Adult Education Administrator's Manual

Non-instructional expenses, including planning, administration (including clerical costs and rental of administrative space), evaluation, personnel development, and coordination that are necessary and reasonable. The cost for instructional coordinators is an instructional expense.

Adult

Under Texas Education Code 29.252, an individual who is over the age of compulsory school attendance as prescribed by TEC 25.085.

Adult Education

Services or instruction below the postsecondary level for individuals:

• who have attained 16 years of age;
• who are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under State law; and  
• who lack sufficient mastery of basic educational skills to enable them to function effectively in society; or
• who do not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent and have not achieved an equivalent level of education, or  who are unable to speak, read, or write the English language.

Adult Basic Education

Instruction designed for an adult who –

• has minimal or no proficiency in reading, writing, and computation;
• is not proficient in meeting the educational requirements of adult life in the United States; or
• cannot read or write the English language proficiently to allow employment commensurate with the adult’s real ability.

Beginning ABE Literacy: Instruction designed for educationally disadvantaged adults who cannot read, write, or use mathematics independently. These adults may be able to read and write their own names or simple isolated words and may be able to write letters or numbers and copy simple words. There may be no or incomplete recognition of the alphabet; may have difficulty using a writing instrument. There is little or no comprehension of how print corresponds to spoken language.

These individuals have little or no recognition of numbers or simple counting skills or may have only minimal skills such as the ability to add or subtract single digit numbers.
These individuals have little or no ability to read basic signs or maps and can provide limited personal information on simple forms but have few or no workplace skills. The individual can handle routine entry level jobs that require little or no basic written communication or computational skills and no knowledge of computers or other technology.

This term does NOT apply to individuals of limited English proficiency.

Beginning ABE: Instruction designed for educationally disadvantaged adults who are unable to read, write, and solve mathematical problems sufficiently well to function in everyday life in the United States. These individuals can read and print numbers and letters but have a limited understanding of connected prose and may need frequent re-reading. They can write a limited number of basic sight words and familiar words and phrases. They may also be able to write simple sentences or phrases, including very simple messages. Narrative writing is disorganized and unclear; inconsistently uses simple punctuation (e.g., periods, commas, question marks); contains frequent errors in spelling. These individuals can count, add and subtract three digit numbers, can perform multiplication through 12, can identify simple fractions and perform other simple arithmetic operators. These individuals are able to read simple directions, signs and maps, fill out simple forms requiring basic personal information, write phone messages and make simple change. There is minimal knowledge of and experience with computers and related technology. The individual can handle basic entry-level jobs that require minimal literacy skills and can recognize very short, explicit, pictorial texts (e.g., understands logos related to worker safety before using a piece of machinery, can read want ads and complete simple job applications). This term does NOT apply to individuals of limited English proficiency.

Low Intermediate ABE: Instruction designed for an adult who has some competence in reading, writing, and numeracy but is not sufficiently competent to meet the requirements of adult life in the United States. These individuals can read simple materials on familiar subjects and comprehend simple and compound sentences in single or linked paragraphs containing a familiar vocabulary and can write simple notes and messages on familiar situations but lacks clarity and focus. Sentence structure lacks variety but shows some control of basic grammar (e.g., present and past tense) and consistent use of punctuation (e.g., periods, capitalization). These individuals can perform with high accuracy all four basic math operations using whole numbers up to three digits and can identify and use all basic mathematical symbols.

The low intermediate individual is able to handle basic reading, writing and computational tasks related to life roles, such as completing medical forms, order forms or job applications; can read simple charts, graphs, labels and payroll stubs and simple authentic material if familiar with the topic. The individual can use simple computer programs and perform a sequence of routine tasks given direction, using technology (e.g., fax machine, computer operation). The individual can qualify for entry level jobs that require following basic written instructions and diagrams with assistance such as oral clarification; can write a short report or message to fellow workers; can read simple dials and scales and take routine measurements.

