Plan Section 10.0
State West Virginia
Description of Steps to Ensure Direct and Equitable Access to Funds
10.1 Description of Steps
In February of each year the West Virginia Department of Education will issue a press
release through the West Virginia Department of Education=s Communications Office. The
press release is sent to more than 600 entities composed of newspapers, television and radio
stations, educational organizations, state and federal legislators and other groups and individuals
interested in adult education. Examples of the other organizations notified will include statewide
volunteer literacy organizations, Regional Education Service Agencies, public libraries,
community and technical colleges and community-based organizations. These entities will be
provided notice of availability of funds and the need to submit an application. In addition, the
application will be announced and posted on the West Virginia Department of Education
website. The process allows all eligible literacy providers to submit an application.
The West Virginia Adult Basic Education application evaluation system treats all
applications equally. The application is read by two individuals who then give it a numerical
score. If two readers vary by more than 25 points then they must confer and agree to a score that
is less than 25 points difference. The scores are averaged and the applicants are ranked by the
average of their score. Funding permitting those applicants with scores 70 or greater will be
approved for funding. Those entities with scores of less than 70 will be considered on a case-bycase basis and the funding availability.
Plan Section 10.0
State West Virginia
10.2 Notice of Availability
The West Virginia Department of Education adheres to Section 231 (c), (1) and (2) of the
Act. These cited provisions relate to the direct and equitable provisions. The provisions
specifically state that all eligible entities have direct and equitable access to apply for grants or
contracts and the same grant or contract announcement process and application process is used
for all eligible providers. The West Virginia Department of Education will use the same
application and application process for all eligible providers.
Hence, West Virginia believes in and practices direct and equitable access to the Federal
adult education funds.
10.3 Equitable Access To and Participation In Adult Education
The West Virginia Department of Education ensures equal access to and participation in
adult education programs for all eligible students, teachers and other program beneficiaries in
any project or activity carried out. In addition to seeking equity, the West Virginia Department
of Education seeks to have students and teachers meet high standards through their participation
in the program.
A commitment to equitable access and participation in adult education programs ensures
that all students develop the knowledge and skills needed to participate effectively on the job, in
the family and to obtain satisfaction in one=s personal life. Adult education seeks to strive for
high educational standards by organizing academic, life and job curricular offerings around
student diversity.
Plan Section 10.0
State West Virginia
Steps for addressing equitable access to and participation in adult education programs
while at the same time seeking high standards for students with participation barriers include the
following:
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Educational environments are created that honor diversity and respect the individual;
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Adult education programs strive to assure equity in program management;
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Pre-service and in-service education equips faculty, administration and the staff with
the skills needed to teach and work with diverse student populations and
communities;
!
Fair and impartial teaching practices are incorporated into classrooms to facilitate the
academic achievement of all students;
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Fair and impartial assessment practices are incorporated into the classroom;
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Curricula and personnel are observed/evaluated to ensure that issues of equity and
diversity are consistently addressed;
!
Student achievement and program data are collected and evaluated to ensure that all
groups benefit from educational practices and policies;
!
The entire curriculum is available to all students through comprehensive,
individualized planning and course selection;
!
Financial resources, facilities, and staffing are allocated in ways that provide
opportunity and success for all students; and,
!
Adult education programs, students, parents, community organizations and businesses
and industries cooperate as partners in the learning program.