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Workforce Florida Weekly Update 9-13-06 |
CONTENTS The State & RegionsNational experts assess Florida PreK-12 education--Report praises successes, calls for continued reform. ORLANDO, Fla. — After undertaking a rigorous assessment of Florida’s education policies and programs, the Hoover Institution’s Koret Task Force on K-12 Education presents its findings and recommendations to Governor Jeb Bush on Tuesday, September 12. The eleven-member task force will join Governor Bush in a press conference in Orlando highlighting the group’s report: Reforming Education in Florida (Hoover Press, 2006). Earlier in the year, Governor Bush and Board of Education Chairman Philip Handy invited the expert group to examine the state’s PreK-12 education system and offer suggestions for strengthening it. The task force assessed current polices and offered recommendations for building upon the reforms Florida has already implemented. In its appraisal, the Task Force focused on some of the most pressing issues on the state’s education agenda—accountability, curriculum reform, effective teaching, school choice, pre-school education, class size reduction and effective resource management. The findings from the Koret Task Force's report show that, in many areas, Florida has become a national leader in education reform that has worked to the clear benefit of many students. Yet crucial tasks remain to be done and the Task Force’s report provides important guidance to help inform future decision making by educators, citizens and state leaders. "Florida's manifold accomplishments, while remarkable, only reveal just how much more needs to be done, if the nation's schools are to become the world-class institutions the country needs," said Koret Task Force member and Hoover Institution senior fellow Paul E. Peterson, who served as editor for the report. The complete report can be found at: www.KoretTaskForce.org. The Koret Task Force members are among America’s foremost education scholars, brought together by the Hoover Institution with the support of the Koret Foundation. All eleven Task Force members participated in the Florida review: John E. Chubb, Williamson M. Evers, Chester E. Finn Jr., Eric A. Hanushek, Paul T. Hill, E. D. Hirsch, Caroline M. Hoxby, Terry M. Moe, Paul E. Peterson, Diane Ravitch, and Herbert J. Walberg. Additional contributors include Paul Clopton, Elena Llaudet, Sonali Murarka, and Marguerite Roza. The Hoover Institution, founded at Stanford University in 1919, is an interdisciplinary research center for advanced study on domestic public policy and international affairs, with an internationally renowned archive. For more information on the Hoover Institution, visit www.Hoover.org. Florida preparations to implement the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. In February 2006, Congress reauthorized the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program with the passage of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005. New provisions in the DRA challenge the states to focus on achieving higher participation rates. Florida’s plan to achieve the requirements in the DRA includes ensuring all state and local partners (state WFI/AWI/DCF staff and local DCF/RWB staff) clearly understand the technical, policy and operational elements that impact the participation rate. To date these efforts have included: Spring 2006 Regional Training Events – specifically addressing the case management impact on the Welfare Transition Participation Rate; a series of Participation Rate Collaboration Calls with state and local staff that have focused on activities and processes associated with participation rate; and Communications via Workforce E-Groups, Workforce Florida Weekly Updates and AWI Memoranda & Communiqués to distribute critical national information on the newly reauthorized TANF Program as available. On September 19th and 20th the Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI), in collaboration with the Workforce Florida, Inc. (WFI) and the Department of Children of Families (DCF) will be hosting a Participation Rate Kick-off to continue the planning process to address changes in the federal legislation and program impact. The Regional Workforce Boards (RWBs) are being asked to send RWB staff, program managers, program supervisors, quality assurance staff, trainers and other WT program decision makers. The kick-off will be a series of workshops offering information and discussion regarding the changes required under the interim final rules. Workforce partners from the DCF and Office of Early Learning (OEL) will be attending workshops in conjunction with RWB staff and providers. To review information on this meeting visit http://www.floridajobs.org/onestop/os_admin_guides.html scroll down to WT 2006 Memorandum 8/22/06. RWBs must register in advance. To register, please send the number of reservations and primary contact person’s information via email to Erica Mott at Erica.mott@awi.state.fl.us. Governor Bush launches the Florida Family Literacy
Academy. TALLAHASSEE – As part of the Governor’s Family
Literacy Initiative, Governor Jeb Bush last week launched
the Florida Family Literacy Academy. Coordinated by the Volunteer
Florida Foundation, twelve of the initiative’s top
family literacy providers will create a network to test,
teach and share best practices throughout Florida and the
nation. “Family literacy programs across our state
are helping Florida families improve their lives through
education,” said Governor Bush. “The Florida
Family Literacy Academy will serve as a critical tool to
share and capitalize on our successes.” The programs
chosen to participate in the Florida Family Literacy Academy
have signed a three-year commitment to serve as teachers
and trainers of the next generation of family literacy programs.