High Intermediate Basic Education: These individuals can read text on familiar subjects that have a simple and clear underlying structure (e.g., clear main idea, chronological order); can use context to determine meaning; can interpret actions required in specific written directions; can write simple paragraphs with main idea and support detail on familiar topics (e.g., daily activities, personal issues) by recombining learned vocabulary and structures; can self and peer edit for spelling and punctuation errors. These individuals can perform all four basic math operations with whole numbers and fractions; can determine correct math operations for solving narrative math problems and can convert fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions; can perform basic operations on fractions. These individuals are able to handle basic life skills tasks such as graphs, charts and labels and can follow multi-step diagrams; can read authentic materials on familiar topics such as simple employee handbooks and payrolls stubs; can complete forms such as a job application and reconcile a bank statement; can handle jobs that involve following simple written instructions and diagrams; can read procedural texts where the information is supported by diagrams to remedy a problem such as locating a problem with a machine or carrying out repairs using a repair manual. The individual can learn or work with most basic computer software such as using a word processor to produce own texts, can follow simple instructions for using technology.

Adult Secondary Education (ASE) Instruction

Designed for an adult who --

• is literate and can function in everyday life but is not proficient; and/or
• does not have a certificate of graduation or its equivalent from a school providing secondary education.

Low Adult Secondary Education: Individuals can comprehend expository writing and identify spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors; can comprehend a variety of materials such as periodicals and non-technical journals on common topics; can comprehend library reference materials and compose multi-paragraph essays; can listen to oral instructions and write an accurate synthesis of them; can identify the main idea in reading selections and use a variety of context issues to determine meaning. Writing is organized and cohesive with few mechanical errors; can write using a complex sentence structure; can write personal notes and letters that accurately reflect thoughts.

These individuals can perform all basic math functions with whole numbers, decimals and fractions; can interpret and solve simple algebraic equations, tables and graphs and can develop own tables and graphs; can use math in business transactions. Individuals are able or can learn to follow simple multi-step directions and read common legal forms and manuals; can integrate information from texts, charts and graphs; can create and use tables and graphs; can complete forms and applications and complete resumes; can perform jobs that require interpreting information from various sources and writing or explaining tasks to other workers; is proficient using computers and can use most common computer applications; can understand the impact of using different technologies; can interpret the appropriate use of new software and technology.

High Adult Secondary Education: Individuals can comprehend, explain and analyze information from a variety of literacy works including primary source materials and professional journals; can use context cues and higher order processes to interpret meaning of written material. Writing is cohesive with clearly expressed ideas supported by relevant detail; can use varied and complex sentence structures with few mechanical errors.

Individual can make mathematical estimates of time and space and can apply principles of geometry to measure angles, lines and surfaces; can also apply trigonometric functions.

These individuals are able to read technical information and complex manuals; can comprehend some college level books and apprenticeship manuals; can function in most job situations involving higher order thinking; can read text and explain a procedure about a complex and unfamiliar work procedure, such as operating a complex piece of machinery; can evaluate new work situations and processes, can work productively and collaboratively in groups and serve as facilitator and reporter of group work. Individuals are able to use common software and learn new software applications; can define the purpose of new technology and software and select appropriate technology; can adapt use of software or technology to new situations and can instruct others in written or oral form on software and technology use.

Adults With Disabilities

Persons who are sixteen years of age or older with any type of physical or mental impairment that substantially limits or restricts one or more major life activities including walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, learning, and working. This definition includes adults who are alcohol and drug abusers, mentally handicapped, hearing-impaired, deaf, speech-impaired, visually handicapped, seriously emotionally disturbed, orthopedically impaired, or suffering from other health impairments, and adults with specific learning disabilities.

Adults With the Lowest Levels Of Literacy

Adults who function in the Beginning Levels of performance.

