H.R. 2789

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2789 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2789

To amend the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act and the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act to strengthen adult education.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 9, 2025

Mrs. McBath (for herself and Mr. Mrvan) introduced the following bill; 
which was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To amend the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act and the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act to strengthen adult education.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Adult Education Workforce 
Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success Act'' or the 
``Adult Education WORKS Act''.

TITLE I--WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

SEC. 101. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES.

(a) Amendment to WIOA.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, 
whenever in this section an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms 
of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the 
reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other 
provision of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
3101 et seq.).
(b) Definitions.--
(1) In general.--Section 3 (29 U.S.C. 3102) is amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (5);
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (9) as 
paragraphs (5) through (8), respectively;
(C) by inserting after paragraph (8), as 
redesignated by subparagraph (B), the following:
``(9) College and career navigator.--The term `college and 
career navigator' means an individual who--
``(A) has extensive knowledge of workforce 
development programs and services, postsecondary 
programs and services, Federal and other student 
financial aid for postsecondary education, and case 
management techniques;
``(B) supports persons who are accessing services 
under this Act, by gathering work history and skills 
information, providing tailored college and career 
guidance and labor market information, helping 
jobseekers identify training and educational options to 
best fit their needs, including Federal student aid and 
other assistance available to pay the costs of 
attendance at an institution of higher education or for 
participation in training, facilitating access to 
services, and facilitating co-enrollment of individuals 
in programs carried out under title I and title II;
``(C) provides or organizes provision of services 
to promote job readiness, digital literacy skills, 
information literacy skills, and the skills needed for 
success in postsecondary education, facilitates the 
successful transition of individuals to postsecondary 
education, coordinates activities with employers and 
with entities and individuals involved in the one-stop 
delivery system in the local area, and conducts 
community outreach; and
``(D) as determined appropriate by the one-stop 
operator or eligible provider of adult education and 
literacy activities involved, is responsible for 
recruitment of students in adult education and literacy 
activities and participants in workforce investment 
activities, provision of intensive case management, 
provision of career exploration services, and data 
collection associated with an activity specified in 
this subparagraph.'';
(D) by redesignating paragraphs (12) through (14), 
(15) through (21), (22) through (26), and (27) through 
(71), as paragraphs (13) through (15), (17) through 
(23), (25) through (29), and (31) through (75), 
respectively;
(E) by inserting after paragraph (11) the 
following:
``(12) Concurrent enrollment.--The term `concurrent 
enrollment' has the meaning given the term in section 203.'';
(F) by inserting after paragraph (15), as 
redesignated by subparagraph (D), the following:
``(16) Digital literacy skills.--The term `digital literacy 
skills' has the meaning given the term in section 203.'';
(G) by inserting after paragraph (23), as 
redesignated by subparagraph (D), the following:
``(24) Foundational skill needs.--The term `foundational 
skill needs', used with respect to an individual, means--
``(A) in the case of an individual who is a youth, 
an individual who has English reading, writing, or 
computing skills at or below the 8th grade level on a 
generally accepted standardized test; or
``(B) in the case of an individual who is a youth 
or adult, an individual who is unable to compute or 
solve problems, or read, write, or speak English, at a 
level necessary to function on the job, in the 
individual's family, or in society.''; and
(H) by inserting after paragraph (29), as 
redesignated by subparagraph (D), the following:
``(30) Information literacy skills.--The term `information 
literacy skills' has the meaning given the term in section 
203.''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--
(A) Section 121(h)(2)(C)(ii) (29 U.S.C. 
3151(h)(2)(C)(ii)) is amended by striking ``section 
3(13)(D)'' and inserting ``section 3(14)(D)''.
(B) Section 134(c)(3)(H)(i) (29 U.S.C. 
3174(c)(3)(H)(i)) is amended by striking ``section 
3(44)'' and inserting ``section 3(48)''.
(C) Section 170(b)(1)(D)(i) (29 U.S.C. 
3225(b)(1)(D)(i)) is amended by striking ``section 
3(15)(E)'' and inserting ``section 3(17)(E)''.
(D) Section 211(e)(3) (29 U.S.C. 3291(e)(3)) is 
amended by striking ``section 3(45)'' and inserting 
``section 3(49)''.
(c) State Workforce Development Boards.--Section 101 (29 U.S.C. 
3111) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1)(C)(ii)(IV), by inserting ``, and 
representatives of organizations that provide adult education'' 
after ``out-of-school youth''; and
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (7)(A), by striking ``(as defined 
in section 202 of the Museum and Library Services Act 
(20 U.S.C. 9101); referred to in this Act as `digital 
literacy skills')'';
(B) in paragraph (11), by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(C) by redesignating paragraph (12) as paragraph 
(13); and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (11) the 
following:
``(12) in collaboration with providers of adult education 
and literacy activities, the promotion of the employment of 
college and career navigators by the one-stop centers in the 
State; and''.
(d) Program Specifics for State Plans.--Section 102(b)(2) (29 
U.S.C. 3112(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (D)(ii)--
(A) in subclause (II), by striking item (dd) and 
inserting the following:
``(dd) integrated education 
and training, including how 
costs for such activities will 
be shared among relevant core 
programs;'';
(B) in subclause (V), by adding ``and'' at the end; 
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(VI) how the eligible agency will 
promote, through funding priority or 
other means, professionalization of 
adult education and literacy activities 
through the adoption of staffing models 
that include requirements and support 
