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The Workforce Paradox for Adults with Limited Literacy or English Language Proficiency: A Report from the Field.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Workforce Paradox for Adults with Limited Literacy or English Language Proficiency: A Report from the Field.
Language: English
Authors: Pinkey, Diane, Hofer, Judy, New Mexico Coalition for Literacy, Santa Fe.
Availability: New Mexico Coalition for Literacy, P.O. Box 6085, Santa Fe, NM 87502. Tel: 505-982-3997; Web site: http://www.nmcl.org.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 115
Publication Date: 2003
Document Type: Reports - Research
Descriptors: Adult Basic Education, Employment Opportunities, English (Second Language), Immigrants, Job Skills, Job Training, Limited English Speaking, Literacy Education, Vocational Education
Geographic Terms: U.S.; New Mexico
Abstract: Under the 1998 Workforce Investment Act (WIA), One Stop Career Centers were developed to provide training and employment related services to adults, youths, and dislocated workers. This study investigated the extent to which adults with limited literacy and/or English language skills were being served at One Stop Career Centers in New Mexico. Data were collected from March-November of 2002 from One Stop customers, One Stop directors and staff, Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Literacy program directors, and employers via individual and focus group interviews. Results indicated that the population of need rarely gained access to job training services, was unlikely to get a formal referral to ABE and Literacy programs at the core level of service at the One Stop Centers, and was not guaranteed access to information about intensive and job training services either in their communities at large or within the One Stops (most received limited or no information about these services). Recommendations include show leadership on WIA in New Mexico by ensuring universal access to all WIA services by the population of need; create significant WIA policy changes; and improve services at One Stops in several priority areas. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education.) (Contains 14 references.) (SM)
Notes: Support provided by the New Mexico Department of Labor.
Journal Code: RIEJUL2004
Entry Date: 2004
Accession Number: ED482790
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Under the 1998 Workforce Investment Act (WIA), One Stop Career Centers were developed to provide training and employment related services to adults, youths, and dislocated workers. This study investigated the extent to which adults with limited literacy and/or English language skills were being served at One Stop Career Centers in New Mexico. Data were collected from March-November of 2002 from One Stop customers, One Stop directors and staff, Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Literacy program directors, and employers via individual and focus group interviews. Results indicated that the population of need rarely gained access to job training services, was unlikely to get a formal referral to ABE and Literacy programs at the core level of service at the One Stop Centers, and was not guaranteed access to information about intensive and job training services either in their communities at large or within the One Stops (most received limited or no information about these services). Recommendations include show leadership on WIA in New Mexico by ensuring universal access to all WIA services by the population of need; create significant WIA policy changes; and improve services at One Stops in several priority areas. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education.) (Contains 14 references.) (SM)