approval must be secured from the Adult Education Division. The local education agency (LEA) will only use the equipment for the purpose(s) for which it is acquired or for other allowable adult education use.
Once equipment is purchased, inventory procedures as stated in the most current revision of the Adult Education Inventory Control Form are to be followed by local programs. Since the inventory record is of a permanent nature, numbering should continue consecutively, year after year, rather than starting a new series each year. All equipment that is purchased with adult education funds will remain the property of the state Adult Education Division.
Equipment inventories should be updated as equipment is purchased. Current program inventories will be submitted annually to the Adult Education Division.
Inventory must be disposed of using the Adult Education Inventory Transfer/Disposal Form. Procedures for inventory transfer/disposal should be in line with the LEA transfer/disposal institutional policies and noted on the form.
Termination of funding to an LEA requires an immediate submission of a final inventory list and equipment purchased with Adult Education Division funds must be transferred back to the Arkansas Department of Career Education, Adult Education Division.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: Programs must have authorization to purchase equipment as needed. In order to track location and use of equipment purchased with adult education funds, proper inventory procedures must be followed.
EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 1, 1991
REVISED DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
REVISED DATE: DECEMBER 31, 2017
Subject: Recruitment and Retention Plans
POLICY: Programs receiving state and federal adult education funds will develop and implement recruitment and retention activity plans annually. A special effort will be made to recruit and serve those most in need as defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-128) as low-income students, individuals with disabilities, single parents, displaced homemakers, and individuals with multiple barriers to educational enhancement including those with limited English proficiency. Recruitment/retention activities will include - but not be limited to - a close working relationship with other agencies serving persons eligible for adult education services and efficient utilization of local media. Student retention can be enhanced by follow-up on absenteeism.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: Programs receiving state and federal adult education funds must develop and implement recruitment activities so students are aware of available services. In order to ensure that students make substantial learning gains and meet their goals, they must remain in programs long enough to accomplish these gains and goals. While this is a state-imposed requirement, it relates to various definitions and activities under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-128), Title II, the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), Section 203 and Section 224.
EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 1, 1991
REVISED DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: Enrollment Policy: Minimum Age Adult Education
POLICY: Arkansas Code Annotated (ACA) § 6-18-201(a), concerning the age for compulsory attendance for school enrollment, is that "Under the penalty for noncompliance as shall be set by law, every parent, guardian, or other person residing within the State of Arkansas having custody or charge of any child age five (5) through seventeen (17). shall enroll and send the child to a public, private, or parochial school or provide a home school for the child.."
Under special circumstances, persons 16 or 17 years of age may be enrolled in adult education programs.
Public schools shall not release a student making application to the school district for a waiver until the adult education program agrees in writing to serve that student. A local school district may grant a waiver of attendance requirement to any student age 16 or 17 to enroll in an adult education program only after all of the following requirements have been met:
Note: An exception to the minimum test score is allowable when a 16/17 year old has been court ordered to enroll in adult education. These individuals must adhere to all other requirements set forth in this policy.
Note: Such minimum test scores shall not be required of any student who is subject to the attendance requirement of this policy but was not enrolled in any school district during the previous school year;
Note: Any variation in the required documentation must be approved by the Department of Career Education, Adult Education Division.
Note: The above requirements shall not apply to students enrolled in a private, parochial, or home school in the state.
Note: Under ACA § 6-18-201, any person age sixteen or seventeen who has received a high school diploma or its equivalent as determined by the State Board of Education is not subject to the compulsory attendance requirement.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: The ages established for compulsory school attendance by Arkansas Act 292 of 1991 are ages five through seventeen, both inclusive. This Act allows, after certain provisions have been met, for persons age 16 or 17 to enroll in adult education programs. Arkansas Acts 1659 of 2001 and Act 604 of 2003 detail the process that must be followed and requirements that must be met to allow persons age sixteen or seventeen to enroll in adult education programs.
Relevant sections of federal law and regulation: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-128), Title II, The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), Section 203(1)(4). "Adult Education means services or instruction below the post-secondary level for individuals who have attained sixteen years of age; (and) who are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under State law."
