Overarching Principles
The Work Group outlined the following overarching actions in support of a new state funding model:
- Ensuring that there is increased, adequate, and stable funding to deliver quality services throughout the state
- Continuing to seek state funding to bring Maryland up to par with other northeastern states
- Aligning adult education and workforce services
- Maintaining opportunities for adult education for all who desire it no matter their motive, while also recognizing that the adult education mission can and should complement workforce services
- Identifying diverse sources of funding that can be leveraged to complement current funding
- Guaranteeing an equitable and transparent distribution of funds
- Maintaining the ability to fund both large and small programs, while being sure that all programs, whatever their size, are equally accountable for outcomes
- Identifying and delivering services to all stakeholders
- Addressing correctional education and workforce training
- Engaging businesses to encourage and help develop adult education and workforce training services, as well as provide support
Background Information on Advocacy and Marketing
- In Massachusetts
(PDF document, download
Adobe Acrobat for free), the
EnglishWorks program, led by the MIRA coalition, brings together business, union,
CBO, and government partners to address workforce literacy needs.
- Throughout the country, there are more than 20 active statewide networks - not all formal coalitions. Many of these are, or have, transitioned from ProLiteracy networks, library networks, and groups created by Governor's Literacy Initiatives. In addition to these, there are the silo-based networks that include the COABE and adult education affiliates, the workforce development groups and the children's, family literacy and after school provider networks that are all working on improving literacy levels and trying to build out more inclusive collaborations.
- Local and statewide coalitions in Florida, Texas
(Literacy Texas; Houston Read
Coalition), New York, and elsewhere (Cleveland
Reads; Greater
Grand Rapids Reads ) lead community planning efforts and ensure that new dollars are leveraged and used to support programs and professional development with greater flexibility. For example, see the
Buffalo
Reads model (PowerPoint document, download
PowerPoint viewer for free).
- Specific Case Example - Literacy Texas
As a state literacy coalition, Literacy Texas supports lifespan learning and brings networks, regional and urban coalitions (8) and individual providers (200+) together for training, advocacy events and conferences. It is funded by private and public funding with the largest grant coming from Texas Learns (the state adult education provider). Literacy Texas is an intermediary organization for flow through funding, primarily for professional development, and at this point only funds nonprofits but intends to expand on that in the future. Prior to each legislative session it builds a state literacy advocacy agenda with all partners, hosts Literacy Day at the Capitol and supports specific bills through an active advocacy committee. There is also a statewide marketing campaign underway at the moment - Reading is BIG in Texas!
The coalition has only one paid staff person at this point but a very active board with members representing every region of the state and all of the key partner organizations. The state director for adult education, for instance, is a very active board member and a number of key business leaders and the workforce development sector are highly engaged.
- The Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL)
A community-wide coalition formed as a hub for literacy and ESOL services in Montgomery County, MD, MCAEL works to build the capacity of service providers; expand, leverage, and coordinate the full resources of the community; and promote adult English literacy as a key community investment. The result has been raised visibility and investments in programs, including significant investments by the County government, which relies on funding through MCAEL to flexibly reach underserved populations through a diversity of CBOs. MCAEL also conducts outreach, advocacy and marketing; offers professional development training and networking to providers and instructors; and publishes a directory of services that includes more than 50 organizations. The coalition also serves as a unique convener and resource on adult English literacy to employers, private investors, policy makers, and to the community as a whole.
Background Information on State Models
- Stepping Up to the
Future, Superintendent's Panel on Excellence in Adult Education
(PDF document, 815KB, download
Adobe Acrobat for free)
- NAEDPC 2008 State Study
- Survey of Comparable States
- People served & expenditure information for fiscal years 2003-2005 for Adult Education and Title 1B (USDE OVAE Report)
- The Adult Learning System, Dr. Lennox McLendon
- Virginia Adult Education Comprehensive Planning Process - Non Regulatory Guidance Paper
- History of MAACCE Advocacy, Brad Keller, Public Policy Chair, MAACCE
- Adult Literacy Formula Legislation - the Basics
- “Reach Higher, America: Overcoming Crisis in the U.S. Workforce”
(PDF document, 1.9MB, download
Adobe Acrobat for free)
- 2008 Maryland Profile of Adult Learners (CAEL)
- PowerPoint presentation on Adult Education & Literacy Grant Program Budget and WIA Title II from MSDE
- PowerPoint presentation on DLLR Workforce Division WIA Title I Funding by DLLR consultant
Background Information on Business Links
- "Business Investment Programs - Strategic Investments in Maryland" (DBED, 2006)
- U.S. Department of Commerce report on business investment in workforce and education training
- "Building Skill - Increasing Economic Vitality; A Handbook of Innovative State Policy" January 2005 prepared by the Rockefeller Foundation and Jobs for the Future
Background Information on Identifying Resources
- The Workforce Investment Act of 1998
- DLLR, WIA Title I funding
Funds for the WIA Title I program flow from the United States Department of Labor through the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation/Division of Workforce Development. The Division of Workforce Development, using a formula based on the population and unemployment in each locality, allocates the WIA funds to Workforce Investment Areas
(WIAs) throughout the State.
- Ticket to Work
Review of multi-year incentive funding from the Social Security Administration to help
SSI/SSDI recipients become employed and independent, reducing the need for public assistance.
- Unemployment Penalty and Interest funds
Review of models developed by other states such as Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Arkansas where adult education and workforce program funds were supplemented by Unemployment Penalty and Interest funds.
- MHEC Higher Education Investment Fund
A corporate tax-base of state income, designated to transportation and education. The Governor's office may designate a portion of the educational funds to adult literacy.
- NAEDPC State Partnership and Coordinated Funding strategy
Targeting of undereducated adults who need to improve education skills as well as a host of other human service needs: mental health, public health, job training, aging services, etc.
- “Reach Higher, America: Overcoming Crisis in the U.S. Workforce”
(PDF document, 1.9MB, download
Adobe Acrobat for free)
- "Community College Funding" PowerPoint, presented by Bill Campbell, Executive Vice President, Administrative and Fiscal Services, Montgomery College, and Ray Hoy, President, Wor-Wic Community College; to MACC, January 23, 2006.
- "Performance-Based Funding in Adult Education: System Design and Implementation Issues" A presentation to the National Conference of State Directors of Adult Education Presented by Steve Klein of MPR Associates, Inc. and Garland Hankins, Former State Director in Arkansas, 2006.
- "Performance Based Funding in Adult Basic Education: Opportunities and Challenges for Massachusetts at the Intersection of Program Accountability and Funding" Presented to the Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education by Elizabeth O'Connor, 2006.
Background Information on Correctional Education Funding
- Presentation by Bonnie Meyer, MSDE Correctional Education Division reviewing where funds come from, how they are used, and programmatic results.
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