Job Training and Adult Education bill

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Title I: Vocational, Technological, and Tech-Prep Education

Subtitle A: Vocational Education

Subtitle B: Tech-Prep Education

Subtitle C: General Provisions

Subtitle D: Authorization of Appropriations

Subtitle E: Repeal

Title II: Adult Education and Literacy

Subtitle A: Adult Education and Literacy Programs

Subtitle B: Repeal

Title III: Workforce Investment and Related Activities

Subtitle A: Workforce Investment Activities

Subtitle B: Job Corps

Subtitle C: National Programs

Subtitle D: Administration

Subtitle E: Repeals and Conforming Amendments

Title IV: Workforce Investment-Related Activities

Subtitle A: Wagner-Peyser Act

Subtitle B: Linkages with Other Programs

Subtitle C: Twenty-First Century Workforce Commission

Title V: General Provisions

Workforce Investment Partnership Act of 1997 - Establishes a coordinated system of Federal aid programs for vocational education, adult education, and job training at State and local levels.

Title I: Vocational, Technological, and Tech-Prep Education - Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1997 - Replaces the current Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act (Perkins Act).

Subtitle A: Vocational Education - Chapter 1: Federal Provisions - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary under this title) to reserve certain amounts of vocational education funds for: (1) assistance for the outlying areas; (2) Indian and Hawaiian Native programs; (3) grants to tribally controlled postsecondary vocational institutions; (4) incentive grants to States; (5) national activities; (6) national assessment of vocational education programs; and (7) national research centers. Sets forth State allotment formulas for the remainder of vocational education funds.

(Sec. 112) Directs the Secretary to establish and publish performance measures to assess the progress of each eligible agency in achieving certain goals for students with respect to academic, job readiness, and vocational skills, postsecondary degrees or certificates, secondary and postsecondary education, employment, military service, and nontraditional vocational education programs. Requires each eligible agency, in developing a State plan, to negotiate with the Secretary the expected levels of performance for such measures.

(Sec. 113) Sets forth requirements for use of reserved funds for assistance for the outlying areas, Indian and Hawaiian Native programs, grants to tribally controlled postsecondary vocational institutions, and incentive grants to States.

Chapter 2: State Provisions - Makes each eligible agency responsible for State administration of programs under this title.

(Sec. 122) Requires State reservation of certain portions of vocational education funds for: (1) State leadership activities; (2) technical assistance for gender equity; (3) State planning, review of local applications, program evaluation, and compliance; and (4) criminal offenders programs. Requires the remainder to be distributed to local secondary school and postsecondary vocational education programs. Allows the eligible agency to determine the portion of funds that will be available for secondary school and postsecondary programs. Sets forth a State matching requirement with respect to a specified portion of funds under this subtitle.

(Sec. 123) Sets forth mandatory and permissible State leadership activities.

(Sec. 124) Requires coordination of the three-year State plan under this title with the period for the State plan under title III of this Act. Sets forth requirements for State plan development, contents, approval, and reports.

Chapter 3: Local Provisions - Sets forth formulas for State distribution of funds for: (1) secondary school vocational education; and (2) postsecondary vocational education. Allows alternative allocation formulas for postsecondary programs if the eligible agency demonstrate that certain conditions are met.

(Sec. 133) Sets forth mandatory and permissible local activities.

(Sec. 134) Sets forth minimum requirements for local applications.

Subtitle B: Tech-Prep Education - Tech-Prep Education Act - Revises provisions for tech-prep programs (which are currently under the Perkins Act replaced by this title).

(Sec. 154) Retains the mandate for the Secretary's discretionary grants to specified local consortia for such programs when program funding is below a specified minimum. Prescribes the formula for allotments to States for State competitive and formula grants to such programs.

(Sec. 155) Revises requirements for the content of tech-prep education programs and for additional authorized activities.

(Sec. 156) Requires the eligible State agency (currently a State board) to approve applications for State grants by eligible entities.

(Sec. 157) Authorizes appropriations.

Subtitle C: General Provisions - Provides for program and funds administration, evaluation, improvement, and accountability for programs under this title.

(Sec. 163) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out research, development, dissemination, evaluation, capacity-building, and technical assistance activities under this title.

(Sec. 164) Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a national assessment of vocational education programs assisted under this title, through studies and analyses conducted independently through competitive awards; (2) appoint an independent advisory panel on the implementation of such assessment; and (3) report to the Congress.

(Sec. 165) Authorizes the Secretary to establish one or more national centers in the areas of: (1) applied research and development; and (2) dissemination and training. (Revises and replaces provisions for such centers which are in the current Perkins Act.)

(Sec. 166) Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain a data system to collect information about, and report on, the condition of vocational education and on the effectiveness of State and local programs, services, and activities carried out under this title; and (2) annually report to Congress on the analysis of performance data collected each year.

Subtitle D: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations.

Subtitle E: Repeal - Repeals the Perkins Act.

