State Leadership Funds (Adult education and family literacy act Section 223 (AEFLA))
AEFLA Section 223(1)(a)
Training and Technical Assistance: Activities in PY 2022-2023 to support and implement the strategies identified in the Arizona Unified Workforce Development Plan include:
-
WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) Title II Local Provider Assistance Guide. The development of this guide was designed to:
-
Assist local providers with guidance, information, and resources to comply with grant requirements.
-
Updated as needed with additional information and guidance.
-
-
Collaboration with Pipeline AZ, a state contracted vendor, to develop and pilot a job search and career development platform for adult education providers.
- Facilitated a series of training courses on the platform for adult educators, designed to assist students with identifying career pathways of interest and developing individual career pathway portfolios.
- Piloted a customized platform and data collection for three adult education community college providers.
AEFLA Section 223(1)(b)
Professional Learning System: Arizona’s professional learning system incorporates required training activities for local providers to fulfill grant contract requirements; and provides required and optional state leadership initiatives to improve the effectiveness of programs and adult educators that result in improving student outcomes. Arizona Adult Education is a standards-based system, and its framework is based on the Learning Forward-Standards for Professional Learning, the Arizona Adult Education Teacher Standards, and the Arizona Adult Education Content Standards. The PL Standards provide guidance for planning, implementing, and evaluating effective professional learning at the state and local program levels. The teacher standards address what adult education teachers need to know and be able to do to plan and implement effective instruction in English Language Arts, mathematics, and English language proficiency. The content standards guide what students need to know and be able to do to be college and career ready and guide the instructional content for adult educators.
Professional learning opportunities and initiatives are aligned to the required and permissible state leadership activities and to the standards as previously described. In addition, all state leadership initiatives are based on research and evidence-based practices that integrate professional learning models, such as learning communities and study groups.
The state office provided multiple resources for local providers and adult educators including asynchronous and synchronous training in standards-based instruction, teaching in different modalities, online curricula, and education technology resources. The state office revised the Planning for Professional Learning Guide, to assist program administrators and instructional leaders in developing and completing their program Professional Learning Implementation Plan (PLIP). Please refer to the State Leadership Activities table for more information.
Grant Contract Requirements: There are multiple grant contract requirements and assurances in place to assist local providers in planning, implementing, and evaluating high-quality PL, such as: 1) Local providers must set aside and expend a minimum of 10% of adult education grant funds and any earned income for PL that is aligned to the AZ Adult Education Standards and the Learning Forward Standards for Professional Learning; 2) Adult education administrators and teachers must hold a valid AZ Adult Education Certificate; 3) Certified teachers are to be compensated by local programs for participating in state leadership initiatives, professional learning at the local program, and for instructional planning time; 4) Instruction and print and digital curricula must be aligned to the AZ AE Content Standards; 5) Providers are required to submit proposed Professional Learning Implementation Plans (PLIPs) bi-annually that are reviewed by state staff, including final PL reports to document professional learning activities that were implemented at the local program level with the 10% PL set- aside.
AEFLA Section 223(1)(c)
Essential Components of Reading: Multiple state leadership initiatives were offered on effective instruction incorporating the essential components of reading.
-
STAR (STudent Achievement in Reading) Training Series- The STAR Training Series-Year 1 cohort teams completed a blended learning series that included three in-person sessions, online coursework, and recurring team meetings with their assigned AZ STAR Trainers. The STAR cohorts in Year 2 participated in STAR refresher webinars, received technical assistance, coaching from AZ STAR Trainers, and participated in teacher observations using the AZ STAR Teacher Observation Protocol.
-
English Language Proficiency Standards Training This training series for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teachers supported the implementation of the newly revised AZ Adult Education English Language Proficiency Standards that includes foundational reading skills for English language learners.
-
The 2022 Adult Education Institute and the Teaching and Learning Series featured multiple sessions and webinars on effective reading instruction and standards aligned curricula resources to support the implementation of the AZ Adult Education English Language Arts (ELA) Standards and the AZ Adult Education English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards.
Educational Technology Integration: Providers are required, per grant contract requirements, to provide blended/virtual learning instructional options for students. In addition, providers have access to state provided online curricula for ABE (Adult Basic Education) and ELL (English Language Learners) students that includes training and technical assistance for adult educators to support learners through multiple modalities.
-
IDEAL 103: Building an EdTech Strategy Toolkit – This course, facilitated by World Education, enabled instructors to design strategic and sustainable instructional routines to leverage educational technology based on the factors that most impact their learners.
-
EdTech Training Catalog - This catalog was developed in response to local providers to support the continued implementation of virtual classes, after in-person services were reinstated. Training options are requested by local providers and adult educators on topics such as edtech tools and strategies for virtual instruction.
-
Teacher Verification Model (TVM) - Throughout PY 2022-2023, the TVM continued to be a popular option for adult educators. The statewide standards-based lesson repository had almost 2,000 submissions by the end of the program year. Due to its increased usage, a new searchable website lesson repository was developed so the lessons were more accessible for all teachers.
-
Teachers' ‘N’ Technology (TNT) 3.0 - In its third year, the one-day TNT Virtual Conference was designed for AZ teachers and administrators to refine their instructional and programmatic practices to leverage and integrate technology. Presenters included national and statewide subject matter experts.
Assessment Trainings - TABE Administrator Trainings are available virtually and on-demand to meet the needs of programs. The TABE Proctor Certification course is a prerequisite for the TABE Coordinator Certification course. Ninety-five individuals were certified (or recertified) as TABE Proctors and 156 individuals completed TABE Coordinator certification (or recertification). Annually, in June, an update meeting is held to inform providers of upcoming changes to the state assessment policy and TABE trainings. This PY, for the first time, this meeting included summary data of the extensive assessment desk monitoring conducted by state staff during the PY 2022-2023.
HSE (High School Equivalency) Pathways Trainings – In AZ, there are now three pathways available to earn an AZ High School Equivalency Diploma. The third pathway, the HSE Plus Career Readiness Pathway, was approved by the AZ State Board of Education. Two training sessions were available for providers related to the AZ HSE system: 1) the HSE PLUS Career Readiness Pathway facilitation was provided in-person in September at the Adult Education Institute and a webinar was offered in the spring. An on-demand virtual course was launched at the beginning of the PY to provide an overview of the three AZ pathways offered to earn a HSE diploma.
AEFLA Section 223(1)(d)
Comprehensive Monitoring: This was the third year of using the monitoring tool developed and aligned to the current grant contract. Revisions were made based on state staff feedback and changes were communicated with local providers. Local providers knew what to expect, such as the kind of evidence that would be collected, and most program administrators used the monitoring tool for their internal audits. The decision was made to keep the tool in place for the fourth and final year of the current grant contract. The tool will be updated to align with the PY 2024 – 2028 grant contract and requirements.
