Oklahoma's CRC

WorkKeys/Career Ready 101 Users' Conference Program Online

2012-02-06T14:23:00.000-08:00

Check out WorkKeys/Career Ready 101 Users' Conference Program and At-a-Glance.

Register today to attend. You will receive a registration confirmation email. Registration is your ticket to attend the conference and luncheon.

Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Time: 9 am - 4 pm (Sign-in and coffee starts at 8:30am)
Location: Moore Norman Technology Center, South Penn Campus, 13301 S. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City

Contact me with questions.

WorkKeys/Career Ready 101 Users' Conference At-a-Glance

2012-01-31T14:03:00.000-08:00

Check out WorkKeys/Career Ready 101 Users' Conference At-a-Glance.

Register today to attend. You will receive a registration confirmation email. Registration is your ticket to attend the conference and luncheon.

Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Time: 9 am - 4 pm (Sign-in and coffee starts at 8:30am)
Location: Moore Norman Technology Center, South Penn Campus, 13301 S. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City

Contact me with questions.

Career Ready 101 Webcast Training Opportunities

2012-01-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

Register for a session now by clicking a date below:

Fri, Feb 10, 2012 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CST
Fri, Mar 9, 2012 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CST
Fri, Apr 13, 2012 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration
with information you need to join the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

Contact me with questions.

Registration for WorkKeys/Career Ready 101 Conference is online

2012-01-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

Fall in love with the Oklahoma Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) on Valentine's Day!

Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Location: Moore Norman Technology Center, South Penn Campus, 13301 S. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City

Time: 9 am - 4 pm (Sign-in and coffee starts at 8:30am)

Click here to register. You will receive a registration confirmation email. Registration is your ticket to attend the conference and luncheon.

No cost to attend the conference. Lunch is provided by ACT.

Sessions and topics will include:

WorkKeys as alternative EOIs
College and University Usage
The CRC in your Community
Employer Partners
WorkKeys and Career Ready 101 updates
CRC Research
Tips for Site Administrators
Motivating Your Students/Clients
Website and Social Media
Oklahoma Job Link
Oklahoma Career Information System
Untapped Resources

Contact me with questions.

ACT's WorkKeys Internet Version Reports Portal

2012-01-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

Dear WorkKeys Administrators,

If you pulled any reports from the WorkKeys Internet Version Reports Portal for the month of December, you may have noticed missing data beginning December 17. This issue was resolved on January 5, and all newly generated reports should now be accurate.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
__________________________________

Thank you for using WorkKeys.

Sincerely,
The WorkKeys Staff
workkeys@act.org
800/WORKKEY (967-5539)

CRC Statewide Database

2012-01-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

Site administrators,

Adjustments have been made to the CRC Statewide Database. You may now upload WorkKeys score results with success. Thank you for your patience!

ACT Validus Changes Affect CRC Upload Process

2012-01-05T13:37:00.000-08:00

CRC Site Administrators--Please review the Validus Enhancement notice posted below. This will affect uploading Validus Data Export Reports to the CRC Statewide Database. To avoid receiving error messages, please hold score uploads from assessments given today and going forward until further notice. Details will be posted to the CRC blog when available. Contact me with questions.

WorkKeys Notice 2012--#1: Upcoming Validus Enhancements

Dear WorkKeys Administrators,

Happy New Year! As we begin a new year, ACT is excited to announce some changes in demographic data collection that will improve our ability to bring added value to our customers. Beginning Friday, January 6, two new demographic fields have been added to WorkKeys Internet Version (WKIV) registration: county of residence and current employment status. Examinees will enter this data online as they begin the WKIV testing process. The process is for Internet testing only; paper-and-pencil testing processes will remain unchanged at this time.

Beginning January 5, examinees will enter their county by using a link on the WKIV testing website. This link allows them to look up their county’s 5-digit FIPS code, which they can then enter in the appropriate field. A list of these codes, with additional information on this process, is also available under References on your WKIV administrator’s site or at the following URL under Administrator Resources:

http://www.act.org/workkeys-private/reference/.

Beginning in July 2012, examinees will be able to look up their county directly by using a drop-down list, without the need to use FIPS codes.

To indicate employment status, examinees will choose one of the following from a drop-down list:
- Currently employed private or non-profit
- Currently employed local, state, or federal government
- Current high school junior, senior, or recent (12 months) graduate
- College (technical, community, or four-year) student or recent (12 months) graduate
- Current adult education participant or recent (12 months) GED completer
- Current or recent (12 months) active duty military
- Currently unemployed

These two new demographic fields will help ACT to more accurately measure the quality of the local workforce for efforts such as the ACT Certified Work Ready Communities
(www.workreadycommunities.org).

If you have any questions about this update, please contact us at 800/967-5539 or workkeys@act.org .

