The House Education and Labor Committee is set to take a significant step in the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) with a markup session scheduled for Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at 10:15 AM Eastern Time.
Here are some key points to note regarding the upcoming markup session:
Watch the Markup Session: The markup session will be available for viewing via a provided link. Access the Draft Legislation: The draft legislation, titled H.R. 7309, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022, can be downloaded and reviewed for further insight.
Additionally, the committee has released a section-by-section summary of the legislation, highlighting notable changes and provisions:
Definitions Update (Section 101): Notable changes include replacing “basic skills deficient” with “has foundational skill needs,” a shift advocated for by the National Coalition for Literacy (NCL). However, definitions for “concurrent enrollment” and “digital literacy skills” are absent, despite advocacy efforts by NCL. Enhancements to Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (Sections 301 and following): Amendments include the addition of “digital literacy activities” and “digital skills” to the definitions for adult education and literacy activities, as well as increased authorization levels for funding. Notably, a demonstration program for developing new performance measures is introduced, aiming to better capture the effectiveness of adult education and literacy programs.
The proposed authorization levels reflect a positive trend, signaling potential increases in funding for adult education and literacy programs. While the legislation may undergo further changes during the markup process, the advocacy efforts of organizations like NCL have been instrumental in shaping these developments.
The ongoing commitment and dedication of advocates have played a crucial role in ensuring that federal law aligns more closely with the needs of the adult education field. As the legislative process progresses, continued engagement and advocacy will be essential in realizing meaningful changes for the benefit of adult learners and educators alike.