Performance Accountability

The Wisconsin Technical College System Office is responsible for coordinating a series of performance accountability activities in support of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA). The Wisconsin AEFLA performance accountability system is designed to support funded providers in fostering a culture of evidence that strengthens educational and employment outcomes for AEFLA participants.

Barriers to Employment

Barriers to employment are personal or situational challenges that make it harder for someone to get or keep a job. Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), these self-reported barriers are collected at program entry to support performance reporting, guide referrals and support services, and inform adjustments that help improve access to education, training, and employment for those facing these challenges.

Barriers to Employment

AEFLA Participants & Reportable Individuals

AEFLA services are intended for individuals age 16 or older who are not enrolled in secondary school, including those who are basic skills deficient, lack a high school diploma, or are English language learners. For reporting, individuals become participants after completing 12 or more contact hours; those with fewer than 12 hours but who show intent to use services are tracked as reportable individuals.

Explainer video coming soon.

Period(s) of Participation

Under AEFLA, a Period of Participation is the time between a learner’s enrollment and their official exit, which occurs after 90 days without services and no planned return. Learners may have multiple periods in a program year, and each period determines whether they are classified as a participant (12+ hours) or a reportable individual (fewer than 12 hours).

Explainer video coming soon.

Measurable Skill Gains

Measurable Skill Gains (MSG) in AEFLA show a participant’s progress toward earning a credential or gaining employment. MSG can be achieved by advancing an educational functioning level, earning a high school diploma or equivalent, making progress in a transcript, reaching program milestones, or passing a technical or occupational exam—especially in IET or workplace literacy programs.

Measurable Skill Gain

Employment Outcomes

Under AEFLA, key employment outcomes include the Employment Rate in the Second and Fourth Quarters After Exit (ERQ2 and ERQ4), which measure the percentage of participants in unsubsidized employment after leaving the program. Additionally, Median Earnings in the Second Quarter After Exit (MEQ2) is tracked to assess income levels during that period.

AEFLA Employment Metrics

Recidivism

Under AEFLA Section 225, states must annually report the recidivism rate for individuals served in corrections education programs, along with how it’s calculated. This data helps evaluate the program’s impact on reducing recidivism and supporting successful re-entry through improved education and employment outcomes.

Explainer video coming soon.

Data Quality

Learn about strategies to monitor and improve data quality.

AEFLA Data Quality