WorkKeys Staff

2012-01-05T06:56:00.000-08:00

Are you attending ACT's National Workforce Conference, April 11-13 in Chicago? ACT wants to hear Oklahoma's story about improving our workforce. We have local and regional areas of excellence with Oklahoma's CRC. Now is the time to step up to the plate and hit the home run. Program proposals for breakout sessions are due on January 13. The proposal is online at http://www.act.org/workforce2012.

Contact me with questions.

CRC Office is Moving

2011-10-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

On Monday, October 24, the CRC office will move to the Francis Tuttle Reno campus.

My new contact information is:

Phone 405.717.4923
Fax 405.717.4644
Address 7301 W. Reno, Oklahoma City, OK 73127

Email and mobile phone remain the same. Contact me with questions.

Check Out the New Reports for CRC Site Administrators

2011-10-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

In the CRC Statewide Database, under Reports, Certificates by Date Report and the High School Report are now available.

The Certificates by Date report is searchable by certificate date and available to all CRC Site Administrators. The report information includes name of student/client, certificate date and level, CRC+ and assessment levels.

The High School Report is available to technology center CRC site administrators. When uploading WorkKeys® score results, you are provided the option to designate the high school(s). When you complete this step, the results will be included in the High School Report.

Contact me with questions.

Oklahoma's CRC Research Highlighted

2011-09-29T05:50:00.000-07:00

Check out Oklahoma's CRC Research article in ACT's Autumn Newsletter at http://www.act.org/activity/autumn2011/oklahoma.html

Kudos to the CRC Research Committee!

WorkKeys/KeyTrain Badge

2011-09-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to your radical marketing ideas, we have a new marketing product available. You may download the web and print version by:

Logging on to http://okcareertech.smugmug.com/Marketing.

Click on the WK Success Badge Web or WK Success Badge Print links. I look forward to finding WorkKeys success badges on your web sites.

While you are in Smugmug, check out the WorkKeys Printed Products.

More CR101 Webinar Training Available--Register today!

2011-08-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

We have three new CR101 webinar training dates. Email beth@keytrain.com for registration and be sure to include in the "Subject Line" Oklahoma Webcast (then selected date/time of choice).

Friday September 2, 1:00 PM Central

Tuesday September 20, 1:00 PM Central

Friday September 23, 10:00 AM Central

For questions, email beth@keytrain.com.

CR101 Statewide training schedule !!!!

2011-08-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been waiting for the statewide CR101 training schedule to be released, please see the link below. This information was sent out to all entities in the State of Oklahoma who have already signed up for CR101 under the new state license.

Please sign up for your desired session as soon as possible, these trainings will fill up fast. Follow this link: http://www.actwdd.com/em1/OKtttFORM.html

Please keep in mind that this is a Train-the-Trainer setup and we are asking that each entity only send one person to these training sessions.

If you have any questions, please contact skuzm@okcareertech.org or lvald@okcareertech for more information.

ACT Workforce Development Weekly Webcasts

2011-08-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

ACT Workforce Development staff provides weekly webcasts about the various components of ACT's Work Readiness System. The sessions are interactive so you'll have a chance to ask questions throughout. To register, go to www.actwdd.com/weeklywebcasts.

The schedule includes:

Monday, 2 pm Eastern--WorkKeys® and the National Career Readiness Certificate

Tuesday, 11 am Eastern--KeyTrain®

Wednesday, 2 pm Eastern--ACT's Work Readiness System

Thursday, 11 am Eastern--Career Ready 101®

Career Ready 101 and ACT WorkKeys Training--August 3, 2011

2011-07-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

There's still room available to attend Career Ready 101/WorkKeys training on Wednesday, August 3 at Francis Tuttle Rockwell campus, 9-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3 p.m. Register at http://www.keytrainnews.com//Emails/webcasts/OKaug3FORM.html. Rick Harris, ACT Workforce Curriculum Regional Director, will present Career Ready 101 and Amanda Malloy, ACT WorkKeys Product Support Coordinator, will present ACT WorkKeys Internet Version and more. Please note the Francis Tuttle Technology Center cafeteria is closed for the summer. Vending machines are available. Contact me with questions.

Sign up for Career Ready 101 at the CareerTech Summer Conference

2011-07-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right! Rosemary Roelf and ACT staff will be in the Exhibit Hall at booth 307 at the CareerTech Summer Conference with forms to upgrade or sign up for the no cost Career Ready 101 curriculum.

To upgrade or sign up now, go to okcareerplanner.com.

The Career Readiness/WorkKeys booth is 225. I'll see you there!

