Sonoma County Workforce Investment Board

Glossary

A| B | C | D | E | F | I | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | V | W | Y |

A

Adult
An individual who is age 18 or older. (WIA §101(1)).

Adult Basic Functioning Level (ABE)
 Describes a set of literacy and numeracy skills and competencies that students demonstrate and measures educational gain in the National Reporting System (NRS) for Adult Education skills areas. Each educational functioning level is equivalent to 2 grade levels.

Adult Education
Services or instruction below the post-secondary level for individuals who:

  • are 16 years of age or older;
  • are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under State law
  • lack sufficient mastery of basic educational skills to enable the individuals to function effectively in society;
  • do not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and have not achieved an equivalent level of education
  • are unable to speak, read, or write the English language.

Adult Education and Literacy Activities
Services, including Workplace literacy services, Family literacy services, English literacy programs.

Advanced Training/Occupational Skills Training
To count as a placement for the Youth Common Measures, advanced training constitutes an organized program of study that provides specific vocational skills that lead to proficiency in performing actual tasks and technical functions required by certain occupational fields at entry, intermediate, or advanced levels. Such training should: (1) be outcome-oriented, and focused on a long-term goal as specified in the Individual Service Strategy; (2) be long-term in nature and commence upon program exit rather than being short-term training that is part of services received while enrolled in ETA-funded youth  programs, and (3) result in attainment of a certificate. (TEGL 17-05)

Alternative Secondary School
 A public school or publicly contracted educational program that serves youth who have not been successful in mainstream “traditional” academic programs and provides instruction leading to a high school diploma and/or GED.

Area Vocational Education School
The meaning given the term in section 521 of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act (20 U.S.C. 2471).

At-Risk of Dropping Out of School
As determined by school district records, policies or personnel; a Youth who is experiencing a lack of academic success; a Youth who has a significant number of absences or erratic attendance, which result in the youth not benefiting from school; or a Youth who has behavior problems in the school setting. (WIA §101(39)).

B

Basic Skills Deficient
The individual has English reading, writing, or computing skills at or below the 8th grade level on a generally accepted standardized test or a comparable score on a criterion-referenced test.

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C

Case Management
The provision of a client-centered approach in the delivery of services, designed:

  • to prepare and coordinate comprehensive employment plans, such as service strategies, for participants to ensure access to necessary workforce investment activities and supportive services, using, where feasible, computer-based technologies
  • to provide job and career counseling during program participation and after job placement.

Certificate
A certificate is awarded in recognition of an individual’s attainment of measurable technical or occupational skills necessary to gain employment or advance within an occupation. These technical or occupational skills are based on standards developed or endorsed by employers. Certificates awarded by workforce investment boards are not included in this definition. Work readiness certificates are also not included in this definition.  Awarding institutions include: a State educational agency; institution of higher education; professional, industry or employer organization or a product manufacturer; registered apprenticeship program; public regulatory agency; Department of Veterans Affairs; Office of Job Corps; Indian Tribe Higher Education Institution; or State Department of Education.

Chief Elected Official (CEO)
The chief elected executive officer of a unit of general local government in a local area. In Sonoma County, this is the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

Community-Based Organization (CBO)
A private nonprofit organization that is representative of a community or a significant segment of a community and that has demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in the field of workforce investment.

Core Indicators of Performance
Core indicators of performance shall consist of:

  • attainment of basic skills and, as appropriate, work readiness or occupational skills
  • attainment of secondary school diplomas and their recognized equivalents
  • placement and retention in post-secondary education or advanced training
  • placement and retention in military service, employment, or qualified apprenticeships

Core Indicators of Performance for Eligible Youth
Core indicators of performance for eligible youth shall consist of:

  • entry into unsubsidized employment
  • retention in unsubsidized employment 6 months after entry
  • earnings received in unsubsidized employment 6 months after entry
  • attainment of a recognized credential relating to achievement of educational skills including:
    • attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or occupational skills, by participants who enter unsubsidized employment, or by participants who are eligible youth age 19 through 21 who enter post-secondary education, advanced training, or unsubsidized employment
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Core Services
Core services may include:

