Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, which repealed the National Literacy Act of 1991, is important to family literacy because provisions in the law specify family literacy as a viable option to meet adult education and literacy needs. One of the stated purposes of this act is to “assist adults who are parents to obtain the educational skills necessary to become full partners in the educational development of their children.” This purpose is clearly aimed at the inclusion of family literacy programs in adult education. Family literacy programs need to be aware that they are eligible providers under this law. The provisions of this act are administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
Funding: Funds are awarded to state educational agencies on a formula basis. States may use the funds to carry out activities or award subgrants to local eligible entities to carry out activities. If the state uses the funds, a 25 percent match is required. If a local eligible entity uses the funds, a 12 percent match is required. Awards may be granted via formula or competitive process.
Use of Funds: States may award funds to go toward adult education and literacy services, including workplace literacy services, family literacy services and English literacy programs. Family literacy services funded under this act must be consistent with the federal, four-component definition.
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