Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS)

Massachusetts Performance

ACLS submits aggregate participant information and outcomes to the National Reporting System each October. Compare Massachusetts performance to other states via the public access portal at the NRS.

Since the start of WIOA, the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) has assigned expected levels of performance (targets) for the Measurable Skill Gains (MSG) performance indicator to states. Starting this year (FY21), OCTAE expects Massachusetts to meet negotiated levels of performance for the post-exit employment and credential indicators.

OCTAE and states arrive at targets based on four factors: how levels compare to other states; application of a statistical adjustment model; how levels promote continuous improvement; and the extent to which the levels assist the US Department of Education in meeting GPRA targets.

Massachusetts Expected Levels of Performance

Performance Indicator	FY2018		FY2019		FY2020¹		FY2021²		FY2022³
Performance Indicator	Target	Actual	Target	Actual	Target	Actual	Target	Actual	Target	Actual
Employment Rate 2^nd Quarter after Exit	______	37.44%	______	41.01%	______	47.31%	42%⁴	41.78%	43%⁵	______
Employment Rate 4^th Quarter after Exit	______	38.37%	______	41.85%	______	51.24%	43%⁶	45.01%	44%⁷	______
Median Earnings 2^nd Quarter after Exit	______	$6,085	______	$6,413	______	$6,744	$6,306⁴	$6,852.11	$6,306⁵	______
Credential Attainment Rate	______	19.32%	______	21.34%	______	26.71%	25%⁶	28.31%	26%⁷	______
Measurable Skill Gains	42%	44.54%	43%	46.70%	44%	23.9%	46.75%⁸	41.46%	47%⁸	______

The statistical adjustment model both contributes to expected levels of states' performance and adjusts the levels to reflect changes in states' economic conditions (e.g. unemployment rates and job losses or gains in particular industries) and participant characteristics (e.g. barriers to employment).

ACLS has not determined how to incorporate post-exit outcomes into the state accountability system.

¹ Reported October 2020
² To be reported October 2021
³ To be reported October 2022
⁴ Participants exited between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020
⁵ Participants exited between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021
⁶ Participants exited between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019
⁷ Participants exited between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020
⁸ Participants enrolled during the fiscal year

Last Updated: February 28, 2022