Amendment #7 to H4127

Clarifying eligible uses of DESE ELL grant

Ms. Elugardo of Boston moves to amend the bill in Section 2 of chapter 41 of the acts of 2019 by striking out item 7035 – 0002 and inserting in place thereof the following item:-

7035-0002 For the provision and improvement of adult basic education services; provided, that grants shall be distributed to a diverse network of organizations that have demonstrated a commitment and an effectiveness in the provision of such services and that are selected competitively by the department of elementary and secondary education; provided further, that such grants shall increase opportunities for adult learners to enroll in programs providing high quality educational services of sufficient intensity and duration of classes leading to successful transition of students from adult basic education programs to post-secondary training for high demand occupations and community college certificate and degree-granting programs; provided further, that the grants shall be contingent upon satisfactory levels of performance as defined and determined by the department; provided further, that preference in awarding grants shall be given to organizations providing services to high percentages of parents of infants, toddlers and preschool and school-age children; provided further, that funds shall be expended to reduce the waitlist of students for English language learning services; provided further, that grants shall be used to attract and retain professional staff by improving compensation and working  conditions to reduce costly and de‐stabilizing turnover; provided further, that grants shall not be considered an entitlement to a grant recipient; provided further, that the department shall consult with community colleges and other service providers in supporting and implementing content, performance and professional standards for adult basic education programs and services; provided further, that funds may be expended on phase two pay-for-performance contracts based on outcomes-based contract measuring and funding services that result in employment and wage gains, and which require bridge funding while final performance results are analyzed; provided further, that the department shall fund a professional development system to provide training and support for adult basic education programs and services; provided further, that not less than $95,000 shall be expended to Creative Start Children’s Center in Woburn to provide on-site English language tutoring and technical skills training to parents; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for English at Large for the purposes of English language tutoring and small group instruction; and provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston to provide basic workforce and skills training, employment services and job re-entry support to older workers ....................................... $41,045,000”.