for teacher credentialing, standards, 
and support for ongoing in-service 
professional development, and career 
ladders for professional growth, which 
may include more opportunities for 
full-time teaching positions;''; and
(2) in subparagraph (E)(iii)(II), by inserting ``providers 
of adult education and literacy activities,'' after 
``institutions of higher education,''.
(e) Local Boards.--Section 107 (29 U.S.C. 3122) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1), by adding at the end the 
following:
``(D) Information on membership.--The chief elected 
officials appointing the local board for a local area 
shall make publicly available information on the 
membership of the board (including information 
identifying how the membership composition requirements 
of subsection (b) have been met), including by posting 
that information on the website of each unit of general 
local government included in the local area.''; and
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (5), by striking ``secondary and 
postsecondary education'' and inserting ``secondary, 
postsecondary, and adult education'';
(B) in paragraph (7)(C)--
(i) by inserting ``, in consultation with 
providers of public access to technology,'' 
after ``identifying strategies'';
(ii) by inserting ``, including deliveries 
through public libraries,'' after ``traditional 
service delivery''; and
(iii) by inserting ``and information 
literacy skills'' after ``digital literacy 
skills''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(14) College and career navigators.--The local board, in 
collaboration with providers of adult education and literacy 
activities in the local area, shall promote the employment of 
college and career navigators by the one-stop centers and 
eligible providers (as defined in section 203) in the local 
area.''.
(f) Local Plans.--Section 108 (29 U.S.C. 3123) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(13), by inserting ``, including, in 
all local plans after the first such plan, a description of how 
the local board carried out such coordination and completed 
such review during the previous 4-year period'' after 
``submitted under title II''; and
(2) in subsection (d)(3), by inserting ``, along with a 
description of the actions the local board took in response to 
such comments'' after ``disagreement with the plan''.
(g) Indicators of Performance.--Section 116(b)(2)(A) (29 U.S.C. 
3141(b)(2)(A)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i), by striking subclauses (IV) and (V) and 
inserting the following:
``(IV) the percentages of program 
participants who, during participation 
in the program--
``(aa) obtain a recognized 
postsecondary credential or a 
secondary school diploma or its 
recognized equivalent; and
``(bb) are in an education 
or training program that leads 
to a recognized postsecondary 
credential or employment and 
who are achieving measurable 
skill gains toward such a 
credential or employment;
``(V) the percentages of program 
participants who, within 1 year after 
exit from the program--
``(aa) obtain a secondary 
school diploma or its 
recognized equivalent;
``(bb) have obtained or 
retained employment; and
``(cc) are in an education 
or training program leading to 
a recognized postsecondary 
credential; and'';
(2) by striking clause (iii) and inserting the following:
``(iii) Interim indicators for adult 
education.--A State may develop interim 
indicators for measuring the percentage of 
program participants on track to meet the 
indicators described in subclauses (IV) and (V) 
of clause (i) for adult education and literacy 
activities authorized under title II.''; and
(3) in clause (iv), by striking ``clauses (i)(VI)'' and 
inserting ``clause (i)(VI)''.
(h) Common Participant Individual Record Layout.--Section 116 (29 
U.S.C. 3141) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Common Participant Individual Record Layout.--The Secretary 
of Labor and the Secretary of Education shall establish a common 
reporting system that covers, and that accommodates, the core programs, 
relating to participant records and the performance accountability 
measures described in subsection (b).''.
(i) One-Stop Delivery Systems.--Section 121 (29 U.S.C. 3151) is 
amended--
(1) in subsection (d)(2)(B)--
(A) by redesignating clauses (ii) through (vi) as 
clauses (iii) through (vii), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after clause (i) the following:
``(ii) a public library;''; and
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(B)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at 
the end;
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking the 
semicolon and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) through one or more public 
libraries in accordance with paragraph (5);''; 
and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Information and services provided through public 
libraries.--A local board may use funds made available under 
subsection (h) to make programs, activities, and services 
available through a public library to the extent such library 
demonstrates to the local board--
``(A) that the library provides or will provide 
career services or other workforce development 
activities to address unmet need for such services or 
activities, such as by providing career services and 
other workforce development activities to individuals 
at days or times, and locations, at which the services 
or activities are not otherwise made available through 
the corresponding one-stop partners;
``(B) that the library will provide a physical 
location within the library, which may include a mobile 
library site, in which to serve individuals seeking 
services provided by a college and career navigator; 
and
``(C) the library's ability to leverage additional 
resources, such as staff, facilities, computer access, 
or learning materials, in order to extend the level of 
services otherwise provided through the local one-stop 
delivery system, particularly to geographically distant 
communities, communities for which physical one-stop 
centers are not easily accessible through public 
transportation, or communities in which there is 
inadequate access for the level of services needed.''.
(j) Digital Literacy Skills; Information Literacy Skills.--Section 
134(c) (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(A)--
(A) in clause (iii), by inserting ``digital 
literacy, information literacy,'' after ``(including 
literacy,''; and
(B) in clause (xii)(VI), by inserting ``digital 
literacy skills, information literacy skills,'' after 
``learning skills,''; and
(2) in paragraph (3)(D)--
(A) by redesignating clauses (x) and (xi) as 
clauses (xii) and (xiii), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after clause (ix) the following:
``(x) digital literacy skills training;
``(xi) information literacy skills 
training;''.
(k) Library-Based and Community-Based College and Career 
Navigators.--Subtitle D of title I is amended by inserting after 
section 171 (29 U.S.C. 3226) the following:

