he National Data Management System (NDMS) is a web-based computerized system to track and report participants served, services delivered and outcomes achieved. Specialists are the key to capturing data and information. NDMS aggregates the data and produces reports for schools (1,000), sites (45), and states (27). Program managers and supervisors use the reports to evaluate process and performance outcomes. As a results-driven and highly accountable organization, JAG affiliates use NDMS as a tool to improve and recognize performance.

The JAG Model values the following performance outcomes:

• Graduation/GED Completion Rate. The word "graduates" appears in the name of the organization and represents the importance of graduation (or GED completion) to the JAG National Network. The goal is to achieve a 90% completion rate by the close of the 12-month post-graduation follow-up phase.

  The Graduation Rate is computed by subtracting the Non-graduates from the total number of participants on the Program Roster and dividing the graduates by the total number of participants. For example:

  Total number of participants: 600
  Non-graduates: 50
  Graduates 550
  Graduation Rate 90.17% (550 divided by 600)

• Positive Outcome Rate. The goal is for 80% of the participants to achieve a positive outcome by the close of the 12-month post-graduation follow-up phase. The positive outcomes valued in the JAG Model include: employment (full-time or part-time); postsecondary enrollment; or full-time military.

  The Positive Outcome Rate is computed by dividing the number of Positive Outcomes by the number of graduates (550). For example:

  Total number of graduates 550
  Total number of positive outcomes 500
  Positive Outcomes Rate 90.9% (500 divided by 550)

• Employment Rate. The goal is for 60% of the participants to be employed in a full-time (35 hours or more) or a part-time job (greater than 10 and less than 35 hours). The word "jobs" is prominent in the name of the organization - "Jobs for America's Graduates. "

  The Employment Rate is computed by dividing the number of employed participants (full-time, part-time, and full-time military) by the number of graduates. For example:

  Total number of graduates 550
  Total number of employed graduates 350
  Employment Rate 60.1% (350 divided by 550)
  

• Full-time Jobs Rate. The goal is for 60% of the graduates to be in a full-time job including: full-time employment (35 or more hours per week; two part-time jobs totaling 35 or more hours equates to a full-time job).

  The Full-time Jobs Rate is computed by dividing the number of full-time employed graduates (full-time civilian and full-time military) by the total number of employed graduates (full-time civilian, part-time civilian, and full-time military). For example:

  Total number of employed graduates 350
  Total number of full-time employed graduates 210
  Total Full-time Jobs Rate 60.0% (210 divided by 350)

• Full-time Placement Rate. The goal is for 80% of the graduates to be engaged in full-time activities (full-time civilian employment; full-time military; full-time postsecondary enrollment; or part-time jobs with part-time postsecondary enrollment by the close of the follow-up phase.

  The Full-time Placement Rate is computed by dividing the total number of full-time enrolled and employed graduates by the number of graduates. For example:

  Total number of graduates 550
  Total number of full-time enrolled
  and employed graduates 520
  Full-time Placement Rate 94.5% (520 divided by 550)

• Unable to Contact Rate. The goal is a less than 10% "unable to contact" rate during the 12-month post-graduation follow-up phase. An escalating unable to contract rate is of considerable concern because performance outcomes cannot be claimed if the Specialist is unable to make contact with graduates.

  Total number of graduates 550
  Unable to contact 25
  Unable to Contact Rate 4.5%f (25 divided by 550)

• Further Education Rate. There is no further education goal, however, Specialists are committed to encouraging graduates to pursue a postsecondary education if it is appropriate and feasible given the graduate's situation. The Further Education Rate is tracked to emphasize the importance that the JAG Model places on a postsecondary education especially when combined with part-time employment.

  Total number of graduates 550
  Postsecondary enrollment 110
  Further Education Rate 20% (110 divided by 550)

• Average Wage. There is no average wage goal, however, Specialists are encouraged to assist graduates to secure a positive status change (increase in wages or hours; advancement; promotion; etc.) during the 12-month post-graduation follow-up phase. The average wage is computed by adding the hourly wage for all graduates and dividing by the number of graduates.

NDMS was designed and maintained by J&J Computer Consulting in consultation with JAG National Center for Evidence-based Practices. Funding was provided by a Congressional Earmark Grant and administered by the United States Department of Labor.