The process necessary for continuing with desk monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed state staff to become proficient in gathering most evidence needed in a digital format. To protect students’ PII (Personally Identifiable Information) and to comply with the Arizona Department of Education’s data policies, local providers granted access to digital files, such as intake forms and attendance records, rather than emailing files.
All adult education providers were desk monitored between July 1 and Dec 10, 2022, to determine testing administration errors for students assessed in the previous 12-month period. Findings from this monitoring led to the establishment of a below-10% error rate for in-compliance with the state assessment policy. 17 of 21 providers had error rates above 10% in the fall and received follow-up desk monitoring six-eight weeks later, as well as a spring monitoring conducted between Jan 1 and May 31, 2023. After the initial fall monitoring, technical assistance was provided to each program director and assessment coordinator on the TABE assessments and administration under the AZ Assessment Policy.
By the conclusion of the spring assessment monitoring, an additional seven programs had brought their error rate below the 10% threshold. By June 1st, the average program testing error rate was 12.7%. This was used to establish a goal of a 7.3% error rate for PY23-24, and a goal of a 5% error rate for compliance for PY24-25.
In all, over 6000 students and their 20,000+ TABE administrations were evaluated. The resulting TA (Technical Assistance) to the field led to a drastic decrease (7.0 percentage points) in students receiving tests administered in error and an increase in EFL (Educational Functioning Level) gains due to proper test administration.
Local Provider Final Narrative Reporting: Local providers were required to submit narrative reports by July 31st to provide analysis of primary indicators of performance data, progress testing and progress test success rates (as a means of better understanding MSG outcomes); implementation of IET programming; professional learning activities; integration of digital literacy; and collaboration with workforce partners, particularly in the area of the MOU/IFA.
For primary indicators of performance, programs specifically addressed 1) Areas of strength, 2) Any challenges faced and how those were resolved, and 3) Areas targeted for improvement. PY 2022-2023 was the third year of including these details in the final report template, and state staff have found that reports provide more information than in previous versions. Additionally, state staff provided comments and feedback to programs on the submitted reports. This process was positively received from program administrators.
Data and Data Management System: The Arizona Adult Education Data Management System (AAEDMS) was monitored daily by state staff, collaborating with the vendor to address issues that arose and ensure accurate data was readily available. Statistical program data was analyzed monthly, so state staff had a timely understanding of program performance and addressed low performance issues or anomalies. Program liaisons reviewed the previous month’s data with local providers during monthly virtual meetings, for targeted technical assistance and broader discussions on program performance.
AEFLA Section 223(a)(2)
A full accounting of the required and permissible State Leadership activities in PY 2022-2023 is provided to document the establishment or operation of high-quality professional development programs, as referenced in section 223(1)(b).
PY 2022-2023 Arizona Adult Education State Leadership
|
223(1)(a) Title |
Required Activities Description |
|
2022-2023 STAR Training Series |
Description: The STAR Training Series for Year 1 program cohorts is designed to teach ABE instructors to use evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI) to help learners improve skills in the four essential components of reading. The AZ STAR Series for Year 2 program cohorts focuses on building the capacity of the previously trained STAR cohorts through refresher webinar, assistance, and classroom observations. Audience: AZ STAR Trained Administrators and Instructors Delivery: Blended |
|
Pathways to the High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma Training |
Description: On-demand online course providing an overview of the three AZ pathways to earn an AZ High School Equivalency diploma. The training included criteria for pathway eligibility, requirements, the process for completion, and how to guide HSE candidates to the most appropriate pathway. Audience: Administrators, College and Career Navigators Delivery: Virtual/Asynchronous |
|
2022 Adult Education Institute |
Description: The annual three-day institute for adult educators featured an Administrator Strand and an Instructor and Support Staff Strand, and a one-day preconference. A variety of concurrent sessions were delivered focused on standards-based instruction, language acquisition strategies, educational technology, and program operations. Audience: Program directors, administrators, instructional leaders, instructors and support staff. Delivery: In-person |
|
2023 Arizona Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Annual Conference |
Description: This annual conference was held in Flagstaff, AZ and was a collaboration with the AZ Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Boards and ADE Adult Education state staff. The one-day hybrid conference featured keynote speakers and presenters for adult educators from across the state. Audience: Adult educators Delivery: Hybrid |
|
Becoming a Learning Team Training Series |
Description: The Becoming a Learning Team (BLT) Training Series, facilitated by Learning Forward trainers, was developed for Arizona adult education program teams to support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of effective professional learning aligned to the revised Professional Learning Standards, developed by Learning Forward. Audience: Administrators, Instructors, and Professional Learning Coordinators Delivery: Blended |
|
223(1)(b) Planning for Effective Professional Learning |
Description: A series of webinars focused on the AZ Planning Professional Learning Guide and PL Implementation Plan to assist program staff to effectively plan, implement, and evaluate effective professional learning at the program level. Audience: Administrators, instructional leaders, PL coordinators Delivery: Virtual/Asynchronous |
|
2022 Adult Education Institute |
Description: The annual three-day institute for adult educators featured an Administrator Strand and an Instructor and Support Staff Strand, and a one-day preconference. A variety of concurrent sessions were delivered focused on standards-based instruction, language acquisition strategies, educational technology, and program operations. Audience: Program directors, administrators, instructional leaders, instructors and support staff. Delivery: In-person |
|
2022-2023 Teaching and Learning Webinar Series |
Description: This bi-weekly webinar series was designed to build teacher content and instructional skills in the areas of English language arts, mathematics, English language acquisition, and best practices in virtual instruction. All webinars supported the implementation of the AZ Adult Education content and teacher standards. Audience: Administrators, ABE & ESOL Instructors, Instructional Leaders Delivery: Virtual |
|
Online Curriculum Training for Essential Education |
Description: Monthly training sessions were developed and provided for instructors to understand and gain access to the state-provided ABE online curricula, to support the implementation of blended instructional models for ABE students. In addition, on-demand training was available along with targeted program training session as requested. Audience: Administrators, ABE Instructors Delivery: Hybrid (synchronously and asynchronously) |
|
Online Curriculum Training for Burlington English |
Description: Targeted program training sessions offered as requested for instructors and administrators to understand and gain access to the state-provided online EL curricula, and to support the implementation of blended instructional models to transform the learning experience in ESOL classes. On-demand training was available to accommodate teacher availability. Audience: Administrators, ESOL Instructors Delivery: Virtual (synchronously and asynchronously) |
