NAEPDC

Standards, Strategies and Solutions

Using the grant application to move Adult Education forward

in Illinois

Strategies to support state initiatives…

• FY13 IL launched a competitive grant process• Provided and aligned with new focus of AEFL

• AEFL Strategic Plan • Created a broad framework for Adult Education• States “We envision Adult Education as the

foundation of a career pathways system that prepares adult learners for economic self sufficiency.”

• Fully explained the need and the guiding principles to achieve the goals of Adult Education

Strategies to support initiative…• AEFL Strategic Plan • Assessment, Curricula and Instruction • Support and Follow-up Services• High Quality Teaching and Professional Development• Partnerships• Research, Data and Accountability• Program Design

• AEFL Advisory Council• On-going council with changing membership and

issues to address• Diversity of members/regions/stakeholders• Direct method for buy-in and feedback• Ad Hoc committees formed to address special

issues/topics

Changing the focus…• Policy changes and clarifications• Increased focus on data and using it at all levels• Breaking down each NRS level into four subgroups

• Adjustments made in funding methodology• Introduction of probation/watch list

• Grant application requirements• Specific requirements around offering and expanding

bridge programming• Focus on transitions• Increased and modifications to PD requirements• Expansion of Evidence Based Reading Instruction • Increasing frequency and intensity of instruction• Explicit details about data use and analysis

Do differently or suggestions…

• Carving out planning time for state staff

• Data driven decision making• “User-friendly” data organization

• Carefully consider the evaluation component

• FY13 Competitive grant application• www.iccb.org/rfp.competitivegrant.html