  • determinations of whether the individuals are eligible to receive assistance
  • outreach, intake (which may include worker profiling), and orientation to the information and other services available through the one-stop delivery system
  • initial assessment of skill levels, aptitudes, abilities, and supportive service needs
  • job search and placement assistance, and where appropriate, career counseling
  • provision of employment statistics information, including the provision of accurate information relating to local, regional, and national labor market areas, including:
    • job vacancy listings in such labor market areas
    • information on job skills necessary to obtain the jobs described above
    • information relating to local occupations in demand and the earnings and skill requirements for such occupations
  • provision of performance information and program cost information on eligible providers of training services as described in section 122, provided by program, and eligible providers of youth activities described in section 123, providers of Adult Education described in Title II, providers of post-secondary vocational education activities and vocational education activities available to school dropouts under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.), and providers of vocational rehabilitation program activities described in Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.)
  • provision of information regarding how the local area is performing on the local performance measures and any additional performance information with respect to the one-stop delivery system in the local area
  • provision of accurate information relating to the availability of supportive services, including child care and transportation, available in the local area, and referral to such services
  • provision of information regarding filing claims for unemployment compensation
  • assistance in establishing eligibility for:
    • Welfare-to-work activities authorized under section 403(a)(5) of the Social Security Act (as added by section 5001 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997) available in the local area
    • programs of financial aid assistance for training and education programs that are not funded
      under this Act and are available in the local area
  • follow-up services, including counseling regarding the workplace, for participants in workforce investment activities who are placed in unsubsidized employment, for not less than 12 months after the first day of the employment.

Credential
A nationally recognized degree or certificate or state/locally recognized credential. Credentials include, but are not limited to, a high school diploma, GED, or other recognized equivalents, post-secondary degrees/certificates, recognized skill standards, and licensure or other industry-recognized certificates. States should include all state education agency recognized credentials. In addition, States should work with local workforce investment boards to encourage certificates to recognize successful completion of the training services listed above that are designed to equip individual to enter or re-enter employment, retain employment, or advance into better employment. (WIA §136(b)(2)(i)(IV) and 20 CFR §663.508)

Customer Satisfaction Indicators
Customer satisfaction indicators shall consist of

  • customer satisfaction of employers and participants with services received from the workforce investment activities
  • customer satisfaction may be measured through surveys conducted after the conclusion of participation in the workforce investment activities

Customized Training
Customized training is training:

  • designed to meet the special requirements of an employer (including a group of employers)
  • conducted with a commitment by the employer to employ an individual on successful completion of the training
  • for which the employer pays for not less than 50 percent of the cost of the training.
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D

Date of Enrollment/Participation
The first day, following a determination of eligibility, that the individual receives a service funded by the program. This date is established by a staff person entering the enrollment and subsequent service into the automated Virtual One-Stop Program or VOS. The Date of Enrollment must equal the date of the first program service.

Date of Exit
The term program exit means a participant has not received a service funded by the program or by a partner program for 90 consecutive calendar days, and is not scheduled for future services. The exit date is the last date of service.

Dislocated Worker
An individual who:

  • has been terminated or laid off, or who has received a notice of termination or layoff, from employment
  • is eligible for or has exhausted entitlement to unemployment compensation
  • has been employed for a duration sufficient to demonstrate, to the appropriate entity at a one-stop center, attachment to the workforce, but is not eligible for unemployment compensation due to insufficient earnings or having performed services for an employer that were not covered under a State unemployment compensation law and is unlikely to return to a previous industry or occupation
  • has been terminated or laid off, or has received a notice of termination or layoff, from employment as a result of any permanent closure of, or any substantial layoff at, a plant, facility, or enterprise
  • is employed at a facility at which the employer has made a general announcement that such facility will close within 180 days
  • for purposes of eligibility to receive services (other than training services, intensive services, or supportive services) is employed at a facility at which the employer has made a general announcement that such facility will close
  • was self-employed (including employment as a farmer, a rancher, or a fisherman) but is unemployed as a result of general economic conditions in the community in which the individual resides or because of natural disasters
  • is a displaced homemaker

Displaced Homemaker
An individual who has been providing unpaid services to family members in the home and who:

  • has been dependent on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by that income; and
  • is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment.

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E

Economic Development Agencies
Local planning and zoning commissions or boards, community development agencies, and other local agencies and institutions responsible for regulating, promoting, or assisting in local economic development.