``SEC. 171A. LIBRARY-BASED AND COMMUNITY-BASED COLLEGE AND CAREER 
NAVIGATORS.

``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to expand the 
capacity of State and local workforce development systems by leveraging 
the facilities and staff of libraries and community-based organizations 
to provide career navigation services to individuals through library-
based and community-based college and career navigators.
``(b) Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term `eligible entity' 
means a partnership between a State board or local board and 1 or more 
of the following:
``(1) A community-based organization.
``(2) A library (as defined in section 213 of the Library 
Services and Technology Act (20 U.S.C. 9122)) that offers 
workforce development activities at no cost to individuals.
``(c) Grants Authorized.--From funds made available under section 
172(g), the Secretary is authorized to make grants to eligible entities 
to carry out the purpose of this section.
``(d) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this 
section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the 
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information 
as the Secretary may require.
``(e) Uses of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible entity that receives a grant 
under this section shall use funds made available through the 
grant to establish a college and career navigator program 
within the library, community-based organization, or agency 
that is a partner of such eligible entity.
``(2) Activities of program.--A college and career 
navigator program established under paragraph (1) may hire, 
train, support, or retain 1 or more college and career 
navigators to provide career navigation services in 
coordination with a State or local workforce development 
system.''.
(l) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 172 (20 U.S.C. 3227) 
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Library-Based and Community-Based Navigators.--There are 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 171A, $135,000,000 
for fiscal year 2026 and each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.''.

TITLE II--ADULT EDUCATION AND LITERACY

SEC. 201. PURPOSE.

Section 202(1) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 
U.S.C. 3271(1)) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(including digital literacy skills and 
information literacy skills)'' after ``skills''; and
(2) by striking ``and economic self-sufficiency'' and 
inserting ``, economic self-sufficiency, and full participation 
in all aspects of adult life''.

SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.

