[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3697 Introduced in House (IH)]

113th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                H. R. 3697

 To increase access to adult education to provide for economic growth.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           December 11, 2013

 Mr. Hinojosa introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
   Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the 
Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined 
 by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as 
        fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
 To increase access to adult education to provide for economic growth.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Adult Education 
and Economic Growth Act''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is the 
following:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
       TITLE I--ADULT EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE INVESTMENT SYSTEMS

Sec. 101. Definitions.
Sec. 102. Purpose.
Sec. 103. State workforce investment boards.
Sec. 104. State plan.
Sec. 105. Local workforce investment boards.
Sec. 106. Local plan.
Sec. 107. Use of funds for youth activities.
Sec. 108. Use of funds for employment and training activities.
Sec. 109. Performance accountability system.
Sec. 110. National programs.
Sec. 111. Administration.
Sec. 112. Transition provisions.
Sec. 113. Table of contents.
       TITLE II--ADULT EDUCATION, LITERACY, AND WORKPLACE SKILLS

Sec. 201. Purpose.
Sec. 202. Definitions.
Sec. 203. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 204. Reservation of funds; grants to eligible agencies; 
                            allotments.
Sec. 205. Performance accountability system.
Sec. 206. State distribution of funds; matching requirement.
Sec. 207. State leadership activities.
Sec. 208. State plan.
Sec. 209. Programs for corrections education and other 
                            institutionalized individuals.
Sec. 210. Grants and contracts for eligible providers.
Sec. 211. Local application.
Sec. 212. Administrative provisions.
Sec. 213. National Center For Adult Education, Literacy, and Workplace 
                            Skills.
Sec. 214. National leadership activities.
Sec. 215. Integrated English literacy and civics education programs.
    TITLE III--21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGY AND SKILLS FOR ADULT LEARNERS

Sec. 301. Purposes.
Sec. 302. Definitions.
Sec. 303. Reservation of funds and allotments.
Sec. 304. Grants to eligible agencies.
Sec. 305. Subgrants and contracts to eligible providers.
Sec. 306. National Adult Learning and Technology Clearinghouse.
Sec. 307. Authorization of appropriations.
                 TITLE IV--RESEARCH IN ADULT EDUCATION

Sec. 401. Research in adult education.
                      TITLE V--EMPLOYER INCENTIVES

Sec. 501. Credit for employer educational assistance programs.

       TITLE I--ADULT EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE INVESTMENT SYSTEMS

SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS.

    (a) Title Header.--The title header for title I of the Workforce 
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) is amended to read as 
follows:

     ``TITLE I--ADULT EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE INVESTMENT SYSTEMS''.

    (b) Terms.--Section 101 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 
U.S.C. 2801) is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(54) Career pathway.--The term `career pathway' means a 
        system of educational and social services connecting education, 
        training, and support services, including adult basic skills, 
        English language instruction, General Educational Development 
        test preparation, and noncredit and for-credit industry-
        recognized credential and degree programs, to enable youth and 
        adults to advance over time to successively higher levels of 
        education and employment in a given industry, industry sector, 
        or occupational cluster, that--
                    ``(A) aligns adult education, postsecondary 
                education, and occupational skills training to create a 
                pathway to attaining a recognized postsecondary 
                credential that will qualify an individual for career 
                advancement in projected employment opportunities 
                identified in the State plan under section 
                112(b)(4)(A);
                    ``(B) includes advising and career navigation to 
                support the development of individual education and 
                career plans; and
                    ``(C) leads to a secondary school diploma or its 
                recognized equivalent (for individuals who have not 
                completed secondary school) or to a recognized 
                postsecondary credential.
            ``(55) Integrated education and training.--The term 
        `integrated education and training' means education that, at 
        the same time, combines adult education services and 
        occupational skills training for a specific occupation or 
        occupational cluster leading to a recognized postsecondary 
        credential.
            ``(56) Recognized postsecondary credential.--The term 
        `recognized postsecondary credential' means a postsecondary 
        degree from an institution of higher education described in 
        section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
        1001), a credential for completion of a registered 
        apprenticeship program, or another industry-recognized 
        credential (such as an industry certificate, or a license in an 
        in-demand industry), if the recipient of the grant or contract 
        involved determines that the program leading to the credential 
        is of high quality.
            ``(57) Registered apprenticeship program.--The term 
        `registered apprenticeship program' means an industry 
        occupational skills training program at the postsecondary level 
        that combines technical and theoretical training through 
        structured on-the-job learning with related instruction (in 
        classrooms or through distance learning) while an individual is 
        employed, working under the direction of qualified personnel or 
        a mentor, and earning incremental wage increases aligned to 
        enhanced job proficiency, resulting in the acquisition of a 
        nationally recognized and portable certificate, under a plan 
        approved by the Office of Apprenticeship or a State agency 
        recognized by the Department of Labor.
            ``(58) Sequential education and training.--The term 
        `sequential education and training' means adult education 
        services that may occur prior to occupational skills training 
        or postsecondary education and are appropriate for adults who 
        need services offered, one after another, in a progressive 
        fashion.
            ``(59) Workplace skills.--The term `workplace skills' means 
        the combination of basic skills, critical thinking skills, and 
        self management skills with competency in utilizing resources, 
        using information, working with others, understanding systems, 
        and working with technology, and other skills necessary for 
        success in the workplace.''.

SEC. 102. PURPOSE.

    (a) Subtitle Header.--The subtitle header for subtitle B of title I 
of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2811 et seq.) is 
amended to read as follows:

``Subtitle B--State and Local Adult Education and Workforce Investment 
                               Systems''.

    (b) Purpose.--Section 106 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 
(29 U.S.C. 2811) is amended by striking ``workforce investment 
systems'' and inserting ``adult education and workforce investment 
systems''.

SEC. 103. STATE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARDS.

    Section 111 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
2821) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(1)(C)(vi)(I), by inserting 
        ``(particularly the lead State agency officials with 
        responsibility for the programs and activities that are 
        described in section 121(b)(1)(B)(iii))'' after ``121(b)''; and
            (2) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``workforce 
        investment system'' and inserting ``adult education and 
        workforce investment system''.

SEC. 104. STATE PLAN.

