Mission:
The mission of the Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program is to provide instruction in the basic skills of reading, writing, and mathematics to adult learners in order to prepare them for transitioning into the labor market or higher academic or vocational training. The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Employment Security Division annually receives general funds from the State of Alaska to fund the ABE Program and an annual grant from the U.S. Department of Education to supplement this funding. The statutory authority for this program is the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Title II, Adult Education and Family Literacy and Alaska Administrative Code 8 AAC 99.200 Adult
Basic Education Grants. Activities:
The 13 Regional ABE programs, 4 Volunteer Literacy Centers, and 1 Literacy in State Corrections facilities program may provide some or all of the following ABE activities.
- Instruction in the basic skills of reading, writing, and mathematics
- Instruction in preparing to take the General Educational Development (GED) test
- Basic skills study through preparation for citizenship testing
- English Literacy (English as a Second Language) and English Literacy/Civics
- Workplace Literacy
Priorities and Desired Results:
All ABE programs are required to first provide instruction in basic academic skills and GED preparation. English Literacy may be provided according to the needs of the local community. Other program activities are encouraged if funding permits. ABE programs also;
- Assist adult learners with finding supportive services such as transportation and child care resources
- Provide many types of Life Skills workshops which include such topics as resume writing and budgeting
- Assist adult learners in transitioning from adult basic education into jobs, higher education, or vocational training
- Provide individual tutoring and special classes for adult learners with learning disabilities
- Provide pre- and post-assessments to determine the grade level equivalency of adult learners
Performance and Measures:
The performance measures for ABE programs are outlined in the Workforce Investment Act, Title II, Adult Basic Education and Family Literacy. These measures include adult learners who show measurable gains in the following:
- Completing an educational level
- Passing the GED test
- Getting a job or advancing in a job
- Entering higher education or vocational training
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