North Carolina State Testing WorkKeys Implementation Webinar November 2, 2011

Presenters Jo Anne Honeycutt, NC DPI Sheila Boyington, ACT, Vice President Mary Molusky, ACT, NC Project Manager Mary Lewis, ACT Program Manager

Today’s Goals Provide information about WorkKeys Work Readiness System. Provide information to North Carolina School administrators to assist in the successful planning & administration of WorkKeys assessments. Review decisions and activities school principals and appointed testing staff need to know for successful testing.

Work Readiness System evidence-based Comprehensive, evidence-based solutions. With ACT’s Work Readiness System, we haven’t reinvented the wheel: we’ve set a new wheel in motion to help you reinvent your workforce.

Job AnalysisJob Analysis Define Your Workforce AssessmentsAssessments Assess Your Workforce Training & CurriculumTraining & Curriculum Develop Your Workforce CertificationCertification Certify Your Workforce Research & AnalyticsResearch & Analytics Understand Your Workforce Work Readiness System evidence-based Comprehensive, evidence-based solutions.

Job Analysis Define the Workforce 18,000 ACT has one of the largest, most robust occupational profile databases, with more than 18,000 job profiles.

“real world” WorkKeys assessments measure “real world” workplace skills critical to job success. These skills are valuable for any occupation—skilled or professional—at any level of education, and in any industry. 10 million More than 10 million WorkKeys assessments have been administered. Assessments Assess the Workforce

Communication Skills Business Writing Listening for Understanding Reading for Information Problem Solving Skills Applied Mathematics Applied Technology Locating Information Workplace Observation Interpersonal Skills Teamwork Soft Skills Performance Talent Fit Assessments Assess individuals

Internet Version: Internet Version: A quick and convenient way to deliver assessments Paper-and-Pencil Assessments: Paper-and-Pencil Assessments: Can be used for accommodations Assessments Assess individuals

KeyTrain ® is an interactive learning tool for developing and improving the applied workplace skills defined by the WorkKeys system. The core curriculum is complemented by reporting capabilities, diagnostic tools, and soft skills curriculum. Training & Curriculum Improve skills

Training & Curriculum Improve skills Applied Mathematics 3 4 Reading for Information 3 4 Locating Information 5 Skills Gap Individual Results Job Profile 5 6 KeyTrain KeyTrain provides a self-paced curriculum to help individuals fill their skills gap

The National Career Readiness Certificate, issued by ACT, is a portable, evidence-based credential that certifies essential workplace skills and is a reliable predictor of workplace success. Certification Certify abilities

Evidence-based Industry-recognized Portable Used to document essential skills linked to workplace success Awarded at four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum credential The NCRC™ is a credential that is: Certification Certify abilities

Problem solving Critical thinking Reading and using work-related text Applying information from workplace documents to solve problems Applying mathematical reasoning to work-related problems Setting up and performing work-related mathematical calculations Locating, synthesizing, and applying information that is presented graphically Comparing, summarizing, and analyzing information presented in multiple, related graphics NCRCcredential The NCRC is a credential that is used across all sectors of the economy and certifies the following skills: Certification Certify abilities

1%47%21%18% Source: ACT JobPro Data Percentage of U.S. Examinees Earning The Certificate Certification Certify skills

National Career Readiness Certificate Median Annual Salaries Bronze Silver Gold Auto Body Repairers Butchers & Meat Cutters Cooks, Cafeteria Workers Furniture Finishers Home Health Aides Housekeeping Janitorial Supervisors Painting & Coating Workers Refuse Material Collectors Accounting Clerks Auto Master Mechanics Billing Clerks Licensed Practical Nurses Machine Operators Machinists Medical Laboratory Technicians Payroll Clerks Pipe Fitters Production Inspectors Computer Programmers Electricians Environmental Engineering Techs Instrumentation Technicians Librarians Semiconductor Processors Training & Development Specialists Vocational Education Teachers Wholesale & Retail Buyers $26,000 $34,000 $49,000

Source: Internet and Paper-and-Pencil based WorkKeys Assessments from Notes: NCRC Qualifiers include examinees that took the RI, AM, and LI WorkKeys assessments and qualified for an NCRC. Total NCRC Qualifiers by Year Certification Certify skills

Benefits A Key to Upskilling America Industry Leaders:Industry Leaders: ACT’s workforce solutions support skill building and portable credentials for career pathways using industry competency models. Workforce Leaders:Workforce Leaders: Flexible, multi-dimensional system can be rapidly deployed to improve the overall quality and readiness of the American workforce. Employers:Employers: Hire employees with the right interests and skills. Educators & Career Coaches:Educators & Career Coaches: Ensure that an individual is ready for work—and for life. Career Seekers & Students:Career Seekers & Students: Achieve education and workplace success.

North Carolina The facts What’s happening in NC Testing window will be February 2012 Seniors who are CTE concentrators should take the assessment (4 CTE credits, one level II course) Focus/advisory groups will assist in guiding the implementation

Training Test administration training On Site November 10, November 21, December 8, 9 as part of CTE Director Regional Meetings WKIV Webinars 3 sessions in January Refresher in January Online Self-Paced User ID: Admin Password: Training Quick Start Guides –

WorkKeys Internet Version Features Check technical specifications Shared band width 256K sustained per workstation Realms Batch load examinees Grouping Scores Immediate Schedule – Amount of time per assessment

WorkKeys paper testing Process North Carolina Order form Orders begin: December 5, 2011 Order deadline: January 5, 2012 North Carolina Scoring Order Form Return ALL tests by March 15, 2012

WorkKeys testing accommodations Process Accommodations Documentation WorkKeys Internet Version Extended time Paper and Pencil Braille Reader Script Large Print

National Career Readiness Certificate Certificate process Certificates DPI will assist LEAs in printing certificates and reporting data Specific paper requirements Web training provided

School Contact Complete November 15 – 17, 2011 Testing contact, phone, Additional details will follow

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Contact Us Mary Molusky, NC Project Manager Mary Lewis Questions