Introduction to Credentials V. 6.20.17

What are the WIOA credentials V. 6.20.17

Two types of Credentials Under WIOA Diploma or its recognized equivalent (Only equivalent in Texas AEL) There are additional requirements to count an HSE as a credential (we will discuss in more detail later) Recognized postsecondary credential Can consist of: industry-recognized certificate or certification; or a certificate of completion of an apprenticeship; or a license recognized by the State involved or Federal government, or an associate or baccalaureate degree. V. 6.20.17

Who’s in the Denominator All Calculation includes all participants who exited from a program and were in either a postsecondary education or training program OR in a secondary education program at or above the 9th grade level without a secondary school diploma or its equivalent. Exclusions for this measure are incarcerated participants, served in corrections (sec 225 funding), who are still incarcerated when they exit. V. 6.20.17

More on High School Equivalency

Different “rules” apply based on how that credential is being measured Remember… High school equivalency can be both a measurable skill gain and a credential Different “rules” apply based on how that credential is being measured V. 6.20.17

High School Equivalency as a Measurable Skill Gain Only restriction is that the HSE must be earned by June 30 to count as an MSG during the program year No level/grade-level-equivalency restrictions No requirements to become employed or enroll in postsecondary V. 6.20.17

High School Equivalency as a Credential Must be earned during or within one year of exit. Only participants at or above the 9th grade level are counted in the denominator. So, if a participant earns an HSE but is not at or above the 9th grade level equivalency when they exit, the HSE won’t count as a credential. Still stresses the need to progress test participants before they earn their equivalency. V. 6.20.17

Additional Requirements to count a High School Equivalency as a Credential Participants must be employed, or enrolled in an education or training program leading to a recognized postsecondary credential within one year following exit. V. 6.20.17

So…what does it look like…? Participation Exit “Clock Starts” – 1 Year 90 Days Time to earn an HSE Time to become employed or enroll in postsecondary education leading to a credential; counted as ANY enrollment or ANY employment during this period. V. 6.20.17

Spanish HSE does count as a credential What about Spanish HSE? Spanish HSE does count as a credential We are working to define “9th grade level equivalency” to put students in the denominator for this credential and will send out guidance. V. 6.20.17

Postsecondary Credentials V. 6.20.17

Credentials are… industry-recognized certificate or certification; or a certificate of completion of an apprenticeship; or a license recognized by the State involved or Federal government, or an associate or baccalaureate degree. V. 6.20.17

Who can get credit for a postsecondary credential? All participants co-enrolled in postsecondary education during participation This includes IET, or an individual working on a recognized postsecondary credential who is also enrolled in your program. Can be earned within one year of exit; not counted until the individual exits. V. 6.20.17

Credentials and MSG’s in Practice…some Examples V. 6.20.17

Example 1 – Low-Level ESL Participant Participation June 30 Exit “Clock Starts” – 1 Year 90 Days Must earn an MSG (Likely pre/post test) Must earn a credential V. 6.20.17

Example 2 – Participant in IET Participation June 30 “Clock Starts” – 1 Year 90 Days Must earn an MSG (Likely Technical/Knowledge Based Exam or HSE) Exit Must earn a credential (ex complete their postsecondary certificate or certification) V. 6.20.17

Example 3 – HSE Counted as both MSG and Credential June 30 Exit Participation “Clock Starts” – 1 Year 90 Days Time to earn an HSE (for MSG Credit) Time to become employed or enroll in postsecondary education leading to a credential; counted as ANY enrollment or ANY employment during this period (for Credential credit) V. 6.20.17