Career Ready 101/WorkKeys Training Announced

2011-07-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

More training is available! In addition to previously announced trainings, you are invited to register and attend Career Ready 101/WorkKeys training on Wednesday, August 3 at Francis Tuttle Rockwell campus, 9-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3 p.m. Register today at http://www.keytrainnews.com//Emails/webcasts/OKaug3FORM.html. Rick Harris, ACT Workforce Curriculum Regional Director, will present Career Ready 101 and Amanda Malloy, ACT WorkKeys Product Support Coordinator, will present ACT WorkKeys Internet Version and more. Please note the Francis Tuttle Technology Center cafeteria is closed for the summer. Vending machines are available. Contact me with questions.

Career Ready 101 Training

2011-06-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

Has your site applied for the no cost Career Ready 101 license through the state of
Oklahoma's statewide offering? Sign up today at okcareerplanner.com.

If you have already signed up for Career Ready 101, it is time to sign up for a free training session on Career Ready 101!

We're sure you will find the program to be a powerful tool in helping to build career readiness skills on many levels.

In order to help you get the most out of the program, ACT Workforce Curriculum is offering four free training webinars on Career Ready 101 this summer. These online sessions will begin at 9am Central time and will last approximately one hour.

They will be offered at 9am Central on:
Wednesday, July 6th
Wednesday, July 13th
Wednesday, July 27th
Wednesday, August 10th

Please register for one of these sessions today so you can begin using Career Ready 101 to its fullest extent!

We’re excited about Oklahoma’s use of the Career Ready 101 program and know that all Oklahomans who use program will find it to be a very positive experience.

[1]CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
or cut and paste the following address into your Internet browser:

[2]http://www.keytrainnews.com/Emails/webcasts/OKwebcastsFORM.html

Contact me with questions.

CRC Data Available Online

2011-06-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

CRC county and statewide data reports are now available online at okworkkeys.org on the left side menu. Data includes certificates attempted, certificates earned by level, certificates improved and certificates earned by existing and available workforce.
Contact me with questions.

CRC Schedule Change

2011-06-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

Beginning Monday, June 13, CRCs will be issued every two weeks as a cost efficient measure.

The June and July issue dates are:

June 13
June 27
July 11
July 25

Contact me with questions.

Valid Proof of Tax Exemption Letter from ACT

2011-06-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

CRC Site Administrators,

You probably received or will receive a letter from Rhonda Detlefsen at ACT requesting valid proof of tax exemption. If your site is connected to the Department of CareerTech's contract with ACT, the valid proof of tax exemption has been completed.

If your site has an additional WorkKeys license direct with ACT, your site is responsible for submitting the requested documentation.

Contact me with questions.

President Obama to announce Skills Credentialing System

2011-06-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

This morning on the Fox News politics blog it was reported that President Obama will today at a Washington D.C. area community college announce a new job training program involving manufacturing job sector credentialing, backing the Manufacturing Institute goal of providing 500,000 community college students with “industry-recognized credentials that will help them secure jobs in the manufacturing sector.”

Read more on President Obama's skills credentialing system announcement at http://chronicle.com/article/Obama-to-Unveil-New/127785/

Get Your Free CR101/KeyTrain Site License!

2011-05-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

The Governor's Council for Workforce and Economic Development is making KeyTrain and Career Ready 101 available to all Oklahomans as part of its mission to build the skills, credentials, competitiveness and income of Oklahoma workers.

Site licenses are being issued and renewed AT NO COST to businesses, schools, libraries, government offices, and other entities. This license includes the traditional KeyTrain program plus over 8,000 additional pages of Career Ready 101 curriculum designed to help both younger and adult students achieve their career goals. Organizations can use this training as part of a planned program for employees and others or simply make the tools available to people in the organization.

To get or renew KeyTrain and Career Ready 101 for your organization, just fill out this simple form and email it to jeane_burruss@okcommerce.gov or fax it to her at 405-605-2972.
(Your license will run from March 31, 2011, through March 31, 2012. If you currently possess a KeyTrain license, it will be extended through March 31, 2012, and upgraded to CR101 if you so desire)

Attend a FREE CR101 Web Demo!!!

You can learn more about the exciting Career Ready 101 program by attending one of the free weekly CR101 presentations conducted by Alan Artress from ACT/KeyTrain’s office in Chattanooga, TN. Presentations are scheduled every Thursday at 10 a.m. central time.

To be included in the web training, simply complete this registration form and click “submit.” You will be registered and will receive additional information from KeyTrain about the webcast.

For more information on the new CR101/KeyTrain license, visit this Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce website!

As a CareerTech Center, what does this mean for me?

All CareerTech Centers currently have access to KeyTrain. If you would like to "upgrade" to CR101, just fill out the form and send it in
If you would like to continue using KeyTrain, that is an option as well
If you are a CareerTech Center, and have ANY question, please contact:

Levi Valdois at 405.743.5573 OR lvald@okcareertech.org
Susan Kuzmic at 405.809.3582 OR skuzm@okcareertech.org

As a non-CareerTech Center, what does this mean for me?

