H.R.2789 - Adult Education Workforce Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success Act; Adult Education WORKS Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2789, the Adult Education WORKS Act, aims to strengthen adult education by amending the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). It introduces new definitions, such as 'college and career navigator,' 'concurrent enrollment,' 'digital literacy skills,' and 'information literacy skills,' and integrates these concepts into workforce development activities and state plans.
The bill emphasizes the professionalization of adult education, promotes the employment of college and career navigators, and expands access to services through public libraries. It also modifies performance indicators and accountability systems, including piloting innovative approaches and enhancing data collection and reporting.
Finally, the Act increases funding authorizations for adult education and literacy programs, reserving more funds for national leadership activities and integrated English literacy and civics education.
Expected Effects
This bill is likely to improve the quality and accessibility of adult education and workforce development programs. It will likely lead to better alignment between education and employment opportunities for adults.
The introduction of college and career navigators and the emphasis on digital and information literacy skills should help adults gain the skills needed for success in today's economy. Increased funding and focus on performance accountability may drive innovation and improve program outcomes.
Expansion of services through public libraries could reach underserved communities and provide more convenient access to resources.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced skills for adults, including digital and information literacy, making them more competitive in the job market.
- Improved access to education and training through public libraries and community-based organizations.
- Increased coordination between adult education programs and the workforce development system.
- Greater emphasis on professional development for adult educators, leading to higher quality instruction.
- Innovative performance accountability systems to better measure program effectiveness.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased funding requirements could strain the federal budget if not managed efficiently.
- The implementation of new programs and initiatives may create administrative burdens for states and local agencies.
- The effectiveness of college and career navigators will depend on their training and expertise.
- Pilot programs for innovative performance accountability systems may introduce complexity and require careful evaluation.
- There may be challenges in ensuring consistent data collection and reporting across states and eligible providers.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting education and workforce development, which can contribute to a more productive and self-sufficient citizenry. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and this bill respects that principle by allowing states flexibility in implementing programs and developing innovative performance accountability systems.
While education is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8) could be interpreted to allow Congress to enact laws related to education and workforce development as they are necessary for carrying out other enumerated powers, such as regulating commerce and providing for the common defense.
However, the level of federal involvement in education has been a subject of debate, with some arguing for a more limited federal role to avoid infringing on state sovereignty.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).