About the Study

In 2016, the Chief Evaluation Office partnered with the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to fund contractors Mathematica and Social Policy Research Associates to conduct the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Implementation Study. The study aims to evaluate and examine how states are implementing changes to the core workforce programs authorized under Title I (Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth) and Title III (Employment Services) of WIOA, as well as the role of WIOA in stakeholder integration among programs authorized under Titles II (Adult Education and Literacy) and IV (Vocational Rehabilitation). To understand the key requirements under the law and how they were implemented, the researchers reviewed related regulations, guidance, and technical assistance and analyzed program data on youth and adult participants.  

This Department of Labor-funded study is a requirement of WIOA and a result of the annual process to determine the Department’s research priorities. It contributes to the growing labor evidence base to inform employment and training programs and policies and addresses Department strategic goals and priorities.

 

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The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Chief Evaluation Office (CEO) sponsors independent evaluations and research, primarily conducted by external, third-party contractors in accordance with the Department of Labor Evaluation Policy. CEO’s research development process includes extensive technical review at the design, data collection and analysis stage, including: external contractor review and OMB review and approval of data collection methods and instruments per the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), Institutional Review Board (IRB) review to ensure studies adhere to the highest ethical standards, review by academic peers (e.g., Technical Working Groups), and inputs from relevant DOL agency and program officials and CEO technical staff. Final reports undergo an additional independent expert technical review and a review for Section 508 compliance prior to publication. The resulting reports represent findings from this independent research and do not represent DOL positions or policies.