If you currently have access to KeyTrain/CR 101, let your people know about the new free license and the application process
If you do not currently have access to KeyTrain/CR 101, forward the information to those people who make the decision or fill out the application. Again, it is free to you!!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jeane Burruss at 405.815.5256 or 405.227.3205

Congratulations! Your WorkKeys® Results are In!

2011-05-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

Each credentialed individual now receives a flyer with the next steps to success to maximize his/her CRC. This flyer is included in our weekly mailings with the CRC, wallet card and letter to Oklahoma businesses.

Contact me with questions.

ACT WorkKeys Update to Validus

2011-04-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

WorkKeys Users,

This e-mail contains information about enhancements to Validus being introduced on April 15, 2011. A number of changes are being made and the following sections of this e-mail will cover those most relevant to you, including:

-- Reports
-- Tiny URLs
-- User Management

If you believe someone other than you needs this information and has not received this e-mail, please forward it to them.
______________________________

Reports

The following functionality will be added to all reports accessed through Validus:

-- Encryption: All reports will be encrypted to protect all personally identifiable information (PII) contained in the report. This means when an administrator initially tries to open the file they will be prompted to enter their "encryption key." The encryption key can be found in two ways:

1. Under Reports on the left-hand menu, click the "Retrieve Key" button, and then enter your password. The encryption key will appear on the next page.
2. Under User Management on the left-hand menu, search for your own account, click the radio button next to your name, and click “Edit". Then, select the “Security” tab and enter your login credentials. The encryption key will appear on the next page.

The encryption key is unique for every administrator and is valid only for the current month. Every first day of the month, the key will change and the new key will not open reports created during the previous month. When creating new reports, administrators will be warned when they attempt to download a file and their encryption key has changed from what it was the last time they created a report.

-- Navigation: When accessing Reports from the left-hand menu, a selectable list of all the administrator’s created reports will appear. An administrator can also find the "Retrieve Key" button here.

-- 90-day data range: All reports will be configurable to allow a maximum range of 90 days of data.

-- 90-day availability: Created reports will be available for 90 days, then will be removed from the list.

NOTE: All reports accessed through RegiSTAR (MyWorkKeys) will also be encrypted. Information about enhancements to MyWorkKeys will be sent in a separate communication.
______________________________

Tiny URLs

Three new Validus URL structures will be introduced. These new URLs are much shorter and easier to remember. It is important to start using the tiny URLs because the existing URLs will eventually be phased out.

To access your administrative realm: Enter “https://vtc.act.org/” followed by either your site’s realm number or your realm name.

Example:

https://vtc.act.org/132901300

—or—

https://vtc.act.org/WorkKeys Training Site

To access the examinee realm: Enter either “https://rsp.act.org/” or “https://examinee.act.org/” followed by either your site’s realm number or your realm name.

Example:

https://rsp.act.org/132901300

—or—

https://rsp.act.org/WorkKeys Training Site
______________________________

User Management

Currently, an administrator can edit an examinee’s registration information at any time. After April 15, you will no longer be able to edit registration information after an examinee takes a test and the test status is listed as "Completed." You will need to call ACT at 1-800-967-5539 to make any changes.
______________________________

Thank you for using WorkKeys.

Sincerely,
The WorkKeys Staff
workkeys@act.org
800/WORKKEY (967-5539)

WorkKeys Notice 2011--#12: Expiring Test Booklets

2011-04-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

WorkKeys Users,

This post contains information about expiring WorkKeys test booklets and the action you need to take to comply with WorkKeys policy. Included are details about:

-- expiring test booklets
-- the deadline to score answer documents

If you believe someone other than you needs to act on this information and has not received this e-mail, please forward it to them.
______________________________

Expiring test booklets

Test booklets with the following form codes will expire on Friday, April 15, 2011:

APPLIED MATHEMATICS - E21BG--E30BG
READING FOR INFORMATION - F31AG--F40AG
APPLIED TECHNOLOGY - G20FG
LOCATING INFORMATION - G60DG--G69DG

The expiration date is located on the front cover of every WorkKeys test booklet towards the bottom of the page. All test booklets must be returned to ACT within one week of testing or by the expiration date, whichever comes first.

After Friday, April 15, you should no longer have any test booklets with this expiration date or any earlier expiration dates.
______________________________

Deadline to score answer documents

Answer documents for the test booklets listed above must be scored by Friday, April 15, 2011.

It is not possible to score answer documents for expired test booklets. If you miss the deadline for scoring answer documents, you may inconvenience your examinees by requiring that they retest.
______________________________

Thank you for using WorkKeys.