Educational Functioning Levels
As outlined in the National Reporting System (NRS) designed by the Department of Education to track WIA Title II funded adult education and literacy programs – there are two sets of educational functioning levels – six levels for Adult Basic Education (ABE) and six levels for English-as-a second language (ESL) students. The ABE levels roughly equate to two grade levels. Further guidance on the educational functioning level descriptors can be found in Attachment C, TEGL 17-05. Each ABE and ESL level describes a set of skills and competencies that students entering at that demonstrate in the areas of reading, writing, numeracy, speaking, listening, functional, and workplace skills. These descriptors provide guidelines for placing participants in educational functioning levels, based on performance on standardized test.

Educational Service Agency
A regional public multi-service agency authorized by State statute to develop and manage a service or program, and to provide the service or program to a local educational agency.

Electronic One Stop
Automated or on-line One-Stop services such as referral processes, training information, or performance reporting and the necessary hardware or software to provide such services.

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Eligible Youth
An individual who

  • is not less than age 14 and not more than age 21
  • is a low-income individual
  • is an individual who is one or more of the following:
    • Deficient in basic literacy skills
    • A school dropout
    • Homeless, a runaway, or a foster child
    • Pregnant or a parent
    • An offender
    • An individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program, or to secure and hold employment.

Employer Services
One-Stop services for the employer—customers of the system

Employment and Training Activity
An activity (statewide rapid response activity) that is carried out for an Adult or dislocated worker.

English Literacy Program
A program of instruction designed to help individuals of limited English proficiency achieve competence in the English language.

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F

Family
Two or more persons related by blood, marriage, or decree of court, who are living in a single residence, and are included in one or more of the following categories:

  • A husband, wife, and dependent children.
  • A parent or guardian and dependent children
  • A husband and wife

Family Literacy Services
Services that are of sufficient intensity in terms of hours, and of sufficient duration, to make sustainable changes in a family, and that integrate all of the following activities:

  • Interactive literacy activities between parents and their children
  • Training for parents regarding how to be the primary teacher for their children and full partners in the education of their children.
  • Parent literacy training that leads to economic self-sufficiency.
  • An age-appropriate education to prepare children for success in school and life experiences.

Family of One/Individual with a Disability
An “individual with a disability” must, for purposes of income eligibility determination, be considered to be an unrelated individual who is a family unit of one consistent with the criteria described below for Low Income Individual (Section 101(25)(f) of the Act).

Follow Up
Follow-up services provided to youth after exiting from the WIA Youth Program facilitate and support youth development, retention and advancement in long term employment and education placements.
One year of follow-up is required by the Workforce Investment Act and enables service providers to help each enrollee to work steadily and advance to better jobs, to maintain regular attendance in post-secondary education and/or training and to continue to grow, mature, and acquire adulthood competencies through participation in youth development activities for a longer period of time. The type(s) of follow-up provided is determined based on the needs of the participant. For youth that participate in summer employment opportunities only, follow-up may be less intensive. Follow-up services may include:

  • Leadership development opportunities;
  • Supportive services;
  • Regular contact with a youth participant's employer, including assistance in addressing work-related problems that may arise;
  • Assistance in securing better paying jobs, career development and further education;
  • Work-related peer support groups;
  • Adult mentoring; and
  • Tracking the progress of youth in employment after training.

I

In-School Youth
Defined as either (i) those who are attending any school and have not received a secondary school diploma, or (ii) those who are attending post-secondary school and are not basic skills deficient.

Individual Of Limited English Proficiency
An Adult or out-of-school youth who has limited ability in speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the
English language, and:

  • whose native language is a language other than English; or
  • who lives in a family or community environment where a language other than English is the dominant language.

Institution of Higher Education
The meaning given the term in section 1201 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1141)

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Individual With A Disability
An individual with any disability (as defined in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102))

Individual Service Strategy
An Individual Service Strategy (ISS) is an ongoing strategy jointly developed by the participant and the case manager, which identifies an age-appropriate employment / career goal, appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate combination of services for the participant to reach these objectives.

