Vermont has developed a singular system of performance standards and measures to evaluate all secondary and postsecondary vocational education programs. Student progress pertains to student mastery of core competencies in the program area, mastery of workplace skills, academic gain, and placement of program completers. Academic gain is measured by comparing students' average program-entry score with their average program completion score. The standard is an increase in average score.
Appropriate employment is employment related to the student's training program.
In addition, data are collected on those employed in unrelated employment, unemployed and looking for employment, and program completers not in the labor market. Measures of access and progress are used to identify the participation and success of special populations in vocational education programs. The results of each program's evaluation are forwarded to the State. By 1995, all standards will be applied to all exiting students and recipients will have fully implemented all measures and standards. Adjustments are provided for the student placement measure through weighting.