Sincerely,
The WorkKeys Staff
workkeys@act.org
800/WORKKEY (967-5539)

For past WorkKeys Notices, and for other WorkKeys documentation, visit the WorkKeys Reference site at http://www.act.org/workkeys/reference.

CRCs

2011-03-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

We will experience a short delay in issuing CRCs while new supplies are stocked. Contact me with questions. Thank you for your patience.

WorkKeys Assessment Books Expiring on March 15

2011-03-14T05:35:00.000-07:00

WorkKeys Notice 2011--#8: Expiring Test Booklets

Dear WorkKeys Users,

This e-mail contains information about expiring WorkKeys test booklets and the action you need to take to comply with WorkKeys policy. Included are details about:

-- expiring test booklets
-- the deadline to score answer documents

If you believe someone other than you needs to act on this information and has not received this e-mail, please forward it to them.
______________________________

Expiring test booklets

Test booklets with the following form codes will expire on Tuesday, March 15, 2011:

LOCATING INFORMATION - F10DG
READING FOR INFORMATION - G10AE

The WorkKeys test booklet expiration date is located on the front cover, towards the bottom of the page. All test booklets must be returned to ACT within one week of testing or by the expiration date, whichever comes first.

After Tuesday, March 15, you should no longer have any test booklets with this expiration date or any earlier expiration dates.
______________________________

Deadline to score answer documents

Scoring answer documents for the test booklets listed above must be completed by Tuesday, March 15, 2011.

It is not possible to score answer documents for expired test booklets. If you miss the deadline for scoring answer documents, you may inconvenience your examinees by requiring that they retest.
______________________________

Thank you for using WorkKeys.

Sincerely,
The WorkKeys Staff
workkeys@act.org
800/WORKKEY (967-5539)

For past WorkKeys Notices, and for other WorkKeys documentation, visit the WorkKeys Reference site at http://www.act.org/workkeys/reference.

WorkKeys Updates from ACT

2011-02-25T08:57:00.000-08:00

Dear WorkKeys Users,

As part of our ongoing process to increase security, WorkKeys Internet Version sites are no longer listed in the realm drop-down menu on the Validus administrative login page or the examinee login page.

To reach your site’s Validus administrative login screen, use the following URL and include your realm number in place of the X’s:
https://testadministration.org/vtcadmin/goRealmLogin.do?realm=XXXXXXXX

To reach your site’s examinee login screen, use the following URL and include your realm number in place of the X’s: https://testregistration.org/rsp/Login.do?event=go&realm=XXXXXXXX

Whenever a site is set up, a realm-specific URL is e-mailed to the site. If you cannot locate this URL or your realm number, call 1-800-WORKKEY (1-800-967-5539) for assistance.
__________________________________

Thank you for using WorkKeys.

Sincerely,
The WorkKeys Staff
workkeys@act.org
800/WORKKEY (800/967-5539)

For past WorkKeys Notices, and for other WorkKeys documentation, visit the WorkKeys Reference site at http://www.act.org/workkeys/reference.

WorkKeys Applied Mathematics Test Booklets

2011-02-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

This post contains information about expiring WorkKeys test booklets and the action you need to take to comply with WorkKeys policy. Included are details about:

-- expiring test booklets
-- the deadline to score answer documents
-- a request for current contact information

If you believe someone other than you needs to act on this information and has not received this e-mail, please forward it to them.
______________________________

Expiring test booklets

Test booklets with the following form code will expire on Tuesday, February 15, 2011:

APPLIED MATHEMATICS E10BF

The WorkKeys test booklet expiration date is located on the front cover, towards the bottom of the page. All test booklets must be returned to ACT within one week of testing or by the expiration date, whichever comes first.

After Tuesday, February 15, you should no longer have any test booklets with this expiration date or any earlier expiration dates.
______________________________

Deadline to score answer documents

Scoring answer documents for the test booklets listed above must be completed by Tuesday, February 15, 2011.

It is not possible to score answer documents for expired test booklets. If you miss the deadline for scoring answer documents, you may inconvenience your examinees by requiring that they retest.
______________________________

A request for current contact information

We are asking for your help to make sure this e-mail communication has been sent to the correct recipients. Please reply to this e-mail if it did not reach you directly so that we can add you to the WorkKeys distribution list.

It is important the correct people receive this e-mail because the proper handling of expired testing materials is an important and time-sensitive step in ensuring test security.
______________________________

Thank you for using WorkKeys.

Sincerely,
The WorkKeys Staff
workkeys@act.org
800/WORKKEY (967-5539)

For past WorkKeys Notices, and for other WorkKeys documentation, visit the WorkKeys Reference site at http://www.act.org/workkeys/reference.

