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CCAE STRONGLY OPPOSES the Governor’s Weighted Student Formula
We Need your Immediate Assistance!  Please Submit your Letter of Opposition Today!

• Sample Opposition Letter

As you may know, the Governor’s proposed Weighted Student Formula (WSF) would consolidate most categorical programs and would no longer provide funding for adult education as it would all be consolidated and provided to districts on a weighted basis for K-12 students only.  This ultimately leaves adults in need of basic skills, GEDs, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, short-term career technical training, and more without any options.  The populations most affected by this will be underserved and disadvantaged adults who are in desperate need of these services. 

With the Governor set to release his May Revise Monday, May 14th and the Legislature gearing up to make decisions related to the future of adult education as it relates to the WF budget proposal, the next few weeks will be critical to sustaining adult education in California.  It is essential that our voices be heard in Sacramento.

Get Involved! Contact Your Legislator Today!
Identify Your Legislators (Senate & Assembly) 

See: http://192.234.213.69/amapsearch/
***Important to note that in order to find “your” legislators (Senate & Assembly), you must enter your HOME address. (This information will not be collected or retained; it is just purely to correctly identify who your representatives are based on your voting address.)

Opposition Letters—Send Immediately! 

Please mail, email and fax letters to your Assembly and Senate Representatives urging them to oppose the Governor’s Weighted Student Formula and to protect adult education. In addition to sending letters, please place calls and schedule meetings (member or staff) to discuss the importance of protecting adult education and our opposition to the Governor’s proposed budget plan. Please ask your staff, family, friends, students and more to also send letters and place calls.

CAEAA and CCAE have prepared a sample letter for ease of use.

• Sample Opposition Letter

We encourage you to personalize the letter with your district-specific impacts and perspectives.

Be sure to copy membership@ccaestate.org or fax a copy to 866-941-5129 so we may present hard copies while lobbying the issue. 

We greatly appreciate your help generating as many letters, calls and meetings as possible. In order to prevent the passage of this harmful proposal that will ensure the elimination of adult education in California, it is critical that you take action and fast! Thank you for your time and assistance on this important matter.

Be sure to let as many people as possible know about the option to join the fight to keep funding in adult education.

Additionally, the following members are members of the various ethnic caucuses who have long been champions for adult education and those that rely on our programs and services. For those of you within the following members’ districts, CCAE encourage you to double your efforts.

Strength in Numbers!

The Value of Adult Education in Rebuilding California—The Economy, Public Safety, Families, and Our Communities

With the intense focus on deficit reduction in California as a result of year-over-year budget shortfalls, the very real economic benefits derived from the state's public investment in adult education and workforce development programs have been overlooked and decimated. Numerous studies have shown that even in difficult economic times a preemptive focus on adult education actually saves governments money be reducing societal healthcare, public assistance, and incarceration costs. Adult education also improves and expands the nation's available pol of human capital by increasingly high-tech and global job market. Adult education and career technical training are potentially the most cost-effective tools the state has to recover its economic health.

In 2012, the Alliance of Excellent Education (AEE) released a report that analyzed the effect of educational achievement on the local economies of the 45 largest metropolitan areas in the United States. In this report, AEE found that if only half of the dropouts from the Class of 2008 in these metropolitan areas had managed to graduate, they would have contributed the following additional combined economic benefit to their communities during an average year:

• $4.1 billion in additional earnings, compared to their likely earnings without a diploma;
• An additional $2.8 billion in spending and $1.1 billion in investments;
• They would have purchased homes worth $10.5 billion more mid-career than they would have been able to buy as dropouts, and spend an additional $340 million on vehicle purchases each year;
• Their additional spending and investments would have likely generated 30,000 new jobs;
• State and local tax revenues in each of the areas would have increased as a result of this increased economic activity—an additional $536 million in an average year.

Adult education is an investment that can help recapture some, if not all, of these potential losses. Further, adult education is an investment in the future of our state, as research shows that better educated parents raise better educated, more successful children, who are less likely to end up in poverty or prison.

