Program Planning and Design Checklists
This page page contains two checklists: one for IET self-assessment and one for program planning and design. Each checklist includes action items with accompanying resources. The checkboxes can be used to track progress while you’re in the site, and they’ll clear when you leave the page.
Part 1. IET Self-assessment
As a foundational part of IET planning, the IET self-assessment checklist provides a structure for researching and identifying IET planning needs, collecting information on how an IET might address needs, and preparing to engage with partners to design and implement an IET.
Identify the need for an IET.
Draft a vision statement for how an IET might address the need.
Identify stakeholders.
Interview stakeholders.
Locate relevant state IET policies.
Research local or regional labor market information, business needs, and career pathway options.
Identify appropriate and promising IET models and practices.
Identify local or regional learner needs.
Based on the findings, revise the vision statement.
Part II. IET Program Planning and Design
This checklist focuses on collaboration between team members, partners, and stakeholders to design a robust, supportive, and comprehensive IET that fulfills the needs of learners and all stakeholders. Use the tools to outline your team, their roles, a plan for communication, staffing, timelines for planning activities, the IET structure itself, and the data and resources needed to evaluate its implementation and impacts along the way.
Assemble the IET team.
Develop the IET needs statement.
Develop a team purpose statement.
Identify partners, and define partner roles.
Collaborate with partners to develop and sign memoranda of understanding.
Revise the purpose statement with partners, if necessary.
Develop a communication plan.
Identify funding sources.
Create an IET timeline for development and delivery.
Plan for staffing.
Identify and secure needed materials for instructors to plan and deliver content.
Develop structures for co-planning.
Build the IET structure.
Develop an IET evaluation plan.
Additional IET Program Planning and Design Resources
ATLAS Adult Career Pathways Resources
Check out the ATLAS Adult Career Pathways Resources page for tools, guidance, and briefs for planning and designing IET programs, including curricula specific to a range of career clusters.
LINCS IET Design Toolkit
Use the LINCS IET Design Toolkit (2021) for step-by-step guidance on planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating IET programs for adult education.
Career Pathways Toolkit: An Enhanced Guide and Workbook for System Development
The Career Pathways Toolkit: An Enhanced Guide and Workbook for System Development through Workforce GPS includes six downloadable sections that provide guidance, resources, and exemplars for all steps of planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating IET programs.