Labor and Gov't Offices

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Vocational and Adult Education submitted its annual adult education Report to Congress on State Performance. The report covers Program Year 2001-2002 and provides an analysis of adult education information gathered from all states through our National Reporting System.
     URL (MS Word, 3.8 MB): http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/resource/aereport/aereport0102.doc

workforceUSA.net is designed for the day-to-day needs of workforce development practitioners. It provides an extensive "virtual" library of concrete tools and other kinds of materials to support the various activities or "functions" workforce development professionals perform.
     URL: http://www.workforceusa.net

The National Center for Education Statistics provides state education profiles. Individuals may search for statewide information in elementary/secondary education, postsecondary education, public libraries and selected demographics for all states in the U.S.
    URL: http://nces.ed.gov/programs/stateprofiles/

Workforce³ One is a new collaborative effort between the US Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (ETA), the Center for Employment Security Education and Research (CESER), which is the 501c3 affiliate of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA), and the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). This collaboration represents the merging of national, state, and local leadership into one system that is committed to embracing and installing a demand-driven culture in the publicly funded workforce system.
     URL: http://www.workforce3one.org/

This research study shows how strategic marketing initiatives for workplace education programs can yield successful results. The model used can be replicated by other Literacy centers and agencies.
    StrategicMarketing.pdf  (PDF: 125 KB)

A recent study of Jobs-Plus (a program that aims to boost earnings for people in high-poverty housing developments) offers the first hard evidence that a work-focused intervention based in a public housing environment can effectively promote residents’ self-sufficiency.
     URL: http://www.mdrc.org/publications/430/testimony.html

STAR is a comprehensive toolkit and training package to help Adult Basic Education (ABE) instructors use evidence-based reading instruction in the classroom.
     URL: http://www.startoolkit.org/

A new report by the Migration Policy Institute identifies English acquisition as a serious challenge for both legal and illegal immigrants. Businesses are encouraged to invest more on English instruction as a way of improving workforce capacity.            http://www.migrationpolicy.org/pubs/NCIIP_English_Instruction073107.pdf

A new report for the National Commission on Adult Literacy describes various aspects of current workplace education programs in 20 states. It examines program funding; partnerships; strategic plans; measures of success and future policy options.
     URL: http://www.nationalcommissiononadultliteracy.org/pandp.html

The U.S. Department of Labor's Senior Community Service Employment Program competitively awards funds to pilot programs designed to benefit older workers.
     URL: http://www.doleta.gov/seniors

The Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor has introduced the availability of almost $10 million in grant funds through the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative for regional approaches to workforce challenges in the energy industry and construction and skilled trades in the construction industry.
    URL: http://www.doleta.gov/

Strengthening State Adult Education Policies for Low-Skilled Workers is a brief report outlining state adult education policies and programs. It recommends improvements for better job advancement opportunities for lower-skilled adults and older youth.
 URL: http://www.clasp.org/publications/policy_brief_-_adult_education_2_.pdf

The Career Technical/Adult and Community Education Section of the Alabama Department of Education facilitates career/technical and adult and community education programming at the state and federal levels. The staff delivers state-of-the-art career/technical and academic education and a wide array of adult and community education services. 
    URL:  http://www.alsde.edu/html/sections/section_detail.asp?section=52&footer=sections

Through Adult Education Services of the Arizona Department of Education, adult learners access quality educational opportunities that support them in employment, job training and higher education aspirations, and assist them in acquiring knowledge and skills.
    URL: http://www.ade.state.az.us/adult-ed/

The Arkansas Department of Workforce Education provides leadership and contributes resources to serve the diverse and changing workforce training needs of the youth and adults of Arkansas.
    URL: http://www.work-ed.state.ar.us/

The Public School Adult Education Programs in California are the primary delivery system of a broad based curriculum in the areas of Basic Reading, Writing and Math Skills for Adults; Adult High School Diploma and General Education Development Certificate; English as a Second Language; Apprenticeship and Short Term High Employment Potential Career Preparation, among others.
    URL: http://www.cde.ca.gov/adulteducation/

In addition to preK-12 public education, the Colorado Department of Education oversees non-collegiate adult education efforts in Colorado, including adult literacy programs and GED equivalency examinations.
    URL: http://www.cde.state.co.us/index_adult.htm

The Bureau of Career and Adult Education, of the Connecticut Department of Education, supports workplace basic skills education in Connecticut.  The Bureau provides information on GED testing, Career Cluster Frameworks, as well as vocational and technical education performance standards.
    URL: http://www.state.ct.us/sde/deps/adult/index.htm

The Curriculum and Instructional Improvement Branch of the Delaware Department of Education works collaboratively with schools and districts to improve student achievement. The branch focuses on improvement of curriculum and instructional practice for programs ranging from early childhood through adult education.
    URL: http://www.doe.state.de.us

The Division of Workforce Development of the Florida Department of Education develops standards and benchmarks, allocates resources, provides technical assistance, and assesses system performance based on high levels of student achievement.
    URL: http://www.firn.edu/doe/bin00051/home0051.htm

The Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education provides a unified system of technical education, customized business and industry training and adult education with programs that use the best available technology and offer easy access to lifelong education and training for all adult Georgians and corporate citizens.
    URL: http://www.dtae.org/

Access adult education courses through Community schools of the Department of Education of Hawaii.  Basic/Advanced elementary education courses such as reading and speaking English and arithmetic are offered in addition to naturalization training.
    URL: http://doe.k12.hi.us/communityschools.htm

The Idaho Department of Education provides information on Adult Basic Education and GED testing, including its Adult Basic Education Five Year State Plan and details on Idaho GED Testing Centers.
    URL: http://www.sde.state.id.us/Dept/

Illinois Employment & Training Centers (IETC's) are one-stop service centers that develop the workforce in their community by helping employers meet their human resource needs.  IETC's provide recruitment, counseling, outplacement, training and information services.
   URL: http://www.ides.state.il.us/ietc/network/index.asp

The Division of Adult Education, in the Indiana Department of Education, addresses the educational needs of adults whose skills range from minimal or no literacy skills to GED preparation level. The ABE program also offers basic skills, English Literacy, and life skills instruction.
   URL: http://www.doe.state.in.us/adulted/welcome.html

Iowa Department of Education’s three primary divisions are responsible for PreK-12 education, community colleges and workforce preparation, as well as the financial and information services that support these areas.
    URL: http://www.state.ia.us/educate/

The Employment and Training Division of the Kansas Department of Human Resources oversees or operates federal and state-funded labor programs.  Programs include apprenticeships, older worker services, recruitment of foreign workers and work opportunity tax credits.
    URL: http://entkdhr.state.ks.us/

The Department for Training and ReEmployment in Kentucky administers local programs, provides technical assistance, training, monitoring, and participant follow-up services, maintains performance standards and coordinates rapid response activities.
    URL: http://otr.state.ky.us/

The Division of Adult Education and Training, of the Louisiana Department of Education, gives adults opportunities to acquire basic literacy skills and job training skills necessary to function in society and become employable, productive, and responsible citizens.
    URL: http://www.doe.state.la.us/DOE/asps/home.asp?I=ADULT

Maine's Department of Education believes education is a lifelong process, and provides for and encourages the growth of educational opportunities for all adults.  Adult High School completion, tests of General Educational Development (GED), adult vocational education and professional development services are available.
    URL: http://www.state.me.us/education/aded/homepage.htm

The Division of Career Technology and Adult Learning (DCTAL) of Maryland's Department of Education oversees career and technology education and adult learning.  The Adult Education and Literacy Services Branch works with local education agencies, including community colleges, literary councils and others to provide adult basic and secondary education programs and services. 
    URL: http://www.msde.state.md.us/divisions/dctal.html

The Massachusetts Department of Education has guidelines for effective delivery of adult basic education programs.  The Workplace Education Program funds eligible agencies that provide instructional services in basic literacy, numeracy, and English as a second language. Services are provided in partnership with businesses, workers, labor organizations and adult education providers.
   URL: http://www.doe.mass.edu/acls/

The Michigan Department of Career Development offers a number of services to employers, including resources and advice on upgrading workers' skills, hiring skilled workers and labor market information.
     URL: http://www.state.mi.us/career/Core/employers.htm

The Minnesota Department of Children, Families & Learning includes all educational programs and others that address family breakdown, violence and poverty, thus improving access to services. The department models state level local "one-stop shops" where educational services work together with other community resources.
    URL: http://cfl.state.mn.us

The Employment Training Division of the Mississippi Development Authority receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Labor to administer the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) in Mississippi.  The Division works to meet both the needs of state businesses and of job seekers and those who want to further their careers.
    URL: http://www.decd.state.ms.us/jobs_training/etd_overview.htm

The Employment Training Section is part of the Division of Vocational and Adult Education in Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  It administers, maintains and distributes the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) eligible training provider list for the state of Missouri.
    URL: http://www.dese.state.mo.us/divvoced/employ/

The Montana Office of Public Instruction manages Adult Education programs including basic literacy, workplace literacy, preparation for GED, English as a Second Language and other services related to employment and self-sufficiency.
    URL: http://www.opi.state.mt.us/ABE/index.html

Nebraska Workforce Development offers worker training support to employers for skills upgrading in many areas including literacy and basic skills.  Access the FAQ page for information on eligibility, application deadlines and types of training available.
    URL: http://www.dol.state.ne.us/nwd/center.cfm?PRICAT=2&SUBCAT=2B

The Workforce Education Team of the Nevada State Department of Education provides leadership for occupational education and adult education programs.  These programs are provided through secondary and post-secondary institutions, labor organizations, and community-based organizations.
    URL: http://www.nde.state.nv.us/we/index.html

The Bureau of Adult Education of the New Hampshire Department of Education provides grants to school districts and private not-for-profit organizations for educational services to adults who have not received a high school diploma or GED certificate, or do not read, write or speak English. 
    URL: http://www.ed.state.nh.us/

The New Jersey Department of Labor offers a variety of programs and services for New Jersey employers.  Its Customized Training Office helps tailor training programs that improve workers' production capabilities and the bottom line.  The office offers financial incentives and provides occupational health and safety training grants.
     URL: http://www.wnjpin.state.nj.us/employer.html