Title II: Adult Education and Literacy - Adult Education and Literacy Act - Replaces the Adult Education Act (AEA), the National Literacy Act of 1991, and other adult education and literacy programs.

Subtitle A: Adult Education and Literacy Programs - Chapter 1: Federal Provisions - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary under this title) to reserve certain portions of adult education and literacy funds for: (1) national leadership activities; (2) incentive grants; (3) the National Institute for Literacy; and (4) grants to States.

(Sec. 212) Directs the Secretary to establish and publish performance measures to assess the progress of each eligible agency in enhancing and developing more fully the literacy skills of the adult population in the State or outlying area, including certain measures. Requires each eligible agency, in developing a State plan, to negotiate with the Secretary the expected levels of performance for such measures.

(Sec. 213) Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program of national leadership activities for adult education.

Chapter 2: State Provisions - Makes each eligible agency responsible for State administration of programs under this title.

(Sec. 222) Specifies percentages for distribution of State grant funds to eligible providers (including programs for corrections education and other institutionalized individuals), State leadership activities, and administrative expenses of the eligible State agency.

Sets forth a State share requirement equal to 25 percent of the total amount expended for adult education in the State. Authorizes the Secretary to decrease such amount for an eligible agency serving an outlying area.

(Sec. 223) Requires the eligible agency to use reserved funds for one or more of specified State leadership activities in adult education and literacy.

(Sec. 224) Requires three-year State plans from eligible agencies as a condition for grants. Allows the eligible agency to submit such State plan as part of a comprehensive plan or application for Federal education assistance. Sets forth requirements for State plan contents and approval procedures.

(Sec. 225) Sets forth provisions for adult education and literacy programs for corrections education and other institutionalized individuals.

Chapter 3: Local Provisions - Directs each eligible agency to use State grant funds to award multiyear grants or contracts to eligible providers to adult education and literacy activities.

(Sec. 232) Sets forth local application requirements and local administrative cost limits.

Chapter 4: General Provisions - Provides for program and funding administration, priorities and preferences, incentive grants for States, and evaluation, improvement, and accountability for programs under this title.

(Sec. 245) Revises requirements for the National Institute for Literacy (which are currently under AEA, which this title replaces). Renames the Institute's Board as its Advisory Board.

(Sec. 246) Authorizes appropriations.

Subtitle B: Repeal - Repeals the AEA, the National Literacy Act of 1991, and certain adult education and literacy program provisions under the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980.

Title III: Workforce Investment and Related Activities - Replaces the Job Training Partnership Act and certain other Federal job training law.

Subtitle A: Workforce Investment Activities - Chapter 1: Allotments to States for Adult Employment and Training Activities, Dislocated Worker Employment and Training Activities, and Youth Activities - Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary under this title) to make allotments to States with approved State plans, and grants to outlying areas, to assist local areas in providing, through a statewide workforce investment system: (1) adult employment and training activities; (2) dislocated worker employment and training activities; and (3) youth activities, including summer employment opportunities, tutoring, activities to promote study skills, alternative secondary school services, employment skill training, adult mentoring, and supportive services.

(Sec. 302) Sets forth formulas for determining amounts of such State allotments and grants to outlying areas for such activities.

(Sec. 303) Directs State Governors to establish and appoint the members of a statewide partnership to assist in the development of the State plan.

(Sec. 304) Sets forth requirements for State plans.

Chapter 2: Allocations to Local Workforce Investment Areas - Sets forth formulas for within-State allocations to local workforce investment areas.

(Sec. 307) Directs State Governors to designate local workforce investment areas in accordance with State plan requirements. Provides for automatic designations in the case of large local governments, counties, and other local political subdivisions. Allows any small State eligible for minimum allotments to be designated as single State local area.

(Sec. 308) Requires that local workforce investment partnerships and youth partnerships be established in each local area of a State.

(Sec. 309) Sets forth requirements for local plans.

Chapter 3: Workforce Investment Activities and Providers - Authorizes the chief elected official and the local partnership to: (1) develop and implement operating agreements to appoint one-stop partners; (2) designate or certify one-stop customer service center operators; and (3) conduct oversight with respect to the one-stop customer service system in the local area.

(Sec. 312) Requires certain State and local procedures for determination and identification of eligible providers of training services by program.

(Sec. 313) Authorizes youth partnerships to identify eligible providers of youth activities.

(Sec. 314) Sets forth both required and allowable statewide workforce investment activities, including mandatory statewide rapid response activities.

(Sec. 315) Sets forth both required and permissible local employment and training activities. Requires establishment of a one- stop customer service system at the State level and one-stop customer service centers in each local area. Requires such centers to provide specified core services and required training services to participants. Gives priority to disadvantaged adults for receipt of limited local adult employment and training activities. Sets forth customer choice requirements. Authorizes local areas to use certain funds for additional permissible local activities, including intensive and customized services and supportive services for certain participants, and needs-related payments for dislocated workers.

