Current Guidance to Providers and Next Steps

Current Guidance to Mandated Partners

SED administers three programs that are mandated partners in the Workforce Investment Act: Adult Education and Family Literacy, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Perkins Vocational and Technical Education. Moving from a compliance to a strategic planning process means that a wider range of partners and programs need to be connected in each of the 33 areas, with specifics locally determined. Attached is a status report for each of the three mandated programs. However, the importance of the local process is reflected in the establishment of a cross-SED workgroup on MOU development and local connections. This workgroup meets this Friday. The long-term agenda is develop comprehensive networks of providers and service that meet the needs of workforce investment and educational reform, including closing the performance gap in high needs schools. The principles in the WDS Report will guide development. The workgroup is designed to coordinate within SED guidance and technical assistance to local providers and look comprehensively at representation and participation in local boards. For purposes of VESID and Adult Education and Family Literacy, the workgroup will coordinate development of 33 local MOUs for each of the two programs. Strategies for developing strong and appropriate connections to Perkins postsecondary education programs will be an important focus. The Workgroup will build on the existing foundation that each mandated program has established, as described in the attachments.