Section 203 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 
U.S.C. 3272) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``postsecondary level'' and 
inserting ``college placement level'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' after 
the semicolon;
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as 
subparagraph (E); and
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the 
following:
``(C) develop and use digital literacy skills;
``(D) develop and use information literacy skills; 
and'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (9) and (10) 
through (17) as paragraphs (6) through (12) and (14) through 
(21), respectively;
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) College placement level.--The term `college placement 
level' means the level required for placement in college-level 
course work, rather than placement in developmental education, 
as demonstrated by achievement of a designated score on a 
placement test or other college-identified measure.
``(4) Concurrent enrollment.--The term `concurrent 
enrollment' means intentional, simultaneous enrollment in more 
than 1 one-stop partner program, as a strategy for leveraging 
resources and eliminating duplication of services while 
achieving the best possible outcomes.
``(5) Digital literacy skills.--The term `digital literacy 
skills' means the skills associated with--
``(A) using technology to enable users to find, 
evaluate, organize, create, and communicate 
information; and
``(B) developing digital citizenship and the 
responsible use of technology.'';
(4) in paragraph (7), as redesignated by paragraph (2), in 
subparagraph (C)(i), by striking ``is basic skills deficient'' 
and inserting ``has foundational skills needs'';
(5) in paragraph (9), as redesignated by paragraph (2), in 
subparagraph (B)(i)--
(A) in subclause (I), by striking ``and'' after the 
semicolon;
(B) in subclause (II), by striking ``or'' and 
inserting ``and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(III) development of digital 
literacy skills and information 
literacy skills; or'';
(6) in paragraph (12), as redesignated by paragraph (2), in 
the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and 
educational'' after ``in the economic'';
(7) by inserting after paragraph (12), as redesignated by 
paragraph (2), the following:
``(13) Information literacy skills.--The term `information 
literacy skills' means the set of skills needed to find, 
retrieve, understand, evaluate, analyze, discern the 
reliability and accuracy of, and effectively use information 
(which encompasses spoken and broadcast words and videos, 
printed materials, and digital content, data, and images).'';
(8) in paragraph (15), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by 
inserting ``(and may be provided concurrently with other 
activities and services, such as adult basic education)'' after 
``workforce training'';
(9) in paragraph (17), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by 
striking ``and solve problems, at levels of proficiency 
necessary to function on the job, in the family of the 
individual, and in society'' and inserting ``solve problems, 
and use digital literacy skills and information literacy skills 
at levels of proficiency necessary to function effectively as 
an employee, a parent or family member, and a member of 
society''; and
(10) in paragraph (21), as redesignated by paragraph (2)--
(A) by inserting ``information literacy skills,'' 
after ``digital literacy skills,''; and
(B) by striking ``and completion of''.

SEC. 203. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

Section 206 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 
U.S.C. 3275) is amended by striking ``this title'' and all that follows 
through the period at the end and inserting ``this title $810,000,000 
for fiscal year 2026, $945,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, $1,080,000,000 
for fiscal year 2028, $1,215,000,000 for fiscal year 2029, and 
$1,350,000,000 for fiscal year 2030.''.

SEC. 204. RESERVATION OF FUNDS.

Section 211 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 
U.S.C. 3291) is amended in subsection (a)(1), by striking 
``$15,000,000'' and inserting ``$25,000,000''.

SEC. 205. PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM.

Section 212 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 
U.S.C. 3292) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 212. PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM.