Contact:
Dawn Koepke
McHugh, Koepke & Associates
(916) 930-1993
dkoepke@mchughgr.com

Fate of LAUSD Adult Education on Hold after School Board Defers Budget Vote

February 27, 2012—The Argonaut
By Gary Walker

David Hudak says he would not be able to afford the course that he is taking at the Venice Skills Center at another school. (Argonaut photo by T.W. Brown)

An amendment by school board member Steve Zimmer to push back an impending vote by the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education on its 2012–13 budget plan has temporarily placed on hold the possible elimination of adult education.

LAUSD officials notified educators and the school district’s Division of Adult and Career Education last month that schools like the Venice Skills Center could have their funds taken away due to the district’s massive budget shortfall. “Having made systematic and significant cuts in programs and personnel over that period, and with no additional revenues forthcoming, I, and the Los Angeles Board of Education, are left with no choice but to seriously consider massive reductions in critical areas, including arts programs for elementary school students, adult education, and early childhood education,” LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy said in a statement. “We must do all that we can to preserve (kindergarten) through 12 class size at acceptable levels for next year.”

The plan that was offered at the Feb. 14 meeting included the termination of funding for adult education, early childhood education and arts education at the elementary school level in order to reduce the deficit. Hundreds of supporters of the arts and continuing education programs rallied outside the district headquarters and spoke before the school board, imploring them to consider the fallout from effectively closing down adult education classes.

After listening to the public, Zimmer—who represents schools in Mar Vista, Venice, Del Rey and Westchester - proposed his amendment to move the date of adopting the budget to March 13.

CCAE & CAEAA Legislative Update

February 13, 2012

For the complete legislative update, download the CCAE & CAEAA Legislative Update (PDF).

Upcoming important dates:

February 24    Bill Introduction Deadline
March 4–5      CCAE Leg Day (Sacramento)
April 27           Policy Committee Deadline (fiscal)
May 11            Policy Committee Deadline (non-fiscal)
May 25            Fiscal Committee Floor Deadline
June 1            House of Origin Deadline

Superintendent Torlakson Provides Strong Support for Adult Education

In a strong showing of support for adult education programs throughout the state, Superintendent Tom Torlakson recently distributed a letter to county and district superintendents and charter school administrators urging them to take a closer look at the value of adult education before considering sweeping adult education funds.  The strong support from the Superintendent and California Department of Education for adult education provides a sense of hope in these challenging fiscal times.

To review the letter, please see http://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/el/le/yr12ltr0210c.asp.

The Honorable Tom Torlakson 
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
1430 N Street, Suite 5602
Sacramento, CA 95814-5901
superintendent@cde.ca.gov

Join the Fight for Adult Education at Leg Day

On March 5th, representatives from the adult education community statewide will descend upon the Capitol in Sacramento to fight for maintaining adult education in California.  While categorical flexibility has been disastrous for adult education, nothing could be more concerning to the community than the Governor’s categorical consolidation budget proposal moving forward without setting adult education apart.  In this regard, we are in the fight of our lives.  All adult education stakeholders across the state are urged to attend and help in the fight to protect adult education.

During legislative visits participants will be speaking with members and staff regarding the field’s opposition to the Governor’s budget proposal and support for CAEAA and CCAE’s jointly sponsored bill being authored by adult education champion, Assemblyman Mike Eng.

Please be sure to join us for this important day and ensure your voice and support for adult education is heard!

For more information, please visit the calendar page.

LAO Releases Education Budget Analysis

The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) recently released its analysis of the education proposals included in Governor Jerry Brown’s FY 2012–2013 budget plan.  For the most part, the report argued in support of the Governor’s education proposals and recommended the Legislature act in accordance with the plan’s overall policy goals.  The LAO, however, took issue and expressed concerns over the almost $5 billion in temporary tax funding assumptions the Governor included in FY 2012–2013 budget calculations.  Recall, the Governor’s proposed initiative would temporarily increase income taxes on the wealthy and raise the sales tax by half a cent. Since the Governor’s tax increase has yet to even qualify for the November 2012 ballot, the LAO recommends the Legislature re-evaluate the Governor’s back-up budget plan, which outlines heavy cuts to school Proposition 98 funding, in the event the measure fails to qualify or is rejected by voters.  The report suggests lawmakers should consider implementing immediate spending cuts that could later be back-filled should the temporary taxes win voter approval.     