|
Online Curriculum Training for EdReady
|
Description: Multiple training sessions for instructors to understand and gain access to the state-provided online ABE curricula, to support the implementation of blended instructional models to transform the learning experience in ABE classes. Audience: Administrators, Instructors Delivery: Virtual (synchronously) |
|
Online Curriculum Training for Discovery Education
|
Description: Multiple training sessions for instructors to understand and gain access to the state-provided online curricula, to support the implementation of blended instructional models to transform the learning experience in ABE classes. Audience: Administrators, Instructors Delivery: Virtual (synchronously) |
|
2022-2023 STAR Training Series
|
Description: The STAR Training Series for Year 1 program cohorts is designed to teach ABE instructors to use evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI) to help learners improve skills in the four essential components of reading. The AZ STAR Series for Year 2 program cohorts focuses on building the capacity of the previously trained STAR cohorts through refresher webinar, assistance, and classroom observations. Audience: AZ STAR Trained Administrators and Instructors Delivery: Blended |
|
223(1)(c) Administrator Orientation & Refresher Training Series |
Description: Virtual webinar series to assist program administrators new in their roles to assume program leadership responsibilities and selected administrators, who would benefit from review. Modules delivered by AES unit teams to provide guidance on grant requirements. Audience: Administrators Delivery: Virtual |
|
Annual Business Meeting |
Description: Meeting to provide technical assistance to adult education providers with closing out PY 2021-2022 and preparing for PY 2022-2023, including changes to processes or policies. Audience: Administrators Delivery: Virtual |
|
Pipeline AZ Training and Assistance |
Description: Training on the implementation of Pipeline AZ, a career planning and transition platform, connected with Arizona employers. Audience: College and Career Navigators, administrators Delivery: Virtual, in-person |
|
TABE Proctor Certification Online Course |
Description: On-demand online course required for WIOA Title II program personnel who will be proctoring sessions of the TABE 11&12 & TABE CLAS-E assessments. Some topics covered in this course include preparing testing locations, accessing sections in the DRC INSIGHT portal, getting students started with their online testing sessions, and monitoring for testing violations. This Proctor course is the prerequisite for the TABE Coordinator course. Audience: testing proctors Delivery: Virtual/Asynchronous |
|
TABE Coordinator Certification Online Course
|
Description: On-demand online course required for Arizona WIOA Title II program personnel who oversee site implementation of the TABE 11&12 and TABE CLAS-E assessment. Some topics covered in this course include: the Arizona Adult Education Assessment Policy, creating and editing student profiles in the DRC INSIGHT Portal, creating testing sessions in INSIGHT, scoring assessment responses, and proctoring the TABE assessments. Audience: testing administrators Delivery: Virtual/Asynchronous |
|
2022 Adult Education Institute |
Description: The annual three-day institute for adult educators featured an Administrator Strand and an Instructor and Support Staff Strand, and a one-day preconference. A variety of concurrent sessions were delivered focused on standards-based instruction, language acquisition strategies, educational technology, and program operations. Audience: Program directors, administrators, instructional leaders, instructors and support staff. Delivery: In-person |
|
2023 Arizona Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Annual Conference |
Description: This annual conference was held in Flagstaff, AZ and was a collaboration with the AZ Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Boards and ADE Adult Education state staff. The one-day hybrid conference featured keynote speakers and presenters for adult educators from across the state. Audience: Adult educators Delivery: Hybrid |
|
Becoming a Learning Team Training Series |
Description: The Becoming a Learning Team (BLT) Training Series, facilitated by Learning Forward trainers, was developed for Arizona adult education program teams to support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of effective professional learning aligned to the revised Professional Learning Standards, developed by Learning Forward. Audience: Administrators, Instructors, and Professional Learning Coordinators Delivery: Blended |
|
Planning for Effective Professional Learning |
Description: A series of webinars focused on the AZ Planning Professional Learning Guide and PL Implementation Plan to assist program staff to effectively plan, implement, and evaluate effective professional learning at the program level. Audience: Administrators, instructional leaders, PL coordinators Delivery: Virtual/Asynchronous |
|
2022 Adult Education Institute |
Description: The annual three-day institute for adult educators featured an Administrator Strand and an Instructor and Support Staff Strand, and a one-day preconference. A variety of concurrent sessions were delivered focused on standards-based instruction, language acquisition strategies, educational technology, and program operations. Audience: Program directors, administrators, instructional leaders, instructors and support staff. Delivery: In-person |
|
2022-2023 Teaching and Learning Webinar Series
|
Description: This bi-weekly webinar series was designed to build teacher content and instructional skills in the areas of English language arts, mathematics, English language acquisition, and best practices in virtual instruction. All webinars supported the implementation of the AZ Adult Education content and teacher standards. Audience: Administrators, ABE & ESOL Instructors, Instructional Leaders Delivery: Virtual |
|
Building Literacy Skills Though Civic Engagement |
Description: In a five-session webinar training series presented by Street Law trainers, adult educators built on student civic engagement using the Arizona Adult Education Literacy through Social Studies Standards. Workshops focused on interactive teaching strategies and contextualized civics content to support standards-based instruction. Audience: Administrators, ABE & ESOL Instructors, Instructional Leaders |
|
EdTech Regional Trainings |
Description: This training series was provided at three regional cities to provide in-person training and support to blended learning practices with state-provided curricula along and instructional support on using EdTech tools in the ABE classroom. Audience: ABE Instructors Delivery: In-Person |
|
AZ Adult Education English Language Proficiency Standards Training Series |
Description: This blended training series supported the implementation of the newly revised AZ Adult Education English Language Proficiency Standards, and the training included the integration of IELCE activities to support civics education. Audience: Administrators and ESOL Instructors Delivery: Blended |
|
IDEAL 103: Building an EdTech Strategy Toolkit |
Description: Designed to walk instructors through a thoughtful process of designing strategic, sustainable instructional routines that leverage edtech and are centered around the factors that most impact their learners. Audience: ABE and ESOL Instructors Delivery: Virtual Blended (synchronous session per module with asynchronous assignments) |
|
Math Institute: Curriculum for Adults Learning Math (CALM) Training Series |
Description: This 8-week training series based on TIAN and the ANN, utilizes CALM resources to improve standards-based math instruction. Audience: Administrators, ABE & ESOL Instructors, Instructional Leaders Delivery: Blended |
|
Online Curriculum Training for Essential Education |
Description: Monthly training sessions were developed and provided for instructors to understand and gain access to the state-provided ABE online curricula, to support the implementation of blended instructional models for ABE students. In addition, on-demand training was available along with targeted program training session as requested. Audience: Administrators, ABE Instructors Delivery: Hybrid (synchronously and asynchronously) |
