WIOA
WIA was prior to WIOA. What did the acronym WIA refer to?
WIA (Workforce Investment Act)
Describe two ways a VR Counselor can access Characteristics at Plan in AWARE.
*50 point bonus for each additional viable method*
Pages - section 1, last option in box 3
Reports - section 1, Application Reports
What does the acronym MSG refer to in the world of Vocational Rehabilitation?
Measurable Skill Gain
Credential Attainment
Describe when VR is required to enter an education goal in AWARE for a client.
When a client is enrolled in:
WIOA was enacted in 1998. What does the acronym WIOA refer to?
WIOA – (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)
Describe why VR uses Characteristics at Plan.
Establishes client baseline for client's education and training
Describe at least two ways MSGs strengthen VR Program accountability.
*100 points for every additional accurate reason*
MSGs Strengthen Program Accountability:
CAs measure the % of VR clients who earn a recognized post-secondary credential or a secondary school diploma/equivalent within one year of VR closure.
Identify the two places in AWARE education information must be entered for a student with a disability.
Characteristics at Plan
1. Education at Plan
Highest elementary/secondary level completed - enter # years
Highest post-secondary level completed - enter # years
Education Goals
enter goal for every year of education for which client is enrolled while working VR program
Describe what is recorded in Characteristics at Plan.
Provide three types of appropriate MSG documentation and an example of each type.
*Receive 100pts for each additional, accurate type and example*
Educational Functioning Level (EFL)
Secondary (Report Card or transcripts)
Post-secondary (Transcript)
Training Milestone Skills Progression
Satisfactory or better progress towards skill advancement
Skills Progression
If the participant earns a high school diploma or equivalent, they must also either:
TRUE OR FALSE?
When entering an education goal for a high school student with a disability in AWARE, the BEGIN DATE is ALWAYS June (MM) and the current year (YYYY).
False.
The Begin Date month is always July (07/YYYY) and the year is always the start of the student’s Freshman year of high school.
The End Date month is always June (06/YYYY)and the year is the expected graduation date.
Describe at least two benefits to clients with disabilities provided by WIOA.
**EARN DOUBLE POINTS IF YOUR TEAM CAN PROVIDE A REAL (DE-IDENFIED) EXAMPLE FROM YOUR CASELOAD(S) FOR EACH BENEFIT IDENTIFIED**
1. Certified skills and educational qualifications are essential for access to higher-paying, stable careers
2. Credentials build build employer confidence because individual can provide evidence of verified, up-to-date skills, making it easier for employers to make hiring decisions.
3. Promotes Access to Further Education by creating building blocks for individuals in a career pathway
Possible Example: healthcare certification may count toward college credit or licensure, expanding educational pathway
When must information be entered into Characteristics at Plan?
For an extra 200 points:
What type of information is entered into CAP in AWARE?
Educational background and credential information recorded prior to start date of client’s IPE
Extra 200 pts:
Identify at least 4 details that VR must remember when entering an MSG in AWARE.
MSG must be reported while client is still actively receiving VR services with valid IPE
Documentation include:
Identify the four categories for post-secondary activities that count as successful credential attainment when completed and documented in AWARE.
Recognized post-secondary credentials include:
1. Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees
2. Industry-recognized certificates or licenses
3. Registered apprenticeship credentials
4. Occupational certifications from state or nationally accredited bodies
Describe the major difference between entering Education Goals for a high school student and a college student.
Post-Secondary Educational Goals must be set each school year.
Unlike secondary (high school) education, they cannot cover multiple school years.
Identify the 6 Performance Indicators monitored by RSA to evaluate the effectiveness of the VR Program.
Summarize how each indicator benefits VR Clients.
Performance Indicators:
1.Employment Rate - 2nd Quarter After Exit measures % individuals employed during the second quarter after VR closure (career maintenance)
2.Employment Rate - 4th Quarter After Exit measures % individuals employed during the fourth quarter after VR closure (career maintenance)
3.Median Earnings - 2nd Quarter After Exit median earnings of participants employed during the second quarter after VR closure (clients earning livable, competitive wages to be self-sufficient and financially independent)
4.Credential Attainment % of VR clients attaining post-secondary credential or secondary school diploma/equivalent during program participation or within one year after VR closure (clients progressing in career pathway and developing knowledge/skills)
5.Measurable Skill Gains (MSG) evidence of client progress toward credential or employment (creates more competitive candidates for positions)
6.Effectiveness in Serving Employers How VR programs are meeting workforce needs - (increasing opportunities for persons with disabilities by providing ready and willing candidates and accommodation support)
Clearly describe at least 3 reasons why Characteristics at Plan information is important.
Provides RSA with information re: client’s accomplishments prior to VR (baseline)
Ensures Accurate Records and Data Integrity for federal Audits
Protects performance outcomes
Informs goal planning and support services
MSGs are directly tied to program accountability and funding.
MSGs provide evidence of:
*client progress toward/in career pathway - evidence of incremental client achievements
*supports provide timely reinforcement for client achievements
*supports sustainable advancement toward quality employment
*provides evidence of partnerships across programs that better serves clients with diverse needs
Identify at least 3 reasons why CAs are important.
Improves Employment Opportunities
Supports Long-Term Career Development
Ensures Program Accountability and Funding
Promotes Education Equity
Describe when a MSG and CA should be entered in AWARE for a post-secondary student.
For Post-Secondary students:
MSGs should be captured each semester or at the end of each school year, depending on the number of credits earned per semester.
To earn a MSG the student must successfully complete:
at least 12 credit hours per semester (or equivalent), if a full-time student; or
at least 12 credit hours over 2 semesters (or equivalent) during a 12-month period if a part-time student.
Credentials are captured after the student earns a degree/and or certificate.