Advisory Committee

A collaborative working group that consists of a broad spectrum of community representatives including workforce development representatives, representatives from each adult education and literacy service provider in the consortium, and representatives from other related community agencies including agencies whose clients need and qualify for adult education and literacy services. The advisory committee reviews the activities of and makes recommendations to the adult education fiscal agent in planning, developing, and evaluating the adult education program. The fiscal agent is responsible for convening at least one committee for the program at least twice each year.

Agency

The Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Applicant

The entity eligible to apply for funds offered in this application. If the application is approved, "applicant" shall mean grantee/contractor.

Application

The complete electronic package submitted via eGrants by the applicant and composed of all necessary program, budgetary, and administrative schedules required by the agency.

Application for Amendment

A change being requested by the applicant to the approved application. Do not submit any support schedules which have no changes in them. Submit only schedules having changed in some way from the original application or the latest approved amended application. Place the sequential number of the amendment on all pages. An amendment must be approved by the agency prior to any activities, such as purchase orders issued, funds encumbered and/or expended, goods received, or services rendered which are affected by the amendment.

Asset-based

An asset-based, community capacity-building instructional model-An instructional approach that focuses on the discovery, connection and mobilization of student assets and connects them with mutually supportive people and groups in the community. Activities include the creation, planning and implementation of projects that fit the goals and objectives of participants and use their own interests and abilities.

Baseline Assessment

Assessment that is conducted to determine functioning levels when a student enrolls in adult education using the standardized test(s) required by the TEA.

Child Care

Costs of child care for children of students while they attend class.

Community-Based Organization (CBO

A private nonprofit organization which is representative of a community or significant segments of a community and which provides education, vocational education or rehabilitation, job training, or internship services and programs and includes neighborhood groups and organizations, community action agencies, community development corporations, union-related organizations, employers related organizations, tribal governments, and organizations serving Native Alaskans and Indians.

Computer Package

Expenditures for hardware equipment such as a monitor, keyboard, disk drive, printer, and other computer peripherals to complete a package.

Consultant

An independent contractor who is not an employee but who offers services to the public.

Consultant Travel

Expenditures for consultant travel and per diem not to exceed state rates.

Consortium/Cooperative

A partnership of educational and other human service agencies which agree to collaborate for the provision of adult education and literacy services. Examples of these include private, non-profit literacy councils, community-based organizations, school districts, and colleges who provide services directly to the targeted populations.

The fiscal agent of the consortium submits the written, signed agreements with each of the consortium partners to the Texas Education Agency in the application. These agreements delineate specific responsibilities in regard to the adult education and literacy services that will be delivered to undereducated adults. These written agreements include: 1) specific information about the use of federal funds to be flowed to or subcontracted to a participating member; and/or 2) specific information about the services paid for by the federal funds to be provided by the consortium to the participating partner. (See also Fiscal Agent).

Contextualized Instruction

Using the content of parenting, life skills, job training, and/or civic participation to teach literacy and higher order thinking skills in the context in which they will be used. This means there is a clear connection between the goals of the learner and the instructional strategies. Contextualized learning focuses, for example, on reading to learn rather than just learning to read and views literacy as a tool that requires a great deal of hands-on learning.

Corrections Programs

For adults who are inmates in a prison, jail reformatory, work farm, detention center, education halfway house, community-based rehabilitation center, or any other similar federal, state, or local institution designed for the confinement or rehabilitation of criminal offenders.

Counselor

Provides guidance and counseling services to students.

Distance Education

Formal learning activity where students and instructors are separated by geography, time or both for the majority of the instructional period.  Distance learning materials are in a variety of media including but not limited to print, audio recording, videotape, broadcasts, computer software, web-based programs and other online technology.  Teachers support distance learners through the following to include but not limited to communication via mail, telephone, e-mail, online technologies and software, or face to face instruction.

Educational Aide

A paraprofessional who performs routine classroom tasks under the general supervision of a certified teacher or teaching team. Aides must meet the qualifications of the State Board of Education (SBOE) rules for adult education.