``(a) In General.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in subsection (b), 
programs and activities authorized under this title are subject 
to all of the performance accountability provisions described 
in section 116.
``(2) Additional measurable skill gains.--With respect to 
the application to programs and activities authorized under 
this title of the indicator of measurable skill gains under 
section 116(b)(2)(A)(i)(IV), such measurable skill gains may 
include those relating to the purpose described in section 202.
``(b) Pilot for Innovative Performance Accountability Systems.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall approve an 
application from an eligible agency to pilot, for a subset of 
eligible providers within its State and as an alternative to 
the performance accountability system described in section 116, 
an innovative performance accountability system that uses 
alternative indicators of performance that have the potential 
to more accurately reflect the objectives and adult education 
and literacy activities of the eligible providers' programs if 
the Secretary determines that an application from such an 
eligible agency meets the requirements of this subsection.
``(2) Pilot period.--An eligible agency applying to pilot 
an innovative performance accountability system under this 
subsection shall propose in its application the period of time 
that the agency desires to implement such system, except that 
the period shall not exceed 5 years.
``(3) Extension of a pilot period.--The Secretary shall 
approve an eligible agency's request to extend the period of a 
pilot under this subsection if the Secretary determines that 
the innovative performance system is meeting the objectives of 
this subsection.
``(4) Application.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible agency desiring to 
undertake a pilot under this subsection shall submit an 
application at such time and in such manner as the 
Secretary may require.
``(B) Contents.--An application described in 
subparagraph (A) shall include--
``(i) a description of how the eligible 
agency engaged in an outreach process with 
eligible providers within its State to--
``(I) inform the eligible providers 
of the opportunity to implement a pilot 
under this subsection; and
``(II) engage with the eligible 
providers in the development of 
alternative indicators of performance;
``(ii) an explanation of whether and how 
the eligible agency established any standards 
or criteria for the alternative measures of 
performance that participating eligible 
providers could elect to use;
``(iii) a listing of the eligible providers 
that will participate in the proposed pilot and 
a description of the indicators of performance 
that each such provider will make use of 
through the pilot;
``(iv) a description of why the eligible 
agency and the participating eligible providers 
believe the proposed indicators of performance 
would more accurately measure the attainment of 
the objectives of such providers' adult 
education and literacy activities than would 
the indicators of performance described in 
section 116(b)(2);
``(v) an explanation of how the proposed 
indicators of performance will be valid and 
reliable measures of education and employment 
consistent with purposes of this title;
``(vi) a description of how the eligible 
agency will collect, report to the Secretary, 
and make publicly available the proposed 
indicators of performance from each 
participating eligible provider on a timely 
basis; and
``(vii) an assurance that the eligible 
agency will, at the end of the pilot period, 
report to the Secretary on the outcomes of the 
pilot, including on whether the eligible agency 
met the objectives of the pilot.
``(C) Secretarial review and approval.--The 
Secretary shall determine whether to approve an 
application under this subsection by not later than 90 
days of receiving the application.
``(D) Disapproval.--The Secretary shall not 
disapprove an application under this subsection without 
giving the applicant the opportunity to revise and 
resubmit the application.
``(5) Additional secretarial responsibilities.--The 
Secretary shall--
``(A) through the Director of the Institute of 
Education Sciences, carry out national evaluations of 
the implementation and outcomes of the pilots 
authorized under this subsection, with the first such 
evaluation to be completed not later than 5 years after 
the Secretary approves the first application from an 
eligible entity;
``(B) in consultation with the Director of the 
Institute of Education Sciences, identify best 
practices in the development and implementation of 
innovative performance accountability systems under 
this subsection;
``(C) disseminate information on those practices, 
including by making the information available on the 
website of the Department of Education; and
``(D) provide a report to the Committee on Health, 
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the 
Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of 
Representatives on the results of the pilot program, 
including a comparison of the outcomes as measured by 
the innovative performance accountability systems 
implemented under this subsection and the performance 
measures described in section 116.''.

SEC. 206. MATCHING REQUIREMENT.

Section 222(b) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 
U.S.C. 3302(b)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (2) the 
following:
``(3) Public availability of information on matching 
funds.--Each eligible agency shall maintain, on the website of 
such agency and in an easily accessible format, information 
documenting the non-Federal contributions made available to 
adult education and literacy programs pursuant to this 
subsection, including the sources of such contributions and, in 
the case of funds made available by the State, the distribution 
of such funds to eligible providers.''.

SEC. 207. STATE LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.

Section 223(a) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 
U.S.C. 3303(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(C)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``programs,'' and 
inserting ``, family literacy,''; and
(B) in clause (iii), by inserting ``and expand 
options for the education of adults'' after 
``efficiencies''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``digital'' 
after ``implementation of'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (L) 
and subparagraph (M), as subparagraphs (F) through (M) 
and subparagraph (O), respectively;
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the 
following:
``(E) Developing content and models for family 
literacy programs.'';
(D) in subparagraph (J), as redesignated by 
subparagraph (B), in clause (i), by striking ``and 
English language acquisition'' and inserting ``English 
language acquisition, digital literacy skills, and 
information literacy skills'';
(E) in subparagraph (K), as redesignated by 
subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, such as the 
development and retention of policies for credentialing 
of adult educators who demonstrate effectiveness'' 
after ``retention'';
(F) in subparagraph (L), as redesignated by 
subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``adult learners with 
learning disabilities or'' and inserting 
``specific groups of adult learners, such as 
those with learning disabilities, those at the 
lowest levels of literacy, or those who are''; 
and
(ii) by striking ``at the lowest 
achievement levels'' and inserting ``in 
appropriate and meaningful ways''; and
(G) by inserting after subparagraph (M), as 
redesignated by subparagraph (B), the following:
``(N) Strengthening the quality of adult education 
and literacy programs in the State through support for 
improved credentials, program quality standards, and 
certification and accreditation requirements.''.