For more information, please see http://www.lao.ca.gov/analysis/2012/education/proposition-98-020612.pdf.

PPIC Poll Finds Mixed Review for Brown's Tax Plan

According to the latest Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) report, a majority of California voters (56%) support Governor Brown's tax measure to resolve the state deficit.  That said, the same voters have mixed feelings about the array of proposals that will be before them—notably the tax measures.  As you well know, the Governor is in the midst of a full court press to persuade voters to pass his tax proposal in November.  When voters are provided the details of the plan and the fact that the tax increases would spare education from further cuts, over 60% of likely voters expressed support for the plan.  However, when asked specifically about an increase in personal income taxes, over 60% indicated they were opposed.  The only tax idea that won support in the poll was raising income taxes on the rich, garnering 68% support. 

For more information, please see http://www.ppic.org/content/pubs/survey/S_112MBS.pdf.

Adult Education on LAUSD Chopping Block

February 11, 2012—Daily News Los Angeles
By Barbara Jones

Call it a school for second chances.

High-school dropouts can go there to earn a GED or diploma. Veterans, laid-off workers and young adults with vocational aspirations can learn a trade. Immigrant parents can acquire basic English and math skills so they can help their kids with homework.

At nearly three dozen adult education and occupational centers operated by the Los Angeles Unified School District, nearly 300,000 students are enrolled in low-cost programs designed to help them better their lives.

Their fate now lies in the hands of the school board, which is set to vote Tuesday on a budget that would cut the program and divert most of the $200 million in state money earmarked for adult education to ease the district's $557 million deficit.

Their fate now lies in the hands of the school board, which is set to vote Tuesday on a budget that would cut the program and divert most of the $200 million in state money earmarked for adult education to ease the district's $557 million deficit.

While LAUSD leaders say they desperately need the money to fund core programs at K-12 campuses, adult education advocates say the program is essential to building an academic support system for LAUSD parents and training a skilled workforce for Southern California.

"Los Angeles Unified is the perfect storm," said Chris Nelson, president of the 3,000-member California Council for Adult Education. "Ending all services for 300,000 students will have a huge impact -- not only on the students, but on the community."

There is no easy solution to the quandary facing the school district, which is wrestling with how to balance the $6 billion budget for 2012–13.

• Californians Together: Championing the Success of English Learners (PDF)
• Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (PDF)

Legislative Update from CCAE State President, Chris Nelson

January 25, 2012

Hello Everyone,

I want to give you an update about legislation.  The Governor has proposed his budget and there are many questions about how adult education will survive in his proposal.  Our wonderful Legislative Advocate, Dawn Koepke indicates that at this point, it makes sense not to  speak on behalf of CCAE but of your own interest.  According to Dawn, CCAE’s statewide advocacy on this issue is being handled in a much more methodical and conscientious manner until we have clarity and, hopefully, an alternative to offer.   If you are attending the CAEAA conference, she will be presenting there.  Also, she will be participating in our Leg Committee meeting on Friday and providing an in person report on Saturday at our full board meeting.

She also believes that it is okay for members to raise their concerns with Legislators, as individual adult educators and administrators, about Adult Education potentially being included in the Governor’s consolidation proposal; the potential for us to oppose such an approach; and noting the lack of clarity with the proposal and whether or not Adult Education is indeed included will help generate additional buzz as we move forward with our advocacy.  It will create a buzz about Adult Education that lets members know that their constituencies are watching this piece closely and will hopefully provide us some added momentum to resolve the issue to our favor.  

Also, we have put together a spot bill for adult education that Assemblymember Mike Eng will support.  We are looking forward next week to all of you meeting Dawn and helping her to create a more fully developed bill. 

Chris Nelson
CCAE State President
Administrator, Adult & Career Education
Oakland Unified School District
2607 Myrtle Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Office: (510) 273-2300 Fax: (510) 452-2077
christian.nelson@ousd.k12.ca.us

Does California Adult Education Disappear with Governer Brown's Weighted Student Pupil Funding Proposal?