|
Online Curriculum Training for Burlington English |
Description: Targeted program training sessions offered as requested for instructors and administrators to understand and gain access to the state-provided online EL curricula, and to support the implementation of blended instructional models to transform the learning experience in ESOL classes. On-demand training was available to accommodate teacher availability. Audience: Administrators, ESOL Instructors Delivery: Virtual (synchronously and asynchronously) |
|
Online Curriculum Training for EdReady |
Description: Multiple training sessions for instructors to understand and gain access to the state-provided online ABE curricula, to support the implementation of blended instructional models to transform the learning experience in ABE classes. Audience: Administrators, Instructors Delivery: Virtual (synchronously) |
|
Online Curriculum Training for Discovery Education |
Description: Multiple training sessions for instructors to understand and gain access to the state-provided online curricula, to support the implementation of blended instructional models to transform the learning experience in ABE classes. Audience: Administrators, Instructors Delivery: Virtual (synchronously) |
|
2022 Teachers ‘N’ Technology 3.0 Conference |
Description: A one-day virtual conference to provide quality professional development in the realm of educational technology in adult education. Audience: Administrators, Instructional Leads, and Teachers Delivery: Virtual |
|
Ed Tech Training Catalog Requests |
Description: Multiple training sessions held at the request of local providers on a range of topics including using specific digital tools, instructional strategies for virtual delivery, and the Hyflex model. Audience: ABE and ESOL teachers and instructional leaders Delivery: Virtual |
|
232(1)(d) AZ Adult Education Data Management System (AAEDMS) Training |
Description: Multiple training sessions on using AAEDMS, including entering data, reviewing, and approving data, generating and analyzing reports, and performance measures. Audience: Administrators, data coordinators and data entry staff Delivery: Virtual |
|
Administrator Orientation & Refresher Training Series |
Description: Virtual webinar series to assist program administrators new in their roles to assume program leadership responsibilities and selected administrators, who would benefit from review. Modules delivered by AES unit teams to provide guidance on grant requirements. Audience: Administrators Delivery: Virtual |
|
Annual Business Meeting |
Description: Meeting to provide technical assistance to adult education providers with closing out PY 2021-2022 and preparing for PY 2022-2023, including changes to processes or policies. Audience: Administrators Delivery: Virtual |
|
TABE Proctor Certification Online Course |
Description: On-demand online course required for WIOA Title II program personnel who will be proctoring sessions of the TABE 11&12 & TABE CLAS-E assessments. Some topics covered in this course include preparing testing locations, accessing sections in the DRC INSIGHT portal, getting students started with their online testing sessions, and monitoring for testing violations. This Proctor course is the prerequisite for the TABE Coordinator course. Audience: testing proctors Delivery: Virtual/Asynchronous |
|
TABE Coordinator Certification Online Course
|
Description: On-demand online course required for Arizona WIOA Title II program personnel who oversee site implementation of the TABE 11&12 and TABE CLAS-E assessment. Some topics covered in this course include: the Arizona Adult Education Assessment Policy, creating and editing student profiles in the DRC INSIGHT Portal, creating testing sessions in INSIGHT, scoring assessment responses, and proctoring the TABE assessments. Audience: testing administrators Delivery: Virtual/Asynchronous |
|
HSE PLUS Career Readiness Pathway Training |
Description: Virtual training designed for adult education staff responsible for implementing the HSE PLUS Career Readiness Pathway. This training provides guidance on the requirements and the supporting documentation to successfully complete this HSE pathway. Audience: Administrators, College and Career Navigators Delivery: Virtual/Asynchronous |
|
2022 Adult Education Institute |
Description: The annual three-day institute for adult educators featured an Administrator Strand and an Instructor and Support Staff Strand, and a one-day preconference. A variety of concurrent sessions were delivered focused on standards-based instruction, language acquisition strategies, educational technology, and program operations. Audience: Program directors, administrators, instructional leaders, instructors and support staff. Delivery: In-person |
|
AZ Shop Talk
|
Description: Bi-monthly webinars to provide information and updates to Title II providers. Audience: Program directors, administrators, other key personnel Delivery: Webinar Series
|
|
2023 Arizona Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Annual Conference |
Description: This annual conference was held in Flagstaff, AZ and was a collaboration with the AZ Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Boards and ADE Adult Education state staff. The one-day hybrid conference featured keynote speakers and presenters for adult educators from across the state. Audience: Adult educators Delivery: Hybrid |
|
Pathways to the High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma Training |
Description: On-demand online course providing an overview of the three AZ pathways to earn an AZ High School Equivalency diploma. The training included criteria for pathway eligibility, requirements, the process for completion, and how to guide HSE candidates to the most appropriate pathway. Audience: Administrators, College and Career Navigators Delivery: Virtual/Asynchronous |
|
Assessment Coordinator Update Webinar |
Description: Annual informational webinar for Assessment Coordinators at WIOA Title II Adult Education Programs. The webinar focuses on the updates to the Adult Education Assessment Policy, the TABE certification process, and state-level summary data from the desk monitoring conducted of all providers throughout the program year. Audience: Assessment Coordinators Delivery: Virtual |
|
Marketing for Program-Level Success |
Description: This training series presented strategies to programs for marketing their program and to promote more student enrollment. Audience: Administrators, Instructional Leaders Delivery: Virtual |
|
2022-2023 Teaching and Learning Webinar Series |
Description: This bi-weekly webinar series was designed to build teacher content and instructional skills in the areas of English language arts, mathematics, English language acquisition, and best practices in virtual instruction. All webinars supported the implementation of the AZ Adult Education content and teacher standards. Audience: Administrators, ABE & ESOL Instructors, Instructional Leaders Delivery: Virtual |
|
Title |
Permissible Activities Description |
|
232(2)(a) Administrator Orientation & Refresher Training Series |
Description: Virtual webinar series to assist program administrators new in their roles to assume program leadership responsibilities and selected administrators, who would benefit from review. Modules delivered by AES unit teams to provide guidance on grant requirements. Audience: Administrators Delivery: Virtual |
|
Annual Business Meeting |
Description: Meeting to provide technical assistance to adult education providers with closing out PY 2021-2022 and preparing for PY 2022-2023, including changes to processes or policies. Audience: Administrators Delivery: Virtual |
|
AZ Shop Talk
|
Description: Bi-monthly webinars to provide information and updates to Title II providers. Audience: Program directors, administrators, other key personnel Delivery: Webinar Series |
|
232(2)(b) EdTech Regional Trainings |
Description: This training series was provided at three regional cities to provide in-person training and support to blended learning practices with state-provided curricula along and instructional support on using EdTech tools in the ABE classroom.