Registration for WorkKeys/KeyTrain Users' Group Conferences

2011-01-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

The Fifth Annual Oklahoma KeyTrain/WorkKeys Users Conference has been scheduled for February 22nd in Tulsa and February 23rd in Oklahoma City!

KeyNote Speaker:
Bill Guest, Executive Director of National CRC Advocates. Bill will set the stage for the conference with his address: "Meeting Personnel Quality Demands in Our Rapidly Changing World."

Program Highlights:

* Secondary and postsecondary educators will present "how to" information based on programs that work by centering on the WorkKeys and KeyTrain products.
* Panels of business people will discuss their personnel needs and the positive results they've experienced and anticipate from employing CRC certified individuals.
* Representatives from the CRC Research Committee will share information that they've developed from the significant database of WorkKeys tested populations in Oklahoma. Research study results will be shared detailing the impact of WorkKeys and KeyTrain on our state.

Register for one of the sessions:

Feb. 22, Broken Arrow Campus of Tulsa Technology Center

Feb. 23, Metro Tech - South Bryant Campus in OKC

Conference begins at 9 AM each day with coffee and conversation starting at 8:30 and concludes at 4 PM with an optional presentation of KeyTrain's new CR101 program.

There is no cost to attendees, so please encourage others to attend - especially those who are new to the system or who may not be using WorkKeys or KeyTrain yet. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Click here to register.

Contact me with questions.

CRCs

2011-01-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

There will be a short delay in issuing CRCs while we are restocking our supplies. Please continue to upload your WorkKeys scores results to the CRC Statewide Database. We will resume issuing CRCs as soon as supplies arrive.

Contact me with questions.

ACT's National Workforce Conference

2011-01-04T08:06:00.000-08:00

Breaking the Talent Code is the theme for ACT's National Workforce Conference, April 18-21 at the Westin Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Click here for additional conference information.

Click here to view the call for proposals. The deadline for submitting proposals is February 7--just around the corner. For questions or assistance coordinating a session proposal, contact me.

Click here to book your conference hotel reservation.

Oklahoma has been well represented at ACT's National Workforce Conferences with attendees and breakout sessions. Let's continue our tradition!

WorkKeys Test Booklets

2011-01-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

Test booklets with the following form codes will expire on Saturday, January 15, 2011:

E41AF-E49AF
G52BG-G60BG
G51DG-G59DG

All of the above test booklets must be returned to ACT within one week of testing or immediately after the expiration date, whichever comes first.

The scoring of WorkKeys answer documents for the form codes listed above must be completed by Saturday, January 15, 2011.

Contact me with questions.

WorkKeys and KeyTrain Users Conference, 2011

2010-12-08T06:50:00.000-08:00

The fifth annual KeyTrain/WorkKeys Users Conference has been scheduled for February 22nd and 23rd, 2011. Each year, the program committee attempts to provide those in attendance with creative ideas for the use of WorkKeys, KeyTrain, and/or Career Ready 101 in both education and business. This year, the committee is centering on providing those in attendance with programs that have achieved specific results in a variety of venues. But to do that...we need your help!

There are currently over 180 sites in Oklahoma using KeyTrain, Career Ready 101 and WorkKeys programs. We are inviting you to share your creative uses in a session at the Users Conference. We are interested in featuring programs being implemented at high schools, career techs, OESC offices, businesses, and other locations. We specifically want to feature programs that can emphasize the positive esults that they have gained from their use of the programs.

If you are willing to share your program by presenting a session at this year’s conference, please fill out the online application. The applications will be shared with the program committee for possible selection. Your colleagues all across Oklahoma need and want to hear about your program. We look forward to your response! More details about the event will follow. For questions, contact me.

Revised Oklahoma Job Link Account Checklist

2010-09-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

Updates! Updates! Click here to access the latest Oklahoma Job Link Account checklist. For questions on creating Oklahoma Job Link accounts, contact Jon Eller, OESC, 405-557-7149 or jon.eller@oesc.state.ok.us. For CRC questions, contact me.

WorkKeys Paper and Pencil Format

2010-09-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

Are you up-to-date with the new ACT WorkKeys assessment booklets, answer folders and Supervisor's Manual?

If your site has any WorkKeys assessment booklets and blue answer folders ordered before August 2010, it is time to return them to ACT and order new materials for upcoming WorkKeys assessments. This previous version of WorkKeys assessment booklets and answer sheets will not score.

Important information includes:
1. WorkKeys orders must be received at ACT at least 3 weeks before your scheduled test date.
2. Use the test booklets only once, and return them to ACT after use.
3. Your site pays for the return shipping of the test booklets.
4. Test booklets cannot be used after the date indicated on the front cover.
5. The new answer folders are red.

