Code of Vermont Rules
Agency 22 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Sub-Agency 000 - GENERAL
Chapter 031 - VERMONT ADULT EDUCATION RULES
Section 22 000 031 - VERMONT ADULT EDUCATION RULES

Section 2401 Statement of Purpose

These rules establish a state Adult Education Board to define policies and oversee the development and operations of Department of Education adult education programs in Vermont. These rules further clarify policies with respect to the Adult Basic Education Program, Adult Diploma Program, Vermont Literacy Resource Center, Adult Technical Education, Even Start, and General Educational Development Program.

The purpose of Adult Education programs is to offer adults the opportunity to acquire the level of education and technical training skills necessary for active participation as family members, citizens and learners, and for economic self-sufficiency. Adult Education programs seek to expand educational opportunities and enable eligible adults to continue their education to at least the level of secondary school completion.

Section 2402 Statutory Authority

16 VSA § 164,(7) and (13); 16 VSA § 1049

Adult Education Act , P.L. 91-230 as amended from time to time ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232(a) );

45 C.F.R. Parts 166, 166a, 166b and 166c

Adult Technical Education, 16 VSA § 1553

Even Start Family Literacy Program, 20 U.S.C. § 2741

State Literacy Resource Centers, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1205 a and 1208aa

Section 2403 Definitions

Adult Education, as used in these rules, means the process for the acquisition of skills and knowledge equivalent to that of secondary education provided in a manner responsive to the unique needs of individual learners, families and their communities.

Section 2404 Adult Education Board

There is hereby created a state adult education board which shall be known as the "Vermont Adult Education Board" (hereinafter "Board"). The Board shall be appointed by the Vermont State Board of Education and shall comprise at least nine and not more than fifteen members who represent a broad spectrum of occupations, perspectives, interests and geographic locations within the state and who possess a strong commitment to adult literacy but who have no pecuniary or other interest which conflicts with or creates an appearance of conflict with board responsibilities. Vermont Literacy Board members in office on the effective date of these rules shall complete their terms. Thereafter each vacancy shall be filled for a term of three years. Terms of office shall begin on July 1. Members may be re-appointed.

Annually the Board shall elect one member to serve as chair and one member to serve as vice-chair.

Committees and subcommittees may be appointed by the chair and such committees and subcommittees may include non-Board members.

The Board shall develop an annual policy agenda in consultation with the Commissioner, State Board of Education, parties interested in adult education and the public. The policy agenda shall identify new issues for study and action as well as ongoing work to be completed by the Board.

Section 2405 Duties of the Vermont Adult Education Board

Section 2410 Adult Basic Education Funding Formula

The funding formula for allocating Adult Basic Education funds shall be calculated on a county basis and shall be as follows:

Section 2411 Transition Provision

Notwithstanding the provisions of Rule 2410, no county shall receive less funding than that awarded in FY 1994, unless the total amount available for allocation has been reduced from the FY 1994 basic grant award total. In such cases, the reduction shall be pro-rated proportionately to all counties.

All monies available for the ABE basic grant award that exceed the FY 1994 basic grant award shall be applied to continue the implementation of Rule 2410 until such time as Rule 2410 is fully implemented. During this transition period, a county that under the formula would receive less than the amount it received in FY 1994 would receive the amount it received in FY 1994.