Audience: ABE Instructors Delivery: In-Person |
|
IDEAL 103: Building an EdTech Strategy Toolkit |
Description: Designed to walk instructors through a thoughtful process of designing strategic, sustainable instructional routines that leverage edtech and are centered around the factors that most impact their learners. Audience: ABE and ESOL Instructors Delivery: Virtual Blended (synchronous session per module with asynchronous assignments)
|
|
Online Curriculum Training for Essential Education |
Description: Monthly training sessions were developed and provided for instructors to understand and gain access to the state-provided ABE online curricula, to support the implementation of blended instructional models for ABE students. In addition, on-demand training was available along with targeted program training session as requested. Audience: Administrators, ABE Instructors Delivery: Hybrid (synchronously and asynchronously) |
|
Online Curriculum Training for Burlington English |
Description: Targeted program training sessions offered as requested for instructors and administrators to understand and gain access to the state-provided online EL curricula, and to support the implementation of blended instructional models to transform the learning experience in ESOL classes. On-demand training was available to accommodate teacher availability. Audience: Administrators, ESOL Instructors Delivery: Virtual (synchronously and asynchronously) |
|
Online Curriculum Training for EdReady |
Description: Multiple training sessions for instructors to understand and gain access to the state-provided online ABE curricula, to support the implementation of blended instructional models to transform the learning experience in ABE classes. Audience: Administrators, Instructors Delivery: Virtual (synchronously) |
|
Online Curriculum Training for Discovery Education |
Description: Multiple training sessions for instructors to understand and gain access to the state-provided online curricula, to support the implementation of blended instructional models to transform the learning experience in ABE classes. Audience: Administrators, Instructors Delivery: Virtual (synchronously) |
|
2022 Teachers ‘N’ Technology 3.0 Conference |
Description: A one-day virtual conference to provide quality professional development in the realm of educational technology in adult education. Audience: Administrators, Instructional Leads, and Teachers Delivery: Virtual |
|
Ed Tech Training Catalog Requests |
Description: Multiple training sessions held at the request of local providers on a range of topics including using specific digital tools, instructional strategies for virtual delivery, and the Hyflex model. Audience: ABE and ESOL teachers and instructional leaders Delivery: Virtual |
|
232(2)(c) 2022 Adult Education Institute
|
Description: The annual three-day institute for adult educators featured an Administrator Strand and an Instructor and Support Staff Strand, and a one-day preconference. A variety of concurrent sessions were delivered focused on standards-based instruction, language acquisition strategies, educational technology, and program operations. Audience: Program directors, administrators, instructional leaders, instructors and support staff. Delivery: In-person |
|
2023 Arizona Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Annual Conference |
Description: This annual conference was held in Flagstaff, AZ and was a collaboration with the AZ Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Boards and ADE Adult Education state staff. The one-day hybrid conference featured keynote speakers and presenters for adult educators from across the state.
Audience: Adult educators Delivery: Hybrid |
|
2022-2023 Teaching and Learning Webinar Series
|
Description: This bi-weekly webinar series was designed to build teacher content and instructional skills in the areas of English language arts, mathematics, English language acquisition, and best practices in virtual instruction. All webinars supported the implementation of the AZ Adult Education content and teacher standards. Audience: Administrators, ABE & ESOL Instructors, Instructional Leaders Delivery: Virtual |
|
Online Curriculum Training for Essential Education |
Description: Monthly training sessions were developed and provided for instructors to understand and gain access to the state-provided ABE online curricula, to support the implementation of blended instructional models for ABE students. In addition, on-demand training was available along with targeted program training session as requested. Audience: Administrators, ABE Instructors Delivery: Hybrid (synchronously and asynchronously) |
|
Online Curriculum Training for EdReady |
Description: Multiple training sessions for instructors to understand and gain access to the state-provided online ABE curricula, to support the implementation of blended instructional models to transform the learning experience in ABE classes. Audience: Administrators, Instructors Delivery: Virtual (synchronously) |
|
Online Curriculum Training for Discovery Education |
Description: Multiple training sessions for instructors to understand and gain access to the state-provided online curricula, to support the implementation of blended instructional models to transform the learning experience in ABE classes. Audience: Administrators, Instructors Delivery: Virtual (synchronously) |
|
2022-2023 STAR Training Series
|
Description: The STAR Training Series for Year 1 program cohorts is designed to teach ABE instructors to use evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI) to help learners improve skills in the four essential components of reading. The AZ STAR Series for Year 2 program cohorts focuses on building the capacity of the previously trained STAR cohorts through refresher webinar, assistance, and classroom observations. Audience: AZ STAR Trained Administrators and Instructors Delivery: Blended |
232(2)(d)Pathways to the High School Equivalency (HSE) DiplomaTraining |
Description: On-demand online course providing an overview of the three AZ pathways to earn an AZ High School Equivalency diploma. The training included criteria for pathway eligibility, requirements, the process for completion, and how to guide HSE candidates to the most appropriate pathway. Audience: Administrators, College and Career Navigators Delivery: Virtual/Asynchronous |
|
232(2)(e) AZ Adult Education Data Management System (AAEDMS) Training |
Description: Multiple training sessions on using AAEDMS, including entering data, reviewing, and approving data, generating and analyzing reports, and performance measures. Audience: Administrators, data coordinators and data entry staff Delivery: Virtual |
|
Administrator Orientation & Refresher Training Series |
Description: Virtual webinar series to assist program administrators new in their roles to assume program leadership responsibilities and selected administrators, who would benefit from review. Modules delivered by AES unit teams to provide guidance on grant requirements. Audience: Administrators Delivery: Virtual |
|
Annual Business Meeting |
Description: Meeting to provide technical assistance to adult education providers with closing out PY 2021-2022 and preparing for PY 2022-2023, including changes to processes or policies. Audience: Administrators Delivery: Virtual |
|
Pipeline AZ Training and Assistance
|
Description: Training on the implementation of Pipeline AZ, a career planning and transition platform, connected with Arizona employers. Audience: College and Career Navigators, administrators Delivery: Virtual, in-person |
|
HSE PLUS Career Readiness Pathway Training |
Description: Virtual training designed for adult education staff responsible for implementing the HSE PLUS Career Readiness Pathway. This training provides guidance on the requirements and the supporting documentation to successfully complete this HSE pathway. Audience: Administrators, College, and Career Navigators Delivery: Virtual/Asynchronous |
|
AZ Shop Talk
|
Description: Bi-monthly webinars to provide information and updates to Title II providers. Audience: Program directors, administrators, other key personnel Delivery: Webinar Series |
Pathways to the High School Equivalency (HSE) DiplomaTraining |
Description: On-demand online course providing an overview of the three AZ pathways to earn an AZ High School Equivalency diploma. The training included criteria for pathway eligibility, requirements, the process for completion, and how to guide HSE candidates to the most appropriate pathway. Audience: Administrators, College and Career Navigators Delivery: Virtual/Asynchronous |
|
Assessment Coordinator Update Webinar
|
Description: Annual informational webinar for Assessment Coordinators at WIOA Title II Adult Education Programs. The webinar focuses on the updates to the Adult Education Assessment Policy, the TABE certification process, and state-level summary data from the desk monitoring conducted of all providers throughout the program year. Audience: Assessment Coordinators Delivery: Virtual |
|
Marketing for Program-Level Success |
Description: This training series presented strategies to programs for marketing their program and to promote more student enrollment.
