Presented By: Jonna McDonough & Mike Williams

As a partner in the state’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act federal program as well as other state workforce initiatives, IA Department of Education oversees a network of adult basic education programs engaging undereducated and low skilled residents in developing a career pathway.  IA’s state approved high school equivalency assessment, HiSET®, is the first step toward creating this pathway.  IA DOE looks to engage employers in promoting career growth for entry level workers within their company, as a key component to their employee retention program.

Learning objectives for this session include:

• Identifying adjustments to hiring processes related to education.
• Developing opportunities to enhance employee retention programs.
• Developing employee outreach plan to promote professional development and retention of low-skilled employees.

Jonna McDonough, HiSET Director, is responsible for statewide implementation of the HiSET computer and paper-based assessment, which includes collaborating with state officials in Iowa, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, and Wyoming. Prior to joining ETS, Jonna taught at-risk youth in Grades 6–8. Jonna brings ten years of experience in needs analysis and staff development.