The State has an online system that verifies data after it is keyed in by the user, but before the record is saved in the system. Edit checks include verifying appropriate date ranges, demographic checks, assessment checks, class enrollment checks, attendance checks, etc. The system also provides multiple alerts and warning messages for missing assessments, hours of instruction, exit status and other data items used in the creation of the NRS Tables. In addition, the online system provides a variety of online reports to assist with managing data entry as well as reports to assist in identifying and managing program performance.

Data is verified during on-site monitoring and technical assistance visits by comparing data listed on reports to source data in the participant files. Local programs are required to provide participant files for review during monitoring and/or technical assistance visits.

NRS training is included in our State Data System (MAERS) training. Several sections of this training are offered each year. In addition, as data issues are discovered, special communications, training sessions and/or workshops are conducted to address the identified issue. This is done because peer to peer training is very often more effective than State Staff training alone. Further, data issues are covered at grant workshops, annual conferences, and at other gatherings of local program staff such as trade association conferences.