    Section 112 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
2822) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) by striking ``workforce investment system'' and 
                inserting ``adult education and workforce investment 
                system''; and
                    (B) by inserting ``and aligns with the State plan 
                described in section 224'' before the period at the 
                end;
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraphs (2) and (3), by striking 
                ``workforce investment system'' and inserting ``adult 
                education and workforce investment system'';
                    (B) in paragraph (4)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting 
                        ``academic levels and'' before ``job skills'';
                            (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking 
                        ``and'' after the semicolon;
                            (iii) in subparagraph (D), by striking 
                        ``State;'' and inserting ``State, including 
                        education, training, and registered 
                        apprenticeship programs and their relationship 
                        to the employment opportunities, academic 
                        levels, skills, and economic development needs 
                        described in this paragraph; and''; and
                            (iv) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(E) the integrated education and training and 
                sequential education and training activities that will 
                be integrated and aligned with workforce investment 
                activities and services under this title, and the 
                State's efforts to promote greater integration and 
                alignment of adult education and workforce investment 
                activities and services under this title;'';
                    (C) in paragraph (8)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (A)(x), by striking 
                        ``and'' after the semicolon;
                            (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the 
                        semicolon and inserting ``, including processes 
                        for data collection and reporting regarding 
                        performance on the core indicators described in 
                        section 212; and''; and
                            (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(C) a description of any integrated data systems 
                used to track performance outcomes over time for the 
                participants in the programs and activities described 
                in subparagraph (A);'';
                    (D) in paragraph (9), by striking ``businesses and 
                representatives of labor organizations'' and inserting 
                ``businesses, representatives of labor organizations, 
                and representatives of education and training providers 
                (including adult education providers, institutions of 
                higher education (as defined in section 101 of the 
                Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), and 
                training providers)'';
                    (E) in paragraph (10), by striking ``workforce 
                investment system'' and inserting ``adult education and 
                workforce investment system'';
                    (F) in paragraph (17)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (A)(iv), by adding ``, 
                        and including individuals receiving services 
                        under title II'' after ``disabilities''; and
                            (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
                        ``and'' after the semicolon;
                    (G) in paragraph (18)(D), by striking the period at 
                the end and inserting a semicolon; and
                    (H) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(19) a strategy for coordinating services, including 
        guidance, counseling, mentoring, and other supports, to 
        populations in need of such services, through public and 
        private partnerships, and for creating transition strategies 
        with such elements as dual enrollment, curricular articulation, 
        and high intensity instruction; and
            ``(20) an assurance that every region, as designated by the 
        State under section 116(c), in the State has at least 1 adult 
        education program that offers more than 1 option for earning a 
        credential with value in the local market to students who do 
        not yet have a secondary school diploma or its recognized 
        equivalent and who are unlikely to earn such a diploma or 
        equivalent in the short-term, which option may include earning 
        the credential through a partnership that includes a community 
        college or occupational skills training provider and may 
        include getting that equivalent in the process.''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Program Development Period.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of this section, a State may be eligible to receive an 
allotment under section 127 or 132, or to receive financial assistance 
under the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.), before the State 
submits a single State plan under this section (as amended under 
section 104 of the Adult Education and Economic Growth Act of 2013) if 
the State is in a 1-year program development period.''.

SEC. 105. LOCAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARDS.

    Section 117 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
2832) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``workforce investment 
        system'' each place it appears and inserting ``adult education 
        and workforce investment system'';
            (2) in subsection (d)(8), by striking ``workforce 
        investment system'' and inserting ``adult education and 
        workforce investment system''; and
            (3) in subsection (h)(2)(A)--
                    (A) in clause (v), by striking ``and'' after the 
                semicolon; and
                    (B) by inserting after clause (vi), the following:
                            ``(vii) representatives of adult education 
                        programs; and''.

SEC. 106. LOCAL PLAN.

    Section 118(b)(1) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 
U.S.C. 2833(b)(1)) is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (2) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``academic levels 
        and'' before ``job skills''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(D) the type and availability of workforce 
                investment activities in the local area, including 
                education, training, and registered apprenticeship 
                programs and their relationship to such business, 
                jobseeker, and worker needs, employment opportunities, 
                and academic levels and job skills, and economic 
                development needs; and
                    ``(E) the integrated education and training and 
                sequential education and training activities that will 
                be carried out under this title or title II and the 
                integration and alignment of activities described in 
                this subparagraph with workforce investment activities 
                and services under this title.''.

SEC. 107. USE OF FUNDS FOR YOUTH ACTIVITIES.

    Section 129 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
2854) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' after the 
                semicolon;
                    (B) in paragraph (6), by striking the period and 
                inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(7) to provide opportunities for multiple pathways for 
        eligible youth.''; and
            (2) in subsection (c)(1)(C)--
                    (A) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' after the 
                semicolon;
                    (B) in clause (iv)(II), by striking the period and 
                inserting a semicolon; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``(v) opportunities for career pathways; 
                        and
                            ``(vi) opportunities for the completion of 
                        secondary school, in appropriate cases.''.

SEC. 108. USE OF FUNDS FOR EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES.

    Section 134 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
2864) is amended--
            (1) in subsections (a)(3)(A)(vii) and (c)(2)(B)(ii)(II), by 
        striking ``workforce investment system'' and inserting ``adult 
        education and workforce investment system''; and
            (2) in subsection (d)--
                    (A) in paragraph (3)(A)(i)(I), by striking ``and 
                are unable to obtain employment through core services 
                provided under paragraph (2)''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (4)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking 
                        ``and who are unable to obtain or retain 
                        employment through such services'';
                            (ii) in subparagraph (D)--
                                    (I) in clause (viii), by striking 
                                ``and'' after the semicolon;
                                    (II) in clause (ix), by striking 
                                the period and inserting a semicolon; 
                                and
                                    (III) by adding at the end the 
                                following:
                            ``(x) integrated education and training; 
                        and
                            ``(xi) career pathway services.'';
                            (iii) in subparagraph (G)--
                                    (I) in clause (i), by striking 
                                ``clause (ii)'' and inserting ``clause 
                                (ii) or subparagraph (H)''; and
                                    (II) in clause (ii)--
                                            (aa) in subclause (II), by 
                                        striking ``or'' after the 
                                        semicolon;
                                            (bb) in subclause (III), by 
                                        striking the period and 
                                        inserting ``; or''; and
                                            (cc) by adding at the end 
                                        the following:
                                    ``(IV) the local board determines 
                                that such provision of training 
                                services would facilitate the provision 
                                of integrated education and training 
                                and sequential education and training 
                                programs.''; and
                            (iv) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(H) Authorization of contracts to institutions of 
                higher education.--The local board may award a contract 
                to an institution of higher education or other eligible 
                provider of training services, including an adult 
                education provider eligible under section 122, if the 
                local board determines that provision of services 
                through the contract would facilitate the training of 
                multiple individuals in in-demand occupations.''.

SEC. 109. PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM.

    Section 136 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
2871) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(2)(A)--
                    (A) in clause (i)--
                            (i) in the matter preceding subclause (I), 
                        by striking ``and (for participants who are 
                        eligible youth age 19 through 21) for youth 
                        activities authorized under section 129'';
                            (ii) in subclause (III), by striking 
                        ``and'' at the end;
                            (iii) in subclause (IV), by striking ``, or 
                        by participants who are eligible youth age 19 
                        through 21 who enter postsecondary education, 
                        advanced training, or unsubsidized 
                        employment.'' and inserting ``; and''; and
                            (iv) by adding at the end the following:
                                    ``(V) performance on the core 
                                indicators described in section 212, as 
                                appropriate.''; and
                    (B) in clause (ii)--
                            (i) in the matter preceding subclause (I), 
                        by striking ``(for participants who are 
                        eligible youth age 14 through 18)'';
                            (ii) in subclause (I), by striking ``and, 
                        as appropriate, work readiness or occupational 
                        skills'' and inserting ``, workplace skills, or 
                        occupational skills, as appropriate'';
                            (iii) in subclause (II), by striking 
                        ``and'' after the semicolon;
                            (iv) in subclause (III), by striking the 
                        period and inserting ``; and''; and
                            (v) by adding at the end the following:
                                    ``(IV) the measures described in 
                                subclauses (I), (II), and (III) of 
                                clause (i), for eligible youth age 18 
                                and older.''; and
            (2) in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (e), by 
        striking ``workforce investment system'' and inserting ``adult 
        education and workforce investment system''.

