1. The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (PL 105-220) Summary by Chris Thompson, Ph.D. (202/624-7857, cthompson@nga.org)cthompson@nga.org to the: NASWB Chairs’ Summer 2000 Meeting SunValley, Idaho August 26, 2000

2. Theory: a new Workforce Investment System for a ‘New Economy’ Core Principles: rationalization of govt services; customer focus; universal access; work-first approach; private employer involvement; increased flexibility & accountability.

3. Practice: From JTPA to WIA from sub-populations to universal access; employers & job-seekers as customers; expanded one-stop systems; seamless delivery; sequential client service stages: core, intensive, training; SDAs/PICs evolve into LWIAs/LWIBs; HRICs/JTCCs evolve into SWIBs;

4. Practice (contd) demand-driven state & local 5-year plans; enhanced employment statistics, MIS, client tracking systems, outcomes-focused measures, & system accountability; state as accountable performance unit; enhanced consumer choice through ITAs; eligible training provider lists, performance measures, & standards; youth councils.

5. Progress-to-date: our ‘quick read’ Formal implementation status: 23 early implementors (matrix in TAB #3); 54 states/ territories/ outlying areas submitted by Apr 1 2000; now in negotiated modifications phase, prob. until Dec 2000; RAs as mentors. Accomplishments: boards in place: strategic directions chosen; one-stops functional.

6. Progress-to-date (contd) Works ‘in progress’: statewide eligible provider lists; ITA systems; ‘Opportunities for improvement’: system-wide performance measures; unification; integration of welfare/TANF, WIA system; thinking ahead.