Annex A. Fact-finding visits to Ohio, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Washington, DC
This review was based upon desk-based research and fact-finding visits to the jurisdictions involved in the review. During fact-finding visits, OECD staff conducted interviews and workshops with public officials; higher education leaders and staff; and key stakeholders, including employers, professional associations, economic development organisations and other intermediary bodies.
Between April and October 2019, the OECD team visited the four participating states holding interviews with key officials and stakeholders, as well as a stakeholder workshop in each state. Based upon guidance from the OECD team, each state co-ordinator identified and invited a range of stakeholder organisations to the interviews and workshop held in the state.
Organisations participating in OECD interviews and workshops
Ohio
The fact-finding visit to Ohio was conducted from 30 September to 8 October, 2019. Interviews took place in Athens, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Columbus and Elyria from 30 September to 7 October, and the workshop was held in Columbus on 8 October.
Texas
The fact-finding visit to Texas took place from 16-24 September, 2019. Interviews were conducted in Austin, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and El Paso from 16-23 September, and the workshop was held in Austin on 24 September.
Virginia
The fact-finding visit to Virginia took place from 13-22 May, 2019. Interviews were conducted in Fairfax, Richmond, Norfolk, Staunton and Roanoke from 13-21 May, and the workshop was held in Richmond on 22 May.
Pre-workshop stakeholder surveys
Stakeholders attending the workshops in each state were invited to respond to a short survey in advance of the workshop. Participants were asked about their views on how graduates are doing in the labour market, whether they have the skills required to meet labour market needs, and what policy makers and other stakeholders could do to improve the alignment of higher education and the labour market.
The survey included 19 questions on the following topics:
general perception of the value of higher education;
perception of skills needed in the labour market at present and in future;
perception of graduates’ skills;
drivers of graduates’ employment and earnings;
the role of government, institutions, employers and other stakeholders in aligning higher education and the labour market.
The objective of the survey was to encourage workshop participants to reflect on some of the key issues being examined in the OECD review of labour market relevance and outcomes in higher education. Some key findings from the survey were presented during the workshops. The survey was not a statistical data collection.
A sample of questions and key findings for each of the main topics is presented below.
Perception of skills needed in the labour market at present and in future
Sample question: To what extent do you think these skills will change in importance to employers over the next 5-10 years? Please rate each skill according to how much you think it will change in importance to employers in the next 5-10 years.
Results (N=100)
Perception of graduates’ skills
Sample question: Please read the following statements and indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree.
Results (N=100)
Drivers of graduates’ employment and earnings
Sample question: Multiple factors influence graduate success in the labor market. Please rate the following factors in terms of how important you think they are for predicting success in the labor market (approx. 5 years after graduation). N= 98
Results (N=98)
The role of government, institutions, employers and other stakeholders in aligning higher education and the labour market
Sample question: Please rate the following types of policy action (which could be taken by public authorities or non-governmental bodies in cooperation with government) in terms of how effective you think they would be in improving the alignment between higher education and the labor market.
Results (N=98)
Sample question: Please read the following statements and indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree.
Results (N=99)
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