Audience: Administrators, Instructional Leaders Delivery: Virtual |
|
232(2)(f) Pipeline AZ Training and Assistance
|
Description: Training on the implementation of Pipeline AZ, a career planning and transition platform, connected with Arizona employers. Audience: College and Career Navigators, administrators Delivery: Virtual, in-person
|
|
232(2)(g) AZ Adult Education English Language Proficiency Standards Training Series |
Description: This blended training series supported the implementation of the newly revised AZ Adult Education English Language Proficiency Standards, and the training included the integration of IELCE activities to support civics education. Audience: Administrators and ESOL Instructors Delivery: Blended |
|
Online Curriculum Training for Burlington English |
Description: Targeted program training sessions offered as requested for instructors and administrators to understand and gain access to the state-provided online EL curricula, and to support the implementation of blended instructional models to transform the learning experience in ESOL classes. On-demand training was available to accommodate teacher availability. Audience: Administrators, ESOL Instructors Delivery: Virtual (synchronously and asynchronously) |
|
232(2)(i) 2023 Arizona Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Annual Conference |
Description: This annual conference was held in Flagstaff, AZ and was a collaboration with the AZ Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Boards and ADE Adult Education state staff. The one-day hybrid conference featured keynote speakers and presenters for adult educators from across the state. Audience: Adult educators Delivery: Hybrid |
|
2022-2023 Teaching and Learning Webinar Series
|
Description: This bi-weekly webinar series was designed to build teacher content and instructional skills in the areas of English language arts, mathematics, English language acquisition, and best practices in virtual instruction. All webinars supported the implementation of the AZ Adult Education content and teacher standards. Audience: Administrators, ABE & ESOL Instructors, Instructional Leaders Delivery: Virtual |
|
AZ Adult Education English Language Proficiency Standards Training Series |
Description: This blended training series supported the implementation of the newly revised AZ Adult Education English Language Proficiency Standards, and the training included the integration of IELCE activities to support civics education. Audience: Administrators and ESOL Instructors Delivery: Blended
|
|
Math Institute: Curriculum for Adults Learning Math (CALM) Training Series |
Description: This 8-week training series based on TIAN and the ANN, utilizes CALM resources to improve standards-based math instruction. Audience: Administrators, ABE & ESOL Instructors, Instructional Leaders Delivery: Blended |
|
Online Curriculum Training for Burlington English |
Description: Targeted program training sessions offered as requested for instructors and administrators to understand and gain access to the state-provided online EL curricula, and to support the implementation of blended instructional models to transform the learning experience in ESOL classes. On-demand training was available to accommodate teacher availability. Audience: Administrators, ESOL Instructors Delivery: Virtual (synchronously and asynchronously) |
|
2022-2023 STAR Training Series
|
Description: The STAR Training Series for Year 1 program cohorts is designed to teach ABE instructors to use evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI) to help learners improve skills in the four essential components of reading. The AZ STAR Series for Year 2 program cohorts focuses on building the capacity of the previously trained STAR cohorts through refresher webinar, assistance, and classroom observations. Audience: AZ STAR Trained Administrators and Instructors Delivery: Blended |
|
232(2)(j) 2022 Adult Education Institute
|
Description: The annual three-day institute for adult educators featured an Administrator Strand and an Instructor and Support Staff Strand, and a one-day preconference. A variety of concurrent sessions were delivered focused on standards-based instruction, language acquisition strategies, educational technology, and program operations. Audience: Program directors, administrators, instructional leaders, instructors and support staff. Delivery: In-person |
|
2023 Arizona Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Annual Conference |
Description: This annual conference was held in Flagstaff, AZ and was a collaboration with the AZ Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Boards and ADE Adult Education state staff. The one-day hybrid conference featured keynote speakers and presenters for adult educators from across the state. Audience: Adult educators Delivery: Hybrid |
|
Becoming a Learning Team Training Series |
Description: The Becoming a Learning Team (BLT) Training Series, facilitated by Learning Forward trainers, was developed for Arizona adult education program teams to support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of effective professional learning aligned to the revised Professional Learning Standards, developed by Learning Forward. Audience: Administrators, Instructors, and Professional Learning Coordinators Delivery: Blended |
|
Planning for Effective Professional Learning
|
Description: A series of webinars focused on the AZ Planning Professional Learning Guide and PL Implementation Plan to assist program staff to effectively plan, implement, and evaluate effective professional learning at the program level. Audience: Administrators, instructional leaders, PL coordinators Delivery: Virtual/Asynchronous |
|
2022-2023 Teaching and Learning Webinar Series
|
Description: This bi-weekly webinar series was designed to build teacher content and instructional skills in the areas of English language arts, mathematics, English language acquisition, and best practices in virtual instruction. All webinars supported the implementation of the AZ Adult Education content and teacher standards. Audience: Administrators, ABE & ESOL Instructors, Instructional Leaders Delivery: Virtual |
|
2022-2023 STAR Training Series
|
Description: The STAR Training Series for Year 1 program cohorts is designed to teach ABE instructors to use evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI) to help learners improve skills in the four essential components of reading. The AZ STAR Series for Year 2 program cohorts focuses on building the capacity of the previously trained STAR cohorts through refresher webinar, assistance, and classroom observations. Audience: AZ STAR Trained Administrators and Instructors Delivery: Blended |
|
TABE Proctor Certification Online Course |
Description: On-demand online course required for WIOA Title II program personnel who will be proctoring sessions of the TABE 11&12 & TABE CLAS-E assessments. Some topics covered in this course include preparing testing locations, accessing sections in the DRC INSIGHT portal, getting students started with their online testing sessions, and monitoring for testing violations. This Proctor course is the prerequisite for the TABE Coordinator course. Audience: testing proctors Delivery: Virtual/Asynchronous |
|
232(2)(k) AZ Adult Education English Language Proficiency Standards Training Series |
Description: This blended training series supported the implementation of the newly revised AZ Adult Education English Language Proficiency Standards, and the training included the integration of IELCE activities to support civics education. Audience: Administrators and ESOL Instructors Delivery: Blended |
|
2022-2023 STAR Training Series
|
Description: The STAR Training Series for Year 1 program cohorts is designed to teach ABE instructors to use evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI) to help learners improve skills in the four essential components of reading. The AZ STAR Series for Year 2 program cohorts focuses on building the capacity of the previously trained STAR cohorts through refresher webinar, assistance, and classroom observations. Audience: AZ STAR Trained Administrators and Instructors Delivery: Blended |
|
2022 Adult Education Institute
|
Description: The annual three-day institute for adult educators featured an Administrator Strand and an Instructor and Support Staff Strand, and a one-day preconference. A variety of concurrent sessions were delivered focused on standards-based instruction, language acquisition strategies, educational technology, and program operations. Audience: Program directors, administrators, instructional leaders, instructors and support staff. Delivery: In-person |
|
232(2)(l) 2022 Adult Education Institute
|
Description: The annual three-day institute for adult educators featured an Administrator Strand and an Instructor and Support Staff Strand, and a one-day preconference. A variety of concurrent sessions were delivered focused on standards-based instruction, language acquisition strategies, educational technology, and program operations. Audience: Program directors, administrators, instructional leaders, instructors and support staff. Delivery: In-person |
|
2023 Arizona Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Annual Conference |
Description: This annual conference was held in Flagstaff, AZ and was a collaboration with the AZ Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Boards and ADE Adult Education state staff. The one-day hybrid conference featured keynote speakers and presenters for adult educators from across the state. Audience: Adult educators Delivery: Hybrid |
|
Marketing for Program-Level Success |
Description: This training series presented strategies to programs for marketing their program and to promote more student enrollment.
