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Keep It Simple: Picking the Right Data Science Method to Improve Workforce Training Programs. OPRE Report 2023-058

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Title: Keep It Simple: Picking the Right Data Science Method to Improve Workforce Training Programs. OPRE Report 2023-058
Language: English
Authors: Preel-Dumas, Camille, Hendra, Richard, Denison, Dakota, MDRC, ICF International
Source: MDRC. 2023.
Availability: MDRC. 16 East 34th Street 19th Floor, New York, NY 10016-4326. Tel: 212-532-3200; Fax: 212-684-0832; e-mail: publications@mdrc.org; Web site: http://www.mdrc.org
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 4
Publication Date: 2023
Sponsoring Agency: Administration for Children and Families (DHHS), Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE)
Contract Number: GS00F010CA/140D0421F0706
90PE0038
Document Type: Reports - Evaluative
Descriptors: Labor Force Development, Programs, Prediction, Success, Data Science, Research Methodology, Educational Improvement, Management Information Systems, Program Effectiveness, Dropout Prevention, Artificial Intelligence, Employment Level, Prior Learning, Educational Attainment, Barriers, At Risk Persons, Data Use
Abstract: This brief explores data science methods that workforce programs can use to predict participant success. With access to vast amounts of data on their programs, workforce training providers can leverage their management information systems (MIS) to understand and improve their programs' outcomes. By predicting which participants are at greater risk of dropping out of their program and why, providers can segment their caseloads so that participants receive services better tailored to their needs. Within the data science field, machine learning (ML) has gained popularity for its ability to extract hidden patterns without being explicitly guided by a data analyst. While these data science methods hold promise, are the added costs and complexity worth it? The authors explore the tradeoffs by answering the following questions: (1) What factors are important in predicting a participant's outcome in a program?; (2) Are participant outcomes predictable using simple methods, like creating basic risk indicators in Management Information Systems (MIS)? For example, how well does an indicator for prior education predict participant outcomes?; and (3) What is the added value and cost of incorporating regression and more complex machine learning methods?
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 2023
Accession Number: ED628518
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Keep It Simple: Picking the Right Data Science Method to Improve Workforce Training Programs. OPRE Report 2023-058
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  Data: MDRC. 16 East 34th Street 19th Floor, New York, NY 10016-4326. Tel: 212-532-3200; Fax: 212-684-0832; e-mail: publications@mdrc.org; Web site: http://www.mdrc.org
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  Data: This brief explores data science methods that workforce programs can use to predict participant success. With access to vast amounts of data on their programs, workforce training providers can leverage their management information systems (MIS) to understand and improve their programs' outcomes. By predicting which participants are at greater risk of dropping out of their program and why, providers can segment their caseloads so that participants receive services better tailored to their needs. Within the data science field, machine learning (ML) has gained popularity for its ability to extract hidden patterns without being explicitly guided by a data analyst. While these data science methods hold promise, are the added costs and complexity worth it? The authors explore the tradeoffs by answering the following questions: (1) What factors are important in predicting a participant's outcome in a program?; (2) Are participant outcomes predictable using simple methods, like creating basic risk indicators in Management Information Systems (MIS)? For example, how well does an indicator for prior education predict participant outcomes?; and (3) What is the added value and cost of incorporating regression and more complex machine learning methods?
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      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 4
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      – SubjectFull: Labor Force Development
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Programs
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Prediction
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      – SubjectFull: Success
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      – SubjectFull: Research Methodology
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      – SubjectFull: Educational Improvement
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      – SubjectFull: Management Information Systems
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      – SubjectFull: Program Effectiveness
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      – SubjectFull: Dropout Prevention
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      – SubjectFull: Artificial Intelligence
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      – SubjectFull: Employment Level
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      – SubjectFull: Prior Learning
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      – SubjectFull: Barriers
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      – SubjectFull: At Risk Persons
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      – SubjectFull: Data Use
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      – TitleFull: Keep It Simple: Picking the Right Data Science Method to Improve Workforce Training Programs. OPRE Report 2023-058
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