S. 922: To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to define the term evidence-based.

This bill proposes an amendment to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to clarify the definition of the term "evidence-based" in relation to various activities, services, strategies, or interventions. It intends to establish specific criteria that determine what constitutes evidence-based practices, particularly in workforce development programs.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Definition of Evidence-Based: The bill introduces a clear definition of "evidence-based." It states that for an activity to be considered evidence-based, it must:
• Show a statistically significant positive effect on participant outcomes from at least one of the following:
  • Strong evidence from a well-designed experimental study.
  • Moderate evidence from a quasi-experimental study.
  • Promising evidence from a correlational study controlled for selection bias.
• Be supported by high-quality research that suggests its effectiveness in improving outcomes and include ongoing evaluations of its effects.
• Changes to Funding Descriptions: The bill requires that, in descriptions of workforce development activities, states must include:
  • The extent to which these activities are evidence-based.
  • A strategy for prioritizing the funding of evidence-based programs within statewide workforce development activities.

Purpose and Goals

The overarching goal of the bill is to enhance the effectiveness of workforce development programs by ensuring that they are based on reliable evidence of success. This aims to improve outcomes for participants in training and employment services, making such programs more efficient and impactful.

Impact on States and Programs

States will need to adjust their workforce development plans to align with the new evidence-based criteria. This may involve revising funding strategies and evaluation methods to ensure that they prioritize and track effective practices according to the definitions set forth in the bill.

Relevant Companies

None found.