Audience: Administrators, Instructional Leaders Delivery: Virtual |
|
2022-2023 Teaching and Learning Webinar Series
|
Description: This bi-weekly webinar series was designed to build teacher content and instructional skills in the areas of English language arts, mathematics, English language acquisition, and best practices in virtual instruction. All webinars supported the implementation of the AZ Adult Education content and teacher standards. Audience: Administrators, ABE & ESOL Instructors, Instructional Leaders Delivery: Virtual |
|
232(2)(m) Administrator Orientation & Refresher Training Series |
Description: Virtual webinar series to assist program administrators new in their roles to assume program leadership responsibilities and selected administrators, who would benefit from review. Modules delivered by AES unit teams to provide guidance on grant requirements. \ Audience: Administrators Delivery: Virtual |
|
Annual Business Meeting |
Description: Meeting to provide technical assistance to adult education providers with closing out PY 2021-2022 and preparing for PY 2022-2023, including changes to processes or policies. Audience: Administrators Delivery: Virtual |
|
Pipeline AZ Training and Assistance
|
Description: Training on the implementation of Pipeline AZ, a career planning and transition platform, connected with Arizona employers. Audience: College and Career Navigators, administrators Delivery: Virtual, in-person |
|
2022 Adult Education Institute
|
Description: The annual three-day institute for adult educators featured an Administrator Strand and an Instructor and Support Staff Strand, and a one-day preconference. A variety of concurrent sessions were delivered focused on standards-based instruction, language acquisition strategies, educational technology, and program operations. Audience: Program directors, administrators, instructional leaders, instructors and support staff. Delivery: In-person |
|
AZ Shop Talk
|
Description: Bi-monthly webinars to provide information and updates to Title II providers. Audience: Program directors, administrators, other key personnel Delivery: Webinar Series |
|
2023 Arizona Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Annual Conference |
Description: This annual conference was held in Flagstaff, AZ and was a collaboration with the AZ Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) Boards and ADE Adult Education state staff. The one-day hybrid conference featured keynote speakers and presenters for adult educators from across the state. Audience: Adult educators Delivery: Hybrid |
|
Becoming a Learning Team Training Series |
Description: The Becoming a Learning Team (BLT) Training Series, facilitated by Learning Forward trainers, was developed for Arizona adult education program teams to support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of effective professional learning aligned to the revised Professional Learning Standards, developed by Learning Forward. Audience: Administrators, Instructors, and Professional Learning Coordinators Delivery: Blended |
|
Marketing for Program-Level Success |
Description: This training series presented strategies to programs for marketing their program and to promote more student enrollment.
Audience: Administrators, Instructional Leaders Delivery: Virtual |
|
Planning for Effective Professional Learning
|
Description: A series of webinars focused on the AZ Planning Professional Learning Guide and PL Implementation Plan to assist program staff to effectively plan, implement, and evaluate effective professional learning at the program level. Audience: Administrators, instructional leaders, PL coordinators Delivery: Virtual/Asynchronous |
|
2022-2023 Teaching and Learning Webinar Series
|
Description: This bi-weekly webinar series was designed to build teacher content and instructional skills in the areas of English language arts, mathematics, English language acquisition, and best practices in virtual instruction. All webinars supported the implementation of the AZ Adult Education content and teacher standards. Audience: Administrators, ABE & ESOL Instructors, Instructional Leaders Delivery: Virtual |
|
AZ Adult Education English Language Proficiency Standards Training Series |
Description: This blended training series supported the implementation of the newly revised AZ Adult Education English Language Proficiency Standards, and the training included the integration of IELCE activities to support civics education. Audience: Administrators and ESOL Instructors Delivery: Blended |
Performance Data Analysis
Data Collection and Verification Processes
-
Local adult education providers submitted attestations of adhering to Data Quality Specifications in monthly Data Confirmation Form submissions. This was a shift from the previous process when a Data Quality Certification was submitted in ADE’s Grant Management Enterprise System. State staff found that there were fewer errors or program oversights with ensuring all aspects of monthly data management were complete, and local providers indicated a better understanding of what was expected of them.
-
By the 15th of each month, local providers submitted a Data Confirmation form, indicating that all data had been entered and approved for the month prior.
-
By July 15, 2023, local providers confirmed that all PY 2022-2023 data had been entered and approved in the state management information system (MIS) by submitting their final Data Confirmation form for the year.
-
State staff downloaded all federal tables and cross-checked the data for validity, extracting a percentage of participant- level data to check for accuracy.
-
Staff worked with the data management system vendor where anomalies or errors were identified to ensure corrections to coding were made as needed, verified calculations per OCTAE (Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education) guidance, and corrected data entry errors.
-
Analysis of Results: Local program performance targets were the same as the state targets.
PY 2022 – 2023 Performance
Tables 4 and 5
|
|
Qualified Participants |
MSGs |
Credential Attainment |
Employment 2nd Qtr. After Exit |
Employment 4th Qtr. After Exit |
Median Earnings 2nd Qtr. After Exit |
|
ABE |
6.196 |
33.44% |
|
|
|
|
|
ESL |
7,163 |
46.47% |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
13,359 |
40.42% |
16.52% |
45.35% |
47.24% |
$8,248 |
Table 4 Data: Enrollment continued to trend upward, nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels, and increasing by approximately 3,000 in the first Periods of Participation (PoPs) over PY 2021-2022. Additionally, ESOL enrollment outpaced ABE by approximately 1,000 students as Arizona has seen an increase in refugee populations. As is typical and shown in the table above, ELLs outperform ABE students significantly. This is a data point state staff has been providing technical assistance with local providers to better determine programmatic changes to increase MSGs with ABE students.
Progress testing data shows that ELLs test more frequently, have higher persistence rates and higher rates of EFL advances, than ABE students. This analysis has resulted in the development of “fast track” programs for both ABE and ELL students, piloted by many local providers. This fast-track programming identifies students after initial testing, who are likely to advance more quickly through the EFLs (Educational Functioning Levels) and meet their goal/s. These students work closely with teachers and a College and Career Navigator at the local program.
Table 5 Data: Arizona continues to have a high rate of participants agreeing to data match and providing social security numbers. A survey is conducted by local providers for those students who did not agree to data match or do not have SSNs.