January 24, 2012

The 2012–13 Budget proposal recently released by the Governor’s Office contains a recommendation to institute a weighted student funding proposal that further expands flexibility. To quote the Governor’s preface on the education section of the budget:

“The Budget dramatically increases flexibility and local control by consolidating the vast majority of categorical programs (excluding federally required programs such as special education) with revenue limit apportionments into a single stream of funding for schools on a permanent basis.”

The Proposal: This Budget proposal would codify permanently the categorical program flexibility provisions that are due to end in fiscal year 2014–15. The weighted student formula proposes to provide K-12 education funding equally to all districts, and add funding to address the needs of low income and English learner students. At this point Adult Education is in the formula and would lose its distinction. Districts would have discretion on funding categorical programs consolidated into the formula.

The Governor’s staff has announced that they will be examining the use of greater accountability to assure that student needs are being addressed. Legislative provisions on the weighted student formula may be available in early February.

Recent analyses indicate that the Governor’s proposal may not succeed this year because some districts will lose funding while others would gain. However, it is possible that the formula provisions could be enacted into law with a hold harmless provision, and be implemented when state revenues increase.

Timeline: State budgets annually are subject to a process that includes the following steps:

1. January 10th: Governor introduced the budget for next fiscal year (July to June)
2. February: Legislative Analyst Office comments on the budget
3. Feb., March, & April: Legislative committees review and act on the proposed budget. On February 16th, the Senate Budget Committee is scheduled to a hearing on the Education provisions of the budget.
4. May 15th: Governor and legislature make adjustments based on updated state revenues
5. June 15th: Deadline for the legislature to approve a balanced budget.
6. June 30th: Deadline for the Governor to approve a budget for the next fiscal year.

Web Information: State budget information at http:/www.dof.ca.gov/.  The weighted student formula is described pages 139–140 of the Budget Summary document.

Brown Administration's Budget Builds Upon Current Flexibility
January 15, 2012

Governor Brown released his FY 2012-13 budget last week that assumes a $92.5 billion General Fund spending plan ($137.33 billion total) with a $9.2 billion deficit to be addressed through $4.2 billion in cuts, $4.6 billion in tax and revenue raising proposals and $1.4 billion in fund shifts and restructuring.  Following the path of the 2011-12 budget package, the proposal calls for some additional restructuring and the downsizing of government agencies and programs.  New revenues in the form of legislative tax increases are not included in the proposal; however, the balance relies on additional revenues to be generated from the hopeful success of a November ballot initiative that would raise the projected $4.6 billion from temporary increase to higher income earners and a ½ cent sales tax increase.  Much like last year, the proposal calls for additional “trigger” cuts that would be enacted should the passage of the November revenue proposal be rejected.  The additional trigger cuts would total ~$5.4 billion and would largely be focused on K-14 education, higher education and park closures, among others.

Specific to education funding, the budget builds upon flexibility granted to schools in recent years and gives significant decision-making authority to local school districts. The Brown Administration believes California’s school finance system has become too complex, administratively costly and inequitable.  Furthermore, the Administration is concerned that many program allocations have been frozen and no longer reflect demographic and other changes. To remedy these concerns, the Administration is proposing to roll forward FY 11-12 funding levels to FY 12-13 for each program and district followed by a five-year phase-in period toward a singled weighted student formula block grant comprising both revenue limit and flexed categorical funding.  The formula will purportedly distribute these combined resources to schools based on weighted factors that account for the variability in costs of educating specific student populations, thereby ensuring that fund will continue to be targeted to schools with large populations of disadvantaged pupils (ESL, etc.).  More specifically, it would include a weighted student formula that would provide for per-student funding targets based on a per-student amount that incorporates a “concentration grant” philosophy, meaning that at-risk students pose a greater and costlier challenge when they are the majority of students in a school, rather than a minority. 

Ultimately under the proposal, all of the programs that would be replaced by the formula would be immediately flexible for use in supporting any locally determined educational purposes.  The proposal would also be paired with accountability measures that would be the basis for evaluating and rewarding school performance.  The measures would include quantitative, test-based accountability measures, along with locally developed assessments and qualitative measures of schools.

