EDUCATION FOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY Mary Clagett, Director, National Workforce Policy, Jobs for the Future The National Fund’s 5th Annual Meeting | Learn. Share. Partner. June 2015 WASHINGTON UPDATE

WIOA & BIDEN REPORT July 22, 2014 Enactment of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA); and Issuance of Vice President Biden’s “Ready to Work: Job-Driven Training and American Opportunity” Report

JOB-DRIVEN CHECKLIST Engaging Employers Earn and Learn Smart Choices—Better Use of Data to Drive Accountability Measurement Matters—Measurement of Employment and Earnings Stepping Stones—Promote Seamless Progressions Opening Doors—Breaking Down Access to Job-driven Training Regional Partnerships / Collaborations.

WIOA Implements job-driven checklist Builds on best practices from current system Emphasizes strategic role of workforce system Focuses on system alignment vs. consolidation Provides additional flexibility for local funding: –Transfer authority between Adult and Dislocated Worker programs –Up to 20% for incumbent worker training –Up to 10% for transitional jobs to establish work history

WIOA Increases emphasis on: –Cross-system alignment, strategic planning, performance measurement, data collection/utilization. –Regional convening, planning, service delivery. –Training for high demand industry sectors and occupations. –Emphasis on LMI to ensure high demand focus. –Convening, facilitation, and leveraging roles for state and local boards.

WIOA Requires connections between Workforce, Adult Education and Postsecondary systems—establishing Career Pathways that integrate basic and/or English language education with occupational training. Requires major shift in services for youth (up to age 24) with 75% of youth funding dedicated toward serving out- of-school youth with limited exceptions. Stresses connections to postsecondary education/training and Career Pathways for youth. Adds new educational progress measures—encouraging longer term service delivery.

WIOA TIMELINE & PROPOSED RULEMAKING Comments on NPRMsJune 15, 2015 WIOA Effective DateJuly 1, 2015 Final Regs ExpectedJanuary 2016 State Plans DueMarch 2016 State Plans & Performance ImplementedJuly 1, 2016

HIGHER EDUCATION ACT Federal student aid, authorized under title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA), far surpasses funding for training under WIA and other federal workforce training programs combined. * Pell Grants for students age 24 and older shown in blue

HEA MAJOR ISSUES Alexander/Murray Work Groups: Accountability Accreditation Affordability & Financial Aid Campus Sexual Assault & Safety

HEA MAJOR ISSUES— INTERSECTION WITH WORKFORCE Accountability  Outcomes Accreditation  Transparency, Quality Assurances Student Aid Flexibility (e.g., Competency-Based, Alternative Scheduling, Non-traditional Students) Relevance and Work-Based Learning System Alignment Innovation and Evidence

PARTIAL RESTORATION OF ATB FY 2015 “CROmnibus” Appropriations partially restored the Ability to Benefit (ATB) provisions of the Higher Education Act Will allow students without a HS diploma or equivalent, who are enrolled in “eligible Career Pathway programs,” to be determined eligible for Pell grants if they either pass an approved test or successfully complete 6 hours of college credit. Department of Education guidance letter issued May 22—on ED’s IFAP website (

PARTIAL RESTORATION OF ATB (CONTINUED) Clarification on several important points: Identification of approved methods for determining ATB eligibility; Clarification regarding retroactive implementation of the reinstated provisions; Guidance for determining what is an “eligible career pathway program” for determining a student’s eligibility.

ELIGIBLE CAREER PATHWAY PROGRAM Concurrently enrolled in adult education & postsecondary programs Provides students with counseling & supportive services Provides structured course sequences that—are articulated, contextualized, and advance to higher levels of education and employment Provides opportunities for acceleration to credentials Organized to meet adults needs Aligned with skill needs of regional economies Developed/implemented in collaboration with business, workforce, and economic development

TEL FAX Broad Street, 8 th Floor, Boston, MA (HQ) 122 C Street, NW, Suite 650, Washington, DC th Street, Suite 900, Oakland, CA MARY CLAGETT