HSE Outcomes: GED testing rates and HSE attainment in PY 2022-2023 saw a slight increase when compared to PY 2021-2022, but below levels from 2018-2019. Available actions on our part to increase GED testing rates and HSE attainment is a focus for PY 23-24 and the implementation of the next grant cycle beginning July 2024.
|
Program Year |
PY 2022-2023 |
PY 2021-2022 |
PY 2020-2021* |
PY 2019-2020* |
|
GED Passers |
4,358 |
4,299 |
3,406 |
4,141 |
*Most testing centers were closed to in-person testing during the last 4 months of PY 2019-2020 and the majority of PY 2020-2021.
Integration with One-stop Partners
One-Stop Collaboration: In PY 2022-2023, two Title II programs were co-located in ARIZONA@WORK Job Centers. Memoranda of Understanding in all workforce areas needed to be written, and most boards were able to complete this task. State staff became aware of a need for better understanding of allowable cost-sharing for Title II providers and how the Workforce Set-aside funds could be utilized to benefit students. State staff collaborated closely with each provider, attending MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) meetings, and to ensure Title II was appropriately represented in discussions, and that final documents clearly indicated services available through Title II. As a result, more detailed cost-sharing was written into almost all completed MOUs, with plans to better identify opportunities at six-month intervals in PY 2023-2024.
Furthermore, focused efforts were put into place to invite one-stop staff, local boards, and core partner staff to attend and/or present at the annual Adult Education Institute in September 2023. As a result, multiple concurrent sessions for administrators and teachers were presented by core partner staff.
Title II Representation on Workforce Boards: In PY 2022-2023, Title II representatives from local providers were in place for all workforce areas. The ADE/AES Workforce Development Specialist provided training and technical assistance to the local program directors who were in this role, including assisting with strategies to engage all Title II providers in a workforce area where there was more than one program. Most workforce board meetings continued to be held virtually, and this has resulted in greater attendance by Title II providers in a local workforce area, in addition to the Title II representative.
While there was a transition in the position for the Arizona State Director of Adult Education in February 2023, there was no pause in participating as a voting member on the Workforce Arizona Council (WAC). The State Director was appointed by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and approved by the Governor of Arizona to represent Title II.
Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education
IELCE Funds and grants
The latest competition was held in July – September 2022 in one workforce area only. Referred to as the Request for Grant Application – Supplemental (RFGA-S), applications were accepted for a workforce area that had only virtual services due to a lack of applicants in the 2020-2024 RFGA (Request for Grant Application). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition for this workforce area was delayed. Two local providers were selected for the LaPaz/Mohave LWA, and this grant contract will end with the current grant cycle on June 30, 2024.
The competition for the current grant was conducted in January – May 2020 to award multi–year contracts for educational services under WIOA, July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2024. Twenty local providers were awarded contracts under this application process, with thirteen of those approved for funding to provide services under WIOA section 243. Applicants applying for funds under section 243 were required to submit and were evaluated on additional application responses specific to the requirements of section 243. Additionally, section 243 funds are allocated and accounted for in a separate funding stream in the Arizona Grants Management Enterprise (GME) system.
Training activity
PY 2022-2023 saw the trend of increased IET registrations for participants in ESL programming; however, the percentage was lower than in PY 2021-2022. This is most likely due to a significant increase in English Language Learner enrollment, particularly in programs who have not been providing IET. While we anticipate in the next grant cycle that these programs will have several IET offerings, 243 funds were not applied for in the current grant, and multiple changes in program directors impeded incorporating IET and Workplace Literacy programming using 231 funds. State staff, in working closely with these programs, advised new program directors to first understand program operations under WIOA before adding this additional service.
|
IET Enrollment Trends: |
PY 2022-2023 |
PY 2021-2022 |
PY 2020-2021 |
PY 2019-2020 |
|
Number of PoPs with both ESL and IET Registrations |
977 |
937 |
352 |
344 |
|
Percent of PoPs with both ESL and IET Registrations |
13.14% |
17.35% |
12.4% |
6.4% |
ADE/AES staff created a series of just-in-time micro learning courses, based on the year-long IET training series that was delivered over PY 2020-21 – PY 2021-22. Local program staff have access to this video library at any time and are strongly encouraged to use these resources to plan for initial IET offerings, onboard new staff, or to review specific elements of IET services. Further, dedicated program staff functioned as an “IET liaison” for programs, gathering updates and providing technical assistance during monthly calls with providers.
Two local programs provided IELCE through workplace literacy programming, both to other departments within their parent organizations. We anticipate this type of programming expanding to other programs as they learn how it can be done – and how it benefits their organizations.
IELCE Section 243(c)(1)
-
The two largest Title II providers have developed fast-track IET programming for ELL students who hold advanced degrees and/or certifications from their home countries. This fast-track program assists students in improving English language proficiency by providing contextualized instruction to obtain work in their chosen career clusters.
-
Career navigators can work closely with students to support adjustments to career pathways and/or make connections with opportunities.
-
A significant challenge the local providers have reported is identifying IET programming accessible to ELLs levels 1 – 4. It is a priority for state staff to provide additional support to programs for this identified need; therefore, a state team will be participating in the 2024 IET Advanced Design Camp in the spring.
IELCE Section 243(c)(2)
-
As MOU/IFA discussions started in each of the local workforce areas in PY 2022-2023, state staff worked closely with local program directors to ensure full understanding of how cost sharing could be leveraged to benefit Title II participants. This resulted in more detailed agreements being made and increasing understanding by local partners of the services, such as IELCE with IET, that are available.
-
State staff began using the public comment period at local workforce board meetings to highlight workplace literacy services offered by Title II providers that are available to employers.
-
The primary challenge in this area continues to be a lack of understanding on the part of partners about who Title II participants are and what they can do, including IELCE students. Work continues to be done at the local area and state levels to help increase understanding.
Adult Education Standards
Arizona finalized the revisions of two sets of content standards in collaboration with teams of adult educators, content experts, and state office staff. The Arizona Adult Education Literacy Through Social Studies Standards were finalized and released to the field. These standards were aligned to the Arizona Adult Education English Language Arts Standards and the Arizona Social Studies Standards-for grades 7-12. The standards were introduced through webinars and integrated in state leadership initiatives including Building Literacy Skills Through Civic Engagement Training Series and the AZ Adult Education English Language Proficiency Standards Training Series.
The second set of standards finalized and released to the field were the Arizona Adult Education English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS), adapted from the Arizona English Language Proficiency Standards, developed by AIR (American Institute for Research). The AZ ELP standards were aligned to the Arizona English Language Proficiency Standards for K-12. The professional learning state staff and contracted ELP Standards specialists from the field, developed and facilitated the AZ Adult Education English Language Proficiency Standards Training Series. This blended learning series was held in multiple regions around the state for over 120 educators and instructional leaders.
Programs for Corrections Education (AEFLA Section 225)
One ADE/AES-funded program provides services in a correctional facility and other locations. Gila County Adult Education program held classes for detainees at the San Carlos Apache Tribe Rehabilitation and Detention Center. The program provided instructional services for twenty-one individuals housed in this facility, however, no information on recidivism was available.