Educationally Disadvantaged Adult

An adult who--

• demonstrates basic skills equivalent to or below that of students at the fifth grade level; or
• has been placed in the lowest or beginning level of an adult education program when that program does not use grade level equivalencies as a measure of students' basic skills.

eGrants

The TEA’s electronic system for the online submission, tracking, review and processing of K through 12 and adult education grant applications.

EL-Civics

English Literacy-Civics Education—An educational program that emphasizes contextualized instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, naturalization, procedures, civic participation, and U.S. history and government to help students acquire the skills and knowledge to become active and informed parents, workers, and community members.

Emergent Curriculum

Curriculum from which learners identify their own or their community’s problems and issues and seek their own solutions. Teachers become facilitators of class discussions and activities and learn along with the class.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Instruction designed for adults of limited English proficiency. ESL consists of integrated listening, speaking, reading and writing instruction.

Beginning ESL Literacy: Individual cannot speak or understand English or understands only isolated words or phrases.

Individuals have no or minimal reading or writing skills in any language and may be able to read and write own name or simple isolated words. The individuals may be able to write letters or numbers and copy simple words, and there may be no or incomplete recognition of the alphabet; may have difficulty using a writing instrument.

There is little or no comprehension of how print corresponds to spoken language. Individuals function minimally or not at all in English and can communicate only through gestures or a few isolated words such as name and other personal information; may recognize only common signs or symbols (e.g., stop sign, product logos); can handle only very routine entry-level jobs that do not require oral or written communication in English. There is no knowledge or use of computers or technology.

Low Beginning ESL: Individual can understand basic greetings, simple phrases and commands. Can understand simple questions related to personal information spoken slowly and with repetition. Understands a limited number of words related to immediate needs and can respond with simple learned phrases to some common questions related to routine survival situations. Speaks slowly and with difficulty. Demonstrates little or no control over grammar.  

Individual can read numbers and letters and some common sight words. May be able to sound out simple words. Can read and write some familiar words and phrases but has a limited understanding of connected prose in English. Can write basic personal information (e.g., name, address, telephone number) and can complete simple forms that elicit this information. 

Individual functions with difficulty in social situations and in situations related to immediate needs. Can provide limited personal information on simple forms and can read very simple common forms of print found in the home and environment such as product names. Can handle routine entry level jobs that require very simple written or oral English communication and in which job tasks can be demonstrated. May have limited knowledge and experience with computers.

High Beginning ESL:  Individual can understand common words, simple phrases, and sentences containing familiar vocabulary spoken slowly with some repetition. Individual can respond to simple questions about personal everyday activities and can express immediate needs using simple learned phrases or short sentences. Shows limited control of grammar. 

Individual can read most sight words and many other common words. Can read familiar phrases and simple sentences but has a limited understanding of connected prose and may need frequent re-reading. Individual can write some simple sentences with limited vocabulary. Meaning may be unclear. Writing shows very little control of basic grammar, capitalization and punctuation and has many spelling errors.

Individual can function in some situations related to immediate needs and in familiar social situations. Can provide basic personal information on simple forms and recognizes simple common forms of print found in the home, workplace and community. Can handle routine entry level jobs requiring basic written or oral English communication and in which job tasks can be demonstrated. May have limited knowledge or experience using computers.

Low Intermediate ESL: Individual can understand simple learned phrases and limited new phrases containing familiar vocabulary spoken slowly with frequent repetition; can ask and respond to questions using such phrases; can express basic survival needs and participate in some routine social conversations although with some difficulty; has some control of basic grammar.

Individual can read simple material on familiar subjects and comprehend simple and compound sentences in single or linked paragraphs containing a familiar vocabulary; can write simple notes and messages on familiar situations but lacks clarity and focus. Sentence structure lacks variety but shows some control of basic grammar (e.g., present and past tense) and consistent use of punctuation (e.g., periods, capitalization).

