Refocusing Adult Education on Career and Postsecondary Success

Abstract

Two proposals to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) are in the House of Representatives: the Workforce Investment and Improvement Act of 2012 (H.R. 4297), sponsored by Rep. Foxx (NC-5) and cosponsored by four additional members1 , and the Workforce Investment Act of 2012 (H.R. 4227), sponsored by Rep. Tierney (MA-6), Rep. Miller (CA-7), and Rep. Hinojosa (TX-15) and cosponsored by 19 additional members.2 Both proposals reflect a priority of greater alignment among adult education (Title II), workforce development (Title I), and postsecondary education, and both increase the focus on preparing adult students not just to earn a secondary school diploma but for college and careers. Despite these similarities, the bills differ across several dimensions, such as the degree to which they hold states and local providers accountable for improving student access and success in postsecondary education and the commitment to expanding the capacity and resources of the adult education system nationally. This analysis highlights key provisions in each bill that strengthen or weaken the overall goal of refocusing Title II on career and postsecondary success.