SEC. 110. NATIONAL PROGRAMS.

    Section 171 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
2916) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(1)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``and'' after 
                the semicolon;
                    (B) in subparagraph (H), by striking the period and 
                inserting a semicolon; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(I) projects that assist low-skill and limited 
                English proficient workers to acquire basic, English, 
                work readiness, and applied technical or occupational 
                skills through integrated education and training and 
                sequential education and training programs to 
                successfully transition to postsecondary education, 
                workforce development, and employment in career 
                pathways; and
                    ``(J) projects that test effective ways to develop 
                comprehensive career pathway learning approaches that--
                            ``(i) fully align adult education with--
                                    ``(I) secondary education, 
                                postsecondary education, workforce 
                                development programs including 
                                registered apprenticeship programs, and 
                                supportive service activities; and
                                    ``(II) regional economic 
                                development strategies to meet the 
                                skill needs of existing and emerging 
                                regional employers as well as the needs 
                                of low-skilled adults; and
                            ``(ii) are designed to help adults, 
                        especially those who are low-skilled, to 
                        advance through progressive levels of education 
                        and training as quickly as possible and gain 
                        education and workplace skills of demonstrated 
                        value to the labor market at each level.''; and
            (2) in subparagraphs (D)(iii)(I) and (E)(ii)(III) of 
        subsection (e)(2), by striking ``workforce investment system'' 
        and inserting ``adult education and workforce investment 
        system''.

SEC. 111. ADMINISTRATION.

    (a) Requirements and Restrictions.--Section 181(b)(1) of the 
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2931(b)(1)) is amended by 
striking ``workforce investment system'' and inserting ``adult 
education and workforce investment system''.
    (b) Waivers and Special Rules.--Section 189(i)(4)(B) of the 
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2939(i)(4)(B)) is amended 
by striking ``workforce investment system'' and inserting ``adult 
education and workforce investment system''.

SEC. 112. TRANSITION PROVISIONS.

    Section 506(a) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (20 U.S.C. 
9276(a)) is amended--
            (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Workforce 
        Investment Systems'' and inserting ``Adult Education and 
        Workforce Investment Systems''; and
            (2) by striking ``workforce investment systems'' and 
        inserting ``adult education and workforce investment systems''.

SEC. 113. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Workforce Investment 
Act of 1998 is amended--
            (1) by striking the item relating to the title header for 
        title I and inserting the following:

     ``TITLE I--ADULT EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE INVESTMENT SYSTEMS'';

        and
    
            (2) by striking the item relating to the subtitle header 
        for subtitle B of title I and inserting the following:

``Subtitle B--State and Local Adult Education and Workforce Investment 
                               Systems''.

       TITLE II--ADULT EDUCATION, LITERACY, AND WORKPLACE SKILLS

SEC. 201. PURPOSE.

    Section 202 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9201) is amended--
            (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
            ``(1) assist adults to become literate and numerate and to 
        obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to transition to and 
        succeed in postsecondary education, job training, and 
        employment in family-sustaining jobs, and to be self 
        sufficient;'';
            (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``education.'' and 
        inserting ``education and transition to postsecondary education 
        and career pathways; and''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) assist adults with limited English proficiency in--
                    ``(A) improving their reading, writing, speaking, 
                listening, and comprehension skills in English and 
                their mathematical skills;
                    ``(B) acquiring an understanding of the American 
                system of Government, individual freedom, and the 
                responsibilities of citizenship; and
                    ``(C) where necessary, obtaining the knowledge and 
                skills to transition to and succeed in postsecondary 
                education, job training, and employment in family-
                sustaining jobs.''.

SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.

    (a) In General.--Section 203 of the Adult Education and Family 
Literacy Act (20 U.S.C. 9202) is amended--
            (1) by striking paragraph (14);
            (2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) (2), (3) through (11), 
        (12), (13), and (15) through (18) as paragraphs (2), (3), (5) 
        through (13), (15), (16), and (17) through (20), respectively;
            (3) by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated by 
        paragraph (2), the following:
            ``(1) WIA terms.--The terms `career pathway', `integrated 
        education and training', `local board', `outlying area', 
        `sequential education and training', `State board', and 
        `workplace skills' have the meanings given the terms in section 
        101.'';
            (4) by inserting after paragraph (3), as redesignated by 
        paragraph (2), the following:
            ``(4) Digital literacy skills.--The term `digital literacy 
        skills' has the meaning given the term in section 202 of the 
        Museum and Library Services Act (20 U.S.C. 9101).'';
            (5) in paragraph (7), as redesignated by paragraph (2)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
                inserting ``an organization that has demonstrated 
                effectiveness in providing adult education and literacy 
                activities and workplace skills activities, and that 
                may include'' after ``means'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``of 
                demonstrated effectiveness'';
                    (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``of 
                demonstrated effectiveness'';
                    (D) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``and'' after 
                the semicolon;
                    (E) in subparagraph (I), by striking the period and 
                inserting ``; and''; and
                    (F) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(J) a partnership between an entity described in 
                any of subparagraphs (A) through (I) and an 
                employer.'';
            (6) in paragraph (9), as redesignated by paragraph (2)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
                striking ``a family'' and inserting ``the economic 
                prospects for a family that better enable parents to 
                support their children's learning needs'';
                    (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (D) 
                as subparagraphs (B) through (E), respectively; and
                    (C) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as 
                redesignated by subparagraph (B), the following:
                    ``(A) Parent adult education and literacy 
                activities and workplace skills activities that lead to 
                readiness for postsecondary education or training, 
                career advancement, and economic self-sufficiency.''; 
                and
            (7) by inserting after paragraph (13), as redesignated by 
        paragraph (2), the following:
            ``(14) Integrated english literacy and civics education 
        program.--The term `integrated English literacy and civics 
        education program' means programs of instruction designed to 
        help an individual of limited English proficiency achieve 
        competence in English through contextualized instruction on the 
        rights and responsibilities of citizenship, naturalization 
        procedures, civic participation, and United States history and 
        Government to help such an individual acquire the skills and 
        knowledge to become an active and informed parent, worker, and 
        community member.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 173A(b)(8) of the Workforce 
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2918a(b)(8)) is amended by striking 
``section 203(10) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9202(10))'' and inserting ``section 203(12) of the Adult 
Education and Family Literacy Act (20 U.S.C. 9202(12))''.

SEC. 203. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 205 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9204) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 205. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    ``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title 
$850,000,000 for fiscal year 2015 and such sums as may be necessary for 
each succeeding fiscal year.''.

SEC. 204. RESERVATION OF FUNDS; GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE AGENCIES; 
              ALLOTMENTS.

    Section 211(a) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9211(a)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$8,000,000'' and 
        inserting ``$15,000,000'';
            (2) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) by striking ``1.5 percent'' and inserting 
                ``1.25 percent''; and
                    (B) by striking ``$8,000,000;'' and inserting 
                ``$12,000,000; and'';
            (3) in paragraph (3), by striking the period and inserting 
        ``; and''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) shall reserve 12 percent to carry out section 244.''.