Individuals can interpret simple directions and schedules, signs and maps; can fill out simple forms but needs support on some documents that are not simplified; can handle routine entry level jobs that involve some written or oral English communication, but in which job tasks can be demonstrated. Individual can use simple computer programs and can perform a sequence of routine tasks given directions using technology (e.g., fax machine, computer).

High Intermediate ESL: Individuals can understand learned phrases and short new phrases containing familiar vocabulary spoken slowly and with some repetition; can communicate basic survival needs with some help; can participate in conversation in limited social situations and use new phrases with hesitation; relies on description and concrete terms. There is inconsistent control of more complex grammar.

Individuals can read text on familiar subjects that have a simple and clear underlying structure (e.g., clear main idea, chronological order); can use context to determine meaning; can interpret actions required in specific written directions; can write simple paragraphs with main idea and supporting detail on familiar topics (e.g., daily activities, personal issues) by recombining learned vocabulary and structures; can self and peer edit for spelling and punctuation errors.

Individuals can meet basic survival and social needs; can follow some simple oral and written instruction and has some ability to communicate on the telephone on familiar subjects; can write messages and notes related to basic needs; complete basic medical forms and job applications; can handle jobs that involve basic oral instructions and written communication in tasks that can be clarified orally. The individual can work with or learn basic computer software such as word processing; can follow simple instructions for using technology.

Advanced ESL: Individual can understand and communicate in a variety of contexts related to daily life and work. Can understand and participate in conversation on a variety of everyday subjects including some unfamiliar vocabulary but may need repetition or rewording. Can clarify own or others’ meaning by rewording. Can understand the main points of simple discussions and informational communication in familiar contexts. Shows some ability to go beyond learned patterns and construct new sentences. Shows control of basic grammar but has difficulty using more complex structures. Has some basic fluency of speech.

Individual can read moderately complex text related to life roles and descriptions and narratives from authentic materials on familiar subjects. Uses context and word analysis skills to understand vocabulary and uses multiple strategies to understand unfamiliar texts. Can make inferences, predictions, and compare and contrast information in familiar texts. Individual can write multi-paragraph text (e.g., organizes and develops ideas with clear introduction, body, and conclusion) using some complex grammar and a variety of sentence structures. Makes some grammar and spelling errors. Uses a range of vocabulary.

Individual can function independently to meet most survival needs and to use English in routine social and work situations. Can communicate on the telephone on familiar subjects. Understands radio and television on familiar topics. Can interpret routine charts, tables and graphs and can complete forms and handle work demands that require non-technical oral and written instructions and routine interaction with the public. Individual can use common software, learn new basic applications, and select the correct basic technology in familiar situations.

Experiential learning

Connecting literacy to the lives of learners and reflecting their experiences as community members, parents and participants in the workforce; showing how literacy can help adults understand and deal with social issues through community research projects, collecting and analyzing information and interpreting findings in ways that connect classroom-based learning with personal knowledge and community experience.

Financial Agreement

A written, signed, and dated agreement between the consortium fiscal agent and a consortium member that delineates the responsibilities of each in the delivery of adult education and literacy services. A financial agreement is developed when:

• a consortium member receives funds through a subcontract; or
• the fiscal agent pays the bills to support the delivery of services through the consortium member (e.g., the fiscal agent pays for a tutor trainer at a local literacy council).

Fiscal agent

The fiscal agent, or fiscal manager, of the consortium:

• applies for the federal funds to the Texas Education Agency on behalf of the consortium;
• receives the federal funds from the grantor and manages the funds; and
• is responsible for making and filing composite reports for the consortium.

Formative
Evaluation

See Process Evaluation.

Improvement of Literacy Levels

Lasting, documented improvement of students’ literacy skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening, numeracy) regardless of their entry level that are direct results of comprehensive curricula, integrated instruction, professional, well-prepared, paid or volunteer staff and comprehensive counseling delivered through effective and appropriate programs. Also see the definition of Literacy in this glossary.

Instructional Aide

See Educational Aide.