These programs are highest achieving of the nearly 100 affiliate
programs funded by the Governor’s Family Literacy Initiative
since 1999. They are: Honoring Pinellas County’s Older Workers on September 27, 2006. CLEARWATER (September 12, 2006) – In honor of Pinellas County’s older workers and their employers, WorkNet Pinellas will be hosting the 19th Annual Silver Hat Awards. The Silver Hat Awards promises to be an exciting event with humanitarian Gus A. Stavros arriving as keynote speaker and NewsChannel 8’s Rod Challenger as emcee. Awards will be presented for “Pinellas County’s Oldest Worker”, “Significant Achievement” and “Lifetime Achievement”. The awards luncheon is an opportunity for elected officials, employers and the public to highlight the vital role of older workers in the current labor force and the continuing importance of the participation of older workers in meeting the employment needs of the 21st century. Seniors are the fastest-growing workforce segment in the U.S. workforce and employment is expected to double by 2012, to one-fifth of the total labor force, according to a recent study conducted by Rutgers University. Silver Hats is being held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Tickets are $20 before September 15th or $25 at the door, and the public is invited. To purchase tickets contact Kristin Dailey at (727) 507-4300 ext. 3004 or email kdailey@worknetpinellas.org. Sponsored by TradeWinds Island Resort, Bright House Networks, Catalina Marketing and Perzel & Lara Forensic C.P.A.’s & P.A. For more information go to: www.worknetpinellas.org. Stacy Campbell-Domineck named Executive Director of Polk Works. Bartow, FL (Sept. 13, 2006) - The Executive Committee of the Polk Works Board of Directors today announced it has appointed Stacy Campbell-Domineck as Executive Director. "I'm honored to accept this position, and I look forward to helping Polk Works remain the leader in workforce development for Polk County," said Stacy. Prior to her appointment, Stacy served as Program Director for Polk Works WorkForce 2020. She began her career with Polk Works in 2001. Before that she spent 10 years as a college administrator at the University of Florida and Florida Southern College, preparing students for the workforce through academic, personal and professional development. Stacy earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Master of Science Degree in Counseling from Mississippi State University. Stacy is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) as well as a Florida Workforce Development Professional (FCWP), a Nationally Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP), and a Job & Career Transition Coach (JCTC). Polk Works is the Regional Workforce Development Board for Polk County to oversee federal and state funds dedicated to preparing and upgrading a skilled workforce. Workforce development services are available through a variety of programs, including the Polk Works One-Stop Center System, Young Leaders, WorkForce 2020 and REACT. Polk Works is a member of the Employ Florida statewide network of workforce professionals and resources. The NationUSDOL issues report - America's Dynamic Workforce: 2006. America’s Dynamic Workforce: 2006 presents an overview of current conditions and notable trends affecting the American labor market and economic activity. Primary emphasis is on measures of labor market performance – employment, labor force participation, unemployment, and compensation. General measures of economic performance such as gross domestic product (GDP) and productivity growth are also described as they relate to labor market conditions and trends. Throughout this report the focus is on the data – what the numbers actually say about the American labor market – and on how individual data items fit together to present an overall portrait of the health and dynamism of the market. The report shows that the American labor market is strong and resilient. Labor market indicators describe an economy that is creating jobs, expanding output, and rewarding work with good compensation. Since job growth began recovering in 2003 from the effects of the last recession, the economy has tallied 34 consecutive months of job gains (through June 2006, the latest data available for this report). Employment has reached new record heights. The report also recognizes that even as our economy grows steadily, there are challenges. The United States and the world are experiencing a major economic transformation. Technology has accelerated the pace of change and the United States is transitioning to a knowledge-based economy. Good jobs are being created in large numbers. In fact, the majority of employment growth over the past five years was in occupations with above-average compensation. But there is a caveat. Most of the new jobs projected for the future are expected to be filled by persons with some kind of post-secondary education. Education to gain the knowledge and skills that are in demand is the key to success in America’s dynamic labor market. Workers who bring to the labor market the knowledge and skills that today’s competitive economy demands are finding good jobs and rising compensation. For access to the full Executive Summary and the full report go to: http://www.dol.gov/asp/media/reports/workforce2006/. U.S. Labor Department Announces New Credential for Workforce Development Professionals Who Work with Youth. WASHINGTON — Preparing America's