The New Mexico Workforce Investment Act (WIA) "One-Stop, Seamless Entry" Partners provide benefits and services to New Mexico organizations and individuals.  A brief synopsis of the services that each provides is presented.  
    URL: http://www3.state.nm.us/dol/WIA_partners.html

The Workforce Preparation & Continuing Education Office of the New York State Education Department lists adult education resources, learning standards for career development and occupational studies as well as information on GED tests.
    URL: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/workforce/home.html

The Apprenticeship and Training Bureau of the North Carolina Department of Labor designs and implements several employment and training programs. These include developing individualized or group models, pilots of demonstration programs, and developing new processes or tools.
     URL: http://www.dol.state.nc.us/appren/appr.htm

The Adult Education and Literacy section of the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction oversees the North Dakota Adult Education Resource Center, North Dakota Adult Learning Centers, the State Plan for Adult Education and Literacy, as well as GED testing information.
    URL: http://www.dpi.state.nd.us/

The Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) program, from the Ohio Department of Education, provides educational opportunities for adults who lack basic literacy skills needed for effective citizenship, further education, and productive employment. Free instruction in basic literacy, workplace literacy, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, and preparation for the General Education Development (GED) test is provided.
    URL: http://www.ode.state.oh.us/ctae/adult/ABLE/

The Lifelong Learning Section supervises the Adult Education and Literacy Program for the State of Oklahoma.  Statewide Adult Learning Centers provide services in literacy and basic skills instruction, including reading, writing, and numeracy, life skills, workplace literacy, English as a Second Language and GED preparation and testing.
    URL: http://sde.state.ok.us/

The Oregon Department of Community Colleges & Workforce Development contributes leadership and resources to increase the skills, knowledge and career opportunities of Oregonians.  Here you can find education agency partners at the local, regional and national levels and links to Oregon community colleges that present telecourses.
    URL: http://www.odccwd.state.or.us/

Adult basic education programs funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education, provide a full range of instructional services that address the basic educational needs of adults and families.
     URL: http://www.able.state.pa.us/able/site/default.asp

Rhode Island's Department of Labor & Training's Workforce Investment Office provide employers with information and policies regarding the Job Training Partnership Act, the Workforce Investment Act and Welfare-to-Work programs. 
     URL: http://www.det.state.ri.us/webdev/WIO/default.htm

The Office of Adult and Community Education of the South Carolina Department of Education identifies community needs and resources in organizing school/community based educational programs designed to provide lifelong learning, health, and service opportunities for all, and to provide the necessary leadership and resources for the development of those programs.
    URL: http://www.sde.state.sc.us/offices/ace/

The Division of Workforce and Career Preparation, of the South Dakota Department of Education and Cultural Affairs, advocates, facilitates, and promotes opportunities in education, training, and employment for all South Dakotans to become productive and responsible citizens in a technologically advanced world.
    URL: http://www.state.sd.us/deca/workforce/

The Tennessee Office of Adult Education provides adult education and literacy services, and covers program areas such as Adult Secondary Education Programs and General Educational Development (GED). Common threads that run through all of its programs include a focus upon workforce development and welfare reform.
     URL: http://www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/AE/

Access state educational agencies, the Utah Education Network, and state universities and colleges from the Utah State Office of Education. The State Office also includes the Utah Literacy and Adult Education Resource Center and the Department of Workforce Services.
    URL: http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/

The Vermont Department of Employment and Training offers a variety of employer resources and services.  Information on apprenticeship training, training brokerages and WIA eligible training programs are listed.
    URL: http://www.det.state.vt.us/

The Office of Adult Education and Literacy of the Virginia Department of Education provides leadership and support for adult education and literacy services, with priority on the development and expansion of quality family literacy and workforce education programs.
    URL: http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Instruction/Adult/index.html

Through Education Services of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, employers can find information on academic/basic skills/vocational programs; economic development and small business program assistance, continuing education, community service offerings, libraries; GED certificates, as well as links to online Community and Technical Colleges.
   URL: http://www.sbctc.ctc.edu

The Adult Basic Education Program (ABE) of the West Virginia Department of Education provides adults with the opportunity to acquire and improve functional skills necessary to enhance the quality of their lives as workers, family members, and citizens.  Participants can gain speaking, listening, reading, writing, thinking, and math skills as well as English as a Second Language.
     URL: http://wvabe.state.k12.wv.us/

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development contains information on and links to training and education, labor market data, vocational rehabilitation and job center contacts.
    URL: http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dws/default.htm

The Wyoming Community College Commission (WCCC) is the General Educational Development (GED) administration office for every GED testing center in the state.  This office issues GED certificates to applicants having satisfied requirements as determined by the GEDTS of the American Council on Education (ACE). 
    URL: http://ged.wcc.edu/

Lifelong Learning: New Strategies for the Education of Working Adults is a new report that suggests five bold policy proposals for influencing government, employer and employee investment in education.
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2007/12/pdf/nes_lifelong_learning.pdf