Priority 1 · Validate first
A specific credential incentive, current expansion window, or dated graduation reform warrants early validation of a Pearson opportunity.
Workforce Development / Arkansas
Selected skill and training priorities from reviewed workforce sources, chosen for relevance to career pathways and the Pearson portfolio. They are analytical selections, not an official top-three ranking or a measurement of statewide shortages. Program provision establishes a training priority, not proof that a deficit remains.
These evidence labels do not change the three map tiers. A reported shortage, a demand signal and a training priority are different findings.
| Skill need & evidence | Pearson product solution | How it could address the need | Validation & measurement |
|---|---|---|---|
Skill need & evidenceFoundational digital workplace skillsProgram priorityWAGE Level I supports learners needing digital literacy, academic foundations and workplace readiness. Workforce evidence ↗PY2024 / 2024–25; may include later implementation updates | Pearson product solutionCapability match | How it could address the need Teach and practice foundational technology use; assess selected digital competencies before pursuing a relevant credential. Analytical recommendation; no state-specific outcome is claimed. | Validation & measurement Check initial skill level, exact IC3 objectives, accessibility and existing licenses. Courses do not provide broadband, devices or digital navigators. Proposed success measuresPerformance on practical digital tasks before and after instruction; participation and independently verified credential attainment. Set the baseline and target with educators and employers. No target or revenue is assumed. |
Skill need & evidenceEmployability and progression into occupational trainingProgram priorityWAGE combines workforce preparation with Level II occupational training; local offerings are validated through employer feedback. Workforce evidence ↗PY2024 / 2024–25; may include later implementation updates | Pearson product solutionCapability match | How it could address the need Teach communication, initiative, goal setting and problem solving, then use facilitated business scenarios to practice decisions and teamwork. Analytical recommendation; no state-specific outcome is claimed. | Validation & measurement Agree on an employer-scored rubric and learner age/reading level. A virtual internship is not automatically an approved placement or qualifying work-based learning experience. Proposed success measuresObserved communication and teamwork, completed work samples, interview performance and employer feedback. Set the baseline and target with educators and employers. No target or revenue is assumed. |
Use virtual coursework where it fits the approved pathway. Have the college verify course credit, transfer and degree applicability; have the credential issuer verify assessment requirements. eDynamic course completion alone does not award college credit.
Review Arkansas dual-enrollment evidence →Workforce partners confirm the tasks and affected learners. Product and Research verify the syllabus and evidence. Implementation confirms instruction, accessibility and practical experience. Sales and Government Affairs qualify the buyer, budget and purchasing route. Ty reviews the final recommendation.
Pearson government-relations evidence →State-submitted adult education / WIOA Title II report. Local examples retain their stated scope; not representative of every employer or all K–12 learners.
All 50 state PY2024 narrative reports retrieved and relevant sections reviewed; statewide employer-survey rankings have not been established for all 50.
Ty, local workforce partners and Pearson reviewers must approve exact competency mapping, learner fit, credential recognition, delivery and budget before action. No automated changes to tiers or commitments.
AR state narrative — National Reporting System, PY2024 ↗
PY2024 / 2024–25; may include later implementation updates · retrieved 2026-09-12
Product capability sources reviewed 2026-09-12. Portfolio inclusion does not establish state approval, available funding or procurement access. Workforce reports describe existing programs too; verify whether an unmet need remains before proposing replacement software.