ATB – Ability to Benefit
Ability to Benefit (ATB), a provision of section 484(d) of the Higher Education Act (HEA), aids in equity of access to Federal Financial Aid for adult learners lacking a high school diploma. The ATB provision allows eligible adult learners who are participating in a career pathway program as amended in Public Law 114-113 under section 484(d)(2) of the HEA at a Title IV eligible institution to have access to financial aid. However, the two currently US Department of Education approved methods of ATB are underutilized due to the challenges they place on students. Thus, an alternative plan has been created by Illinois, and approved by the U.S. Department of Education, to overcome barriers to postsecondary attainment and scale ATB use. The purpose of Illinois’ Ability to Benefit State-Defined Process is to increase access to federal financial aid for eligible adults without a high school diploma, who with proper support can be as successful as their peers in postsecondary credential and degree completion.
Other ATB Resources:
- ATB Approved Tests – November 2020
- DOE’s FAQ for Eligible Career Pathways
- One-pager about IL Alternative Plan
- FAQ about IL’s Proposed State Plan
- 2019 Ability to Benefit Survey Results
AEL Surveys
Click the link below to view brief summaries and key findings from surveys.
Area Planning Council
According to 105 ILCS 405/2-4, the Area Planning Council shall provide for the development and coordination of adult education programs in an Area Planning Council Region. The Plan has broad purposes including: identifying services currently being offered to the identified population, producing a plan for continuing services, identifying gaps in services, identifying reasons for these gaps and as a planning tool to identify ways to service the identified service gaps.
Bridge Programs
Every adult education provider is required to have an active Bridge Program with enrolled learners. If you have questions about developing a program or any ICCB expectations, please reach out to your Regional Support and they will connect you to appropriate resources and professional development.
Data Management
Resources to help manage your program data.
Early School Leaver Transition Program (ESLTP)
The ESLTP is designed for out-of-school youth no longer in high school between the ages of 16 and 21 whose NRS level reading score is at or above the 8.0 grade level equivalency and math score is above the 6.0 grade level equivalency. The program is specifically aimed at helping at-risk students become reoriented and motivated to complete their education by allowing students to participate in adult education instruction as well as career and work training activities.
Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (ICAPS)
Resources and information about developing and maintaining an ICAPS program.
Remote Learning
Find approved distance learning platforms or submit information for approvals.
Remote and Distance Learning Approvals and Information
Adult Education and Literacy Reporting
Important Documents and DATES
All reports, budget modifications, and payment requests must be submitted to iccb.grantpayments@illinois.gov
- AEFLA Payment Request Template
- IELCE Payment Request Template
- AEFLA Budget Modification Template
- AEFLA Expenditure Report Template
- AEFLA Programmatic Quarterly Report
- IELCE Payment Request Template
- IELCE Budget Modification Template
- IELCE Expenditure Report Template
- IELCE Programmatic Quarterly Report **Note: This is the same report as the AEFLA Work Plan but placed here for your convenience since there needs to be a separately submitted report for AEFLA and IELCE.
- One Stop Infrastructure Report
- Career and Training Report
- Equipment Inventory Report
Quarter 1 Reports – DUE October 30, 2022
Submit your AEFLA and IELCE Expenditure Reports and Programmatic Quarterly Reports.
Quarter 2 Reports – DUE January 30, 2023
Submit your AEFLA and IELCE Expenditure Reports and Programmatic Quarterly Reports.
Quarter 3 Reports – DUE April 30, 2023
Submit your AEFLA and IELCE Expenditure Reports and Programmatic Quarterly Reports.
FINAL BUDGET MODIFICATION – Due May 31, 2023
Budgets within a single funding source may be modified without requesting approval from the ICCB as long as the changes do not affect 2 CFR 200.308. Budget modifications needing ICCB approval must be signed by the Grantee’s authorized representative upon submission for approval.
Quarter 4 Reports – DUE July 30, 2023
Submit your AEFLA and IELCE Expenditure Reports and Programmatic Quarterly Reports. Additional reports include the Data Quality Checklist and the ADA Report.
FINAL DATE FOR A REQUEST FOR FEDERAL FUNDS
All federal funds must have been requested no later than August 1. Funds requested after this date will not be processed. It is strongly encouraged that all Federal funds be requested prior to the August 1st deadline.
End of Year Reports – DUE August 31, 2023
Submit the following reports.
- Career and Training Report
- One Stop Infrastructure Report
- End Of Year Expenditure Report **coming soon.
- Equipment Inventory
- DAISI Data Verification **From DAISI**
- Certified Units of Instruction **From DAISI**
- Signed Enrollment Report **From DAISI**
Title II Partners and Information
Link to resources related to the implementation of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Grant under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act.