Research and Resources
The following are research articles and CommCorp's Research and Evaluation Briefs, as well as links to resources for sector initiatives from other states. Check back often, as more resources will be added.
Commonwealth Corporation's Research and Evaluation Briefs
The briefs below are those that look specifically at sector strategies. For a complete list of all of CommCorp's Research and Evaluation Briefs, click here.
Volume 2, Issue 1 Improving Quality of Care [PDF]
Volume 2, Issue 3 Benefits of a Sector-Based Approach [PDF]
Volume 2, Issue 4 BEST Benefits: Employer Perspectives [PDF]
Volume 2, Issue 11 Lessons Learned from the BEST Initiative [PDF]
Volume 4, Issue 2 Improving Quality of Care: A Closer Look [PDF]
Links to Resources
Good Stories Aren't Enough
www.ppv.org/ppv/publications
Good Stories Aren't Enough looks at the experience and learnings of six organizations as they focused on becoming more outcomes-driven. It identifies practical, hands-on strategies to increase staff involvement and communication around data, so that what at first seems like "impersonal" information becomes a useful tool to better meet job seekers' and employers' needs.
www.sectorstrategies.org
A knowledge exchange for policy makers and sector leaders. This innovative website provides learning tools to
design policies that strengthen regional economies through sector strategies. Interactive and comprehensive resources will provide policy makers and sector
leaders with an opportunity to interact with sector experts, examples of promising practices and access to the latest research and reports. Includes the
Sector Strategies Library- a comprehensive collection of research, policy models, webinars, tools, and case studies for policy makers and sector leaders. Library requires registration (free).
National Network of Sector Partners (NNSP)
www.nedlc.org/nnsp
NNSP’s mission is to encourage the use and effectiveness of sector initiatives as valuable tools for enhancing employment and economic development opportunities for low-income individuals, families, and communities. NNSP provides valuable information and resources to the field including: training and networking opportunities at NNSP conferences and workshops; newsletters and publications sharing the latest research data, success stories, and industry-specific information.
The Aspen Institute's Workforce Strategies Initiative (WSI)
www.aspenwsi.org
WSI identifies and advances strategies that help low-income Americans gain ground in today's labor market. To that end, WSI engages in applied research, facilitates dialogue, disseminates findings and shares new ideas. WSI also hosts the Sector Skills Academy. Academy is designed for organizational leaders with direct responsibility and authority to implement a sector strategy. Attendance at three, three-day Academy workshops is required and some activities will be assigned between sessions. To contact directly: info@sectorskillsacademy.org
Skills to Live By: Participant Reflections on the Value of their Sectoral Training Experience
www.aspenwsi.org
Great paper published by WSI in 2006 (33 pages, free download) that combines sector training participant’s thoughts with recommendations for design of effective training programs and support services.
State Sector Strategies: Regional Solutions to Worker and Employer Needs
www.nedlc.org (Hit download issue briefs today on homepage.)
The issue brief is a primer for policymakers on state sector strategies.
It examines aspects of workforce, economic and education policy and
provides examples of best practices.
Skills Partnership Self Assessment
www.publicpolicy.com
This rating sheet was developed by Public Policy Associates, Inc. to help practitioners examine their local/regional area’s current capacity and ability to establish and operate regional skills partnerships, sector-based initiatives and related activities.
Transfer of Learning: A Guide for Strengthening the Performance of Health Care Workers
www.prime2.org
This website provides some excellent information on an important sector strategy issue—"transfer of learning" (ensuring that knowledge and skills acquired during training are applied ont he job). Included:
- good description of the transfer of learning process,
- what supervisors, learners, trainers, and co-workers ca do to make it work, and
- an on-line action planning tool.
