877—32.2(84A) Program administration. The department is designated as the agency responsible for administration of state and federally funded adult basic education programs and for supervision of the administration of adult basic education programs. The department is responsible for the allocation and distribution of state and federal funds awarded to eligible providers for adult basic education programs through a grant application in accordance with this chapter and with the state plan.
	32.2(1) Eligible providers. Eligible providers are eligible entities as defined by the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, 20 U.S.C. Ch.	73, and subsequent federal workforce training and adult education legislation, and approved by the department.
	32.2(2) Program components.
	a. 	The eligible provider will maintain the ability to provide the following adult education and literacy services as deemed appropriate by the community or needs of the students:
	(1)	Adult basic education;
	(2)	Programs for adults who are English learners;
	(3)	Adult secondary education, including programs leading to the achievement of a high school equivalency certificate or high school diploma;
	(4)	Instructional services provided by qualified instructors as defined in subrule 32.6(1) to improve student proficiencies necessary to function effectively in adult life, including accessing further education, employment-related training, or employment;
	(5)	Assessment and guidance services adhering to the state’s assessment policy; and
	(6)	Programs and services stipulated by current and subsequent federal and state adult education legislation.
	b. 	Providers effectively use technology, services, and delivery systems, including distance education, in a manner sufficient to increase the amount and quality of student learning and performance.
	c. 	Providers ensure a student acquires the skills needed to transition to and complete postsecondary education and training programs and obtain and advance in employment leading to economic self-sufficiency.
	32.2(3) Local planning.
	a. 	Adult education and literacy programs are to collaborate and enter into agreements with multiple partners in the community for the purpose of establishing a local plan. Such plans are to expand the services available to adult learners, align with the strategies and goals established by the state plan, and prevent duplication of services.
	b. 	An adult education and literacy program’s agreement will not be formalized until the local plan is approved by the department. A plan will be approved if the plan complies with the standards and criteria outlined in this chapter, federal adult education and family literacy legislation, and the strategies and goals of the state plan as defined in the local plan application.
	c. 	Local plans may be approved by the state for single or multiple years.
	32.2(4) Federal funding. Federal funds received by an adult education and literacy program are not to be expended for any purpose other than authorized activities pursuant to the Act.
	32.2(5) State funding. Moneys received from state funding sources for adult education and literacy programs are to be used in the manner described in this subrule. All funds are to be used to expand services and improve the quality of adult education and literacy programs.
	a. 	Use of funds. State funding may only be expended on:
	(1)	Allowable uses pursuant to the Act.
	(2)	High school equivalency testing and associated costs.
	b. 	Restrictions. In expending state funding, adult education and literacy programs shall adhere to the allowable use provisions of the Act, except for administrative cost provisions.
	c. 	Reporting. All reporting for state funding will adhere to a summary of financial transactions related to the adult education and literacy program’s resources and expenses in a format prescribed by the department. Adult education and literacy programs will submit quarterly reports to the department on dates to be set by the department. A year-end report will be submitted to the department no later than October 1.
	32.2(6) English as a second language. In addition to meeting subrules 32.2(1) through 32.2(5), English as a second language programs are to adhere to the following provisions.
	a. 	Distribution and allocation. The department will prescribe the distribution and allocation of funding, based on need for instruction in English as a second language in the region served by each community college, as measured by census data, survey data, and local outreach efforts and results.
	b. 	Midyear reporting. English as a second language programs will include a narrative describing the progress and attainment of benchmarks established by the department. The report is to be provided to the department midway through the academic year.
	32.2(7) Funding allocation. The department will be responsible for the allocation and distribution of state and federal funds for adult basic education programs in accordance with these rules and with the state plan. The state has the right under federal legislation to establish the funding formula and to issue a competitive bidding process.
[ARC 7750C, IAB 4/3/24, effective 5/8/24]