In instituting these changes, the Administration believes it will increase transparency and help to facilitate greater and more informed involvement of parents and community members in local school financial matters.

Obviously the proposal raises a number of questions and serious concerns for the adult education community.  The California Council of Adult Education (CCAE) and California Adult Education Administrators Association (CAEAA) are working vigorously to chart a path for adult education through the budget morass.

Stay tuned…

 
Dawn Koepke
Legislative Advocate
McHugh & Associates
1121 L Street, Suite 103
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 930-1993
(916) 930-0580 Fax

Trigger Cuts to be Enacted, Affect Education
December 14, 2011
 
Over the last month, three key state fiscal entities have released financial outlook reports detailing the state’s current revenue situation and providing projections for the upcoming budget year.  Democratic Controller John Chiang’s report found state revenues to be $1.5 billion behind the FY 2011–2012 budget revenue projections.  It also found the state has overspent during the fiscal year by $1.7 billion and came in $810.5 million short of expectations for October.  In the report, the Controller credits the revenue shortfall to lower than expected personal income and corporate tax receipts.  The Legislative Analyst’s (LAO) financial outlook found the state to be facing a budget deficit of $13 billion in the next fiscal year (FY 2012–2013).   The LAO’s report argues the state will not receive the expected $4 billion in additional revenues as included in the current budget plan—the revenues necessary to avoid trigger cuts. 
 
The Department of Finance released an analysis recently also identifying a sizeable revenue gap for the FY 2011–12 budget package, pegging it at $2.2 billion with revenues in October alone falling $608 million below expectations.  Following up on the analysis, the Department and Governor Brown officially released their outlook for the coming year and announced the need to enact the ‘trigger’ cuts outlined in the June budget agreement.  As you may recall, the budget plan outlined a tiered system of additional budget cuts to education and social services should state tax revenues fail to meet projections.  The tiered cuts included:
 
• Tier 0: State short up to $1 billion of projection: No additional cuts; push any remaining budget imbalance to the FY 2012–13
• Tier 1: State short $1–2 billion of projection: $600 million worth of cuts to the UC/CSU system, corrections, social services and increase of community college fees by $10 a unit
• Tier 2: State short $2–4 billion of projection: $1.9 billion in cuts to K-12 education ($1.5 billion) and school transportation programs in addition to Tier 1 cuts
 
Despite the revenue gaps, legislative and agency officials had been optimistic and holding out hope that a surge of revenues would help avoid triggering the additional cuts.  Governor Brown, however, put the issue to rest indicating the triggers would indeed be pulled and more cuts are likely when he releases his proposed FY 2012–2013 budget proposal in January.  While the trigger cuts will have significant impacts for higher education and child care, K-12 was largely spared facing only a $80 million direct reduction and $248 million through the elimination of school bus funding.  This is slight when compared with the $1.5 billion direct cut they faced. Community College impacts will likely lead to a $10/unit fee hike beginning with the 2012 summer term and are likely to remain permanent. 
 
So, what does this mean for adult education?  That remains unclear and could ultimately vary from district to district.  Governor Brown during his press conference today noted that schools have the flexibility to move funds around.  He noted that they would have the option to even backfill school bus funding to the detriment of another categorical program if that was a priority for any particular district.  While the overall cuts aren’t as bad as they could have been, funding flexibility remains and could have an impact for further reductions in adult education on a district-by-district basis. 
 
We will continue to monitor the budget situation very closely.  We are hopeful that with the passage of AB 189 (Eng, 2011) school districts will be forced to think twice before adopting a budget or reductions that would further impact adult education.  As the 2012 legislative session approaches, the California Adult Education Administrators Association (CAEAA) and California Council for Adult Education (CCAE) will be working closely with the Administration and Legislature to stave off further reductions, promote, and ultimately set the basis for restoring funding for adult education in California.
 
