Department of State
Subtitle: additional steps are needed to improve strategic planning and evaluation of training for State personnel : report to the Honorable Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Senate
Contributors: Akaka, Daniel K.
Publisher: U.S. Govt. Accountability Office
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Washington, D.C.]
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 72
Subjects: Officials and employees; Training of; Evaluation; American Diplomatic and consular service; Foreign Service Institute (U.S.); United States. Department of State; United States
Other titles: Additional steps are needed to improve strategic planning and evaluation of training for State personnel
Description: Because the U.S. Department of State (State) is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency, its personnel require certain knowledge, skills, and abilities to address the global challenges and security threats facing the United States. State devoted about $255 million to personnel training in fiscal year 2010; the department's Foreign Service Institute (FSI) is the primary training provider for State's more than 66,000 Foreign Service, civil service, and locally employed staff (LE staff) worldwide. GAO was asked to examine (1) State's purpose and structure for training personnel and (2) the extent to which State's training incorporates elements for effective training programs. GAO reviewed and analyzed data and documentation related to the agency's training efforts; completed a training assessment using a tool developed based on prior GAO guidance; and interviewed officials in Washington, D.C., and at 12 overseas posts. GAO is making several recommendations for State to improve strategic planning and evaluation of the department's efforts to train personnel, including for improvements to State's efforts to assess training needs and efforts to ensure training achieves desired results. State reviewed a draft of this report and generally agreed with our recommendations.
Notes: Title from cover screen (viewed Mar. 9, 2011).

"January 2011."

"GAO-11-241."

Includes bibliographical references.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Reader.