[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 18, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 8690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-03208]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


Public Listening Session

AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration (ETA), Labor.

ACTION: Notice of public listening session.

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SUMMARY: In preparation for launching the Online Skills Academy 
described in the Administration's ``Ready to Work: Job-Driving Training 
and American Opportunity'' report, the Department of Labor 
(Department), Employment and Training Administration is hosting a 
virtual listening session to solicit information and public input 
concerning the development of an Online Skills Academy. This listening 
session will be hosted in partnership with the Department of Education.
    The listening session will provide an opportunity for stakeholders 
to provide their comments and suggestions and engage in a national 
dialogue regarding the implementation of this priority funding.
    Instructions regarding registering for and attending the listening 
session are in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.

DATES: 
    Listening Session: The virtual listening session will be on, 
Friday, February 20, 2015, and will begin at 2:00 p.m. and is scheduled 
to end by 4:00 p.m.
    Registration: You must register to attend this virtual listening 
session. ETA will post specific information on how to register and 
participate via the Internet on the Online Skills Academy Web site at 
www.doleta.gov/skillsacademy in advance of the listening session.
    Comments: A transcript of all public comments will be available. 
This transcript and any written comments submitted following the public 
listening session will be posted on the Online Skills Academy Web site 
at www.doleta.gov/skillsacademy by Friday, February 27, 2015. Written 
comments must be submitted electronically to [email protected]. 
Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 25, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: The listening session will be conducted virtually via live 
webcast. ETA will post the agenda and logistical information on how to 
participate via Internet on the Online Skills Academy Web site at 
http://www.doleta.gov/skillsacademy in advance of the listening 
session. The session is open to the public and the entire proceedings 
will be webcast, recorded, and made publicly available. Interested 
parties may participate via webcast only. Capacity is not limited but 
registration is required. For information on how to register, go to 
http://www.doleta.gov/skillsacademy. Registration will be open until 
the listening session begins. In addition to attending joining the 
virtual session via webinar, ETA would like to solicit comments 
electronically to [email protected]. Comments must be received by 
5:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 25, 2015.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    In July 2014, Vice President Joe Biden released a report on federal 
job-driven training programs, http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/skills_report_072014_2.pdf. Among other things, programs and 
initiatives identified in this report highlight the importance of 
strategies that are responsive to employer needs in order to 
effectively place ready-to-work Americans in jobs that are available 
now or train them in the skills needed for better jobs. The report also 
highlighted future initiatives that expand the tools for job seekers to 
find pathways to better jobs. One of these initiatives is the 
Department of Labor's Online Skills Academy, a competition to award up 
to $25 million for partnerships that will offer open, online courses of 
study, helping students earn credentials online through participating 
accredited institutions, and expanding access to curriculum designed to 
speed the time to credit and completion. Building off the burgeoning 
marketplace of free and openly-licensed learning resources, including 
the content developed through the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community 
College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant program, this online skills 
academy will ensure that workers can get the education and training 
they need to advance their careers by developing skills in-demand by 
employers through courses that are free to access and provide a low 
cost means for earning credentials and degrees. This initiative will be 
administered in partnership with the Department of Education.
    To plan this competition, the Departments of Labor and Education 
will engage stakeholders in a national dialogue to learn and understand 
concerns and ideas related to the following topics:

     Technology-enabled and online learning, including use of 
open platforms
     Accelerated career pathways leading to industry-recognized 
credentials in in-demand fields
     Contextualized learning
     Online and technology enabled assessment tools, including 
competency-based and open access assessments
     Use of local labor market information and employer 
engagement in identification of in-demand skills and credentials

II. Instructions for Attending the Listening Session

    Space for attendance at this virtual listening session is not 
limited; however, you must register to attend. Information on how to 
register and participate will be posted on the Online Skills Academy 
Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/skillsacademy in advance of the 
listening session.

III. Draft Agenda for the February 20, 2015 Listening Session

Welcome and Introductions--2:00 p.m. ET to 2:20 p.m. ET
Overview of Online Skills Academy Vision and Required Components--2:20 
p.m. ET to 2:30 p.m. ET
Open Comment Period--2:30 p.m. ET to 4:00 p.m. ET
     Topic #1--Online Education and Learning
     Topic #2--Open Educational Resources and Open Platforms
     Topic #3--Training Unemployed Workers and Non-traditional 
Learners
     Topic #4--Developing Career Pathways in High-Demand 
Sectors
     Topic #5--Developing Assessments

    The agenda will be strictly followed; participants may attend all 
or part of the listening session as relevant. The updated agenda will 
be posted on the Online Skills Academy Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/skillsacademy in advance of the listening session.

Portia Wu,
Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, Labor.
[FR Doc. 2015-03208 Filed 2-17-15; 8:45 am]
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