Stay tuned…

 
Dawn Koepke
Legislative Advocate
McHugh & Associates
1121 L Street, Suite 103
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 930-1993
(916) 930-0580 Fax

Legislative Advocacy Changes for CCAE
November 30, 2011

Over the past few years, dramatic changes have occurred in California's Adult Education system with the most impact of the implementation of flexibility of adult education funding for K-12 purposes.  The CCAE Board decided that it was time to take a second look at how we approach legislative advocacy.   We determined that it was in our best interests to combine resources with the California Adult Education Administrator's Association (CAEAA) and hire a new firm for legislative advocacy for adult education that will take us in a new direction.  CCAE owes tremendous thanks to our former legislative advocate, Jeff Frost for his many years of service to the field of adult education and generosity in time committed to CCAE specifically as well as the development of various initiatives which he was instrumental in getting passed.

The CCAE Board along with the CAEAA Board voted unanimously to hire McHugh and Associates to develop and support legislation that ultimately protects adult education funding.

Dawn Koepke will be our legislative liaison and joined McHugh & Associates in December 2003 lobbying in the areas of public safety, health and human services, environmental issues, and now will focus her attention on adult education.

Prior to joining the McHugh team, Dawn served as Special Assistant to Governor Gray Davis managing the Governor and assisting the Legislative Affairs and Communications teams. 

Dawn graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and studied abroad at the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain.  Dawn also completed her Masters Degree in Public Policy & Administration from California State University, Sacramento.  

CCAE welcomes McHugh and Associates and Dawn Koepke to the work ahead of us to ultimately protect adult education funding.

The Governor Signed AB 189
October 10, 2011

The Governor signed AB 189 this afternoon. Congratulations to all of you on a valiant, passionate, and emotional fight on the behalf of adult education and the students we serve.

A very special thanks to Assemblymember Mike Eng who took this battle on for all of us. Early in the game, it was his courage in the face of stiff opposition that kept our bill alive. Never forget that Edward James Olmos opened the door for us. We would not have gotten out of the starting blocks if it was not for Mr. Olmos.

A big thanks to our lobbyists: Jeff Frost for getting us started, and for Craig Brown closing it out in a magnificent display of strategy.

Historically, this is the first time that administrators, teachers, support staff, students, teachers' unions, civil rights groups, community organizations, and business/industry pitched in together to all pull on the same side of the rope. Let's keep this coalition alive as we move forward.

Go to http://www.gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=17271 and see it in black-and-white.

Mike Wada
CCAE

Legislative Updates

November 8, 2011

Adult Educator, Laura Chardiet, Elected to Culver City Board of Education

Described by supporters as "experienced, intelligent, independent, dedicated and exactly the sort of leader Culver City needs," adult educator, Laura Chardiet won a coveted seat on the Culver City Board of Education in a hotly contested election on November 8, 2011.

November 4, 2011

Update on Important Information Regarding Adult Education

American Jobs Act
A few weeks ago, the American Jobs Act was brought to the Senate floor where it died quickly. The only way both Democrats and Republicans envision passing job-spurring legislation is in piecemeal form—taking apart the American Jobs Act and voting on various aspects of the bill separately.

The Pathways Back to Work Fund, a program included in the American Jobs Act designed to meet the needs of unemployed, low-skilled workers, includes adult education activities as an allowable use of funds, in addition to other activities that support education and training opportunities for unemployed, low-skilled adults and youth.

However, no one in Congress is talking about the Pathways Back to Work Fund as one of the individual measures that should be debated and passed. We need you to call your U.S. Senators today to change that conversation to include introducing and passing the Pathways Back to Work Fund.

Action: Tell Senators to urge inclusion of the Pathways Back to Work Fund as part of any jobs legislation moving forward.

Click here to quickly locate your Senators’ contact information.

WIA Reauthorization
WIA Reauthorization has not seen significant movement since June 2011, when the Semate HELP Committee staff released a discussion draft for feedback from advocacy groups. Mark up on the Senate draft, originally scheduled for June 2011, continues to be stalled over an issue in Title I related to the Workforce Investment Boards’ composition.