EFFECTIVE DATE: MAY 18, 1992
REVISED DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
REVISED DATE: DECEMBER 31, 2017
Subject: Enrollment Policy: Private, Parochial or Home School Minimum Age
POLICY: Arkansas Code Annotated (ACA) § 6-18-201(a), concerning the age for compulsory attendance for school enrollment, is that "Under the penalty for noncompliance as shall be set by law, every parent, guardian, or other person residing within the State of Arkansas having custody or charge of any child age five (5) through seventeen (17). shall enroll and send the child to a public, private, or parochial school or provide a home school for the child.."
Under special circumstances, persons 16 or 17 years of age may be enrolled in adult education programs in accordance with Arkansas Act 1659 of 2001 and Act 604 of 2003.
Students age 16 or 17, enrolled in a private, parochial or home school, who desire to enroll in an adult education program shall meet the following requirements:
Students age 16 or above, enrolled in a private, parochial or home school, who desire to take the General Educational Development Test or other high school equivalency exam shall meet the following requirements:
Note: Any variation in the required documentation must be approved by the Department of Career Education, Adult Education Division.
Note: Under Arkansas Code Annotated (ACA) § 6-18-201, any person age sixteen or seventeen who has received a high school diploma or its equivalent as determined by the State Board of Education is not subject to the compulsory attendance requirement.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: The ages established for compulsory school attendance by Arkansas Act 292 of 1991 are ages five through seventeen, both inclusive. This Act allows, after certain provisions have been met, for persons age 16 or 17 to enroll in adult education programs. Arkansas Acts 1659 of 2001 and Act 604 of 2003 detail the process that must be followed and requirements that must be met to allow persons age sixteen or seventeen to enroll in adult education programs.
Relevant sections of federal law and regulation: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-128), Title II, The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), Section 203(1). "Adult Education means services or instruction below the post-secondary level for individuals who have attained sixteen years of age; (and) who are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under State law. "
EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 1, 1991
REVISED DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
REVISED DATE: DECEMBER 31, 2017
Subject: Standardized Testing Instruments
POLICY: Only the following state, National Reporting System for Adult Education (NRS), and Division of Adult Education and Literacy (DAEL) approved standardized tests will be utilized for pre-test, post-test, and continued student assessment for adult education students: Test of Adult Basic Education; Basic English Skills Test*, and Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (Life Skills Assessment for ESL only). Other NRS/DAEL-approved standardized testing instruments, forms and versions may be used with the written approval of the Deputy Director of Adult Education. Different forms of the same test must be used for the pre-test and the post-test. Local programs will pre-test and place all students into an educational functioning level (EFL) at intake or shortly after intake, within the first 12 hours of instruction.
Post-testing of adult learners is to measure performance and completion of an educational functioning level. Within the fiscal year, students should be post-tested after completing the minimum hours of instruction, as outlined by the Arkansas Assessment Policy and Distance Education Guidelines, located on the Arkansas Department of Career Education (Adult Education Division) website. Students should be assessed within 180 calendar days (defined as weekdays, weekends, and holidays) after the previous assessment to reflect a more current measurement of performance.
A complete description of the adult education assessment procedures can be found in the "Arkansas National Reporting System Guidelines."
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: The levels of performance will be expressed in an objective, quantifiable, and measurable form and will show the progress of the state toward continuously improving in performance. According to the National Reporting System for Adult Education Implementation Guidelines, states must require local programs to measure educational gain with standardized assessments that are appropriate for measuring educational gain within the NRS framework and conform to accepted psychometric standards for validity and reliability.
EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 1, 1991
REVISED DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: DECEMBER 7, 2006
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: Reporting of Student Data
POLICY: Any person meeting the minimum age and educational functioning level restrictions as mandated by the Adult Education Division and the state compulsory attendance age requirements (Arkansas Act 1659 of 2001 and Act 604 of 2003) may be reported as a participant in an adult education program provided that either federal or state adult education funds are used to support that individual's participation in the program.
Enrolled Students: An individual is considered enrolled in adult education upon completion of 12 hours of contact. According to the National Reporting System for Adult Education, contact hours may include: hours of instruction or instructional activity the learner receives from the program. Instructional activity includes any program-sponsored activity designed to promote student learning in the program curriculum such as classroom instruction, assessment, tutoring or participation in a learning lab.
Served Students: For state-reporting purposes, an individual is considered served by adult education when the individual has registered to participate in adult education activities and has received at least one contact hour of instruction as defined above.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: The National Reporting System for Adult Education Implementation Guidelines requires that the Adult Education Division collect and report accurate data which reflects the number of persons whose basic skills education is supported by either federal or state education funds. Local programs must report as a participant any eligible individual whose educational training is supported by adult education.
EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 1, 1991
REVISED DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: Salaries for Adult Education Personnel
POLICY: Effective January 1, 2016, all full-time adult education personnel hired, or rehired after a separation of service shall be paid a starting salary equivalent to the Local Education Agency's (LEA) salary scale, not to exceed $31.00 per hour using adult education funds. In extenuating circumstances, the LEA has the discretion to exceed this amount by applying for a waiver with the Department of Career Education, Adult Education Division, though approval is not guaranteed. This does not preclude LEAs from using adult education funds to provide future cost of living increases, merit pay, bonuses, etc.
The salary for a part-time administrator is to be determined by the LEA, but will not exceed $31.00 per hour with adult education funds. The salary for a part-time instructor or one serving as a substitute instructor is to be determined by the LEA, but will not exceed $28.00 per hour with adult education funds.
Salary for part-time paraprofessionals with adult education funds will not exceed the following:
|
Paraprofessionals with a high school diploma or equivalent |
maximum of $12.00 per hour |
|
Paraprofessionals with an associate's degree |
maximum of $14.00 per hour |
|
Paraprofessionals with a bachelor's degree |
maximum of $18.00 per hour |
|
Paraprofessionals with a master's degree |
maximum of $20.00 per hour |
|
Paraprofessionals with a doctorate degree |
maximum of $24.00 per hour |
Program directors will have the flexibility of setting beginning hourly wage and a system of increasing increments.
Copies of licenses, diplomas, and other credentials must be submitted to the Adult Education Division for approval prior to beginning of employment or expenditure of Adult Education funds. Local Adult Education administrators and licensed personnel are responsible for maintaining current credentials. Adult Education funds may not be expended for personnel once a license expires. There will be no retroactive pay with Adult Education funds once the license is renewed.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: The Arkansas Adult Education Division requires those employed on a full-time basis be paid a salary equivalent to the LEA salary scale.* In order to attract and retain quality part-time education personnel, it is necessary to pay hourly salaries competitive with those paid to other part-time instructors and paraprofessionals in the LEAs based on education and experience. Additionally, the minimum salary scale for adult education administrators was set using the midpoint of the Fair Labor Standards Act exemption status for School Principal as outlined by the Department of Finance and Administration, Personnel Management job details.
*state requirement
EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 1, 1991
REVISED DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: Termination of Employment
POLICY: Upon voluntary or involuntary termination of employment, which includes retirement, an employee paid with Adult Education funds, is eligible for benefits as determined by policies of the Local Education Agency (LEA). If the LEA policy provides for former employees being paid for unused leave time, leave accrued within the fiscal year of retirement may be reimbursed using adult education funds. Any payment of additional accrued leave must have prior approval by the Arkansas Division of Adult Education Deputy Director. Additionally, Adult Education funds may not be used to pay any benefits beyond the year of retirement.
INFORMATION RATIONALE: To ensure that funds will be available for the services of the program, Adult Education funds are provided for program operation during the fiscal year of award.
EFFECTIVE DATE: DECEMBER 31, 2017
Subject: Adult Education Program Operations
POLICY: Local education agencies (LEA) receiving state or federal funding from the Department of Career Education, Adult Education Division, must offer educational services year-round. Programs must be of sufficient intensity and duration for students to achieve substantial learning gains. Programs should meet year-round and make every effort to minimize breaks to no longer than three weeks, where possible, to maximize student attendance. When programs have scheduled breaks, students should be offered distance learning through online software or homework packets in order to persist in making gains. Any deviation from this policy, must have written approval from the Arkansas Department of Career Education, Adult Education Division's Deputy Director.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: In order to ensure continuous academic progress and meet the needs of students with barriers to employment and one-stops, as defined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-128), Title II, The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), Sections 116 and 224, programs must provide access to educational services year-round.
EFFECTIVE DATE: DECEMBER 31, 2017
Subject: Full-Time and Part-Time Paraprofessional Qualifications
POLICY: Part-time and full-time paraprofessionals must have a high school diploma, GED® or the equivalent. Paraprofessionals may not teach a class unless they meet the qualifications of a full-time or part-time adult education teacher.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: To ensure that adult education students receive instruction by qualified personnel, the Adult Education Division requires students to be provided instruction by licensed personnel*. Paraprofessionals who do not have the qualifications of full-time or part-time teachers must not assume the role and responsibilities of a licensed teacher.
