Transferring the administration of adult basic education will provide for a workforce development strategy that better coordinates services for adults needing basic skills remediation, occupational training and reemployment assistance. Indiana's adult education programs are currently a part of the DOE, K-12 umbrella, and the programs have remained a complex structure. With over 20 programs offered by four major providers, all operating separately, there are too many inefficiencies. The bill redistributes responsibility of these programs to the State Board of Education and to the State Workforce Innovation Council. "Making education accessible for adult students pursuing a General Education Degree (GED) or a technical education is at the forefront of restructuring how we plan, coordinate, and develop our adult education programs," said Rep. Jeff Thompson. Restructuring comes as a necessary step with 8 percent of Hoosiers without a GED or diploma enrolled in adult education programs during the 2008-2009 school year. In 2009, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce reported that among those of workforce age, more than 500,000 Hoosiers did not have a high school diploma or GED. Fifteen percent of unemployment insurance claimants did not have a high school diploma or a GED. "Unemployment percentages need to continue to lower across the state of Indiana, and by providing Hoosiers the opportunity to earn a degree, they can then have the necessary tools to enter the workforce," said Rep. Thompson. In June 2011, the U.S. Department of Education recognized the alignment of adult education with occupational skills training as an emerging and best practice. Through HB 1340, Indiana will receive an additional $5M for adult education from the federal government. |