Individual Training Account (ITA)
Individual Training Account, or vouchers made available to One-Stop clients to provide for training

Intensive Services
Intensive services include comprehensive and specialized assessments of the skill levels and service needs
of Adults and dislocated workers, which may include:

  • Diagnostic testing and use of other assessment tools
  • In-depth interviewing and evaluation to identify employment barriers and appropriate employment
    goals.
  • Development of an individual employment plan, to identify the employment goals, appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate combination of services for the participant to achieve the employment goals.
  • Group counseling.
  • Individual counseling and career planning
  • Case management for participants seeking training services
  • Short-term pre-vocational services, including development of learning skills, communication skills, interviewing skills, punctuality, personal maintenance skills, and professional conduct, to prepare individuals for unsubsidized employment or training.

L

Labor Market Area
An economically integrated geographic area within which individuals can reside and find employment within a reasonable distance or can readily change employment without changing their place of residence. Such an area shall be identified in accordance with criteria used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor in defining such areas or similar criteria established by a Governor.

Literacy
An individual's ability to read, write, and speak in English, compute, and solve problems, at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in the family of the individual, and in society

Local Elected Official (LEO)
See Chief Elected Official

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Local Area
A local workforce investment area designated by the Governor through consultation with the State Workforce Investment Board, chief elected officials, public comment and considering:

  • Geographic areas served by local and intermediate educational agencies, post-secondary and vocational educational institutions
  • The extent to which such local areas are consistent with labor market areas and the distance that individuals will need to travel to receive services provided in such local areas

The Governor shall approve any request for designation as a local area:

  • any unit of general local government with a population of 500,000 or more
  • the area served by a rural concentrated employment program grant recipient of demonstrated effectiveness that served as a service delivery area or sub-state area under the Job Training Partnership Act
  • A State that has a population of not more than 1,100,000 and a population density greater than 900 persons per square mile

Local Board
A local workforce investment board established in each local area of a State, and certified by the Governor of the State

Local Educational Agency
The meaning given the term in section 14101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801)

Local Performance Measures
The local performance measures shall consist of: the core indicators of performance and the Customer satisfaction indicators, as well as any additional indicators of performance identified by the State.

In determining such local levels of performance, the local board, the chief elected official, and the Governor shall take into account the specific economic, demographic, and other characteristics of the populations to be served in the local area

Lower Living Standard Income Level
Income level (adjusted for regional, metropolitan, urban, and rural differences and family size) determined annually by the Secretary based on the most recent lower living family budget issued by the Secretary

Low-Income Individual
An individual who:

  • receives, or is a member of a family that receives, cash payments under a Federal, State, or local income-based public assistance program
  • received an income, or is a member of a family that received a total family income, for the 6-month period prior to application for the program involved (exclusive of unemployment compensation, child support payments, or payments described above, and old-age and survivors insurance benefits received under section 202 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402)) that, in relation to family size, does not exceed the higher of:
    • the poverty line, for an equivalent period
    • 70 percent of the lower living standard income level, for an equivalent period
  • is a member of a household that receives (or has been determined within the 6-month period prior to application for the program involved to be eligible to receive) food stamps pursuant to the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.)
  • qualifies as a homeless individual, as defined in subsections (a) and (c) of section 103 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302)
  • is a foster child on behalf of whom State or local government payments are made
  • in cases permitted by regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor, is an individual with a disability whose own income meets the requirements of a program described above, but who is a member of a family whose income does not meet such requirements
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M

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
A Memorandum of Understanding between the LEO, the local WIB, and One-Stop partners.

Mentoring
Opportunities for youth to interact meaningfully, and one-on-one, with a caring adult(s) over a minimum 12-month period to improve academic performance, provide job shadowing, goal setting, career exploration, work readiness, and social skills improvement – and may occur both during and after program participation. One of the required WIA 10 program elements.

N

Non-Traditional Employment
Occupations or fields of work for which individuals from one gender comprise less than 25 percent of the individuals employed in each such occupation or field of work.

Numeracy
Proficiency in mathematics as well as general confidence and competence with numbers and measures.

O

Occupational Skills Training
Basic or advanced training for acquiring skills in a specific occupation. Instruction conducted in an institutional or work site setting designed to provide or upgrade the technical skills and information required to perform a specific job or group of jobs such as auto mechanics, health services, or clerical training. Occupational Skills Training includes job specific competency training and pre-apprenticeship training. Secondary occupational skills entail familiarity with, and use of set-up procedures, safety measures, work-related terminology, record keeping and paperwork formats, tools, equipment and materials, and breakdown and clean-up routines. Training institutions such as career techs, community colleges, universities, and private training providers provide such training.