However, recently WIA—or at least discussion of adult education and workforce development—has shown a bit of movement in the House. On June 16, 2011, Congressman Hinojosa (D-TX) reintroduced the Adult Education and Economic Growth (AEEG) Act, and on October 4, 2011, the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training, chaired by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), held a hearing on “Modernizing the Workforce Investment Act.” The hearing was focused on Title I and workforce training. Overall themes from the witnesses’ included: 1) giving more flexibility to workforce development programs while still requiring accountability; 2) eliminating government bureaucracy; and 3) focusing on meeting the needs of local business.

Even though this was a hearing focused on Title I, Congressman Phil Roe (R-TN) began his remarks by emphasizing the need for adult education and literacy, continuing to advocate for the important need for these services. See it on You Tube: http://bit.ly/n1qbDi . Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) commented, “We need to strengthen and fund both the workforce training and adult education systems in order to create jobs.”  While discussions continue about WIA reauthorization at the Committee level, it is unclear as to whether or not a draft bill will be introduced this fall or if it will be pushed aside once again as the Committee refocuses its attention on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education (ESEA) Act.

Action: We need to keep House Members, especially those on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, informed of our WIA reauthorization priorities and latest adult education and literacy facts to ensure we are at the table during their ongoing discussions. If you have a House Member on this Committee, you should contact him or her and update your Member on your community’s adult education successes and needs:

October 20, 2011

Adult Education and the WIBs: An Opportunity for Partnerships—Legislative Update

Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill that will require local workplace investment boards (WIBs) to channel at least one quarter of their funding towards programs that will teach the unemployed the new skills needed for the changing US economy and job market. Currently, California receives up to $500 million in federal funding every year. In 2016, the percentage of mandatory funding for job training will increase from 25% to 30% annually.

The bill, SB 734 (DeSaulnierD) includes Adult Education and literacy programs as part of the "job training’ component", IF combined with occupational and job readiness training. While job training programs are currently part of the services and programs offered through many WIBs, the average amount spent on job training is about 20% statewide. Many WIBs now focus on getting people back to work quickly by building resumes, practicing interview skills and intensive job searches.

The rationale behind this funding change is the recognition that many workers lack the basic math, reading and higher level skills needed to be successful in today's more demanding, and higher paying, job market. While opponents of the bill question whether the unemployed can afford to spend time in training programs, proponents believe that the longer-term benefit of raising the skill level of workers will have a more lasting and productive impact on for individuals, and on the economy in general.

Legislative Objectives

A primary objective of CCAE is to assist in the development and passage of legislation that provides positive benefits for adult schools, students, staff members and communities. We work with State Legislators and government officials to achieve this goal by initiating specific legislation, testifying at hearings, and disseminating important legislative updates and information to our constituents.

Legislative Advocate—CCAE employs, on a part-time basis, a highly regarded Legislative Advocate—Dawn Sanders Koepke. She tracks pertinent legislation, meets regularly with both our State Legislative Committee and our State Board and Officers, and works directly with Legislators on key bills and initiatives.

Annual Legislative Day—During the spring of every year, 100–150 members of CCAE converge on Sacramento to meet personally with all 120 Legislators or their staff. Special training is held prior to the visits to assist our members in their meetings. Many members have found this to be the most meaningful activity that they have ever participated as an adult educator. We have also sponsored successful current and former students and school board members to join in this day.

State Legislative Committee—Each of our six sections select a Section Legislative Chair who meets quarterly with the Legislative Lobbyist and our State Legislative Chair. They discuss current issues and pending legislation and give direction to the Lobbyist regarding our position on these bills. Discussion also takes place at our Annual Planning Meeting on possible bills and issues we would like to have promoted with the Legislature.

Legislative Network—Section Legislative Chairs communicate with local Chapter Presidents and Chapter Legislative Chairs on a regular basis. They carry back information on what is taking place in Sacramento, and bring forth ideas from local members regarding possible legislative initiatives.

