Pennsylvania Act 1990-44 — ADULT LITERACY ACT - AMEND ELIGIBILITY FOR ADULT EDUCATION

Act text

ADULT LITERACY ACT - AMEND ELIGIBILITY FOR ADULT EDUCATION
                  Act of May 31, 1990, P.L. 209, No. 44               Cl. 24
                             Session of 1990
                               No. 1990-44

                                  AN ACT

     HB 98

     Amending the act of October 22, 1986 (P.L.1452, No.143),
        entitled "An act expanding the available adult basic
        education programs and the duties of the Department of
        Education; making an appropriation; and making a partial
        repeal," further providing for eligibility for adult literacy
        education.

        The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
     hereby enacts as follows:

        Section 1.  The definition of "eligible adult" in section 3
     of the act of October 22, 1986 (P.L.1452, No.143), known as the
     Adult Literacy Act, is amended to read:
      Section 3.  Definitions.
        The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
     have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
     context clearly indicates otherwise:
        * * *
        "Eligible adult."  A person who meets the following criteria:
            (1)  Is at least 17 years of age.
            (2)  Is a resident of this Commonwealth.
            (3)  [Does not hold a high school diploma or its
        equivalent.
            (4)]  Is not currently enrolled in a public or private
        secondary or postsecondary school.
        * * *
        Section 2.  Section 4 of the act is amended to read:
      Section 4.  Grant program.
        (a)  Establishment.--There is hereby established within the
     department an adult literacy education grant program. Adult
     literacy education providers may apply to the department for
     grants to provide the following services:
            (1)  Adult literacy education programs, including
        salaries, wages, fringe benefits, books and other
        instructional materials.
            (2)  Training for volunteer adult literacy education
        instructors.
            (3)  Administration of adult literacy education programs.
            (4)  Support services necessary to enable individuals to
        participate in and benefit from the program.
            (5)  Outreach activities to enroll eligible adults and to
        recruit volunteer tutors and instructors.
        (b)  Procedures, rules and forms.--The secretary shall adopt
     such procedures, rules and forms as may be necessary to
     implement this grant program. Applications shall be made to the
     department in such form and at such time as the secretary may
     prescribe. Funds received under this program may be used in
     conjunction with funds received from any other public or private
     source.
        (c)  Priorities for funding.--The secretary shall consider,
     but not be limited to, the following factors when evaluating
     proposals for adult literacy education programs:
            (1)  [Number] Percentage of eligible adults expected to
        be enrolled [in classes] for instruction who are receiving
        either State or Federal public assistance, or who are
        unemployed workers or displaced homemakers.
            (2)  [Number] Percentage of eligible adults in any local
        area who do not have certificates of graduation from a
        secondary school and who are not currently enrolled in adult
        literacy education programs.
            (3)  [Number] Percentage of eligible adults expected to
        be enrolled who are members of minority groups.
            (4)  [Number] Percentage of eligible adults with less
        than a fifth grade reading level to be served.
            [(5)  The provision of client outreach and referral
        activities that are coordinated with other adult education
        and literacy programs, county assistance offices, social
        service agencies, offices of employment security, Job
        Training Partnership Act programs and other community groups
        or agencies that provide services and assistance to persons
        in need of basic literacy skills.]
        Section 3.  The act is amended by adding a section to read:
      Section 4.1.  Duty of department.
        The department shall provide client outreach and referral
     activities that are coordinated with other adult education and
     literacy programs, county assistance offices, social service
     agencies, offices of employment security, Job Training
     Partnership Act programs and other community groups or agencies
     that provide services and assistance to persons in need of basic
     literacy skills.
        Section 4.  This act shall take effect immediately.

     APPROVED--The 31st day of May, A. D. 1990.

     ROBERT P. CASEY