*state requirement
EFFECTIVE DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: Adult Education Director/Coordinator Qualifications
POLICY: All adult education directors/coordinators paid with adult education funds must have a minimum of a master's degree in education, administration, or related field. If not already licensed in adult education, administrators must become licensed in adult education by the Arkansas Department of Education, Professional Licensure, within four (4) years of the date of initial employment as an adult education administrator. It is preferable that the applicant have five years of experience as a teacher and/or administrator in adult education or a related field.
Adult education directors/coordinators not paid with adult education funds must meet the qualifications of the local education agencies' personnel policies. Newly hired adult education directors/coordinators must show academic progression towards adult education licensure annually. It is preferable that the applicant has five years of experience as a teacher and/or administrator in adult education or a related field.
Adult education directors/coordinators not paid with adult education funds must meet the qualifications of the local education agencies' personnel policies.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: In order for adult education programs to be operated effectively, the Arkansas Adult Education Division requires that administrators have the relevant experience and credentials.*
*state requirement EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 1, 1990
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: Non-Profit/Community-Based Organization Director/Coordinator Qualifications
POLICY: All directors of non-profit community-based organizations, such as literacy councils, must meet the qualifications set forth by the local board of directors. Directors paid with funds from the Department of Career Education, Adult Education Division must complete all state required trainings.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: Directors of community-based organizations must be in compliance with the qualifications set forth by local boards and adult education policies and guidelines.
EFFECTIVE DATE: DECEMBER 31, 2017
Subject: Full-Time Adult Education Teacher Qualifications
POLICY: Full-time Adult Education teachers must hold a current Arkansas Department of Education teacher's license. If teachers do not already have a license in Adult Education, they must obtain an Adult Education additional license within four (4) years of the date of their initial employment as full-time Adult Education teachers. Newly hired adult education teachers must show academic progression towards adult education licensure annually.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: In order for students to be provided instruction by qualified personnel, the Arkansas Adult Education Division requires that full-time teachers have the appropriate professional teacher training and hold valid Arkansas Department of Education teaching licenses and credentials.*
*state requirement
EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 1, 1990
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: Part-Time Adult Education Teacher Qualifications
POLICY: Part-time Adult Education teachers must hold a current Arkansas Department of Education teacher's license.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: In order for students to be provided instruction by qualified personnel, the Arkansas Adult Education Division requires that part-time teachers have the appropriate professional teacher training and hold a current Arkansas Department of Education teaching license.*
*state requirement
EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 1, 1990
REVISED DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: Waivers for Adult Education Teachers without an Educator's License
POLICY: The Department of Career Education, Adult Education Division requirement that full-time, part-time, and substitute adult education teachers hold an Arkansas current teacher's license may be waived for instructors who hold a Master's degree in the subject area of Mathematics, Reading & Language Arts, English, Social Studies, Science, English as a Second Language, or closely related field and four (4) years of teaching experience at an accredited institution. If the adult education program director is unable to find a licensed teacher for such classes, he/she may submit a written request to the Deputy Director of the Adult Education Division for a waiver for a non-licensed instructor to teach the class(es). Although a full-time teacher may be waived upon initial hire, he or she must obtain an Adult Education license within four (4) years of the date of their initial employment as a full-time Adult Education teacher. Newly hired adult education teachers must show academic progression towards adult education licensure annually. In addition, students should show educational gains at a rate equal or above the program's or state's average, whichever is greater within a year of hire.
Note: Only 25% of an adult education center's overall instructional staff can be comprised of non-licensed teachers who hold a Master's degree in the aforementioned subject areas.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: In order to provide a greater applicant pool to hire qualified teachers, adult education programs may request a waiver for non-licensed instructors, with Master's degrees and teaching experience in the relevant subject area, to meet the needs of students.
EFFECTIVE DATE: DECEMBER 31, 2017
Subject: Substitute Adult Education Teacher Qualifications
POLICY: Substitute Adult Education teachers must hold a current Arkansas Department of Education teacher's license. Employment of substitute teachers may not exceed ninety days per fiscal year without written permission from the Deputy Director of Adult Education.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: In order for students to be provided instruction by qualified personnel, the Arkansas Adult Education Division requires that substitute teachers have the appropriate professional teacher training and hold a current Arkansas Department of Education teaching license.*
*state requirement
EFFECTIVE DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: Travel Policy
POLICY: Local programs funded with state or federal adult education funds must adhere to Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration guidelines when requesting travel reimbursement. This includes reimbursement for mileage, lodging, meals, etc. Late registration fees for conferences or workshops are not allowable.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: The travel policy for state agencies is mandated by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, and the Adult Education Division has adopted these guidelines for local grantees.
