Illinois

Currently, Illinois’ systems collect the minimum required information about career pathway programs and outcomes for Illinois residents pursuing nontraditional postsecondary education and workforce training. Historically, Illinois has only been able to meet the federally mandated requirements for data collection, reporting, and transparency. In the past few years, it has become evident that many improvements and enhancements are needed to provide a more robust menu of information to enable optimal selections of education, training, and employment. The current data allows for sufficient support and advising for individuals seeking education and employment, but with the advanced technology and integration of data available now, vast improvements can and should be made. With more linked data, funders and state entities can adequately evaluate the efficacy and connectivity of the system at large to drive continuous improvement and funding decisions. The state is now working to significantly improve the quality and breadth of workforce training program data via the ProPath Illinois initiative and the Common Program Information (CPI) Classifications. Credential Engine has teamed up with the Southern Illinois University – Center for Workforce Development under the direction of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Employment and Training to leverage the technology platform and resources of both the Credential Registry and Illinois workNet to create a cloud based statewide platform which links program data with pathways, credentials, competencies, and outcomes data. This work will also extend research capacity and longitudinal performance evaluation for program effectiveness by joining the New York University –  Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF) to use the most innovative data sharing strategies available to foster evidence-based policymaking and work toward regional vision of workforce data sharing.