Offender
Any adult or juvenile who:

  • is or has been subject to any stage of the criminal justice process, for whom services under this Act may be beneficial
  • requires assistance in overcoming artificial barriers to employment resulting from a record of arrest or conviction.

Older Individual
An individual age 55 or older

One-Stop Center
The One-Stop Center is the primary vehicle for service delivery under the WIA. It can be a site, center, or system for the provision of multiple employment services or for access to such services.

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One-Stop Delivery System
A one-stop delivery system, shall:

  • provide access to core services
  • provide access to intensive services and training services (including serving as the point of access to individual training accounts for training services to participants)
  • make each of the programs, services, and activities accessible at not less than one physical center in each local area of the State
  • make programs, services, and activities available through a network of:
    • affiliated sites that can provide one or more of the programs, services, and activities to individuals
    • eligible one-stop partners in which each partner provides one or more of the programs, services, and activities and is accessible at an affiliated site (a physical location or an electronically or technologically linked access point). Each site should assure that information on the availability of the core services will be available to the individual regardless of where the individuals initially enter the statewide workforce investment system.
  • provide access to programs and activities carried out by one-stop partners
  • provide access to the State list of eligible providers of training services, with a description of the programs through which the providers may offer the training services, and the information identifying eligible providers of on-the-job training and customized training and the performance information and performance cost information relating to eligible providers of training services
  • provide access to the information described in section 15 of the Wagner-Peyser Act and all job search, placement, recruitment, and other labor exchange services authorized under the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.).

One-Stop Operator
A public or private entity (or consortium of entities) of demonstrated effectiveness, located in the local area, which is eligible to receive funds to operate a one-stop center.

Such operators are designated or certified with the authorization of a local board, (with the agreement of the
chief elected official):

  • through a competitive process
  • in accordance with an agreement reached between the local board and a consortium of entities that, at a minimum, includes 3 or more of the one-stop partners

Such operators may include:

  • a post-secondary educational institution
  • an employment service agency established under the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.), on behalf of the local office of the agency
  • a private, nonprofit organization (including a community-based organization)
  • a private for-profit entity
  • a government agency
  • another interested organization or entity, which may include a local chamber of commerce or other business organization.
  • Elementary schools and secondary schools shall not be eligible for designation or certification as one-stop
    operators, except that nontraditional public secondary schools and area vocational education schools shall be eligible for such designation or certification
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One-Stop Partner
Each One-Stop Partner shall:

  • make available to participants, through a one-stop delivery system, core services that are applicable to such program or activities
  • participate in the operation of such system consistent with the terms of WIA, and with the requirements of the Federal law in which the program or activities are authorized.

These include:

  • programs authorized under the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.)
  • Adult Education and literacy activities authorized under Title II
  • programs authorized under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.)
  • programs authorized under section 403(a)(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 603(a)(5)) (as added by section 5001 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997)
  • activities authorized under Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3056 et seq.)
  • post-secondary vocational education activities authorized under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.)
  • activities authorized under chapter 2 of Title II of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2271 et seq.)
  • activities authorized under chapter 41 of Title 38, United States Code
  • employment and training activities carried out under the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C.9901 et seq.)
  • employment and training activities carried out by the Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • programs authorized under State unemployment compensation laws (in accordance with applicable Federal law)
  • programs authorized under part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)
  • programs authorized under section 6(d)(4) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2015(d)(4))
  • work programs authorized under section 6(o) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2015(o))
  • programs authorized under the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12501 et seq.)
  • other appropriate Federal, State, or local programs, including programs in the private sector

In addition to the entities described above, other entities that carry out a human resource program may (if the local board and chief elected official involved approve):

  • make available to participants, through the one-stop delivery system, the core Services that are applicable to such program
  • participate in the operation of such system consistent with the terms of WIA, and with the requirements of the Federal law in which the program is authorized

On-The-Job Training
Training by an employer that is provided to a paid participant while engaged in productive work in a job that:

  • provides knowledge or skills essential to the full and adequate performance of the job;
  • provides reimbursement to the employer of up to 50 percent of the wage rate of the participant, for the extraordinary costs of providing the training and additional supervision related to the training; and-is limited in duration as appropriate to the occupation for which the participant is being trained, taking into account the content of the training, the prior work experience of the participant, and the service strategy of the participant.
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Outcome
Documented effect or impact of a service or intervention on an individual. Outcomes are what the program efforts are designed to achieve. Proposed outcomes must be stated in terms of measurable indicators.