Instructional Coordinator

An adult education supervisor who works directly with teachers providing instructional leadership. An instructional coordinator’s services result in improved student achievement.

Instructional Design

The framework upon which an instructional program is developed. An instructional design is based on a program’s instructional philosophy, is appropriate for the achievement of the program’s performance objectives, and integrates instructional strategies, curricula, and assessment strategies.

Literacy

As defined by the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, literacy refers to an individual’s ability to read, write, and speak in English and to compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job and in society, in the family of the individual, and in society.

Long-term Learning Gains

Students’ acquisition of proficiencies that will enable them to function independently in society (work, home and community) and to continually improve their literacy levels (as defined in this glossary).
Long-term learning gains areas include, but are not limited to Indicators of Program Quality of Real World Applications, Preparation for Transition and Workforce Development.

Maintenance and Repair

Necessary maintenance, repair, or upkeep of instructional equipment which neither adds to the permanent value of the property nor appreciably prolongs its intended life but keeps it in an efficient operating condition.

Media Advertisements

Newspapers, radio and television programs, direct mail, trade papers, and the like.

Needs Assessment

The needs assessment process in adult education and literacy is the basis for program planning. Through a comprehensive needs assessment, adult education and literacy providers determine the numbers of undereducated adults in the community who need and qualify for services. A comprehensive needs assessment will indicate subgroups of undereducated adults by program area -- numbers of adults in need of beginning adult basic education, numbers of adults in need of beginning English as a Second Language programs, numbers of adults in need of adult secondary education, and so on.

In addition, a comprehensive needs assessment will also indicate subgroups of undereducated adults by other variables such as the numbers of undereducated adults who are on probation or parole supervision, are unemployed, are recipients of public assistance programs such as food stamps or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
A comprehensive needs assessment uses both quantitative and qualitative data from a variety of sources. Broad sources of quantitative data that can be gathered from such sources as the U.S. Census, school district dropout data, and other public agencies should be supplemented by both quantitative and qualitative data from organizations such as community-based organizations, public housing agencies, employers, school counselors, human service caseworkers, and many others.

By analyzing data obtained from an array of sources in the community, the adult education and literacy program is able to plan and deliver services that meet the specific needs of potential adult learners. This approach to needs assessment is especially critical for the adult education and literacy program that covers a wide geographic area since local communities are often very different from each other in regard to the educational needs of undereducated adults.

Non-consortium

Eligible grant recipients who:

• work together through non-financial agreements rather than direct funding to provide comprehensive adult education services; or
•  provide a single adult education service (e.g., English as a Second Language) as a single organization.

Other Institutionalized Adults

Adults who are patients or residents of a medical or special institution but not in correctional facilities or classified as "homeless adults."

Outreach

Activities designed to:

• inform educationally disadvantaged adult populations of the availability and benefits of the adult education program;
• actively recruit these adults to participate in the adult education program; and
• assist these adults to participate in the adult education program by providing reasonable and convenient access and support services to remove barriers to their participation in the program.

Participatory Education

This approach to instruction revolves around the discussion of issues drawn from learners’ real life experiences. The central tenet is that education and knowledge have value if they help people to improve their social conditions. The following concepts are central:

• Generative words and themes: These are the basis for conversation, reading, and writing activities. Learners begin with encoding and decoding exercises and move to more complex activities.
• Collaboration and dialogue among equals: Teachers and learners face one another and discuss issues on concern in their lives.
• Problem posing: Using objects, pictures, and written texts, teachers and learners describe what they see, examine the relationships among the objects and people represented, and talk about how they feel about what they see. Ultimately, they articulate the problem illustrated and propose solutions.

Performance Indicator

Measurable evidence of an accomplishment. In adult education, performance indicators include student gains in basic skills, achievement of a secondary school credential, placement in a job, training, or postsecondary education, advancement in a job, and retention in the program.

Performance Measure

The specified level of performance on a specific performance indicator.

