WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS
Martin G. Knott, Jr., Chair, Governor's Workforce Investment Board (GWIB), called the meeting to order at 3:40 p.m. and welcomed all members to the December 2014 Quarterly
meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A quorum was present and a motion was made and seconded, to approve the minutes of the December 3, 2014, GWIB Board Meeting.
CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS
Chairman Knott, provided an update on the gubernatorial transition process, and shared that the GWIB has prepared a letter to the Governor-Elect Hogan highlighting activities
the has been working on and a few examples of meaningful work performed. The GWIB is excited for transition and recognizes the importance of the critical role the Board has
played, and will continue to play, in advancing workforce policies and activities within the State. These activities provide businesses with a competitive advantage by
equipping them with a skilled workforce that allows them to successfully compete, not only in Maryland, but also globally. There were no comments or questions from members
regarding transition.
WORKFORCE INNOVATION & OPPORTUNITY ACT UPDATE (WIOA)
Chairman Knott introduced Department or Workforce Development and Adult Learning Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning (DLLR/DWDAL) Assistant Secretary, Julie
E. Squire, who provided an update on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Ms. Squire shared that DLLR/DWDAL and GWIB partnered to provide technical assistance
on the newly passed legislation. Consultant/trainer, Rochelle Daniels, facilitated the two-day "Getting Ready for WIOA Review" session for Maryland workforce investment system
stakeholders. Board members were provided with copies of the training materials in their packets.
As a matter of overview, Assistant Secretary Squire shared that WIOA will replace the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998, the guiding legislation that authorizes
federal workforce systems in the States and local areas. WIOA supports the nation's primary programs and investments in employment services, workforce development, adult
education, and vocational rehabilitation activities. The bipartisan legislation will improve the nation's workforce development system and help put Americans back to work,
and emphasizes the business demand-driven approach that Maryland continues to embrace. DWDAL and the GWIB are continuing to work toward understanding this important and
complex legislation. It is anticipated that that the federal regulations providing guidance on implementation of WIOA will be available on January 18, 2015.
Lynn M. Selby, GWIB Executive added that WIAO makes a number of improvements to the public workforce system and its delivery of services to jobseekers, worker and
businesses. Among one of the key changes of WIOA is an enhanced role of the Governor and changes to both local and state board composition. WIAO also emphasizes the role of
boards in coordinating and aligning workforce programs and adds functions to develop strategies to meet worker and employer needs.
Ms. Selby also shared that WIOA requires the development of a Unified State Plan outlining a 4-year strategy for the core programs, and including the following additional
programs - the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, Unemployment Insurance, Second Chance Act, Trade Adjustment Assistance and Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families. The deadline for the State Unified Plan submission to the Governor is March 3, 2016.
P-20 LEADERSHIP COUNCIL TASK FORCE ON ARTS EDUCATION AND MARYLAND SCHOOLS
Mr. Knott introduced MaryAnn Mears, Artist, Founder and Trustee, Arts Education in Schools Alliance, and Jack R. Smith, Chief Academic Officer, Maryland State Department of
Education (MSDE). Ms. Mears and Dr. Smith served as co-chairs of the P - 20 Council Task Force on Arts Education in Maryland Schools, and provided an update on the final
report submitted to the Governor on September 16, 2014.
Ms. Mears and Dr. Smith shared that the Task Force on Arts Education is a powerful conduit for action and conversation in the State. The P-20 Leadership Council created
the Task Force as an important step to maintaining the arts as a major instructional focus for creativity, imagination, and innovation in Maryland; and charged it with
creating a plan that ensures a quality arts education for all Maryland students. Specifically, the Task Force was asked to:
- Examine Maryland policies and regulations on arts curriculum and instruction in the context of
- the new standards in arts education so as to identify gaps and alignment needs;
- Determine the current status of arts education in Maryland schools;
- Review pertinent research on the impact of fine arts instruction on student success in school; and
- Make recommendations to the Governor's P-20 Leadership Council regarding fine arts education
in Maryland public schools to include (a) policy and regulations, (b) professional development,
(c) Curriculum and instruction, and (d) resource allocation.
The P - 20 Council approved the 10 policy recommendations in September 2014. Board members were provided with copies of the report in their packets.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Knott thanked everyone for their attendance and the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
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