CDE Announcements Archive

Use of WIOA, Title II: AEFLA funds for Spanish GED/HSE Testing (sent July 09, 2026)

2026–27 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA)

Dear Adult Education Administrators:

The purpose of this message is to provide guidance and clarity on the use of WIOA, Title II: AEFLA funds for General Educational Development (GED) and High School Equivalency (HSE) test preparation in Spanish. As you may be aware, the specific approval for Spanish language GED/HSE instruction can vary by state. In California, students may choose to test and earn their GED/HSE credential in either English or Spanish or may combine subtests. Agencies are also allowed to use California Adult Education Program (CAEP) funds for costs related to Spanish GED preparation, and examination, and HSE testing.

Effective immediately, all agencies may also use WIOA, Title II: AEFLA sections 225 and 231 funds to prepare adult education students who have opted to take the HiSET ® or GED ® test in Spanish. This includes the purchase of Spanish language curriculum and materials as well as reasonable and necessary costs specific to Spanish GED and HSE instruction and exam preparation. As a reminder, agencies can use WIOA, Title II: AEFLA funds only to supplement and not supplant state and other non-federal funds expended for adult education and literacy activities (WIOA, Title II: AEFLA Section 241(a)). Additionally, the costs must comply with the factors affecting allowability in accordance with Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations 200.403. If you are currently using CAEP dollars to fund Spanish GED/HSE costs, please do not transfer these expenditures to WIOA, Title II: AEFLA as this would result in presumption of supplanting. If the cost is new, supplemental, and allowable under the award, the agency may use WIOA, Title II: AEFLA funds.

Thank you for your continued dedication to providing high-quality programming for our adult learners. If you have any questions, please contact your Adult Education Office (AEO) Regional Consultant or the AEO main office by email at adulteducation@cde.ca.gov or by telephone at 916-322-2175.

Authority: WIOA Section 231 (Public Law 113-128); California Education Code Section 30(c); Title 29 United States Code Section 3331(a)

Sincerely,

David Stang
Education Administrator and State Director
Adult Education Office
California Department of Education
916-322-2175
adulteducation@cde.ca.gov