Outlying Area
The United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

Out-Of-School Youth
An eligible youth who is a school dropout, or who has received a secondary school diploma or its equivalent but, is basic skills deficient, unemployed, or underemployed (WIA section 101(33)).Note: For reporting purposes, this term includes all youth except: (i) those who are attending any school and have not received a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or (ii) those who are attending post-secondary school and are not basic skills deficient.

Outreach/Recruitment
Activities and strategies for identifying and contacting potential participants. Strategies will include procedures that assure access throughout the service area and address appropriate access for participants with barriers.

P

Participant
An individual who has been determined to be eligible to participate in and who is receiving services (except follow-up services authorized under this Title) under a program authorized by this Title. Participation shall be deemed to commence on the first day, following determination of eligibility, on which the individual began receiving subsidized employment, training, or other services provided under this Title.

Post-Secondary Educational Institution
The term “postsecondary educational institution” means an institution of higher education. An Institution of Higher Learning is:

  • an educational institution that
    • admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate;
    • is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education;
    • provides an educational program for which the institution awards a bachelor’s degree or provides not less than a 2 year program that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree;
    • is a public or other nonprofit institution; and
    • is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association, or if not so accredited, is an institution that has been granted pre-accreditation status by such an agency or association that has been recognized by the Secretary for the granting of pre-accreditation status, and the Secretary has determined that there is satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a reasonable time.

Post-Test
A test administered to a participant after the initial test and at regular intervals during the program. Note: A participant must only be post tested in those areas in which he/she was deficient. For example, if the participant scored at a 7th grade math level and a 9th grade reading level the participant would only have to be tested in the area of deficiency, e.g., math.

Pregnant or Parenting Youth
An individual who is under 22 years of age and pregnant; a youth (male or female) who is providing custodial care for one or more dependents who are under 18 years of age. Males do not qualify as a parenting youth until the child is born.

Pre-Test
 A test administered to a participant within 60 days following the date of participation. If a youth was tested within 6 months prior to the date of participation, the test results may be used.

Poverty Line
The poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget, and revised annually in accordance with section 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2))) applicable to a family of the size involved.

Public Assistance
Federal, State, or local government cash payments for which eligibility is determined by a needs or income test.

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R

Rapid Response Activity
An activity provided by a State, or by an entity designated by a State, with funds provided by the State, in the case of a permanent closure or mass layoff at a plant, facility, or enterprise, or a natural or other disaster, that results in mass job dislocation, in order to assist dislocated workers in obtaining reemployment as soon as possible, with services including:

  • the establishment of on-site contact with employers and employee representatives:
    • immediately after the State is notified of a current or projected permanent closure or mass layoff
    • in the case of a disaster, immediately after the State is made aware of mass job dislocation as a result of such disaster
  • the provision of information and access to available employment and training activities
  • assistance in establishing a labor-management committee, voluntarily agreed to by labor and management, with the ability to devise and implement a strategy for assessing the employment and training needs of dislocated workers and obtaining services to meet such needs;
  • the provision of emergency assistance adapted to the particular closure, layoff, or disaster
  • the provision of assistance to the local community in developing a coordinated response and in obtaining access to State economic development assistance.

S

School Dropout
An individual who is no longer attending any school and who has not received a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent. Youth enrolled in alternative schools are not school dropouts. A youth’s dropout status is determined at the time of application (eligibility) and remains in effect throughout her/his participation. An individual who is out-of-school at the time of application (eligibility) and subsequently enrolled in an alternative school, may be considered an out-of-school youth for purposes of the 30 percent expenditure requirement for out-of-school youth. [Reference: WIA Section 101(39) and Title 20 CFR Sections 664.300 & 664.310].

Secondary School
The meaning given the term in section 14101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801). This is generally referred to as high school.

Services
Core, Intensive, or Training Services as outlined in WIA, which must be provided at or through the One- Stop Delivery system.

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Slots
The number of slots available refers to the number of participants that can be served at any one time by the program. 