Legislative News

May 7, 2012— CCAE Strongly Opposes the Governor's Weighted Student Formula. Get Involved Contact Your Legislator Today...More

May 7, 2012—Ending California's Public Adult Education through Policy...Will you let it happen?...More

April 17, 2012— "When you cut adult education, when you close down LAUSD's adult education program, which is the largest and most successful job retraining program in the western United States," Fletcher said. "It's like asking the recession to last a year longer in L.A. It's foolish, it's very foolish."...More

April 17, 2012—The impact of LAUSD sweeping ALL the DACE money will impact every adult program in the state that receives 231 Federal Funds...More

April 17, 2012—Can You Please Provide Additional Clarification on AB 189, Public
Hearings, and the Impact on Tier III Flexibility?...More

April 16, 2012—Tax initiatives being circulated for placement on the November state ballot. Both measures are important to raising revenues for public education, including Adult Education...More

March 14, 2012—Los Angeles Unified Budget Would Close All of the District's Adult Schools...More

March 10, 2012—The Value of Adult Education in Rebuilding California—The Economy, Public Safety, Families, and Our Communities...More

February 27, 2012—Fate of LAUSD Adult Education on Hold after School Board Defers Budget Vote...More

February 23, 2012—Why AB18 Should be Supported by Adult Educators..More

February 23, 2012—Vital Student Programs may be Sacrificed on the Altar of Flexibility...More

February 11, 2012—Adult Education on LAUSD Chopping Block...More

February 10, 2012—A Message from the California Department of Education: Elimination of Adult Education Opportunities...More

January 28, 2012—Adult Education on L.A. Unified's Chopping Block, Read the full article in the Los Angeles Times...More

January 25, 2012—Legislative Update from CCAE State President, Chris Nelson...More

January 24, 2012—Does California Adult Education Disappear with Brown's Weighted Student Pupil Funding Proposal?...More

January 15, 2012—Brown Administration's Budget Builds Upon Current Flexibility...More

December 13, 2011—Department of Finance Trigger Cuts...More

December 8, 2011—Final Draft of Adult Education Strategic Plan is available: Linking Adults to Opportunity: Transformation of the California Department of Education Adult Education Program (PDF)

November 30, 2011—Legislative Advocacy Changes for CCAE...More

Legislative Links

• Adult Education Enrollment by Program 1990 to 1999

• Adult Education Learners by Instructional Program 1999–2000 and 2001–2002

• California Adult Education Provider Directory

• California Department of Education (CDE)—Adult Education

• California Legislature Information

• CDE Adult Education Facts

• LINKING ADULTS TO OPPORTUNITY: Transformation of the California Department of Education Adult Education Program (Strategic Plan)

• Outreach & Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) for Adult Educators

State legislative committee

Joanne Durkee, Chair
Bay Section
Mt. Diablo Adult Education
1266 San Carlos Avenue
Concord, CA 94518
(925) 798-7340
durkeej@mdusd.org

Vittoria Maghsoudi
Bay Section
Mt. Diablo Adult Education
1266 San Carlos Avenue
Concord, CA 94518

Lariann Torrez
Central Section
Tulare Adult Education
575 West Maple Ave., Tulare, CA 93274
Work: (559) 686-0225, Fax: (559) 687-7447, Cell: (559) 920-0664
larriann.torrez@tulare.k12.ca.us

Phil Dwyer
LA Metro Section
LAUSD-Evan CAS
717 N. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-7151
(231) 626-4487 (Fax)
pdwyer@lausd.net

Candace Lee
LA Metro
LAUSD-Metro Skills Center
2801 W. 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(323) 567-5603
(323) 567-7990 (Fax)
candace.lee@lausd.net

Cris Johnson
Northern Section
Sacramento City Adult Education
5241 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 452-1431
criskingjohnson@yahoo.com

Mike Neary
Southern
San Bernardino Adult School
1200 N. E Street
San Bernardino, CA 92405
(909) 388-6000

Membership

• Please join or renew your membership today!
• CCAE is unique in that membership is available to Teachers, Administrators, Classified Staff Members, Counselors, Students, and Friends of Adult Education.
• For more information please click on the button below to find out how you can become a member of CCAE or renew your membership.

Contact CCAE

Address:
PO Box 978
Los Alamitos, CA 90720-0978

Phone: 888-542-2231
Fax: 866-941-5129
Email: membership@ccaestate.org
Website: ccaestate.org

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