Texas

Promising Examples

6. Data Policies

The state has data policies that outline the principles, people, and activities that govern its data collection and use.

6. Data Policies

The Texas Education Agency administers the Texas Student Data System, a statewide platform for collecting, managing, sharing, and reporting state education data. The system has a data standards and data governance process. Additionally, the Workforce Information System of Texas (TWIST) links data across workforce funding streams for intake, eligibility determination, and reporting on programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Employment and Training, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act plan.

Issue Areas: Education, Workforce

7. Data Infrastructure

The state has improved outcomes through technology infrastructure that allows it to efficiently collect, inventory, and share data.

7. Data Infrastructure

The Texas Education Agency administers the Texas Student Data System, a statewide platform for collecting, managing, sharing, and reporting state education data. The system has a data standards and data governance process. Additionally, the Workforce Information System of Texas (TWIST) links data across workforce funding streams for intake, eligibility determination, and reporting on programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Employment and Training, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Issue Areas: Education, Workforce

12. Evaluation Use

The state has improved results by using evaluation, program inventories, and cost-benefit analysis.

12. Evaluation Use

In 2020, the Texas Workforce Commission, in partnership with the Office of the Governor, Texas Workforce Investment Council, and Rural Capital Area Workforce Board, collaborated to develop a new evidence framework to better measure the impact of publicly funded workforce development programs. In July 2020, the Commission approved $1.8 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) statewide funding for the Building Construction Trades project, which will utilize the evidence framework to better measure the success of the grant program.

Issue Areas: Workforce

15. Evidence-Based Grantmaking

The state has improved outcomes by allocating grant funding based on evidence of effectiveness.

15. Evidence-Based Grantmaking

In 2020, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in partnership with the Office of the Governor, Texas Workforce Investment Council (TWIC), and Rural Capital Area Workforce Board, collaborated to develop a new evidence framework to better measure the impact of publicly funded workforce development programs.

In July 2020, the commission approved $1.8 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) statewide funding for the Building and Construction Trades project, which will utilize the evidence framework to better measure the success of the grant program which provides training to opportunity youth.

In March 2021, TWC released a performance-based RFA for the project, which used a statewide evidence framework and embedded performance outcomes in the application and selection criteria for grantees. Further, 15% of funds are linked to outcome-based payments.

In April 2021, TWIC and TWC launched the Texas Talent Connection grant program for workforce training and job placement services. Applicants were reviewed using the statewide evidence framework. For example, according to the evidence-based grantmaking website, the grant program includes “incentives for grant applicants to identify and use program models that have demonstrated a record of effective outcomes” and “will be requesting performance data and effectiveness evidence” from grantees choosing to use innovative but less-tested proposals. In July 2021, $5.5 million was awarded to 18 additional grantees.

Issue Areas: Workforce

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Texas

Promising Examples

6. Data Policies

7. Data Infrastructure

12. Evaluation Use

15. Evidence-Based Grantmaking

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