3. Non-English Speaking Workers

Ms. Leticia Medina, Department of Community and Economic Development, spoke about the impact of non-English speaking workers on the business community. She emphasized the need for additional resources to increase training classes, especially in vocational English.

Mr. Dave Pierce, Sweet Candy Company, addressed the impact of workers who speak minimal or no English to his business. He explained that he invests heavily in English language instruction, because his business, like many others, is requiring more skilled employees and they need to understand English in order to be trained. He stated that because of diverse cultures, classes often develop their own agendas, trying to incorporate the best way to teach English to the different cultures. He explained they use pay-for-performance and employee skill-building systems that encourage employees to voluntarily come to classes to increase their English and employee skills. He emphasized the need for a partnership between business and education in order to establish English as the common language in the work environment.

• Adult Education

Sen. David Steele, Utah State Office of Education, reviewed the state adult education strategic plan.

Mr. Jeffrey Galli, Utah State Office of Education, addressed the criminal recidivsm reduction statute, noting that the Utah State Office of Education and the Utah System of Higher Education have the responsibility to reduce the recidivsm rate of offenders. He stated that offenders have profound educational difficulties and challenges that limit their ability to keep jobs that provide a living for them. He stated that without recivism efforts, the number of repeat offenders will continue to increase.

Ms. Sandra Grant, Utah State Office of Education, informed the committee about the increasing number of refugees coming into Utah that will need ESL training and high-school dropouts that need employment skills. She noted that a vast array of programs was being offered so a task force was organized to establish a statewide syllabus incorporating English language skills, civics education skills, and citizenship information. She stated that four school districts and nine community-based organizations are acting as pilot sites to teach the skills on the syllabus. She stated that the local districts determine the number and size of classes held.

Mr. Gary Wixom, Utah System of Higher Education, distributed and reviewed information on the adult education activities of the higher education system. He emphasized that success at the higher education level depends upon a solid foundation of basic skills, including reading, writing, and mathematics.

Mr. Mike Richardson and Ms. Sarah Brenna, Department of Workforce Services, explained the services they provide and the case management system they use for their clientele. Mr. Richardson explained that they broker with other agencies for services needed by the customer, but they stay connected with customers for followup purposes.

Ms. Joyce Muhlestein and Ms. Colleen Taylor, Utah PTA, distributed and reviewed the 2000 Annual Report of the Utah Family Center. Ms. Muhlestein reviewed the activities of the Utah Family Center which include supporting parental involvement in education and providing resources, information, and referrals to parents, families, and communities.

Sen. Stephenson recommended that the committee examine the impact of projected school population increases.

The next meeting was scheduled for September 17, 2001 from 1:00. - 4:00 p.m. in Room 303 of the State Capitol Building.