WorkKeys answer folders for Express Score are mailed to Susan Kuzmic, CRC Program Coordinator, Oklahoma Department of CareerTech, 13101 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Box 7, Oklahoma City, OK 73170.

Contact me with questions.

WorkKeys Test Staff Verification Form

2010-09-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

ACT sent an email to WorkKeys users on 9-8-10. This email contains new and important information on ACT's email format, User's Guide and Race & Ethnicity Requirements.

An updated WorkKeys Internet Version Test Administration and User Guide has been posted at http://www.act.org/workkeys/reference under Manuals. Hard copies will not be mailed to site administrators. Log on and print your copy today. The following key changes are:

1. There is a new section that covers test administration. It is critical that you read and understand this section.
2. A new form to report accommodated testing is now located at the back of the guide on page 33.
3. A sign-off form for all test site staff is also included on page 34. It must be signed off by the test supervisor, back-up test supervisors, room supervisors, and proctors and faxed to ACT at 319-341-2630 before giving any WorkKeys assessments. ACT staff will be contacting sites that do not complete the Test Site Staff WorkKeys Manual Verification form.

Contact me with questions.

WorkKeys Internet Version Registration Update

2010-06-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

The Oklahoma WorkKeys Internet Version Registration page now includes a required target population question. The examinee selects the best answer from the following choices:

Are you currently employed by a private industry?
Are you currently employed by a public entity?
Are you currently unemployed?
Are you a current high school senior?
Are you a recent high school graduate?
Are you enrolled or have you recently completed a GED?
Are you currently enrolled, have attended or graduated from a technical college?
Are you currently enrolled, have attended or graduated from college?

This data field has been added to move Oklahoma's CRC to the next level with optimum tracking and results. These data-driven results will be included on the web site, in reports and grant applications. Contact me with questions.

Online survey for ACT National Workforce Conference Attendees

2010-05-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Click here to provide your feedback from this year's ACT National Workforce Conference, held April 27-30, at the Philadelphia Sheraton City Center Hotel. This is a short 10 question survey. Thanks for taking your time to give ACT staff our Oklahoma comments!

Update to WorkKeys Internet Version

2010-04-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

WorkKeys Internet Version has been updated with a new History feature. Click here to learn more.

Hugh McCrabb Scholarship

2010-04-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

The McCrabb Scholarship covers one full year’s tuition at an Oklahoma CTE institution and any cost associated with testing and printing of the Oklahoma Career Readiness Certificate. Download the application here. Deadline is July 10.

To also view other scholarships offered by CTE, go to http://www.okcareertech.org/foundation/scholarships.htm

ACT WorkKeys® Internet Version Refund Policy

2010-03-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

ACT has a new policy on WorkKeys test fee refunds. Click here to view the policy. Click here to access the WorkKeys Refund Request Form. Contact me with questions.

Oklahoma Job Link Account Instructions Revised

2010-03-10T07:05:00.000-08:00

Updates! Updates! Click here to access the latest Oklahoma Job Link Account checklist.

ACT's National Workforce Conference

2010-03-05T13:43:00.001-08:00

More details are being revealed! Click here to view this year's conference agenda.

The earlybird registration cost of $375 is available through March 19. After March 19, the cost is $425. Click here for more registration details.

Contact me with questions.

WorkKeys Accommodations DVD and Presentation

2010-03-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

The presentation used by Nancie Payne on the WorkKeys Accommodations DVD is available on the CareerTech CRC for Site Coordinators web page. Click here to go direct to the presentation. Contact me with questions.

Data Export Missing Some Examinee Scores?

2010-02-26T05:56:00.000-08:00

Has your Data Export Report been missing some examinees' scores recently? Email acthelpdesk@act.org and copy Mary Lewis at mary.lewis@act.org on the email. Include the list of missing examinees with User IDs, date tested, assessments taken if possible and indicate if you received the scores on the Instant Report. All this information is helpful in tracking.

KeyTrain in High Schools Produces Results

2010-02-24T11:44:00.000-08:00

While KeyTrain® and Career Ready 101® implementations in high schools
are producing results across the nation, none are better known than those
produced by Dr. Jeremy Dockery, an assistant principal and former classroom
teacher who demonstrated remarkable success using KeyTrain to improve high
school graduation test results. Join Dr. Dockery in this free webinar to
learn about KeyTrain/Career Ready 101 implementation techniques in high
schools. Topics will include:

- increasing graduation rates,
- producing career ready graduates,
- curriculum integration,
- the benefits of stand alone courses,
- meeting AYP,
- credit recovery,
- results with special populations,
- after school programs and much more! Don't miss this unique opportunity
to hear from one of the nation's experts in implementing KeyTrain and
Career Ready 101 in high schools! This is a free event.