State Adjusted Level Of Performance
For each State submitting a State plan, there shall be established levels of performance for each of the core indicators of performance and the customer satisfaction indicator for workforce investment activities. The levels of performance shall, at a minimum:

  • be expressed in an objective, quantifiable, and measurable form
  • show the progress of the State toward continuously improving in performance.

Each State shall identify, in the State plan, expected levels of performance for each of the core indicators of performance and the customer satisfaction indicator of performance, for the first 3 program years.

The Secretary and each Governor shall reach agreement on levels of performance for each of the core indicators of performance and the customer satisfaction indicator of performance, for the first 3 program years covered by the State plan, taking into account:

  • the extent to which the levels involved will assist the State in attaining a high level of customer satisfaction
  • how the levels involved compare with the State adjusted levels of performance established for other States, taking into account factors including differences in economic conditions, the characteristics of participants when the participants entered the program, and the services to be provided
  • the extent to which such levels involved promote continuous improvement in performance on the
    performance measures by such State and ensure optimal return on the investment of Federal funds.

Prior to the 4th program year covered by the State plan, the Secretary and each Governor shall reach agreement on levels of performance for each of the core indicators of performance and the customer satisfaction indicator of performance, for the 4th and 5th program years covered by the State plan.

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State Board
A State Workforce Investment Board. The State Board shall include:

  • the Governor
  • 2 members of each chamber of the State legislature, appointed by the appropriate presiding officers of each such chamber
  • representatives appointed by the Governor, who are representatives of business in the State, who:
    • are owners of businesses, chief executives or operating officers of businesses, and other business executives or employers with optimum policymaking or hiring authority, including members of local boards
    • represent businesses with employment opportunities that reflect the employment opportunities of the State
    • are appointed from among individuals nominated by State business organizations and business trade associations
  • chief elected officials (representing both cities and counties)
  • representatives of labor organizations, who have been nominated by State labor federations
  • representatives of individuals and organizations that have experience with respect to youth activities
  • representatives of individuals and organizations that have experience and expertise in the deliver of workforce investment activities, including chief executive officers of community colleges and community-based organizations within the State
  • the lead State agency officials with responsibility for the programs and activities carried out by one-stop partners (in any case in which no lead State agency official has responsibility for such a program, service, or activity, a representative in the State with expertise relating to such program, service, or activity or any such other representatives and State agency officials as the Governor may designate)

The members of the board shall represent diverse regions of the State, including urban, rural, and suburban
areas. The State Board shall assist the Governor in:

  • development of the State plan
  • development and continuous improvement of a Statewide system of activities that are funded under this subtitle or carried out through a one-stop delivery system including:
    • development of linkages in order to assure coordination and non-duplication among the programs and activities
      • review of local plans
  • commenting at least once annually on the measures taken pursuant to section 113(b)(14) of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act (20 U.S.C 2323(b)(14))
  • designation of local areas
  • development of allocation formulas for the distribution of funds for adult employment and training activities and youth activities to local areas
  • development and continuous improvement of comprehensive State Performance Measures, including State adjusted levels of performance, to assess the effectiveness of the workforce investment activities in the State
  • preparation of the annual report to the Secretary
  • development of the statewide employment statistics system described in section 15(e) of the Wagner-Peyser Act
  • development of an application for an incentive grant

A State may use any State entity to serve as a State Board (including a State council, State workforce development board, combination of regional workforce development boards, or similar entity) provided that said entity:

  • was in existence on December 31, 1997
  • was established pursuant to section 122 or Title VII of the Job Training Partnership Act, or is substantially similar to the State board
  • includes representatives of business in the State and representatives of labor organizations in the State

A member of a State board may not:

  • vote on a matter under consideration by the State board:
    • regarding the provision of services by such member (or by an entity that such member represents)
    • that would provide direct financial benefit to such member or the immediate family of such member
  • engage in any other activity determined by the Governor to constitute a conflict of interest as specified in the State plan

The State board shall make available to the public, on a regular basis through open meetings, information regarding:

  • the activities of the State board
  • the State plan prior to submission of the plan
  • membership
  • minutes of formal meetings of the State board
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State Performance Measures
For each State, the State Performance Measures shall consist of:

  • the core indicators of performance and the customer satisfaction indicator of performance and any additional indicators of performance identified by the State.