SEC. 205. PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM.

    Section 212(b) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9212(b)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)(A)--
                    (A) in clause (i), by inserting ``and the 
                employment performance indicator described in paragraph 
                (2)(B)'' after ``paragraph (2)(A)''; and
                    (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``paragraph 
                (2)(B)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)(C)'';
            (2) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A)--
                            (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``in, 
                        retention in'' and all that follows through the 
                        period at the end and inserting ``in 
                        postsecondary education, including registered 
                        apprenticeships, or other skill training 
                        programs.''; and
                            (ii) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``(iv) Attainment of work readiness, 
                        workplace skills, and certificates that are 
                        industry-recognized credentials described in 
                        section 101(56) or approved by the State board 
                        or local board, as appropriate.'';
                    (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as 
                subparagraph (D);
                    (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the 
                following:
                    ``(B) Employment performance indicator.--Consistent 
                with applicable Federal and State privacy laws--
                            ``(i) an eligible agency shall identify in 
                        the State plan an individual participant 
                        employment performance indicator, which shall 
                        be based on entry into employment, retention, 
                        and earnings; and
                            ``(ii) the State agency responsible for 
                        maintaining and analyzing the data described in 
                        clause (i) shall assist the eligible agency in 
                        obtaining and using quarterly wage records to 
                        collect such data.
                    ``(C) Digital literacy skills indicator.--Beginning 
                in 2015, an eligible agency shall include a digital 
                literacy skills indicator in its State plan.''; and
                    (D) by striking subparagraph (D), as redesignated 
                by subparagraph (B), and inserting the following:
                    ``(D) Additional indicators.--An eligible agency 
                may identify in the State plan additional indicators, 
                including customer feedback, for adult education and 
                literacy activities and workplace skills activities 
                authorized under this subtitle.''; and
            (3) in paragraph (3)(B)--
                    (A) in the heading, by inserting ``and employment 
                performance indicator'' after ``indicators''; and
                    (B) by striking ``paragraph (2)(B)'' and inserting 
                ``paragraph (2)(D), the employment performance 
                indicator described in paragraph (2)(B), and beginning 
                in 2015, the digital literacy indicator described in 
                paragraph (2)(C)''.

SEC. 206. STATE DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS; MATCHING REQUIREMENT.

    Section 222(a) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9222(a)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) by striking ``not more than 10'' and inserting 
                ``not less than 10''; and
                    (B) by striking ``82.5 percent'' both places the 
                term appears and inserting ``80 percent''; and
            (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``12.5 percent'' and 
        inserting ``15 percent''.

SEC. 207. STATE LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.

    Section 223(a) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9223(a)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(a) Activities.--
            ``(1) Required activities.--Each eligible agency shall use 
        funds made available under section 222(a)(2) for the following 
        adult education and literacy activities and workplace skills 
        activities:
                    ``(A) The establishment or operation of 
                professional development programs to improve the 
                quality of instruction provided pursuant to local 
                activities required under section 231(b).
                    ``(B) The provision of technical assistance to 
                eligible providers of adult education and literacy 
                activities and workplace skills activities to enable 
                them to fulfill the purpose of this title, as described 
                in section 202.
                    ``(C) The monitoring and evaluation of adult 
                education and literacy activities and related 
                activities to determine what works and broadly 
                disseminate information about models and best practices 
                and tools within the State.
                    ``(D) The provision of technology assistance, 
                including staff training, to eligible providers of 
                adult education and literacy activities and workplace 
                skills activities to enable the eligible providers to 
                improve the quality of such activities.
                    ``(E) Coordination with the workforce investment 
                systems supported under title I.
            ``(2) Permissible activities.--Each eligible agency may use 
        funds made available under section 222(a)(2) for one or more of 
        the following adult education and literacy activities and 
        workplace skills activities:
                    ``(A) Support for State or regional networks of 
                literacy resource centers.
                    ``(B) Incentives for program coordination and 
                integration, and performance awards.
                    ``(C) Developing and disseminating curricula for 
                postsecondary and job training readiness, including 
                curricula for using technology for distance learning 
                and for instructional and teacher training purposes.
                    ``(D) Coordination with existing support services, 
                such as transportation, child care, and other 
                assistance designed to increase rates of enrollment in, 
                and successful completion of, adult education and 
                literacy activities and workplace skills activities, to 
                adults enrolled in such adult education and literacy 
                activities and workplace skills activities.
                    ``(E) Developing innovative content and models for 
                integrated education and training and sequential 
                education and training programs.
                    ``(F) Developing innovative content and models to 
                foster the transition to and success in postsecondary 
                education and career pathways.
                    ``(G) Linkages with postsecondary educational 
                institutions.
                    ``(H) Linkages with community-based organizations.
                    ``(I) Support for recruitment and outreach for 
                instructors, students, and employers.
                    ``(J) Linkages with public libraries.
                    ``(K) Other activities that address issues of 
                statewide significance''.

SEC. 208. STATE PLAN.