SEC. 208. GRANTS AND CONTRACTS FOR ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS.

Section 231 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 
U.S.C. 3321) is amended--
(1) in subsection (d), by striking ``subparagraphs (A) and 
(B) of section 203(4)'' and inserting ``subparagraphs (A) and 
(B) of section 203(8)''; and
(2) in subsection (e)(2), by striking ``learning 
disabilities'' and inserting ``learning differences''.

SEC. 209. LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE COST LIMITS.

Section 233(a) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 
U.S.C. 3323(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and for professional 
development'' after ``literacy activities''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``professional 
development,''.

SEC. 210. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.

Section 242 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 
U.S.C. 3332) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the 
following:
``(1) assistance to help States meet the requirements of 
section 116 in order to ensure--
``(A) that the outcomes and other data required 
pursuant to section 116 are collected and reported in a 
timely and accessible manner; and
``(B) that such data are reported consistently 
across States and eligible providers and are reviewed 
for quality and consistency at the Federal level.'';
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as 
paragraphs (5) through (7), respectively; and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) technical assistance to participating eligible 
agencies and eligible providers in implementing innovative 
performance accountability systems under section 212(b)(1);
``(3) grants to such agencies and providers to assist them 
in implementing such systems;
``(4) carrying out the national evaluations required under 
section 212(b)(5)(A);'' and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(C), by inserting ``skills and 
information literacy skills'' after ``digital 
literacy''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (C)(vii)--
(I) in the matter preceding 
subclause (I), by striking ``best 
practices'' and inserting ``effective 
practices'';
(II) in subclause (I), by striking 
``adults with learning disabilities and 
with'' and inserting ``specific 
populations, such as adults with 
learning differences, adults with the 
lowest levels of literacy or numeracy, 
adults who are supporting the education 
of their children, and'';
(III) by redesignating subclauses 
(III) and (IV) as subclauses (IV) and 
(V), respectively;
(IV) by inserting after subclause 
(II) the following:
``(III) family literacy 
programs;''; and
(V) in subclause (IV), as 
redesignated by subclause (III), by 
inserting ``, including digital 
literacy skills and information 
literacy skills development'' after 
``activities'';
(ii) in subparagraph (D)--
(I) in clause (ii), by inserting 
``for themselves and their children'' 
after ``education and training''; and
(II) in clause (iii), by inserting 
``, such as counseling, transportation, 
and child care,'' after ``support 
services'';
(iii) in subparagraph (F), by striking 
``and'' after the semicolon;
(iv) by redesignating subparagraph (G) as 
subparagraph (K); and
(v) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the 
following:
``(G) developing and rigorously evaluating model 
programs for the preparation of highly effective adult 
educators;
``(H) carrying out initiatives to support the 
professionalization of adult education through the 
creation and implementation of full-time staffing 
models;
``(I) providing professional development and 
technical assistance to adult educators that is 
designed to help ensure that adult education and family 
literacy programs build pathways to future success for 
all adult learners;
``(J) strengthening the quality of adult education 
and literacy programs through support for improved 
credentials, program quality standards, and 
certification and accreditation requirements that 
States may adopt on a voluntary basis; and''.

SEC. 211. INTEGRATED ENGLISH LITERACY AND CIVICS EDUCATION.

Section 243 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 
U.S.C. 3333) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``, in combination with 
integrated education and training activities''; and
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``designed'' and all 
that follows through the period at the end and inserting the 
following: ``designed to prepare adults who are English 
learners for full participation in the economic, educational, 
and civic life of the community, which may include integration 
with the local workforce development system.''.
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