NRS Basics Activity Packet
Overview
The NRS Basics Activity Packet is a collection of training activities for use when working with local program staff. The purpose of the activities in the packet is to (1) increase staff understanding of the key principles and requirements of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and National Reporting System (NRS) reporting, and (2) explore the concepts and strategies for how to collect and record performance data successfully.
Uses for NRS Basics Activity Packet
Each activity can be used as is; however, the activities can be tailored to your state and program needs to maximize their effectiveness. The materials are designed to be adaptable for many formats, such as in-person meetings and trainings, webinars, online courses, and reference documents. Following are some ways they can be used in these formats:
Face-to-Face Meetings and Trainings. Some activities can be completed independently and shared in a larger group. Some can be completed in small program teams. Other activities can be used for group brainstorming to find solutions, develop protocols, or conduct program planning.
Webinars. Worksheets can be completed prior to a webinar, and answers reviewed during the webinar; Polls can be used to see how many people select one answer over another; breakout rooms can be used for small group discussion. Questions can be submitted prior to a webinar, and answers provided during the webinar.
Online Courses. These activities can be added to your state’s online courses with modified instructions. The activities can be completed by groups using synchronized or asynchronous common workspaces.
Reference Documents. The content within these activities can be compiled into frequently asked questions or problem sets.
Contents of the NRS Basics Activity Packet
The packet includes a variety of activities to familiarize staff with the basics of the NRS. Each activity includes directions, and can be printed, shared as a training handout, or uploaded to a web-based platform.
| Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1. Back to Basics | This activity provides multiple-choice, short-answer, and discussion questions about general concepts and performance related to WIOA and the NRS. Users can check understanding and explore topics with colleagues about requirements and how to conduct data collection and continuous improvement. |
| 2. Let’s Talk Strategy | This activity provides a series of prompts about data collection strategies to engage staff from within and across programs in thinking about what they are currently doing and how they might make improvements. |
| 3. Keeping Records Complete | This tool provides a checklist of the steps and procedures for comprehensive records and reporting. |
| 4. What Do the Numbers Mean? | Sample data are provided to calculate performance on postexit indicators. Discussion questions provide opportunities to analyze the programs’ performance |