    Section 224 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9224) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph 
                (4); and
                    (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
            ``(2) Program development period.--Notwithstanding any 
        other provision of this section, an eligible agency may be 
        eligible to receive a grant under this title before submission 
        of a 5-year State plan under this section if the eligible 
        agency is in a 1-year program development period.
            ``(3) Stakeholder involvement.--The 5-year State plan shall 
        be comprehensive in nature and developed and monitored by a 
        planning group of all stakeholders in the State's adult 
        education and workforce development system. The stakeholders 
        shall include--
                    ``(A) the State agencies responsible for--
                            ``(i) the State's programs under this title 
                        and title I;
                            ``(ii) the State program funded under part 
                        A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 
                        U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
                            ``(iii) overseeing community colleges;
                            ``(iv) elementary and secondary education;
                            ``(v) corrections;
                            ``(vi) economic development;
                            ``(vii) family literacy; and
                            ``(viii) special services to immigrants; 
                        and
                    ``(B) representatives of business and labor.'';
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) by striking paragraph (10) and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(10) a description and strategy of how the eligible 
        agency will develop program strategies and coordinate services, 
        including guidance, counseling, mentoring, and other supports 
        through public and private partnerships and creating transition 
        strategies with such elements as dual enrollment, curricular 
        articulation, and high intensity instruction, for populations 
        that include, at a minimum--
                    ``(A) low-income students;
                    ``(B) individuals with disabilities;
                    ``(C) single parents and displaced homemakers; and
                    ``(D) individuals with multiple barriers to 
                educational enhancement, including individuals with 
                limited English proficiency;'';
                    (B) in paragraph (11), by striking ``and'' after 
                the semicolon;
                    (C) in paragraph (12), by striking the period at 
                the end and inserting a semicolon; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(13) a description of the knowledge and skills necessary 
        for acceptance in postsecondary education and training;
            ``(14) an assurance that every local program area, as 
        defined by the eligible agency, served by the eligible agency 
        has at least 1 adult education program that offers more than 1 
        option for earning a credential with value in the local 
        employment market to students who do not yet have a secondary 
        school diploma or its recognized equivalent and who are 
        unlikely to earn such diploma or equivalent in the short term, 
        which option may include earning the credential through a 
        partnership that includes a community college or job training 
        provider and may include earning the recognized equivalent of a 
        secondary school degree in the process;
            ``(15) a description of any certification or other 
        requirements for instructors in eligible adult education, 
        literacy, and workplace skills program providers in the State;
            ``(16) a description of the professional development needs 
        of adult education, literacy, and workplace skills providers in 
        the State;
            ``(17) a description of how the State will--
                    ``(A) use technology to improve the quality of 
                adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
                services; and
                    ``(B) expand access to such services for workers 
                and students;
            ``(18) a description of how the State will carry out 
        programs described in section 244, if the State is receiving a 
        grant under such section;
            ``(19) a description of the data system that the State will 
        use to track over time student outcomes on the performance 
        measures described in section 212;
            ``(20) a description of the State's program to invest in 
        the skills of workers, including plans for involving business 
        as an active partner in the effort; and
            ``(21) a description of how the adult education programs 
        will be integrated with occupational skills programs and 
        aligned with postsecondary education, career, and technical 
        education, workforce development programs, and other Federal 
        funds available under title I and other relevant Federal 
        programs.'';
            (3) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
    ``(e) Peer Review and Plan Approval.--The Secretary shall--
            ``(1) establish a peer-review process to assist in the 
        review and approval of State plans;
            ``(2) in consultation with the National Center for Adult 
        Education, Literacy, and Workplace Skills, appoint individuals, 
        representing the range of stakeholders, to the peer-review 
        process, including--
                    ``(A) representatives of adult learners, adult 
                education, literacy, and workplace skills providers, 
                eligible agencies, State educational agencies, 
                institutions of higher education, and representatives 
                of State boards or local boards; and
                    ``(B) experts in the fields of adult education, 
                literacy, and workplace skills;
            ``(3) approve a State plan not later than 120 days after 
        receiving the plan, unless the Secretary makes a written 
        determination, not later than 30 days after receiving the plan, 
        that the plan does not meet the requirements of this section or 
        is inconsistent with specific provisions of this subtitle; and
            ``(4) not finally disapprove of a State plan before 
        offering the eligible agency the opportunity, prior to the 
        expiration of the 30-day period beginning on the date on which 
        the eligible agency received the written determination 
        described in paragraph (3), to revise the plan, and providing 
        technical assistance in order to assist the eligible agency in 
        meeting the requirements of this subtitle.''; and
            (4) by striking subsections (f) and (g).

SEC. 209. PROGRAMS FOR CORRECTIONS EDUCATION AND OTHER 
              INSTITUTIONALIZED INDIVIDUALS.

    Section 225 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9225) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the 
                semicolon at the end;
                    (B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the 
                end and inserting a semicolon; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(5) integrated education and training and sequential 
        education and training programs;
            ``(6) career pathways programs;
            ``(7) dual enrollment programs; and
            ``(8) preparation for postsecondary education and 
        training.'';
            (2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
            (3) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
    ``(d) Report.--In addition to any report required under section 
212(c), each eligible agency receiving a grant under section 211(b) 
shall annually prepare and submit to the Secretary a report on the 
progress, as described in section 212(c)(1), of the eligible agency 
with respect to the programs and activities of the eligible entity 
receiving assistance under this section.''.

SEC. 210. GRANTS AND CONTRACTS FOR ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS.

    Section 231(b)(1) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act 
(20 U.S.C. 9241(b)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
            ``(1) Adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
        services, which may include workplace literacy services, 
        integrated education and training and sequential education and 
        training services, and services assisting with the transition 
        to postsecondary education, training, career pathways, or 
        employment.''.

SEC. 211. LOCAL APPLICATION.

    Section 232 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9242) is amended--
            (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting 
        ``the measurable goals to be accomplished as a result of the 
        grant or contract and'' after ``including'';
            (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (3) in paragraph (2), by striking the period and inserting 
        ``; and''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) a description of how the eligible provider will 
        collect data for purposes of reporting performance measures to 
        assess and evaluate the progress of adult education students 
        and activities.''.

SEC. 212. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

    Section 241 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9251) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(c) Rulemaking.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall issue such 
        regulations as are necessary to reasonably ensure compliance 
        with this title.
            ``(2) Consultation.--Before publishing in the Federal 
        Register proposed regulations to carry out this title, the 
        Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Labor and obtain 
        the advice and recommendations of representatives of--
                    ``(A) adult learners;
                    ``(B) adult education, literacy, and workplace 
                skills providers;
                    ``(C) eligible agencies;
                    ``(D) State educational agencies;
                    ``(E) institutions of higher education, including 
                community colleges;
                    ``(F) representatives of State boards and local 
                boards;
                    ``(G) other organizations involved with the 
                implementation and operation of programs under this 
                title; and
                    ``(H) community-based organizations involved with 
                the implementation and operation of programs under this 
                title.
            ``(3) Meetings and electronic exchange.--The advice and 
        recommendations described in paragraph (2) may be obtained 
        through such mechanisms as regional meetings and electronic 
        exchanges of information.''.

SEC. 213. NATIONAL CENTER FOR ADULT EDUCATION, LITERACY, AND WORKPLACE 
              SKILLS.

