Using Data for Decision Making & Local Planning

A Special Project under Perkins III When Congress passed the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 (Perkins III), it delivered a clear and distinct message regarding accountability. Each Perkins recipient was directed to annually report on a fixed set of core indicators contained in the legislation. Further, States were mandated to collaborate with the Secretary of Education in order to set acceptable levels of performance on these indicators. This increased focus on annual reporting on levels of performance has reshaped the operational context of vocational and technical education under the new Perkins III. All Perkins recipients are required to report on the core indicators and performance measures as identified in the local application.

To ease the transition, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System is providing peer technical assistance in the area of accountability, specifically as it relates to the core indicators, data collection and analysis and the use of data in decision making. The goal of this effort is to assist colleges in their understanding of local data and how that data can be used in decision making related to the continuous improvement of vocational and technical programs and services. This goal is then to be applied to the local planning process required for submission of the local Perkins application to Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System each fiscal year. Peer Technical assistance will be provided to colleges through two phases:

Phase I:
Facilitate campus implementation of Perkins III accountability systems related to the core performance indicators and the twelve programmatic indicators contained within the local application for the purpose of program improvement.

Phase II:
Facilitate campus implementation of Perkins III accountability systems beyond simple compliance of the law, toward a system of program-related information that can be used effectively for local improvement efforts.

Referrals for professional sources of on-site technical assistance via external consultants are being identified on a continuous basis. Consultants are invited to submit information related to areas of expertise not only in the area of data usage, but for program indicators as well. Peer Technical assistance needs are to be determined by the college and services consultants can be contracted for directly through the college as desired. The Peer Technical Assistance Source Link can be accessed through this web site under the Perkins III link.

In FY 2000, Phase I began on a pilot basis with a cohort of six colleges. As a result of positive feedback on the pilot, the project was expanded. Participation by six additional colleges began in FY 2001, while the first cohort moved into Phase II. Because colleges are at different stages of readiness related to data collection, data use and performance accountability, this project is being phased in on a voluntary basis using an application process. Each participating college is provided with and additional $6,500 from Perkins III State Leadership funds to support this effort. These additional funds are to be used to help with staff costs, travel and other expenses related to increased activity focused on implementing a system for data collection and accountability for continuous program improvement. We anticipate that approximately the same level of funding will be available to colleges entering Phase I in FY 2002, and that additional funds will be made available for those moving from Phase I to Phase II.

Colleges are encouraged to participate in Phase I of this project based on its readiness to use data for decision making and continuous improvement. Applications for FY2002 will be taken in the spring of 2001. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Lloyd Petri (lloyd.petri@so.Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.edu).