About LINCS
The Literacy Information and Communication System (LINCS) is a national leadership initiative of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) to expand evidence-based practice in the field of adult education.
LINCS demonstrates OCTAE’s commitment to delivering high-quality, on-demand educational opportunities to practitioners of adult education, so those practitioners can help adult learners successfully transition to postsecondary education and 21st century jobs.
LINCS is comprised of:
- LINCS Resource Collection a collection of vetted resources for adult education practitioners
- LINCS Community an online community of practice
- Learning Portal online courses for adult education practitioners
- Learner Center resources for adult learners
These components provide adult educators with the information, resources, professional development activities, and online network they need to enhance their practice and ensure their adult students receive high-quality learning opportunities.
Evaluation Reports
- Comprehensive Review and Analysis of LINCS – Final Report – Volume I
- Comprehensive Review and Analysis of LINCS – Final Report – Volume II: Appendices
LINCS History
As a result of the National Literacy Act of 1991, the National Institute for Literacy (NIFL) was created to provide national leadership on adult literacy through improved communication and information exchange. Eight literacy groups were formed to develop standards for creating a national literacy communication and dissemination system and a pilot system for literacy was first launched in August 1994. The pilot system was developed into the Literacy Information and Communication System (LINCS). LINCS was designed to organize and promote resources within the field of adult education and serve as a central repository for information.
NIFL established the LINCS discussion lists in 1995 in order to increase access to electronic information for adult educators, provide a forum for discussion of adult literacy-related policy, and connect the work of NIFL with the field. The discussion lists developed into a means to share research, knowledge, resources, and professional development opportunities. In addition, four regional centers were created in 1995, and known today as Regional Professional Development Centers (RPDCs).
In 2010, LINCS was transferred to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education.
The RPDCs were reconceptualized in 2016 to form the LINCS Professional Development Center to provide the adult education field with technical assistance, professional development, and information dissemination around the use of LINCS resources. The first comprehensive evaluation of LINCS was conducted by NIFL in 2005 and included an examination of LINCS activities, resources, and infrastructure.
COMMUNITY, COURSES, AND RESOURCES FOR ADULT EDUCATION
Through the LINCS COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE, self-paced ONLINE COURSES, and searchable RESOURCES, adult education practitioners nationwide harness the power of collaboration and sharing to improve educational outcomes.
View the website!