Using Workforce Data Quality Initiative Databases to Develop and Improve Consumer Report Card Systems

Abstract

In 2010, DOL launched the Workforce Data Quality Initiative (WDQI), and by the time of this study, DOL had awarded grants totaling over $30 million to 29 states over three rounds of competition. Consumer Report Card Systems (CRCSs) are state systems for calculating program outcomes based on labor market data (e.g., employment, retention, and earnings) for those individuals participating in education/training programs. In combination with state Eligible Training Provider Lists (ETPLs), which identify programs that show sufficiently positive results that they are deemed eligible to receive federal training dollars, CRCSs offer the potential to improve the choices that prospective education/training participants make, resulting in improved employment and earnings outcomes for trainees. Further, CRCSs can provide policy makers with useful information with which to make workforce investment decisions. ETA contracted with IMPAQ International, LLC (IMPAQ) to analyze and provide information on the relationship between the WDQI grants and state efforts to develop CRCSs, including describing WDQI states' current systems for reporting outcomes for education/training programs, how the WDQI grants have been used to create or improve existing CRCSs, and the key factors related to successful CRCS implementation.