Memo No. 037-21: Offering High School Equivalency (HSE) Preparation Classes in Spanish
The purpose of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Title II, Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) is to prepare students for further education, training, and employment. This memo serves to clarify that AEFLA funds may be used to offer HSE preparation classes in Spanish in order to accelerate Spanish-speaking students’ credential attainment and improve their English language proficiency.
Below are responses to questions that have been submitted by program managers pertaining to the implementation of classroom instruction in Spanish.
QUESTION 1: May adult education providers use AEFLA funding to provide HSE preparation classes in Spanish?
Response: Yes. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Title II, Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) funds may be used for teaching HSE preparation classes in Spanish as long as the services are included in the approved Virginia Adult Education Competitive and Continuation Grant Applications and/or through approved budget amendments.
QUESTION 2: Does the GED® Testing Service offer the GED® in Spanish?
Response: Yes. Students may choose to test and earn the GED® credential in either English or Spanish, or may combine subtests. Students indicate the language of their choice at the time of registration for each subtest.
QUESTION 3: Do program managers need to report offering classes in Spanish?
Response: Yes. All AEFLA-supported classes must be reported on the annual Schedule of Adult Education and Literacy Services.
QUESTION 4: Is the procurement of materials in Spanish allowed?
Response: Yes. Programs may be reimbursed for the purchase of Spanish-language instructional materials, teaching resources, and for staff instructional hours.
QUESTION 5: Will Adult Education Regional Managers receive technical assistance?
Response: Yes. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center (VALRC) will offer technical assistance and training on program design and data entry related to Spanish instruction that prepares students to earn the GED® credential and attain English language proficiency.
If you have further questions, please contact Heidi Silver-Pacuilla, Ph.D., Adult Education Coordinator, by email at OAEL@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 786-3347.