youth, including those with disabilities, for today's job market is an important task. Unfortunately, workforce development professionals have not always had access to the proper training they need to help youth to succeed. But in the 21st century, that is changing thanks to innovations funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). ODEP and the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth), last week announced a new credential — the Youth Services Endorsement — recognizing the knowledge, skills, and abilities of youth service practitioners. The credential was recently approved by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP), and it will be added to the association's Certified Workforce Development Professional program. "It is vitally important that youth have the guidance they need to make the best choices about their employment and training," said Roy Grizzard, assistant secretary of labor for ODEP. "This new credential will ensure that the workforce development professionals who assist them are well qualified and prepared to help our youth succeed in the work world. In addition, better-prepared youth will help the workforce development system address employers' needs for qualified workers." The Youth Services Endorsement adopts competencies that NCWD/Youth developed over the past three years through an ODEP grant aimed at improving the workforce development system for all youth, while focusing on policies and practices that enhance services for youth with disabilities. Recent studies point to lower rates of graduation from high school and lower teen employment as indicators of the need to better serve youth in education and in preparing for the workplace. Led by the National Youth Employment Coalition, the NCWD/Youth's Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) Initiative seeks to improve the competencies of professionals who work daily with youth, as a critical step to improving the opportunities and outcomes for all youth. For more information on NCWD/Youth and the KSA Initiative, please visit: www.ncwd-youth.info. For more information on NAWDP's credential process, please visit www.nawdp.org/certification.htm. Grant and Competitive Award Opportunities and NoticesFor additional information go to, visit the External Grant Opportunities page.Featured Opportunity:(none) State Grants(none) Federal GrantsRural Health Network Development Planning Grant Program Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program 2007 Foundation GrantsPublic Welfare Foundation Grants Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Grants Gannet Foundation Grants Protective Life Foundation Grants Scholarships/Awards(none) Upcoming Meetings, Conferences and
Events
Workforce Florida Board and Related Meetings Schedule:For up-to-date WFI board meeting info please check the calendar at the WFI website.
October 18, 2006 November 29, 2006 November 30, 2006 Other Meetings/Conferences/Events:
September 15, 2006 September 17 - 20, 2006 September 28, 2006 Oct. 6, 2006 October 12-13, 2006 November 6-9, 2006 Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2006 December 2 – 5, 2006 December 4-7, 2006 Odds and EndsNational Employ Older Workers Week - September 24-30, 2006. Celebrated annually, National Employ Older Workers Week showcases the efforts of the Department of Labor’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). For over 40 years, SCSEP has served the job training and placement needs of people with limited financial resources who are age 55 or older. Since its inception under the Economic Opportunity Act, this program has helped over one million people enter the job market each year by providing workforce services to older Americans and exploring ways for older workers to respond to the rapidly changing skills demands of business. Mark your calendars and begin planning now for the 2006 National Employ Older Workers Week. For more information go to: http://www.doleta.gov/Seniors/html_docs/NatEmplOldWkr.cfm Bio-Based products enhance national security (by Sgt. Sara Wood, USA American Forces Press Service). WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2006 – The use of biological-based products is important to the nation's economy and to national security, because these products help reduce America's dependence on foreign energy resources, the deputy secretary of defense said here today. The Defense Department is the largest purchaser of products in the federal government, and therefore has an opportunity to promote the use of bio-based products, many of which act as substitutes for products based on non-renewable natural resources like oil and natural gas, Gordon England said at the opening of a Pentagon showcase of bio-based products. "To be clear, this is not like the latest health food fad, where you go to a specialty shop and you buy a lot of additional expensive supplements and ingredients," England said. "This is about substituting an equally effective product or approach to meet a requirement you have that may well end up costing less in the end." DoD is pleased to lead the way in bio-based product use for the federal government, because these products make the country more secure by reducing America's dependence on foreign energy resources and are a key part of the department's overall strategy, England said. "Our strategy also supports our long-term national security interests by protecting and preserving the environment for the future