S.922 - To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to define the term evidence-based. (119th Congress)
Summary
S.922 aims to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) by defining the term "evidence-based." This definition would apply to activities, services, strategies, interventions, or content of materials used within WIOA programs. The bill specifies criteria for what constitutes evidence-based, including experimental, quasi-experimental, and correlational studies.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to a greater emphasis on data-driven decision-making in workforce development programs. States will be required to prioritize funding for programs that meet the defined criteria for being evidence-based. This could shift resources towards programs with proven effectiveness.
Potential Benefits
- Increased effectiveness of workforce development programs through the use of evidence-based practices.
- Improved outcomes for participants in these programs, leading to better employment opportunities.
- More efficient allocation of resources by prioritizing programs with demonstrated success.
- Enhanced accountability and transparency in the use of federal funds for workforce development.
- Encourages rigorous evaluation and research in the field of workforce development.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for excluding innovative programs that have not yet been rigorously evaluated.
- Increased administrative burden for states to demonstrate that programs meet the evidence-based criteria.
- Risk of focusing solely on quantitative data, potentially overlooking qualitative factors that contribute to program success.
- May disadvantage smaller organizations or community-based programs that lack the resources for extensive research.
- Possible challenges in interpreting and applying the definition of "evidence-based" consistently across different contexts.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. This bill falls under the purview of promoting the general welfare by improving workforce development programs.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).