Narrative: l. 3. B.

LRS is negotiating the following performance measures with our federal and core partners.

LRS updated the AWARE Case Management System to capture data on the following performance measures and completed an agreement with LWC’s Unemployment Insurance section to import wage data for clients having employment data to assist in determining employment at the second and fourth quarter after exit. 

1. Percent of program participants in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program;
2. Percent of program participants in unsubsidized employment during the fourth quarter after exit from the program;
3. The median earnings of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program; (baseline first year)
4. Percent of program participants obtaining a recognized postsecondary credential, or a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, during participation in or within 1 year after exit from the program; (subject to clause (iii) Indicator relating to credential…program participants who obtain a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent shall be included in the percentage counted as meeting the criterion under such clause only if such participants, in addition to obtaining such diploma or its recognized equivalent, have obtained or retained employment or are in an education or training program leading to a recognized postsecondary credential within 1 year after exit from the program.)
5. Percent of program participants who, during a program year, are in an education or training program that leads to a recognized postsecondary credential or employment and who are achieving measurable skill gains toward such a credential or employment; and
6. Determine the indicators of effectiveness in serving employers established pursuant to clause [(iv) Indicator for services to employers - Prior to the commencement of the second full program year after the date of enactment of this Act, for purposes of clauses (i)(VI), or clause (ii)(III) with respect to clause (i)(IV), the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education, after consultation with the representatives described in paragraph (4)(B), shall jointly develop and establish, for purposes of this subparagraph, 1 or more primary indicators of performance that indicate the effectiveness of the core programs in serving employers.])

Agency goals are intended to help increase performance and support the achievement of each WIOA performance indicator.  The successful implementation of LRS Goals 1-3 can be measured by all WIOA performance indicators. Success of Goal and Priority #1, to maximize opportunities for individuals with disabilities in achieving competitive integrated employment and promote self-sufficiency, will be reflected in LRS meeting or exceeding all performance indicator targets. Strategies include collaboration with various entities that will assist individuals with disabilities in eliminating or reducing barriers to improve opportunities for success and employment and outreach to targeted populations. As LRS improves opportunities for the individuals it serves, performance will increase in all areas. The success of Goal and Priority #2, to ensure that LRS has necessary and qualified rehabilitation personnel to provide quality vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities to achieve competitive integrated employment and self-sufficiency, is also measured through data captured for all performance indicators. LRS strives to recruit and retain qualified staff to improve employment outcomes of individuals served. Identifying and providing training to improve the competencies of LRS counseling and Rehabilitation Employment Development Specialist staff will result in a positive impact to performance, as staff will be better equipped to provide quality services to the individuals they serve. Success of Goal and Priority #3, to maximize resources and pursue innovative means to leverage the state’s full federal VR grant allotment, will result in the VR agency serving more individuals with disabilities, which will also improve the agency’s performance in all areas. The development of goals and priorities is achieved through collaboration with the Louisiana Rehabilitation Council, training of staff, case management system updates, collaboration with state and nationwide wage databases, and collaboration with other partners. Through the goals developed, LRS seeks to increase employment outcomes statewide, support a more seamless transition for students with disabilities from high school to employment, ensure quality training and credentials to assist our customers in achieving higher wages in careers that they can advance in and to provide effective services to employers.