generations, so they can enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to the fullest here in America," he said. England noted that DoD facilities already are using bio-based products, such as soy-based cleaning solutions and, in some cases, are saving thousands of dollars. Bio-based products are composed of renewable products that are grown in America's fields and forests, including plant, animal and marine materials, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns said at the showcase. These products not only reduce the country's reliance on the world's finite supply of fossil fuels, but also help the economy by promoting growth in rural America, he said. In order to reap the benefits of bio-based products, Congress has identified the developing bio-based industry for preferential treatment within the federal government, Johanns said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is going through a process of screening and approving bio-based products. Once final rules are issued, federal agencies will be required to use these environmentally friendly products, he said. The Department of Agriculture has identified more than 170 items that are eligible to be included in the bio-based procurement program. A final rule was established in March to designate the first six bio-based items, Johanns said. These six items are found in at least 80 branded products found in the market today, including hydraulic fluids, floor coatings, bedding, linens and towels, he said. The department is working to advance another 50 items into formal clearance by the end of the year, he added. DoD already has made great strides in the bio-based products effort, and as the program moves forward, the department has enormous potential to influence the rest of the federal government, Johanns said. "The fact that you're here today at this conference is a testament to what you're doing here," he said. "Our efforts to increase bio-based procurement have met great success so far." The Pentagon showcase, scheduled to last through noon tomorrow, brings together members of the bio-based product industry and those in DoD who specify, buy and use commercial or industrial products. The showcase includes multiple product booths and a series of panel discussions on specific product categories, such as biodegradable industrial oils and lubricants, packaging materials, and hand-sanitation products. The Biobased Products and Bioenergy Coordination Council (BBCC) was established by the Secretary of Agriculture to provide a forum through which USDA agencies will coordinate, facilitate and promote research, development, transfer of technology, commercialization, and marketing of biobased products and bioenergy using renewable domestic agricultural and forestry materials. This includes promoting information sharing, coordinated planning and providing policy advice to the Secretary. To learn more visit: http://www.ars.usda.gov/bbcc/. From Southern Compass -- September 12, 2006: Smart Growth Resource Library presents Toolkit for Affordable
Housing Development. Medical Reserve Corps now in all 50 states. The Medical
Reserve Corps (MRC), a national network of locally based
medical, public health, and other volunteers who help strengthen
the public health system of their communities, has reached
a new milestone. With the recent registration and approval
of the North Dakota Public Health Emergency Volunteer Medical
Reserve Corps in Bismarck, N.D., the MRC is now present in
all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Guam, Palau, Puerto Rico,
and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The program is housed in the
Office of the U.S. Surgeon General in the Department of Health
and Human Services. It began as a demonstration project with
42 communities in July 2002. The following year, an additional
124 communities were added to the project. Since 2003, the
program has grown to more than 460 MRC units in communities
across the country with over 85,000 volunteers providing
medical and public health support. MRC continues to expand
its strength and reach as local, state and national officials
and response partners recognize the program and its large
pool of volunteers as an asset beyond measure. "The
MRC program has exceeded all expectations," said RADM
Kenneth Moritsugu, Acting Surgeon General of the U.S. Public
Health Service. "Its growth has been nothing short of
extraordinary. Many communities in our nation are now healthier
and safer because they have created an MRC unit." MRC
units are available to respond when disaster strikes their
community. By working with preparedness, response, public
health, and other partners on an ongoing basis, MRC units
become part of the local response mechanisms. MRC volunteers
train and exercise their skills to ensure that they can benefit
the community when needed. The MRC is a partner program with
Citizen Corps, which is dedicated to hometown security. Citizen
Corps, along with national service programs like AmeriCorps,
Senior Corps, Learn and Serve, and the Peace Corps, works
with USA Freedom Corps, an office of the White House charged
with building a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility
in America. The MRC program is also proud to be a National
Preparedness Month Coalition member. (See http://www.ready.gov for more information about National Preparedness Month) Quote for the Week:“Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash.” George S. Patton |
