The Utilization of classroom peers as behavior change agents

This report, based on site visits to 48 One-Stop Career Centers in 23 states conducted from mid-2004 to mid-2006, is part of a longer-term project to conduct a national, net-impact evaluation of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. The report summarizes findings on the relationship between TAA and Rapid Response, both of which are designed to assist dislocated workers. Under Rapid Response, states must coordinate workforce and other community services when plants close or other workforce dislocations occur. It is usually the first point of contact between the workforce investment system and affected employers and workers. TAA provides training and income maintenance to certain dislocated workers who have suffered job losses because of increased imports or plant re-locations. Its benefits are typically substantially greater than those from other public workforce programs.^ States recognize the importance of strong linkages between these programs, and nearly all locate them in the same agency, reflecting a broad national trend to consolidate workforce programs. Seven of these states have established a further basis for coordination by locating TAA staff in the same organiza