Iowa is one of the top performing states when it comes to adult education and literacy (AEL) program outcomes, according to the latest national rankings.

Using the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act’s (WIOA) key performance indicators, Iowa’s adult education and literacy (AEL) programs rank in the top 20 in all primary performance categories for 2021-22. These critical indicators measure employment rates, skill gains, median earnings and credential attainment for AEL programs in 57 states and U.S. territories.

Comparison data show that Iowa comes in second nationally for the percentage of AEL students who attain high school equivalency diplomas and enroll in postsecondary education or training, are employed within one year of exiting the program or attain a postsecondary credential. Over 73 percent of Iowa adult education students earn a credential in comparison to less than 24 percent nationally.

Other Iowa AEL programs data for 2021-22 include: 

• Adult basic education and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses were the most popular AEL programs in Iowa for 2021-22. Out of 9,328 participants, over 57 percent enrolled in adult basic education, and nearly 43 percent enrolled in ESL.
• Iowa’s integrated education and training (IET) programs, which provide opportunities for adult learners to enroll in AEL classes and career training programs concurrently, served 159 participants with a measurable skills gain of 38.3 percent, compared to 34.2 nationally. Additionally, participants showed a higher quarterly median wage at $6,437 compared to $4,888 nationally.
• Iowa integrated English literacy and civics education (IELCE) served 90 participants with a measurable skills gain of nearly 50 percent, compared to the national rate of over 35 percent. The Iowa quarterly median wage for IELCE participants was $11,045 compared to $6,533 nationally.
• At 95.9 percent, Iowa AEL students who completed the high school equivalency test (HiSET) in 2021 had the highest passing rate in the nation for all states.

Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education today awarded four $1 million competitive grants through the Career Academy Incentive Fund to prepare more high school students for success in college, postsecondary training and the workforce.

Iowa Central Community College, North Scott Community School District, Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) and Southwestern Community College (SWCC) each received a $1 million grant to increase access to career academy programs in high-demand fields through new regional centers. Students in partnering school districts will benefit from industry partnerships, earn high school and college credit and gain technical and traditional academic skills offered through career and technical education (CTE) programs. This is the fifth round of awards.

“Expanding career academies develops our workforce talent pipeline and provides high school students with opportunities to gain valuable experience, connect with local employers and earn industry credentials and college credit,” said Gov. Reynolds. “I commend Iowa Central, North Scott Community School District, NCC and SWCC for their dedication and leadership in growing career academies that prepare students for high-skill, high-demand careers available here in Iowa.”

Iowa has once again earned the top spot nationally for passing rates on the high school equivalency exam known as HiSET. Over the past several years, the state has consistently been a leader on the national stage for high school equivalency passing rate success.

The latest national data shows that 96.3 percent of Iowans pursuing a high school equivalency diploma through HiSET passed the exam in 2021, compared to 77 percent nationally. This is an increase from 95.9 percent reported for Iowa in 2020.

Iowa also ranked first in 2021 in HiSET passing rates for Spanish-speaking individuals. An 88.6 percent passing rate was identified for individuals completing the test in Spanish last year.

“Iowa’s continued achievements on the HiSET exam is a proud moment for adult education and literacy and high school equivalency diploma programs across the state,” said Amy Gieseke, community colleges bureau chief at the Iowa Department of Education. “Through the Department’s partnerships with Iowa’s 15 community colleges, these programs are assisting individuals who want to pursue education and training, develop new skills and discover career pathways.”

Iowa schools are invited to register for an upcoming winter webinar series that will focus on key work-based learning support strategies. With these strategies, school districts can be better equipped to develop and enhance their work-based learning programs.

Offered by the Iowa Department of Education, this five-part webinar series will help connect classroom instruction and in-school supports with quality workplace experiences. Work-based learning coordinators, content-area teachers and other staff who are interested in integrating work-based learning into their courses are highly encouraged to attend.

The webinar series starts this month and features the following strategy topics:

• Building Sustainable Work-Based Learning Programs – Participants will learn how to develop and expand student opportunities for work-based learning. The webinar is scheduled for Dec. 14 from 12:30-1 p.m.
• Implementing Work-Based Learning in the Individualized Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) – Information on how to embed work-based learning into the ICAP process and prepare students for their futures will be shared. The webinar is scheduled for Dec. 21 from 1-1:30 p.m.
• Transforming Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Activities into Work-Based Learning Experiences – Schools can learn about this innovative approach in partnering CTSO activities with opportunities for work-based learning. The webinar is scheduled for Jan. 18 from 3:30-4 p.m.
• Incorporating Best Practices for Work-Based Learning in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Career Academies – Participants will discover best practices for work-based learning focused on CTE and career academies. The webinar is scheduled for Feb. 7 from 10-10:30 a.m.
• Supporting Historically Underserved Students in Work-Based Learning – Schools can find new ways to support all students in their career exploration and work-based learning experiences. The webinar is scheduled for Feb. 15 from 2-2:30 p.m.

We are seeking talented individuals who are passionate about excellence in education to fill several positions over the next few months within the Division of Community Colleges and Workforce Preparation.

We don't just talk about inclusion; it's how we do business. Our team is globally diverse and we seek candidates whose differences will challenge our ideas, spur innovation and ultimately help build stronger programs serving the people of Iowa.

The Division is currently seeking applicants for a clerk specialist to provide leadership for the OWI program in the Bureau of Community Colleges. This position closes December 28. 

To learn more about opportunities within the Division, please contact Jeremy Varner, Administrator, Division of Community Colleges and Workforce Preparation (jeremy.varner@iowa.gov or (515) 281-8260).