TAA Changes
January 2006

The US Department of Labor (DOL) requires that each state report specific participant data for the Trade Act Participant Report (TAPR). The TAPR tracks program performance and participant outcomes for the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. In order to include data elements necessary for common performance measures DOL had to make modifications to the TAPR. As a result of these modifications it was necessary for the State to make the following changes in SKIES:

• In October 2005 “Recalled by Layoff Employer (TAA only)” was added to the exit outcome drop down list. This exit outcome is used when the trade-certified employer recalls a TAA participant to work. All placement information, including; employer, job title and wage, must be reported to DOL and will be required to be attached to this exit outcome. When selecting “Recalled by Layoff Employer” you will either click on Select Existing Placement or Create New Placement to attach the information.
• Retirement” has also been added to the exit outcome drop down list. DOL added Retirement to the Trade Act Participant Report (TAPR) under Other Reasons for Exit. This information has been added for program management purposes only and individuals who exit the program based on retirement will not be excluded from calculation of the performance measures. At this time retirement information is being collected to determine the affect this type of outcome is having on TAA performance. This exit outcome is used when a TAA participant decides to retire from employment while participating in TAA and no other services are required. This outcome must be fully documented.

Background:
As a result of the final reporting requirements for Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act (TAA) additional changes to SKIES for Common Measures were needed. Functionality changes have been implemented in the SKIES Application to accurately collect and display the new reporting items.

SKIES Functionality Changes – Screen by Screen:
The following outlines the functional changes in SKIES, as a result of additional requirements for Common Measures. The blue bar at the top of each table lists the SKIES Screen Name. The column to the left, “Before Common Measures…” describes how SKIES functioned before the changes were implemented; the column to the right “After Common Measures…” describes the new functionality after the changes have been implemented.

Who to Contact SKIES Functionality SKIES Help Desk 360.438.4690 360.438.3274 (option 2) Non-ESD (800).331.5650 Information Updates Pam Pannkuk M’Lissa Carson