EFFECTIVE DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: Workplace Waivers for Adult Education Teachers
POLICY: The Adult Education Division requirement that full-time, part-time, and substitute adult education teachers hold a current teacher's license may be waived for adult education classes taught at a business or industry, when such classes are asked to be created for the employees of that business or industry. If the adult education program director is unable to find a licensed teacher for such classes, he/she may submit a written request for a workplace waiver for a non-licensed instructor to teach the classes. The non-licensed instructor should have sufficient qualifications and experience to teach the workplace classes successfully. The classes should be conducted at the work site, but if there is no space at the work site for such classes, then the classes may be held at an Adult Education site. If the classes end, or if the instructor with the workplace waiver is reassigned to another workplace class, the Adult Education Division should be informed of any changes in the teaching assignment. Waivers will be issued only for the current program year, and new waivers must be applied for each program year.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: Since there is a shortage of licensed teachers in the state, and because of logistical difficulties finding licensed teachers to work in business and industry, the Adult Education Division may issue waivers for non-licensed instructors to teach workplace adult education classes requested by business and industry.
EFFECTIVE DATE: APRIL 18, 2003
REVISED DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2008
REVISED DATE: AUGUST 4, 2015
Subject: High School Equivalency Test
POLICY: The Adult Education Division of the Arkansas Department of Career Education with the approval of the Career Education and Workforce Development Board will determine the high school equivalency test and scores to be utilized in approved adult education programs. Passing the approved high school equivalency test will result in earning the Arkansas High School Diploma. In addition, all applicants intending to take the approved high school equivalency test are required to take and pass the official high school equivalency practice test with minimum scores established by the Adult Education Division of the Arkansas Department of Career Education and based on the recommendation of the test publisher's guidelines. This test must be administered through an approved adult education program or testing center.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: To ensure that Arkansas Adult Education programs are uniform in testing, it is essential that Arkansas Adult Education utilize the test that is considered most relevant based on research and acceptance by employers, postsecondary educational institutions, and the military.
EFFECTIVE DATE: DECEMBER 31, 2017
Subject: Student Confidentiality
POLICY: According to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, enacted as Section 438 of the General Education Provisions Act, student information that is considered "private" cannot be shared with anyone who is not designated on a release of confidential information form that has been signed by the student. Examples of confidential information disclosures include disabilities, recovering substance abuse condition, AIDS/HIV, or other medical information. If the student discloses any condition or disability that falls under the Privacy Act, the disclosed information cannot be shared with anyone without a release of confidential information form, including all appropriate signatures.
Adult education and literacy council providers are responsible for keeping confidential student information secure. The personal confidentiality statement should be completed and signed by all persons designated as having access to student records for legitimate educational and/or reporting purposes. Care must be taken to ensure that student data is safe from access by unauthorized persons.
All confidential student data should be aggressively protected, especially a student's social security number. The Department of Career Education, Adult Education Division collects social security numbers to allow for authorized use in data match with other state agencies. Students must give permission for programs to use their information for data match.
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: The purpose is to follow the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policy and ensure that learners' rights to confidentiality of personal information are protected and that all staff and volunteers understand their respective roles in relation to confidentiality and data protection.
EFFECTIVE DATE: DECEMBER 31, 2017
Subject: Adult Education/Postsecondary Co-Enrollment Policy
POLICY: According to Adult Education Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), individuals who are eligible to receive services include those who:
* have attained 16 years of age;
* are not enrolled, or required to be enrolled, in secondary school under State law; have basic skills deficiency;
* do not have secondary school diploma, or its recognized equivalent and have not achieved an equivalent level of education; and/or, a
* are English Language Learners (ELL).
Under certain conditions, learners can participate or co-enroll in adult education and technical education simultaneously or sequentially. Co-enrollment in postsecondary education is allowable under the following conditions
INFORMATION/RATIONALE: While co-enrollment in adult education and postsecondary education is an allowable activity under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, guidelines are established to avoid duplication of services.
EFFECTIVE DATE: DECEMBER 31, 2017