    Section 242 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9252) is amended--
            (1) by striking the section heading and inserting the 
        following: ``national center for adult education, literacy, and 
        workplace skills'';
            (2) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
    ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of the National Center for Adult 
Education, Literacy, and Workplace Skills established under subsection 
(b) is to--
            ``(1) provide national leadership regarding adult education 
        and family literacy;
            ``(2) coordinate adult education, literacy, and workplace 
        skills services and policy;
            ``(3) serve as a national resource for adult education, 
        literacy, and workplace skills programs by--
                    ``(A) providing the best and most accurate 
                information available;
                    ``(B) providing national leadership on the use of 
                technology for adult education;
                    ``(C) supporting the creation of new ways to offer 
                adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
                services of proven effectiveness;
                    ``(D) providing effective practices for integrated 
                English literacy and civics education programs; and
                    ``(E) providing effective practices for corrections 
                education;
            ``(4) collect and disseminate information on methods of 
        advancing education and literacy that show great promise for 
        adults eligible for services under this title;
            ``(5) provide policy and technical assistance to Federal, 
        State, and local organizations for the improvement of adult 
        education, literacy, and workplace skills services; and
            ``(6) not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of 
        the Adult Education and Economic Growth Act of 2013, conduct an 
        evaluation and submit a report to the Interagency Group, the 
        Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the 
        Senate, and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the 
        House of Representatives, on the effectiveness of programs 
        funded under this title in achieving the purpose described in 
        section 202, which evaluation and report shall include--
                    ``(A) a longitudinal study of outcomes for adult 
                learners served under programs under this title;
                    ``(B) an analysis of the adequacy of the 
                performance measures described in section 212; and
                    ``(C) recommendations for improved performance 
                measures and on how to improve program 
                effectiveness.'';
            (3) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) in the first sentence, by striking 
                        ``National Institute for Literacy (in this 
                        section referred to as the `Institute')'' and 
                        inserting ``National Center for Adult 
                        Education, Literacy, and Workplace Skills (in 
                        this section referred to as the `Center')'';
                            (ii) in the second sentence, by striking 
                        ``Institute'' and inserting ``Center''; and
                            (iii) in the third sentence, by striking 
                        ``the Institute'' and inserting ``the Center'';
                    (B) in paragraph (2)--
                            (i) by striking ``Institute'' and inserting 
                        ``Center''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``separate'' and inserting 
                        ``independent'';
                    (C) in paragraph (3)--
                            (i) by striking ``National Institute for 
                        Literacy Advisory Board'' and inserting 
                        ``National Center for Adult Education, 
                        Literacy, and Workplace Skills Advisory 
                        Board''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``the Institute'' and 
                        inserting ``the Center''; and
                    (D) in paragraph (4), by striking ``Institute'' 
                each place the term appears and inserting ``Center'';
            (4) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
                        (A), by striking ``Institute'' and inserting 
                        ``Center'';
                            (ii) in subparagraph (A)--
                                    (I) in clause (iii), by striking 
                                ``and'' after the semicolon;
                                    (II) in clause (iv), by inserting 
                                ``and'' after the semicolon; and
                                    (III) by adding at the end the 
                                following:
                            ``(v) effective practices for integrated 
                        English literacy and civics education 
                        programs;'';
                            (iii) by striking subparagraph (D) and 
                        inserting the following:
                    ``(D) to collect and disseminate information on 
                methods of advancing education and literacy that show 
                great promise for adults eligible for services under 
                this title;'';
                            (iv) by striking subparagraph (E) and 
                        inserting the following:
                    ``(E) to provide policy and technical assistance to 
                Federal, State, and local organizations for the 
                improvement of adult education, literacy, and workplace 
                skills services;'';
                            (v) in subparagraph (F)(iii), by striking 
                        ``Institute'' and inserting ``Center'';
                            (vi) in subparagraph (G), by inserting 
                        ``and integrated English literacy and civics 
                        education programs'' after ``workforce 
                        investment activities'';
                            (vii) in subparagraph (H), by striking 
                        ``and'' after the semicolon;
                            (viii) in subparagraph (I), by striking the 
                        period and inserting a semicolon; and
                            (ix) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(J) to carry out section 306 of the Adult 
                Education and Economic Growth Act of 2013; and
                    ``(K) not later than 4 years after the date of 
                enactment of the Adult Education and Economic Growth 
                Act of 2013, to conduct an evaluation and submit a 
                report to the Interagency Group, the Committee on 
                Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, 
                and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the 
                House of Representatives on the effectiveness of 
                programs funded under this title in achieving the 
                purpose described in section 202, which evaluation and 
                report shall include--
                            ``(i) a longitudinal study of outcomes for 
                        adult learners served under programs under this 
                        title;
                            ``(ii) an analysis of the adequacy of the 
                        performance measures identified in section 212; 
                        and
                            ``(iii) recommendations for improved 
                        performance measures and on how to improve 
                        program effectiveness.''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Institute'' 
                each place the term appears and inserting ``Center'';
            (5) in subsection (d), by striking ``Institute'' each place 
        the term appears and inserting ``Center'';
            (6) in subsection (e)--
                    (A) in the heading, by striking ``National 
                Institute for Literacy Advisory Board'' and inserting 
                ``National Center for Adult Education, Literacy, and 
                Workplace Skills Advisory Board'';
                    (B) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``National 
                Institute for Literacy Advisory Board'' and inserting 
                ``National Center for Adult Education, Literacy, and 
                Workplace Skills Advisory Board''; and
                    (C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Institute'' 
                each place the term appears and inserting ``Center'';
            (7) in subsection (f)--
                    (A) by striking ``Institute'' each place the term 
                appears and inserting ``Center''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Institute's'' 
                and inserting ``Center's'';
            (8) in each of subsections (g), (i), and (j), by striking 
        ``Institute'' and inserting ``Center'';
            (9) in subsection (k)--
                    (A) by striking ``Institute'' each place the term 
                appears and inserting ``Center''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Institute's'' 
                and inserting ``Center's''; and
            (10) in subsection (l), by striking ``Institute'' each 
        place the term appears and inserting ``Center''.

SEC. 214. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.

    Section 243 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
U.S.C. 9253) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 243. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.

    ``The Secretary shall establish and carry out a program of national 
leadership activities to improve the quality and outcomes of adult 
education, literacy, and workplace skills programs nationwide. Such 
activities--
            ``(1) shall include--
                    ``(A) technical assistance, which may include--
                            ``(i) assistance to eligible providers in 
                        developing and using certification systems, 
                        performance measures, and data systems for the 
                        improvement of adult education and literacy 
                        activities and workplace skills activities, 
                        including family literacy services, transition 
                        to postsecondary education or career pathways, 
                        corrections education, and integrated English 
                        literacy and civics education programs;
                            ``(ii) assistance related to professional 
                        development activities and assistance for the 
                        purpose of developing, improving, identifying, 
                        and disseminating the most successful methods 
                        and techniques for providing adult education 
                        and literacy activities and workplace skills 
                        activities, including family literacy services, 
                        transition to postsecondary education or career 
                        pathways, and integrated English literacy and 
                        civics education programs, based on scientific 
                        evidence where available; or
                            ``(iii) assistance in distance learning and 
                        promoting and improving the use of technology 
                        in the classroom; and
                    ``(B) program evaluation and data collection and 
                reporting; and
            ``(2) may include--
                    ``(A) national demonstration projects for improving 
                adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
                services, which may include projects that--
                            ``(i) accelerate learning outcomes for 
                        adult learners with the lowest literacy levels;
                            ``(ii) promote career pathways;
                            ``(iii) allow dual enrollment in adult 
                        secondary education and credit bearing 
                        postsecondary coursework;
                            ``(iv) provide integrated education and 
                        training and sequential education and training 
                        services;
                            ``(v) build capacity to enhance the 
                        intensity of adult education, literacy, and 
                        workplace skills services;
                            ``(vi) establish partnerships to improve 
                        the quality of and expand adult education, 
                        literacy, and workplace skills services to more 
                        adults;
                            ``(vii) provide professional development 
                        opportunities to adult education, literacy, and 
                        workplace skills service providers;
                            ``(viii) develop new curricula and methods 
                        of instruction that improve learning outcomes 
                        in adult education, literacy, and workplace 
                        skills programs;
                            ``(ix) provide integrated English literacy 
                        and civics education program instruction; and
                            ``(x) provide corrections education; and
                    ``(B) dissemination of the results and best 
                practices identified in the national demonstration 
                projects described in subparagraph (A).''.

SEC. 215. INTEGRATED ENGLISH LITERACY AND CIVICS EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 4 of subtitle A of the Adult Education and 
Family Literacy Act (20 U.S.C. 9251 et seq.) is amended by adding at 
the end the following:

``SEC. 244. INTEGRATED ENGLISH LITERACY AND CIVICS EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

    ``(a) In General.--From funds reserved under section 211(a)(4) for 
each fiscal year, the Secretary shall award grants to States, in 
accordance with the allocations under subsection (b), for integrated 
English literacy and civics education programs.
    ``(b) Allocations.--
            ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), of the funds 
        described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall allocate--
                    ``(A) 65 percent to States on the basis of a 
                State's need for integrated English and civics 
                education programs, as determined by calculating each 
                State's share of a 10-year average of the data compiled 
                by the Office of Immigration Statistics of the 
                Department of Homeland Security, for immigrants 
                admitted for lawful permanent residence for the 10 most 
                recent years; and
                    ``(B) 35 percent to States on the basis of whether 
                the State experienced growth, as measured by the 
                average of the 3 most recent years for which data 
                compiled by the Office of Immigration Statistics of the 
                Department of Homeland Security are available, for 
                immigrants admitted for lawful permanent residence.
            ``(2) Minimum.--No State shall receive an allocation under 
        paragraph (1) for a fiscal year in an amount that is less than 
        $60,000.''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of 
the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 is amended by inserting after the 
item relating to section 243 the following:

``Sec. 244. Integrated English literacy and civics education 
                            programs.''.

