State Budget

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 not less than $300,000 shall be expended for Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston, Inc. for workforce and skills training, employment services and job re-entry support for older workers; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the e-team machinist program in Lynn; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Olive in July, Inc. for adult education, English as a second language and citizenship courses for residents of the cities of Lawrence and Methuen; provided further, that such grants shall support the successful transition of students from other adult basic education programs to 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 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 the department shall fund a professional development system to provide training and support for adult basic education programs and services; provided further, that funds shall be expended on phase 2 pay-for-performance contracts based on outcomes-based contract measuring and funding services that result in employment and wage gains and that require bridge funding while final performance results are analyzed; and provided further, that efforts shall be taken to reduce the wait list……………… $60,450,000