Remedial Adult Education Innovation Act advanced

Senators gave first-round approval to a bill April 24 that would provide assistance to institutions that offer high school equivalency programs.

As originally introduced by Omaha Sen. Tanya Cook, LB366 would appropriate $750,000 to the state Department of Education to be distributed to eligible institutions. Cook said studies have shown that workers with a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) have greater employment opportunities and earning potential than those who do not.

“We need to recognize the vital challenge of preparing an adult workforce in which all adults possess adequate skills in reading, writing and mathematics,” she said. “It’s important we continue to provide easy access to educational opportunities for all Nebraskans.”

An Education Committee amendment, adopted 26-0, replaced the bill.

Under the amended bill, each institution would receive an assistance payment of $310 for:
• each participant who enrolls in its high school equivalency program;
• each enrolled participant who takes an initial examination for a diploma of high school equivalency; and
• each participant not enrolled in the high school equivalency program who takes the examination for a diploma or high school equivalency.

An institution would not receive assistance for any participant who fails their examination for a diploma or high school equivalency. Each institution receiving funds under the program would be required to report annually to the department.

The bill also authorizes a one-time allocation of $85,550 from the Education Innovation Fund to the department for fiscal year 2013-14. The money would be given to each eligible institution for the acquisition and upgrade of equipment and software necessary to administer GED examinations.

Senators advanced the bill on a 31-2 vote.