Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE)
Integrated English literacy and civics education, or IELCE, is defined in WIOA as education services provided to English language learners who are adults, including professionals with degrees and credentials in their native countries, that enable such adults to achieve competency in the English language and acquire the basic and more advanced skills needed to function effectively as parents, workers, and citizens in the United States. Such services shall include instruction in literacy and English language acquisition, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and civic participation, and may include workforce training.
IELCE is used in two distinct ways: it may be provided as an activity under Section 231, or it may also be implemented as a program under Section 243 with funds allocated as described in Section 243.
The IELCE program under Section 243 carries additional requirements beyond those that an eligible provider must meet in implementing IELCE as a local activity under Section 231. First, it must include an integrated education and training (IET) component. Additionally, each program that receives funding under Section 243 must be designed to:
- Prepare adults who are English language learners for, and place such adults in, unsubsidized employment in in-demand industries and occupations that lead to economic self sufficiency; and
- Integrate with the local workforce development system and its functions to carry out the activities of the program.
Note that services described in Section 243 IELCE programs are for English language learners at all NRS levels, including ESL, ABE, and ASE.
This resource provides guidance on implementing IELCE activities and programming as well as supporting learners and providing wrap around services.