To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to define the term evidence-based.

Summary

Adds a legal definition of “evidence-based” for programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and requires State WIOA plans to describe how they will prioritize funding for evidence-based statewide workforce development activities. The definition creates two qualifying paths: (A) demonstrable effects shown by experimental, quasi-experimental, or correlational studies; or (B) a research-based rationale paired with ongoing efforts to evaluate impact. States must amend their plans to describe strategies to use funds for statewide activities to favor programs meeting this evidence standard.

• Creates a statutory definition of “evidence-based” within WIOA with two alternative qualification paths (study-based or rationale-plus-evaluation).
• Requires State WIOA plans to describe strategies to prioritize funding for evidence-based statewide workforce activities.
• Path A recognizes experimental, quasi-experimental, and controlled correlational studies as evidence tiers.
• Path B allows programs supported by research rationale if they include ongoing evaluation efforts.
• Does not provide new funding; it changes planning and funding priorities under existing WIOA authorities.
• Likely shifts statewide funding toward programs with stronger evaluation evidence and increases evaluation expectations for providers.
• May increase administrative burdens and evaluation costs for States and service providers to document or produce evidence.
• Applies to statewide workforce development activities funded under WIOA’s statewide activities authority.