S.1400 - Adult Education Workforce Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success Act; Adult Education WORKS Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1400, 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. The bill introduces key definitions such as 'college and career navigator,' 'concurrent enrollment,' 'digital literacy skills,' and 'information literacy skills.' It also emphasizes the integration of these skills into adult education programs.
The Act focuses on enhancing workforce development activities by involving state workforce development boards and local boards more directly with adult education providers. It also promotes the employment of college and career navigators within one-stop centers and public libraries.
Furthermore, the bill seeks to improve performance accountability systems and increases funding for adult education programs, with specific allocations for library-based and community-based navigators.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is to improve the quality and accessibility of adult education programs. It will also better align these programs with workforce development needs.
By integrating digital and information literacy skills, the bill aims to equip adults with the tools necessary for success in today's economy. The increased funding and focus on performance accountability could lead to more effective and efficient programs.
The establishment of college and career navigator programs in libraries and community-based organizations will likely expand access to career services, particularly for underserved populations.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced skills for adult learners, including digital and information literacy.
- Increased access to career services through library-based and community-based navigators.
- Improved alignment of adult education programs with workforce development needs.
- Greater involvement of state and local boards with adult education providers.
- Potential for more effective and efficient programs due to improved performance accountability systems.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased government spending, which could lead to higher taxes or budget deficits.
- Potential for increased bureaucracy and administrative overhead.
- Risk that the innovative performance accountability systems may not accurately reflect program outcomes.
- Possible challenges in coordinating activities between different agencies and organizations.
- The effectiveness of the program heavily relies on the quality and implementation of the college and career navigator programs.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It promotes education and workforce development, which can contribute to a more productive and engaged citizenry. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and this bill respects that by involving state and local boards in the implementation of adult education programs.
However, the expansion of federal involvement in education raises questions about the appropriate balance between federal and state authority. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
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).