Printing and
Duplication Services

Quasi-external expenditures for printing and duplicating services by an outside or central print shop or duplicating unit.

Process Evaluation

The purpose of process evaluation is to identify, during implementation, any defects in the design or potential sources of failure of a project. Process evaluation provides information about whether a project was implemented as designed. Process evaluation also provides project management with timely feedback about the implementation procedures of the project allowing changes during implementation rather than waiting for an end-of-project analysis.

Process evaluation is planned by management, staff, and the evaluators. Process evaluation may be conducted by internal evaluators, including advisory committees or by external evaluators. A plan for process evaluation should include:

• a list of process evaluation questions to be investigated. These questions focus on the areas of interest to project management and participating service providers and include questions about the factors that influence the success of the project. Identifying the process evaluation questions is a critical task and should be thoughtfully undertaken;
• a plan and procedures for collecting information and data to answer the questions;
• a time frame for collecting the information; and
• a description of the reporting system and the intended audience.

Product Evaluation

The process of assessing a program after development for the purpose of determining its merit and effectiveness. Product evaluation refers to measuring achieved results as opposed to desired results.
A plan for product evaluation should include:

• how the accomplishment of each performance objective will be determined;
• what data source will be used;
•  how the data will be analyzed.

Progress Assessment

Assessment that is conducted after a period of instruction (typically 40 clock hours) to determine gain (from the baseline assessment) in scale scores using the standardized test(s) required by the TEA.

Recruitment

Effective outreach of undereducated adults who may be unaware of adult education and literacy services or who may have been reluctant to make use of them in the past so that they enroll in adult education and literacy programs in their community.

Retention

Student participation and progress in effective and comprehensive adult education and literacy programs so that students benefit from programs and can achieve personal, academic, and occupational self-sufficiency and make a successful transition.

SAS

The Standard Application System of which the application document is a part.

State Leadership Activities

A section of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act that authorizes the state agency to use not more than 12.5% of the federal grant to carry out State leadership activities. These activities include professional development; technical assistance; technology assistance; support of literacy resource centers; monitoring and evaluation of the quality of and improvement in adult education and literacy programs; incentives; curriculum development; and other activities of statewide importance.

Section 231

A section of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (Title II of the Workforce Investment Act) that authorizes the use of funds to pay the federal share of the cost of developing, implementing, and improving adult education and literacy activities within the state. Section 231 funds are 82.5% of the federal funds received by the state.

Software

Expenditures for computer software specifically for use within the adult education and literacy instructional program.

Subcontracts

Funds budgeted for all subcontracts. Each subcontractor should be listed separately, and a copy of the signed agreement should be attached to the application.

Summative Evaluation

See Product Evaluation.

TEC 29.252 Funds

The revised Texas Education Code designates the Texas Education Agency as the administrative entity for adult education programs. The code authorizes the appropriation of funds for adult education and expands the eligibility for adult education funds to include public local education agencies, public nonprofit agencies, and community-based organizations.

Teacher

A professional employee who is required to hold a valid teacher certificate or permit in order to perform some type of instruction to students. Under the State Board Rules for Adult Education, teachers must possess at least a bachelor’s degree. Teachers without a valid Texas teaching certificate must attend 12 clock hours of in-service training in addition to the regular annual in-service requirement of all personnel of 12 hours until the person has completed either six clock hours of adult education college credit courses or two years of adult education experience.

The Amendments to the Texas State Plan for Federal Adult Education Funding, approved by the State Board of Education, permit the evaluation of the qualifications of key personnel in relation to the objectives of the program.

Transportation

Costs of transportation for students to and from class.

Travel, Registration and Per Diem

Cost of transportation, meals, room, and other expenses associated with a traveling on business of adult education and literacy grant recipient when the purpose of the trip can be related to the operation of the program or staff development.

Utilities and Telephone

Costs for utilities and telephone service to the extent they are not otherwise included in rental or other charges for space.