National Coalition For Literacy

Public Policy Debates

Held March 16, 2010
Time: 2:45 – 5:00 PM Central

Webinar Series on Public Policy Advocacy

Description | Panelists | Topics |
Debates Video Archive Part I | Debate Video Archive Part II

Description
For the first time ever, a panel of experts at conference will explore different perspectives on hot policy issues that affect adult educationⁱ in the U.S. today. View the debates broadcast live from conference by participating in this webinar. Submit questions for panelists and participate in discussions that are sure to take off in unexpected ways. Chat online with others who are also participating remotely.

—This Webinar is co-hosted by the Commission on Adult Basic Education, the National Coalition for Literacy, and ProLiteracy, with generous support from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

Panelists:

Faye Combs, President, Voice of Adult Learners United to Educate (VALUE)
Amy Ellen Duke-Benfield, Senior Policy Analyst, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)
Rita Daniels, Executive Director, Literacy and Advocates
Gloria Cross Mwase, Program Director, Jobs for the Future
Sharon Bush, Senior Program Officer, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Chicago IL

Debate Moderator: David Harvey, President and CEO, ProLiteracy

Co-Facilitators: Marsha L. Tait, Policy Co-Chair, National Coalition for Literacy Jackie Taylor, Policy Chair, COABE; Policy Co-Chair, National Coalition for Literacy

Webinar Host: Jackie Taylor

Topics

2:45 – 3:45 pm Central

Topic 1: Investing in the Lowest Level Learners
The first topic explores whether and to what extent federal and state monies should be invested in the lowest level of learner in an economic and political climate that is focused almost entirely on jobs creation economic stimulus. For example:

What is the relative return on this investment vs. the investment in post-secondary education and job training?
What role can and do adult education students play in economic recovery?
How can adult learners be transitioned into post secondary education programs and job training in meaningful and efficient ways?
What are the moral and ethical issues involved in these policy decisions?

(15 minute break)

4:00 – 5:00 pm Central

Topic 2: Adult Education: Situated in Education or Labor?
The second topic explores whether, in the context of the current political and economic climate, adult education should be a stand-alone program under the jurisdiction of the US Department of Education or whether it should be re-focused as a fully integrated workforce skills program under the jurisdiction of the US Department of Labor. For example:

What are the pros and cons of oversight by Education vs. Labor?
Which emphasis is the best route to preparing adult education students for post secondary education and job training -- and why?
How can Labor programs funded under Title I of WIA and Education programs funded under Title II of WIA be better aligned if the remain separate?

Click here to register for this free, live event.

ⁱ (Adult education is used here to mean adult basic education and literacy instruction, family literacy, and English language instruction for adults with less than a secondary school diploma or equivalent, and those who lack English language proficiency.)