Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education ( IELCE) Resources

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:

  1. 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
  2. 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.

Resources Specific to Section 243

New resources are added regularly Please check back often. If you have questions regarding IELCE Section 243 programs or IELCE services and activities, contact Cristina Parente, Director of English Language Learning at cristina.parente@wtcsystem.edu.

 This guide is intended to be used as a self-assessment in your development or review of an IELCE Section 243 program. The requirements are followed by review questions. The review questions will help you determine if all required components as set forth in Subpart G of the regulations are included in your program’s design.

IELCE Program Guide

This video is part of a video series for the 2025 AEFLA Grant Competition.

WTCS video- ILECE Section 243

Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education- Under Section 243 of WIOA

Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Resource Guide

Checklist for Section 243 Integrated English Language and Civics Education Program

Building Opportunities Through Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education

The following resources provide guidance on implementing IELCE activities and Section 243 programs as well as supporting learners and providing wrap around services.

WTCS Resources on IETs- Innovative Practices

LINCS Enhancing Access for Refugees and New Americans Project

LINCS English Language Learner University

LINCS Realzing Opportunities for English Language Learners through State Academic Content Standards

LINCS Teaching the Skills That Matter

LINCS OER for English Language Instruction

Connecting Refugees to Workforce Development: Promising Partnerships and the New Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( WIOA)

LINCS Preparing English Learners for Work and Career Pathways

Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Content Guide

Brief- Workplace Instruction and Workforce Preparation for Adult Immigrants