NLA Discussion: Implementing the NRS -- how is it going ?

[David J Rosen]

NLA Colleagues,

It's been over two months since the implementation of the National 
Reporting System under the Workforce Investment Act. I wonder how
practitioners have been experiencing this in their states.  Has your
state implemented a Management Information System to collect results?  If
so, what do you think of it?  Will you be able to collect the data and
report it?  How about the required follow-up interviews?  Will your
program be collecting these data?  If so, how does this look to you at
this point?

Is your state going to develop new instruments -- assessment instruments
other than the already existing standardized tests? Performance-based
assessments? Instruments related to progress or results on students'
achievement of their goals?  I know that there are plans for developing
new assessment instruments in Ohio and Massachusetts.  Any other states
developing new instruments?

In your state, do you have a conflict between trying to meet state
standards and the standards of the NRS?  Are your state curriculum
frameworks or your state Indicators of Program Quality out of alignment
with the testing required by (your state's interpretation of) the NRS?

Will you, do you think, be able to make use of the data collected for
decision-making at the program level, to improve your program -- or will
these data merely be passed on to the state to pass on to the Feds?

And what other questions should we be asking at this point?

David J. Rosen
NLA List Moderator