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The Big Q Debate

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is now alive in full swing as states across the country are implementing their state plans. WIOA is different than its predecessor, Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and those charged with making policy are figuring out the similarities and differences. Regardless of the name of the legislation, or the specific programming, there is one thing that will always remain constant. It is the debate between quality and quantity in workforce programs. 
 
Many people interpret WIOA and the broad scope of populations mentioned in the legislation to understand that WIOA is a program for everyone. As such, many programs are looking to provide WIOA funded service to as many people as possible and meet program benchmarks with the theory that the more people in the program, the greater the likelihood of meeting the benchmarks.
 
In the other camp, team quality believes that with limited resources, it will be impossible to provide high quality service to the masses that will meet benchmarks, but instead focus on a smaller group. With the smaller group, this camp will provide more intensive services that can meet the needs of the individuals receiving service and a greater number will meet the benchmark.
In reality, the truth is in the middle. WIOA is a different program. It is a more encompassing program for individuals and businesses.  This means that states and local programs must look at how service is delivered and come up with a way to simplify and streamline.  This will allow for a greater number of individual and businesses to be served while still meeting quality.
Quality has not taken a back burner in WIOA. Instead, it is more important than ever to design services that can meet the needs of many, including priority groups. This is where innovation comes in. Quality services come from innovation. Through simplification of programs and policy, it is possible to place quality services for greater quantities of individuals and businesses.
 
How do you think we can balance quality and quantity to make programs successful? Leave your comments below.
~ Karen Cirincione
Twitter:@kcirincione

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