Show:
WIOA
Characteristics at Plan
Measurable Skill Gains
Credential Attainment
Education Goals
100

WIA was prior to WIOA. What did the acronym WIA refer to?

WIA (Workforce Investment Act) 

100

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


100

What does the acronym MSG refer to in the world of Vocational Rehabilitation?

Measurable Skill Gain

100
What does the acronym CA refer to?

Credential Attainment

100

Describe when VR is required to enter an education goal in AWARE for a client.

When a client is enrolled in:

  • postsecondary education
  • high school or equivalency program

 

200

WIOA was enacted in 1998. What does the acronym WIOA refer to?

WIOA – (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)

200

Describe why VR uses Characteristics at Plan.

Establishes client baseline for client's education and training


200

Describe at least two ways MSGs strengthen VR Program accountability.

*100 points for every additional accurate reason*

MSGs Strengthen Program Accountability: 

  1. Monitor learner progress more closely
  2. Design supports that facilitate meaningful credential pathways
  3. Partner across programs to better serve individuals with diverse needs
  4. Empower VR counselors to validate incremental achievements, provide timely reinforcement, reducing drop-out risks—supporting sustainable advancement toward quality employment
200
What do CAs measure?

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.

200

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

300
Describe the differences between WIA and WIOA.
  • WIA focused out client outcomes (successful closures)
  • WIOA – focuses on career pathways and credential attainment 
300

Describe what is recorded in Characteristics at Plan.

  • Highest Elementary/Secondary Level Completed


  • Highest Post-secondary Level Completed


  • Credentials Earned prior to the start of the plan


300

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)

  • Pre/Post Assessments/Tests
  • Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) and Basic English Test (BEST)

Secondary (Report Card or transcripts)

  • transcript or report card, for each school year indicating program passing

Post-secondary (Transcript)

  • Full Time Student – 12 credit hours for one semester minimum
  • Part-time Student – 12 credit hours over 2 semesters in 12-month period

Training Milestone Skills Progression

Satisfactory or better progress towards skill advancement

  • On-the-job training (OJT)
  • Registered Apprenticeship Program
  • Documentation may include employer verification

Skills Progression

  • Passing exam required for an occupation or progress in attaining trade-related benchmark


300
Identify the criteria necessary for a successful client  credential attainment related to a high school diploma or equivalent.

If the participant earns a high school diploma or equivalent, they must also either:

  • High School graduate must be employed, or
  • High School graduate must be enrolled in an education or training program leading to a recognized post -secondary credential within one year of VR closure


300

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.

400

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

400

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:

  • Highest Elementary/Secondary Level Completed
  • Highest Post-secondary Level Completed
  • Credentials Earned prior to the start of the plan


400

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:

  • Completion date is clear
  • MSG type is clear
  • Participant’s name
  • Demonstrates progress over program year
  • Includes name of the school district, college, training provider, or credentialing body issuing or validating the achievement
  • Must be entered within quarter that client achieved MSG
400

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

400

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.


500

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)


 


500

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

  • Design appropriate career and training goals
  • Identify barriers or support needs
  • Recommend suitable credential pathways


500
Clearly describe why MSG documentation is important to VR clients and the VR program.

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


500

Identify at least 3 reasons why CAs are important.

Improves Employment Opportunities

  • validates individual’s skills and knowledge in a specific field. Research consistently shows that individuals with recognized credentials are more likely to gain higher-wage, stable employment with opportunities for advancement. For people with disabilities, credentials can level the playing field by demonstrating job readiness to employers.

Supports Long-Term Career Development

  • shift from short-term job placement to long- term career pathways
  • equips participants with tools to enter and grow in high-demand, high-quality occupations

Ensures Program Accountability and Funding

  • evaluates effectiveness of workforce development programs
  • strong VR performance in this area is linked to continued funding and program credibility

Promotes Education Equity

  • credential attainment supports inclusive access to education and training
  • reinforces need for accommodation, support, and individualized and competitive integrated employment.
500

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.