    TITLE III--21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGY AND SKILLS FOR ADULT LEARNERS

SEC. 301. PURPOSES.

    The purposes of this title are the following:
            (1) To expand access to adult education services and bring 
        about cost efficiencies through increased use of technology and 
        the development of a national web portal.
            (2) To provide professional development for providers of 
        adult education, literacy, and workplace skills services so 
        that the providers are able to--
                    (A) effectively use technology in the delivery of 
                adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
                services; and
                    (B) improve the quality of instruction and 
                accelerate the--
                            (i) achievement of basic educational 
                        skills, English language literacy, and 
                        secondary school equivalency or postsecondary 
                        education for adult learners; and
                            (ii) training readiness for adult learners.
            (3) To assist States in developing a 21st century delivery 
        system for adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
        services.
            (4) To assist adults in developing digital literacy skills.

SEC. 302. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
            (1) Adult education and family literacy act terms.--The 
        terms ``adult education'', ``eligible agency'', ``eligible 
        provider'', ``literacy'', ``Secretary'', ``State'', and 
        ``workplace skills'' have the meanings given the terms in 
        section 203 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 
        U.S.C. 9202).
            (2) Center.--The term ``Center'' means the National Center 
        for Adult Education, Literacy, and Workplace Skills established 
        under section 242 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy 
        Act (20 U.S.C. 9252).
            (3) Distance education.--The term ``distance education'' 
        has the meaning given the term in section 103 of the Higher 
        Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003).
            (4) Digital literacy skills.--The term ``digital literacy 
        skills'' has the meaning given the term in section 202 of the 
        Museum and Library Services Act (20 U.S.C. 9101).

SEC. 303. RESERVATION OF FUNDS AND ALLOTMENTS.

    (a) Reservation of Funds.--From the amounts appropriated under 
section 307 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve 3 percent or 
$7,500,000, whichever amount is less, to carry out section 306.
    (b) Allotment of Remainder.--From the sums remaining for a fiscal 
year after making the reservation under subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall allot--
            (1) 75 percent to carry out section 305;
            (2) 20 percent to carry out section 304; and
            (3) 5 percent for administrative costs in carrying out 
        section 304.
    (c) Allotments to Eligible Agencies.--
            (1) In general.--From the amounts available to carry out 
        section 304 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allot to 
        each eligible agency with an approved application an amount 
        that bears the same relationship to such sums as the amount 
        received under section 211(c)(2) of the Adult Education and 
        Family Literacy Act (20 U.S.C. 9211(c)(2)) by such eligible 
        agency bears to the amount received under such section for such 
        fiscal year by all eligible agencies.
            (2) Minimum allotment; ratable reduction.--No eligible 
        agency shall receive an allotment under paragraph (1) for a 
        fiscal year in an amount that is less than $100,000. If the 
        amount appropriated to carry out section 304 for a fiscal year 
        is not sufficient to pay such minimum allotment to all States, 
        the amount of such minimum allotments shall be ratably reduced.

SEC. 304. GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE AGENCIES.

    (a) Authorization of Grants.--The Secretary shall award grants to 
eligible agencies from allotments under section 303(b) to enable the 
eligible agencies to carry out subsection (c) and award subgrants or 
contracts under section 305.
    (b) Application.--
            (1) In general.--Each eligible agency that desires to 
        receive a grant under this title shall submit an application to 
        the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by 
        such information as the Secretary may require.
            (2) Contents.--An application submitted under paragraph (1) 
        shall contain the following:
                    (A) A description of the eligible agency's 
                technology plan for the adult education system, 
                including measurable goals to be achieved.
                    (B) A description of how the eligible agency will 
                provide technical assistance and support to local 
                programs.
                    (C) A description of how the eligible agency will 
                use technology to expand adult education, literacy, and 
                workplace skills services to more adults, including 
                adults in rural areas.
                    (D) A description of the long-term goals and 
                strategies for improved outcomes for adult learners.
                    (E) A description of the professional development 
                activities to be undertaken in accordance with 
                subsection (c)(2).
                    (F) A description of the performance benchmarks to 
                be used to evaluate the activities supported under the 
                grant, and how data will be collected.
                    (G) A description of how the eligible agency will 
                ensure that grants or contracts to eligible providers 
                are of sufficient size and scope to achieve the 
                purposes of this title.
    (c) Activities.--An eligible agency that receives a grant under 
this title shall carry out the following:
            (1) Implementing a statewide technology plan for the adult 
        education system, including--
                    (A) providing professional development for adult 
                education, literacy, and workplace skills service 
                providers;
                    (B) providing access to curricula, instruction, and 
                assessment for adult learners and eligible providers;
                    (C) supporting the development of curricula and 
                assessment tools for adult education, literacy, and 
                workplace skills service providers; and
                    (D) providing guidance and technical assistance to 
                eligible providers.
            (2) Supporting innovative pilot projects such as the use of 
        assistive technology to deliver content to adult learners.

SEC. 305. SUBGRANTS AND CONTRACTS TO ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS.

    (a) Authorization of Subgrants and Contracts.--An eligible agency 
that receives a grant under this title shall award subgrants or 
contracts to eligible providers to carry out activities described in 
this section.
    (b) Eligible Provider Application.--An eligible provider that 
desires to receive a subgrant or contract under this section shall 
submit an application to an eligible agency, which shall include--
            (1) a description of how the eligible provider will 
        integrate technology into the eligible provider's delivery of 
        adult education, literacy, and workplace skills services;
            (2) a description of professional development activities to 
        be undertaken; and
            (3) a description of plans to regularly replace computers 
        and servers that lack the functional capabilities to process 
        new online applications and services, including video 
        conferencing, video streaming, virtual simulations, and 
        distance education courses.
    (c) Eligible Provider Activities.--An eligible provider that 
receives a subgrant or contract under this section shall carry out one 
or more of the following:
            (1) Acquiring and effectively implementing technology 
        tools, applications, and other resources in conjunction with 
        enhancing or redesigning adult education, literacy, and 
        workplace skills curricula to increase adult learning outcomes 
        and improve adult digital literacy skills.
            (2) Acquiring and effectively implementing technology 
        tools, applications, and other resources to--
                    (A) conduct on going assessments and use other 
                timely data systems to more effectively identify 
                individual learning needs and guide personalized 
                instruction, learning, and appropriate interventions 
                that address those personalized student learning needs; 
                and
                    (B) support individualized learning, including 
                through instructional software and digital content that 
                support the learning needs of each student or through 
                providing access to high-quality courses and 
                instructors, especially in rural areas.
            (3) Providing professional development activities for 
        providers of adult education, literacy, and workplace skills 
        services that include--
                    (A) training that is on-going, sustainable, timely, 
                and directly related to delivering adult education, 
                literacy, and workplace skills services;
                    (B) training in strategies and pedagogy in the 
                delivery of adult education, literacy, and workplace 
                skills services that involves the use of technology and 
                curriculum redesign as key components of changing 
                teaching and learning and improving outcomes for adult 
                learners;
                    (C) training in the use of technology to ensure 
                that providers of adult education, literacy, and 
                workplace skills services are able to use technology 
                for data analysis to enable individualized instruction 
                and to use technology to improve digital literacy 
                skills for adult learners; and
                    (D) training that includes on-going communication 
                and follow-up with instructors, facilitators, and 
                peers.
            (4) Acquisition and implementation of technology tools, 
        applications, and other resources to be employed in 
        professional development activities.

