Job Training: Often Misunderstood But Too Important to Dismiss

Thanks to Karen Stanfill at Advocacy Inc. for sending this story!
In this commentary for The Huffington Post on behalf of the Working Poor Families Project, CUF's David Jason Fischer and the WPFP's Brandon Roberts examine some of the misperceptions and realities around job training in the United States today.

The Huffington Post, July 21, 2009
Brandon Roberts and David Fischer co-wrote this article on behalf of the Working Poor Families Project. The article is also available on The Huffington Post website, at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brandon-roberts/job-training-often-misund_b_242090.html

Job retraining has had a bum rap in public policy circles. The latest indictment of retraining came in a New York Times article on July 6, describing the difficulties of laid-off workers in Michigan -- home of the country's highest unemployment rate (14.1 percent) and a much-touted state program, No Worker Left Behind, that offers up to two years of tuition assistance toward an educational or occupational credential in any "high-demand" economic sector.

One significant problem detailed in the piece was the frequency with which participants completed training but did not find jobs afterward, as ostensibly high-demand job categories proved to be anything but. Placing the Michigan workers' difficulties in broader context--and casting more doubt on the enterprise of retraining overall--the piece cited a US Department of Labor study from December 2008 which found that benefits for laid-off individuals retrained through federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) programs were "small or nonexistent." The implication is that the public should temper expectations for the more than $1 billion for retraining included in the federal stimulus measure passed earlier this year.

But while the Times story and similar tales of woe identify real challenges with retraining, it would be incorrect to conclude either that these programs are hopeless, or that the problems of retraining call into question the value of all training. On this point, the same USDOL study (PDF) cited in the article found "positive and statistically significant" wage gains for WIA Adult program training participants in most states, with average wage gains per quarter of well over $200 compared to control groups. Other studies have also shown even stronger results, including a recent Public/Private Ventures report that analyzed job training programs linked to targeted industries or sectors and found participant wage gains of more than 18 percent -- about $4,500 -- compared to a control group over a two-year period.

Misunderstandings about the nature of job training cloud public perceptions as well. A significant portion of job training in the U.S. occurs through community colleges -- institutions that blend educational and workforce missions, to the benefit of jobseekers and local employers alike. In fact, a just-released paper by the President's Council of Economic Advisers notes that approximately 35 percent of individuals who receive job training through WIA do so through community colleges. Smaller and more flexible than four-year institutions, community colleges typically offer industry-recognized vocational certifications, in fields from automotive maintenance to computer network administration, as well as traditional associates' degrees. Nearly four-fifths of community colleges also offer contract training, developing curricula in partnership with employers, industry associations and other outside stakeholders to train incumbent workers and jobseekers. Additionally, much apprenticeship training, which typically leads to high-wage positions, takes place in community colleges.

Mindful of community colleges' value and potential, the Obama administration recently announced the American Graduation Initiative. This groundbreaking plan will expand support to community colleges, pledging $12 billion for new initiatives to improve college completion, modernize facilities, and develop new online learning opportunities with the goal of graduating an additional five million Americans from a community college by 2020. An explicit objective of the plan is to "help rebuild the capacity and competitiveness of America's workforce." The initiative has drawn praise from both sides of the political spectrum, including prominent conservatives like New York Times columnist David Brooks.

Even when training outcomes do not meet expectations, the findings should not be considered as definitive. Variation in program design and implementation from one state to the next is so pronounced that, rather than looking at aggregate system performance across a number of states, we might be better served to determine which states have seen the most success in retraining and reemploying displaced workers. One such state is Washington, where displaced workers who have gone for retraining in the state's standout community and technical college system have thrived: the system's June 2009 performance report found that 81 percent of retrained workers were back working within a year of program completion, at wages comparable to what they had earned before losing their jobs. In fact, lower-income displaced workers reported an average 18% wage gain after retraining.

