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2 Year Modification

Plan: Maine PYs 2018-2019
Unified Plan U

Section: WIOA State Plan Common Elements

Narrative: III. b. 6. A. iii.

Published
Located in:
  • III. Operational Planning Elements
    The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that support the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II.(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
    • b. State Operating Systems and Policies
      The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the State operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the State strategy described in Section II Strategic Elements . This includes—
      • 6. Program Data
        • A. Data Alignment and Integration
          Describe the plans of the lead State agencies with responsibility for the administration of the core programs, along with the State Board, to align and integrate available workforce and education data systems for the core programs, unemployment insurance programs, and education through postsecondary education, and to the extent possible, the Combined State Plan partner programs included in this plan. The description of the State’s plan for integrating data systems should include the State’s goals for achieving integration and any progress to date.

III. b. 6. A. iii. Explain How the State Board Will Assist the Governor in Aligning Technology and Data Systems Across Required One-stop Partner Programs (including Design and Implementation of Common Intake, Data Collection, Etc.) and How Such Alignment Will Improve Service Delivery to Individuals, Including Unemployed Individuals.

View corresponding narrative from PYs 2016-2017

Current Narrative:

THE STATE BOARD’S ROLE ASSISTING THE GOVERNOR IN ALIGNING TECHNOLOGY AND DATA SYSTEMS The State Board (SWB) will assist the governor in aligning technology and data systems across partner programs. The SWB is active in establishing the parameters for new technology systems in order to allow core partner systems to communicate. The Maine Department of Labor is implementing a new management information system, the Americas Job Link Alliance (AJLA), which will facilitate WIOA federal reporting. The State Board will also take a leadership role in establishing the parameters for new system software that will enable common intake and other shared front—end system activities. The State Board will take a leadership role in advising the governor on technology systems for measuring the performance of programs and participants. Maine’s workforce longitudinal data system will play an integral role in measuring the outcomes of participants over time in order to measure and direct resources more effectively. The State Board also convenes the WIOA Steering Committee meetings and facilitates discussions in support of creating improved modes of service delivery to individuals, including those with barriers and who are unemployed. The core partners are also represented on the Steering Committee and through numerous meetings and discussions, a comprehensive strategy that reflects their input and the desire of the governor for increased efficiency of operations is being developed.

Requested Revision; State Workforce Development Board leadership has been instrumental in developing a state strategy for aligning and integrating the complex data systems involved. Under their guidance, the WIOA steering committee was formed to develop and direct all areas of WIOA implementation. The committee has been working for over eighteen months to bring partners together, leverage resources and support, and to align systems and processes. In regards to data alignment and systems integration, the required one-stop partner programs have agreed to and are working toward the following implementation plan and timeline: 7/1/2016 — 12/31/2016: • Create the MOU workgroup with representatives from required one-stop partners tasked with negotiating and creating essential MOU agreements for data sharing among the agencies as well as the privacy and security of participant data. • From previous work gathering common data elements, the Data Alignment Workgroup begins creating initial common referral form and continues discussions around common or aligned intake forms. • Performance Measures Reporting Workgroup continues discussions regarding required participant outcome reporting and opportunities for longitudinal data system. • Data systems workgroup formed to research available solutions to integrated data systems. 1/1/2017 — 6/30/2017: • Report out from all workgroups to the WIOA steering committee for input and to finalize decisions regarding data alignment and integration. • Finalize MOU agreements among required one-stop partners and begin implementation of MOU agreements. Provide guidance for local level MOU agreements where necessary. • Finalize common forms for current data systems and begin the professional development/cross-training process of partner agencies. • Begin implementation of participant outcome reporting to the extent actionable under existing data systems while continuing to pursue longitudinal capabilities where possible. • Continue identifying integrated technology needs and researching possible software and technology solutions. Pursue funding opportunities as they arise. 7/1/2017: • Signed data sharing MOU agreements. • Full implementation of common forms and one-stop partner alignment where applicable including the continuation of varied and multiple interagency professional development opportunities among the core partners for front-line staff. • Short-term data alignment and integration strategy fully operational with full implementation of performance and outcome measures as possible with existing data systems. • Continued work toward long-term data system integration as software technology and funding allows. Mindful of the Governor’s desire for improved efficiency among state agencies, the State Workforce Development Board recognizes that implementing the steps listed above will streamline services and greatly improve the overall experience and outcomes of unemployed individuals and all others participating in Maine’s workforce development system.