Overview
ReThink VR Performance
Beginning in the Spring of 2019, RSA, CSAVR, NCSAB, and VR agencies committed to rethinking the way we look at the performance of the VR program, improving results, and maintaining high expectations of both the VR program and individuals with disabilities. Through several meetings in the Summer and Fall of 2019, RSA identified strategies it will adopt to rethink how RSA fosters continuous improvement, enhance collaboration, and maximize high-quality employment opportunities for customers served by the VR program. During the CSAVR Fall 2019 Conference, RSA presented its ReThink VR Performance Plan outlining 52 specific actions across five priority areas. A recording of the Fall 2019 presentation is available. At the end of FY 2023, RSA has completed 47 of 52 actions.
RehabData Workgroup Purpose
In the Fall of 2019, RSA established the RehabData Workgroup, an informal workgroup of Federal and State representatives with data or program expertise, whose aim is to use data to tell the story of the success of the VR program and identify areas for continued evaluation. The Workgroup is charged with developing and distributing tools and information that State VR agencies may use to help assess VR program performance using data that is already being collected.
RehabData Workgroup Membership
- Rachel Anderson, San Diego State University: rcanderson@sdsu.edu
- Andrew Grey, Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (ID-G): andrew.grey@vr.idaho.gov
- Natasha Jerde, Minnesota State Services for the Blind (MN-B): natasha.jerde@state.mn.us
- Kristine Klopp, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (AL-C): kristine.klopp@rehab.alabama.gov
- Kristen Mackey, Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (AZ-C): kmackey@azdes.gov
- Seth Masley, Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (MD-C): seth.masley@maryland.gov
- Geoffrey Miller, Texas Workforce Commission (TX-C): geoffrey.miller@twc.texas.gov
- Suzanne Mitchell, RSA: suzanne.mitchell@ed.gov
- Christopher Pope, RSA: christopher.pope@ed.gov
- Julie Venneman, New York State Education Department (NY-G): julianne.venneman@nysed.gov
Other Measures That Matter
The RehabData Workgroup developed the Other Measures That Matter to guide VR agencies and RSA as they focus on performance specific to the VR program and define attributes of a successful VR program. The Other Measures That Matter do not replace the primary indicators of performance established by section 116 of WIOA. In fact, some of the Measures build upon the WIOA indicators while others provide an entirely different lens for analysis. The RehabData Workgroup designed these Measures to be used with data that is currently available.
Presentation
On November 10, 2020, the RehabData Workgroup presented the Other Measures That Matter at the CSAVR Fall 2020 Conference; the presentation and slides are available.
Data Tools
Measurable Skill Gains (MSG) Data Tool
The MSG Data Tool showcases data reported by VR agencies for Program Years 2017 , 2018, 2019, and 2020. It also provides National and State-level MSG data for all VR programs while serving as a resource for VR agencies to analyze their MSG data and compare performance to that of the VR program nationally, with similar States, and/or other VR agencies.
- MSG Data Tool (Updated March 8, 2022 with performance results from PYs 2019 and 2020)
- Presentation Recording
- Slides
- Transcript
Pre-Employment Transition Services Data Tool
The Pre-Employment Transition Services Data Tool highlights data reported by VR agencies for Program Years 2017, 2018 and 2019 and provides National and State-level data related to students with disabilities who received pre-employment transition services. The RehabData Workgroup built the tool to serve as as a resource for VR agencies to analyze these data, compare performance to national trends, similar States, and/or VR agencies.
Employment Status at Exit and Post-Exit Data Tool
The Employment Status at Exit and Post-Exit Data Tool presents data related to the first of the Other Measures That Matter: Sustaining Employment After Exit for participants who exited the VR program in Program Years 2017, 2018, and 2019. Each of the Other Measures That Matter is associated with a Value to affirm its significance to the mission of the VR program. The Value for this particular measure is: VR program participants should sustain employment after they exit the VR program. Our goal is that individuals with disabilities continue working.
- Employment Status at Exit and Post-Exit Data Tool (updated May 13, 2022 with additional cohort of exiters)
- Presentation Recording
- Slides
- Transcript