One important point mentioned within the July 6 Times article is that "[j]ob retraining is also ineffective without job creation." Considering that job creation (or preservation) was an explicit goal of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed earlier this year, states' retraining efforts should use a targeted, sector-based focus with the goal of transitioning displaced workers into positions that the stimulus will support, in infrastructure and emerging fields such as clean energy. It also suggests a possible direction for programming going forward: rather than relying upon labor market economists' best guesses as to what job titles might be "hot," states and localities might be better off directing retraining efforts toward jobs that are likely to emerge as a result of their own economic development investments. As Congress and the Obama administration look toward reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act in the near future, policymakers must find ways to more closely link job training with job creation.

At their best, workforce development programs offer incumbent workers and jobseekers a bridge to connect their current skills and experiences with stable jobs that offer family-supporting pay and advancement prospects. Given the accelerating pace of economic change, the ongoing dysfunction in our public schools -- the other system for career preparation -- and the perils and possibilities now inherent to our labor market, workforce programming, very much including retraining, is too important to dismiss or neglect.

David Jason Fischer is Project Director for Workforce Development and Social Policy at the Center for an Urban Future, a New York City-based public policy think tank.

Congressional Champion for Persons with Disabilities Passes Away

To: All Members of the National Rehabilitation Association

From: Patricia Leahy, Director of Government Affairs

Re: The Congressional Champion for Persons with Disabilities Passes Away

Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2009

On Tuesday, August 25, 2009, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the consummate Congressional champion of children and adults with disabilities, passed away. Known to many as the Liberal Lion of the Senate, no one was more sincere about crossing the political aisle in the spirit of bipartisanship than Senator Kennedy.

President Obama called Senator Kennedy "Not only one of the greatest Senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans to ever serve democracy." One of his closest friends, Senator Orrin Hatch (R.UT.) said of his Congressional colleague: "Today, America lost a great elder statesman, a committed public servant and a leader in the Senate, and I lost a treasured friend." Former First Lady Nancy Reagan called Senator Kennedy "a dear friend." Senator John McCain (R.AZ.) said of Senator Kennedy: "He always kept his word, and that is far less common around here than a lot of people think." "We just sat down together and worked out a proposal. He didn't start it; I didn't start it. We just sat down and said OK, here's what we want to achieve -- what do we have to do?"

Forever at the forefront of the discussion and debate on ensuring the civil rights of children and adults with disabilities, Senator Kennedy forged partnerships with everyone he could in the Capitol and in our great country to ensure those rights were appreciated, respected and resulted in policies and legislation that were both bipartisan and benefited those who most needed representation in Congress -- children and adults with disabilities.

When the Congress began discussions on the great civil rights law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Senator Kennedy and others, many of whom were inspired by the Senator, shepherded IDEA through the Senate. During the discussions on a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all, Senator Kennedy, once again, was at the forefront of the debate. During sometimes spirited discussions on whom should comprise the IEP team, including the general education teacher, Senator Kennedy was there providing gifted guidance on the importance of diverse membership in this singularly important process for determining a student's progression.

When some balked at the thought of an inclusive classroom for children and young adults with disabilities, Senator Kennedy and others made the case with and on behalf of parents and students with disabilities in both the Capitol and in our country that students with disabilities had the RIGHT to be educated with their non-disabled peers. When it became increasingly apparent that the greatest country in the world -- the United States of America -- did not have an infrastructure that was accessible to all Americans -- Senator Kennedy and many others began a bipartisan journey that was to result in one of the greatest pieces of legislation to ever emerge from the Congress: The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

Senator Kennedy has always been there for children and adults with disabilities.

While his presence will be missed, the spirit of his memorable mission of equality, dignity and respect for all individuals with disabilities will forever remain. There is an old Irish adage, part of which I would like to share with you on the passing of Senator Kennedy:

'MAY THE ROAD RISE TO MEET YOU,

MAY THE WIND BE ALWAYS AT YOUR BACK,

MAY THE SUN SHINE WARM UPON YOUR FACE,

MAY THE RAINS FALL SOFT UPON YOUR FIELDS

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN."

