Some Reflections on the Use of Administrative Data to Estimate the Net Impacts of Workforce Programs in Washington State

Authors

Kevin Hollenbeck, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment ResearchFollow

Series

Upjohn Institute Working Paper No. 04-109

DOI

10.17848/wp04-109

Issue Date

October 2004

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the results, methodology, and processes used in a series of net labor market impact studies done for the State of Washington over the past six years. All of the studies relied on administrative data and used a technique referred to as quasi-experimental evaluation. The program interventions were the federal- and state-funded workforce development programs. The paper sets out eight "reflections" for analysts and policy makers to consider. These reflections identify lessons learned and uncertainties or issues that need more consideration and scrutiny.

Sponsorship

This paper builds on work that was done under contract to the Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, under contract to the U.S. Dept. of Labor Employment and Training Administration for the National Workforce Investment Research Colloquium, and under subcontract to the University of Baltimore (prime contractor to the U.S. Dept. of Labor Employment and Training Administration) for work on the Administrative Data Research and Evaluation project (ADARE) Consortium.

Subject Areas

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT; Public training programs; WIA, JTPA, and CETA