State Workforce Investment Board
See State Board

Supportive Services
Services that are necessary to enable an individual to participate in activities authorized by WIA. These services may include if allowable by local policy:

  • Linkages to community services;
  • Assistance with transportation costs;
  • Assistance with childcare and dependent care costs;
  • Assistance with housing costs;
  • Referrals to medical services; and
  • Assistance with uniforms or other appropriate work attire and work-related tool costs, including such items as eyeglasses and protective eye gear.

Note: Supportive WIA services provided to youth participants must be appropriate to the needs of the individual youth as defined in their Individual Service Strategy and documented in enrollment notes.

T

Training Services
Training services may include:

  • occupational skills training, including training for nontraditional employment
  • on-the-job training
  • programs that combine workplace training with related instruction, which may include cooperative education programs
  • training programs operated by the private sector
  • skill upgrading and retraining
  • entrepreneurial training
  • job readiness training
  • customized training conducted with a commitment by an employer or group of employers to employ an individual upon successful completion of the training
  • Adult Education and literacy activities provided in combination with services described above

Training services shall be provided in a manner that maximizes consumer choice in the selection of an eligible provider of such services.

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U

Unemployed Individual
An individual who is without a job and who wants and is available for work. The determination of whether an individual is without a job shall be made in accordance with the criteria used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor in defining individuals as unemployed.

Unit Of General Local Government
Any general-purpose political subdivision of a State that has the power to levy taxes and spend funds, as well as general corporate and police powers.

Universal Access
The provision of integrated employment, training, education, and /or support services in as streamlined and non-duplicative a process as possible, mitigating barriers related to customer needs or special needs particularly during intake or related enrollment periods.

Unsubsidized Employment
 Employment not financed from funds provided under WIA or the Trade Act (which includes for reporting purposes entry into the United States Armed Forces)

V

Veteran
An individual who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable.

Veteran (recently separated)
Any veteran who applies for participation under this Title within 48 months after the discharge or release from active military, naval, or air service.

Vocational Education
The term “vocational education” means organized educational programs offering sequences of courses directly related to preparing individuals for paid or unpaid employment in current or emerging occupations requiring other than a baccalaureate or advanced degree. Programs include competency-based applied learning, which contributes to an individual's academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning, problem solving skills, and the occupational-specific skills necessary for economic independence as a productive and contributing member of society.

VOS (Virtual One Stop)
A web-based workforce development data application that has an automated case management component to collect, maintain, and track participant registration and services provided.

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W

Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 provides employment, training, and supportive services to assist eligible individuals to become gainfully employed and self-sufficient.

Workforce Investment Activity
An employment and training activity, or a youth activity.

Workforce Investment Board (WIB)
See Local Board and State Board.

Workplace Literacy Services
Literacy services that are offered for the purpose of improving the productivity of the workforce through the improvement of literacy skills

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Y

Youth Activity
An activity which shall include:

  • carrying out workforce investment activities for eligible youth
  • disseminating a list of eligible providers of youth activities

Youth Council
A subgroup within each local board appointed by the local board, in cooperation with the chief elected officials for the local area.

The membership of each youth council shall include;

  • members of the local board with special interest or expertise in youth policy
  • representatives of youth service agencies, including juvenile justice and local law enforcement agencies
  • representatives of local public housing authorities
  • parents of eligible youth seeking assistance under this subtitle
  • individuals, including former participants, and representatives of organizations, that have experience relating to youth activities
  • representatives of the Job Corps

The membership of each youth council may include such other individuals as the chairperson of the local board, in cooperation with the chief elected official, determines to be appropriate.

The duties of the youth council include:

  • developing the portions of the local plan relating to eligible youth, as determined by the chairperson of the local board
  • recommending eligible providers of youth activities, to be awarded grants or contracts on a competitive basis by the local board to carry out the youth activities
  • conducting oversight with respect to the eligible providers of youth activities, in the local area
  • coordinating youth activities in the local area
  • other duties determined to be appropriate by the chairperson of the local board

A State may use any local entity as a youth council (including a local council, regional workforce
development board, or similar entity) provided that said entity:

  • is established to serve the local area (or the service delivery area that most closely corresponds to the local area);
  • is in existence on December 31, 1997
  • is established pursuant to section 102 of the Job Training Partnership Act
  • is substantially similar to the local board and includes:
    • representatives of business in the local area
    • representatives of labor organizations
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