SEC. 306. NATIONAL ADULT LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY CLEARINGHOUSE.

    (a) In General.--The Center shall establish and maintain the 
National Adult Learning and Technology Resource Clearinghouse (referred 
to in this section as the ``Clearinghouse'').
    (b) Duties of the Clearinghouse.--The Clearinghouse shall--
            (1) develop and disseminate frameworks for technology-based 
        learning and professional development materials for adult 
        education, literacy, and workplace skills;
            (2) develop and disseminate frameworks for performance 
        measures for digital literacy skills;
            (3) provide technical assistance to eligible entities and 
        eligible providers of adult education, literacy, and workplace 
        skills;
            (4) support distance education for professional development 
        for eligible entities and eligible providers of adult 
        education, literacy, and workplace skills services;
            (5) support the innovative uses of technology, such as the 
        use of assistive technology, to deliver content to adult 
        learners; and
            (6) be accessible to the public through the website of the 
        Center.

SEC. 307. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title, 
$250,000,000 for fiscal year 2015 and such sums as may be necessary for 
each succeeding fiscal year.

                 TITLE IV--RESEARCH IN ADULT EDUCATION

SEC. 401. RESEARCH IN ADULT EDUCATION.

    (a) In General.--Subparagraph (A) of section 133(c)(2) of the 
Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9533(c)(2)(A)) is 
amended to read as follows:
                    ``(A) Adult education, literacy, and workplace 
                skills.''.
    (b) National Research and Development Center.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of Education shall direct 
        the Commissioner for Education Research of the National Center 
        for Education Research established pursuant to section 131 of 
        the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9531) to 
        establish a national research and development center for adult 
        education, literacy, and workplace skills as described in 
        section 133(c)(2)(A) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 9533(c)(2)(A)).
            (2) Provision for expansion of research.--If, as of the 
        date of the enactment of this Act, the Commissioner for 
        Education Research of the National Center for Education 
        Research has established a center for adult literacy in 
        accordance with section 133(c)(2)(A) of the Education Sciences 
        Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9533(c)(2)(A)), the Commissioner 
        shall expand the topic of research of such center to include 
        adult education and workplace skills, in accordance with the 
        amendment made by subsection (a).

                      TITLE V--EMPLOYER INCENTIVES

SEC. 501. CREDIT FOR EMPLOYER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

    (a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end 
the following new section:

``SEC. 45S. CREDIT FOR EMPLOYER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

    ``(a) General Rule.--For purposes of section 38, in the case of an 
employer, the employer educational assistance program credit determined 
under this section for the taxable year is an amount equal to 50 
percent of the qualified educational assistance expenses paid or 
incurred by the taxpayer to or on behalf of any employee of the 
taxpayer during the taxable year.
    ``(b) Limitations.--
            ``(1) Per employee limitation.--The amount of the qualified 
        educational assistance expenses taken into account under 
        subsection (a) with respect to any employee for the taxable 
        year shall not exceed $5,250.
            ``(2) Total limitation.--The aggregate amount of the 
        qualified educational assistance expenses taken into account 
        under subsection (a) with respect to all employees of the 
        taxpayer for the taxable year shall not exceed the average of 
        the aggregate qualified educational assistance expenses with 
        respect to all employees of the taxpayer taken into account 
        under subsection (a) in the 3 taxable years preceding such 
        taxable year.
            ``(3) Transition rule.--
                    ``(A) In general.--In the case of a taxable year in 
                which qualified educational assistance expenses of the 
                taxpayer have not been taken into account under 
                subsection (a) for each of the 3 taxable years 
                preceding such taxable year, the aggregate amount of 
                the qualified educational assistance expenses taken 
                into account under subsection (a) with respect to all 
                employees of the taxpayer for such taxable year shall 
                not exceed the average of the sum of--
                            ``(i) the aggregate qualified educational 
                        assistance expenses with respect to all 
                        employees of the taxpayer taken into account 
                        under subsection (a) in any of the 3 taxable 
                        years preceding such taxable year, plus
                            ``(ii) the aggregate amount of amounts paid 
                        or expenses incurred by the employer, for which 
                        an exclusion was allowable to any employee of 
                        the employer under section 127, in any of such 
                        3 taxable years in which no expenses were taken 
                        into account under subsection (a), plus
                            ``(iii) in the case of a taxable year in 
                        which expenses have not been taken into account 
                        under subsection (a) or section 127 for each of 
                        the 3 taxable years preceding such taxable 
                        year, an amount equal to--
                                    ``(I) $5,250, multiplied by
                                    ``(II) the number of employees of 
                                the taxpayer with respect to which the 
                                taxpayer has qualified educational 
                                assistance expenses in such taxable 
                                year.
    ``(c) Qualified Educational Assistance Expenses.--For purposes of 
this section--
            ``(1) In general.--The term `qualified educational 
        assistance expenses' means expenses paid for educational 
        assistance pursuant to an educational assistance program 
        (within the meaning of section 127(b)).
            ``(2) Educational assistance.--The term `educational 
        assistance' has the meaning given such term by section 
        127(c)(1), applied without regard to subparagraph (B) thereof, 
        except that such term includes a payment only if such payment 
        is made with respect to an employee enrolled in a program 
        provided at the workplace or outside of the workplace--
                    ``(A) leading to a sub-baccalaureate degree or 
                career technical certificate awarded by an accredited 
                postsecondary institution; or
                    ``(B) in basic education or English language 
                training leading to a nationally recognized certificate 
                of proficiency, or in workplace skills leading to an 
                industry-recognized credential described in section 
                101(56) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 that is 
                nationally recognized.
    ``(d) Other Definitions and Special Rules.--Rules similar to the 
rules of paragraphs (2) through (5) of section 127(c) shall apply for 
purposes of this section.
    ``(e) Denial of Double Benefit.--No deduction or other credit shall 
be allowed under this chapter to an employer for any amount taken into 
account in determining the credit under this section.''.
    (b) Credit Included in General Business Credit.--Section 38(b) of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``plus'' at 
the end of paragraph (35), by striking the period at the end of 
paragraph (36) and inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at the end the 
following new paragraph:
            ``(37) the employer educational assistance program credit 
        determined under section 45S(a).''.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of 
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

``Sec. 45S. Credit for employer educational assistance programs.''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply to expenses relating to courses of instruction beginning after 
December 31, 2013.
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