***************************
Patricia Leahy
Director of Governmental Affairs and Public Policy
National Rehabilitation Association
633 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
1-888-258-4295
NRA Office - 703-836-0850
NRA Fax - 703-836-0848
TDD - 703-836-0849
E-mail - patricia@nationalrehab.org
NRA Website - www.nationalrehab.org

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS- Wisconsin and N. Carolina

ANNOUNCEMENT 1:
Center for Deaf-Blind Persons, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Position: Executive Director
Responsible for all general management, fiscal matters, and programs
Major duties:
Supervise Center staff, develop and supervise programs, project and manage budget and fund development, engage in strategic planning, spearhead community outreach/education, develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners.
Qualifications:
A passion to serve
Master’s Degree in rehabilitation, social work, or administration preferred
Organized and possess the ability to multitask in a fast moving agency
Strong leadership and problem-solving skills
Experience in management and human resources
Demonstrated ability in all aspects of fund raising, including writing grant proposals and progress reports
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Experience and knowledge of the rehabilitation process and teaching techniques
Understanding of community based waivers and governmental programs a plus,
Ability to use sign language highly desired

Competitive salary and benefits. For information about the Center, please visit our web site at http://www.deaf-blind.org
Please send references and resume to:
Board of Directors
Center for Deaf-Blind Persons, Inc.
3195 South Superior Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53207

OR email to: board@deaf-blind.org NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE


ANNOUNCEMENT 2:
Division Director, North Carolina Division of Blind Services
The North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is accepting applications for the position of Division Director. This position is policy making exempt. The Agency serves consumers who are blind or visually impaired or have vision and hearing losses in areas that include Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living Rehabilitation, and Business Enterprises. The Agency also provides social work services through the Social Services Block Grant and operates a state-funded program for the provision of eye-related medical services.
Training & Experience- Master's degree in business, public, or public health administration, rehabilitation, social work, sociology, education, or psychology and five years of managerial or supervisory experience in a private or governmental human services or closely related area: or graduation from a four-year college or university in business administration, rehabilitation, social work, sociology, education, or Psychology and seven years experience in a human services or closely related program, three of which must be managerial or supervisory experience in a private or governmental human services or closely related area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Management Preference – demonstrated skill as a leader, manager, and supervisory; direct service and management/supervisory experience in a program serving people with disabilities, preferably with vision loss; experience in working with multiple funding sources which have different uses and requirements;
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – understanding of the skills that contribute to the independence and successful employment of people who are blind; understanding of the laws and regulations that apply to the rehabilitation program and services; understanding of budget, legislative, and HR processes; able to function with a small management staff within the Division and as part of a large departmental team; good computer skills.
Closing Date – 8/21/09-9/4/09
Salary Range – $69,860 – $117,406
For additional information please contact –
Angela Miller
Division of Human Resources, Health and Human Services
Contact Address: 2001 MSC, Raleigh, NC 27699-2001
Phone: 919-733-2940
Fax: 919-733-6087

NCDDR Teleconference

Please join a teleconference hosted by the NCDDR for NIDRR grantees and other stakeholders interested in disability policy and its relationship to research quality.
WHAT: Teleconference on Policy Implications for Disability and Rehabilitation Research Quality
WHEN: Thursday, September 17, 2009. 2:00 PM–3:15 PM (Central).

ABOUT THE TELECONFERENCE
The NCDDR will host a teleconference on September 17, 2009 for NIDRR grantees and other individuals interested in the impacts of current and future federal policy directives upon the quality of disability and rehabilitation research. Panelists will include high-level representatives from federal disability-related agencies and disability organizations. Panelists will address policy issues impacting disability and rehabilitation research, particularly in light of the current economic climate and the new administration. Panelists will also explore their perceptions about how policy affects the quality of research and will discuss their visions and goals for the future of the disability and rehabilitation field. This activity is sponsored through the NCDDR's Community of Practice on Research Quality.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Please register here by September 10, 2009. There is no fee to attend, but space is limited to 35 participants. You may submit your questions along with your registration. You will be notified by email with the teleconference call-in number and a PIN for your participation. For those who cannot attend the live teleconference, a recording and transcript will be archived on the NCDDR homepage.

For more information, contact Brenda Lightfoot by email: brenda.lightfoot@sedl.org or call 800-266-1832.