(Sec. 316) Sets forth certain required elements in the provision of local youth activities. Requires that at least 50 percent of funds for such youth activities be devoted to out-of-school youth.

Chapter 4: General Provisions - Sets forth accountability requirements for: (1) State and local performance measures; (2) reports and information dissemination; (3) State program evaluation; and (4) fiscal and management accountability information systems.

(Sec. 321) Authorizes the Secretary to make incentive grants to States that exceed State performance measures.

(Sec. 322) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) adult employment and training activities; (2) dislocated worker employment and training activities; and (3) youth activities.

Subtitle B: Job Corps - Revises provisions for the Job Corps. (Currently such provisions are under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), which this title repeals and replaces.)

(Sec. 335) Provides for Job Corps: (1) recruitment standards; (2) graduate readjustment allowances through local one-stop customer service centers; (3) industry councils; (4) management information.

(Sec. 334) Revises Job Corps requirements for: (1) individual eligibility; (2) screening, selection, assignment, and enrollment; (3) Job Corps Centers; (4) program activities and continued services; (5) counseling and job placement; (6) support; (7) operating plan; (8) standards of conduct; (9) community participation; (10) advisory committees; and (11) experimental, research, and demonstration projects.

(Sec. 351) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Job Corps.

Subtitle C: National Programs - Provides for workforce investment activities and supplemental services under programs for: (1) Native Americans and Native Hawaiians; (2) migrant and seasonal farmworkers; and (3) veterans. (Replaces similar programs which are currently under JTPA.)

(Sec. 364) Directs the Secretary to make youth opportunity grants to eligible local partnerships to provide specified activities to increase the long-term employment of eligible youth who live in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, and high poverty areas.

(Sec. 365) Authorizes the Secretary to make incentive grants to States that exceed: (1) the State performance measures established by the Secretary of Education under this Act; and (2) the State performance measures established under this title.

(Sec. 366) Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide technical assistance to States to help with transitions, general performance improvement, and dislocated worker training improvement.

(Sec. 367) Directs the Secretary to publish a biennial plan for demonstration, pilot, multiservice, research, and multistate projects. Sets forth requirements for such projects under such plan, including competitive award procedures and peer review.

(Sec. 368) Directs the Secretary to provide for continuing evaluation of programs and activities under this title. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct evaluations of other federally funded employment related programs and activities.

(Sec. 369) Authorizes the Secretary to make national emergency grants for: (1) employment and training assistance to workers affected by major economic dislocations; (2) disaster relief employment; and (3) additional assistance for dislocated workers, under certain conditions.

(Sec. 370) Authorizes appropriations for specified programs and activities under this subtitle.

Subtitle D: Administration - Sets forth requirements for: (1) labor standards, prohibitions on worker displacement, and other requirements relating to use of funds; (2) prompt allocation of funds; (3) monitoring; (4) fiscal controls and sanctions; (5) reports, recordkeeping, and investigations; (6) administrative adjudication; (7) judicial review; (8) nondiscrimination; and (9) State legislative authority.

Subtitle E: Repeals and Conforming Amendments - Repeals: (1) the JTPA; and (2) the Displaced Homemakers Self-Sufficiency Assistance Act.

(Sec. 391) Repeals certain provisions relating to employment and training assistance under various Federal laws, including the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965.

Title IV: Workforce Investment-Related Activities - Subtitle A: Wagner-Peyser Act - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) assist in the coordination and development of a nationwide system of public labor exchange services, provided as part of the one-stop customer service systems of the States; (2) assist in the development of continuous improvement models for such nationwide system that ensure private sector satisfaction with the system and meet the demands of jobseekers relating to the system; and (3) ensure, for individuals otherwise eligible to receive unemployment compensation, the provision of reemployment services and other activities in which the individuals are required to participate to receive the compensation.

(Sec. 406) Provides for coordination of State plans under the Wagner-Peyser Act and this Act.

(Sec. 407) Repeals the mandate for a Federal Advisory Council on problems relating to employment.

(Sec. 409) Sets forth requirements for a system of labor market information. Authorizes appropriations for such system.

Subtitle B: Linkages with Other Programs - Provides for linkages between programs under this title and specified employment and training assistance programs under: (1) the Trade Act of 1974; (2) the National Apprenticeship Act; (3) veterans employment programs; and (4) the Older Americans Act of 1965.

Subtitle C: Twenty-First Century Workforce Commission - Twenty-First Century Workforce Commission Act - Establishes the Twenty-First Century Workforce Commission to study and report to the President and the Congress on all matters relating to the information technology workforce in the United States.

(Sec. 439) Authorizes appropriations.

Title V: General Provisions - Allows for State unified plans for two or more of specified one-stop customer service system programs, including programs under titles I, II, or III of this Act, as well as specified programs under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, the Trade Act of 1974, the Wagner-Peyser Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Older Americans Act of 1965, State unemployment compensation and Federal unemployment insurance, and certain work programs under the Social Security Act, as well as activities of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, and training activities of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.