TO SIGN UP, go to https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/280368249

Friday, March 5, 2010, 11:30am Eastern Time

KeyTrain and Career Ready 101 are registered trademarks of SAI
Interactive, Inc.

KeyTrain Training on March 8 and 10

2010-02-24T11:33:00.000-08:00

At the recent KeyTrain and WorkKeys User Group meetings in Oklahoma, several people requested training on KeyTrain. In response to these requests, we've scheduled free webcast trainings on Monday, March 8 and Wednesday, March 10. The sessions will last approximately 60 minutes and will provide step-by-step training in the use of KeyTrain.

There are two webcasts scheduled - sign up for one today! Monday, March 8 at 9am Central or Wednesday, March 10 at 2pm Central.

There is no charge for this training. Sign up quickly because seating is limited!

Register at http://www.keytrainnews.com/Emails/OK/OKWebcastsForm.html.

If you have questions, please contact Stan Brodka at stan@keytrain.com
or 877-842-6205.

No Registration = No Lunch

2010-02-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

Have you registered for the WorkKeys/KeyTrain Users' Group meetings next week? Registration is required. No Registration = No Lunch. You may register online at http://www.keytrainnews.com/Emails/OK/OKusergroupForm.html

This year's speakers are outstanding! The agenda is online at http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/workkeys/site_coordinators.htm

Contact me with questions.

Sample Letter Announcing Platinum Level CRCs

2010-02-03T10:12:00.001-08:00

Do you need some help introducing the Platinum CRC? Log onto http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/workkeys/site_coordinators.htm and click on the Download link beside the Platinum icon. Kudos to Terry DeBock, Autry Tech Center, for sharing!

Utilizing WorkKeys Assessments as Alternative EOIs

2010-01-27T13:15:00.000-08:00

Information is now available online at http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/workkeys on how high schools, technology centers and partner agency assessment sites licensed through the Department of CareerTech's contract may provide WorkKeys assessments as alternative EOIs to high school students.

WorkKeys/KeyTrain Users' Group Meetings--Register Now

2010-01-26T13:42:00.001-08:00

This year, in an effort to conserve travel budgets, KeyTrain has joined
ACT and the Department of Career Tech to offer a combined WorkKeys/KeyTrain
Users’ Conference. Hear from Oklahoma users and other experts at these
free meetings!

February 10, 2010, at Metro Tech, South Bryant Campus, Oklahoma City
-OR-
February 11, 2010, at Tulsa Technology Center, Broken Arrow

Speakers and topics will include:
- Is the American Worker Ill Prepared?, Pat Beck, Self Employment
Training Coordinator, Great Plains Technology Center
- The ACE Up the High Schools’ Sleeve, Mary Beth Lykins, Counselor,
Claremore High School (Tulsa)
- Realizing the Choctaw Dream, Rhonda Mize, Career Counselor, Choctaw
Nation (OKC)
- Embracing the Challenge: Preparing Oklahoma’s Workforce 2010, Robin Schott,
Associate State Director, Department of CareerTech
- Creating Faculty/Administration Links with KeyTrain Reports, Terry
DeBock, EEC Coordinator, Autry Technology Center

You'll also hear from executives at KeyTrain and ACT-WorkKeys. This is a
great chance to interact with all of these local and national experts! Meetings are from 9am to 3pm with lunch included. Sign-in begins at 8:30 a.m.

Register today at: http://www.keytrainnews.com/Emails/OK/OKusergroupForm.html

If you have questions, please contact KeyTrain staff at 877-842-6205 or
info@keytrain.com.

CRC Statewide Database Restored

2010-01-25T10:32:00.000-08:00

The CRC Statewide Database has been updated and is ready for score uploads.

CRC Statewide Database

2010-01-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

The CRC Statewide Database is currently receiving data field enhancements. Site administrators will need to save assessment results until notification the database updates are complete.

New! WorkKeys Credit/Refund Form

2010-01-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

ACT has released a new form that must be submitted with the Data Export report to request a credit/refund for WorkKeys assessments. Access the form at http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/workkeys/site_coordinators.htm. Submit this form and the Data Export report to Amanda Malloy at amanda.malloy@act.org or fax to 319.337.1585. Please continue to email Susan Kuzmic at skuzm@okcareertech.org when credits/refunds have been requested.

ACT's National Workforce Conference 2010

2009-12-29T06:31:00.000-08:00

Check out http://www.act.org/workkeys/conf/index.html for the latest information on ACT's National Workforce Conference formerly ACT's National WorkKeys® Conference.

Click on the Call for Proposals link if you are interested in submitting a program proposal for a session at the national conference. The deadline to submit program proposal is February 5, 2010.

Conference registration and hotel information will be available after January 15, 2010.