For the provision and improvement of adult basic education services; provided, that grants shall be distributed to a diverse network of organizations that have demonstrated a commitment and an effectiveness in the provision of such services and that are selected competitively by the department of elementary and secondary education; provided further, that such grants shall support the successful transition of students from other adult basic education programs to community college certificate and degree--granting programs; provided further, that the grants shall be contingent upon satisfactory levels of performance as defined and determined by the department; provided further, that preference in awarding grants shall be given to organizations providing services to high percentages of parents of infants, toddlers and preschool and school--age children; provided further, that funds shall be expended to reduce the waitlist of students for English language learning services; provided further, that grants shall not be considered an entitlement to a grant recipient; provided further, that the department shall consult with community colleges and other service providers in supporting and implementing content, performance and professional standards for adult basic education programs and services; provided further, that the department shall fund a professional development system to provide training and support for adult basic education programs and services; provided further, that funds shall be expended on phase 2 pay--for--performance contracts based on outcomes--based contract measuring and funding services that result in employment and wage gains and that require bridge funding while final performance results are being analyzed; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Pathways Inc. in the city of Lynn for adult education; and provided further, that efforts shall be taken to reduce the wait list
