Adult Literacy Education (ALE)

Adult Literacy Education provides funding to support adult literacy education programs including Adult Basic Education (ABE), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and Adult Secondary Education (ASE) programs. At least 50% of the participants receiving services must be at the lowest beginning New York Reporting System (NYRS) of Adult Basic Education and/or English for Speakers of Other Languages that is NYRS Levels 1 and 2. Up to 50% can be for participants at the highest two levels of Adult Secondary Education that is NYRS Levels 5 and 6. These students must be preparing to take the NYS HSE exam leading to a HSE diploma.

Adult Literacy Component A and Component B

Component A: Funds Adult Education Programs that provide Direct Instructional Services, associated supportive services, and educational case management within a designated region in New York State.

Component B: Funds Support and Technical Assistance Centers, or STACs. STACs provide one-on-one technical assistance to Adult Literacy Education (ALE) programs in New York State. There are two STACs: one STAC is assigned to New York City (NYC), and the second is assigned to the Rest of State (ROS).

Adult Basic Education (ABE)

Instruction in reading, mathematics, oral and written communication, and computer skills for students reading below the ninth-grade level or within the National Reporting System's Level 1 - 4. Reading instruction focuses on reading skills highlighted in "Applying Research in Reading Instruction for Adults".  Academic performance is measured using the TABE.

Adult Secondary Education (ASE)

Instruction for students reading at/above the ninth-grade level or within the National Reporting System's Level 5 and 6. Academic performance is measured by the number of Tests of HSE - High School Equivalency GED®/TASC™ attained. 

English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Instruction in listening, reading, oral and written communication, computer skills, and life skills for individuals with limited English proficiency.

Family Literacy

Must provide instructional services that are of sufficient intensity in terms of hours and of sufficient duration to make sustainable changes in a family. Family literacy integrates the following four components:

  • Adult literacy training for parents that leads to economic self-sufficiency;
  • Interactive literacy activities between parents/guardians and their children;
  • Training for parents regarding how to be the primary teacher for their children and full partners in the education of their children; and
  • Age-appropriate education to prepare children for success in school and life experiences

Adult program participants must meet the eligibility requirements for adult literacy program funding and must be the parent/guardian of child(ren) birth to under age of 16 years. Both parent/guardian and child(ren) must fully participate in the family literacy program. Family Literacy Programs have a strong adult literacy component coordinated with the other required components.

English Language/Civics Education (EL/Civics)

Civics education is defined by the United States Department of Education (USDOE) as an educational program that emphasized contextualized instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, naturalization procedures, civic participation, and U.S. history and government. Academic performance is measured by the BEST Plus and the U.S. Citizenship Test as well as the demonstration to navigate governmental, educational and workplace systems.