NYS TESOL Professional Concerns

News & Events

Two new major bills introduced to support adult education and ESL!

In mid-July, members of Congress introduced two major bills that address the need for expanded programs and resources for both K-12 and adult ESL:
 
The Strengthen and Unite Communities with Civics Education and English Skills Act of 2009 (HR 3249/S 1478) focuses squarely on the issue of integration for new Americans, and addresses the increased demand for ESL by including provisions that:

• Codify grants for the English Literacy and Civics Education Programs under the Adult and Family Literacy Act, and invest th e necessary resources to fund these programs;
  
  
• Enhance recruitment and retention of ESL educators through tax credits for both full-time and part-time instructors;
  
  
• Provide tax deductions for certification expenses for ESL and bilingual educators;
  
  
• Provide vital technical assistance and support to state and local communities seeking strong and productive strategies to respond to newcomers.

This bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Honda (D CA) and Rep. Yvette Clarke (D NY) in the House of Representatives, and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D NY) and Sen. Lamar Alexander (R TN) in the Senate.
 
The second bill, the Adult Education and Economic Growth Act of 2009 (HR 3249/S 1468), focuses more broadly on the adult education system as a whole, providing much-needed changes and improvements, especially for the programs that serve the growing population of adult English language learners.  Specifically, the bill will:

• Include English as a second language services among the core purposes of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act - Title II of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA);
  
  
• Add adults with limited English proficiency to the definition of qualifying individuals under WIA;
  
  
• Authorize grants for Integrated Eng lish Literacy and Civics Education Programs under the Adult and Family Literacy Act, and invest the necessary resources in these programs;
  
  
• Incorporate integrated education and training programs and career pathway programs to the list of eligible demonstration and pilot projects under WIA, including specific projects designed for workers with limited English proficiency;
  
  
• Establish a national research and development center for adult education, literacy, and workplace skills.