CTE Policy Watch: A blog for CTE advocates

House, Senate Education Committees Poised for Change

Notwithstanding a handful of too-close-to-call seats, the 116th Congress is starting to take shape. In both chambers, there will be changes to the committees with jurisdiction over education issue

In the Senate, Republicans have secured a majority of at least 52 seats, and could expand their majority if incumbent Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) wins in a runoff election next month. In the last Congress, where Republicans had a 51-49 majority, Republicans on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee had only a one seat majority. However, in the 114th Congress, when party composition was split 54-46, most committees had a two-seat difference between parties, including HELP. Thus, it is yet to be determined whether Republicans will enjoy a one or two seat majority on HELP, and the results of the Mississippi could be determinative.

Not only may the partisan composition of the HELP Committee change, but so too might the actual members. The only definite change on the HELP Committee roster is Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), who did not run for re-election. While other senators may choose to pursue other committee assignments, HELP Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) are expected to continue in their current posts.

On the House side, there will be significant changes to the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The first change is expected to be the name of the committee, where Democrats are widely anticipated to change it to the Committee on Education and Labor, replacing the term "workforce" in the committee's name. Democrats will be able to make this change because they have gained control of the House, meaning they will regain power on all committees. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) is poised to become the chairman of the committee. It is not yet clear what the composition of the committee will be, as that may depend on the results in a few too-close-to-call outstanding House races. However, the committee members who will definitely not be returning to Congress are:

• Lou Barletta (R-PA) (Retired to run for Senate)
• Dave Brat (R-VA) (Defeated)
• Tom Garrett (R-VA) (Retired)
• Karen Handel (R-GA) (Defeated)
• Jason Lewis (R-MN) (Defeated)
• Luke Messer (R-IN) (Retired to run for Senate)
• Jared Polis (D-CO) (Retired to run for Governor)
• Todd Rokita (R-IN) (Retired to run for Senate)
• Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) (Retired)

In terms of congressional priorities, with a Democratic takeover in the House, experts predict that a significant amount of time will be devoted to congressional inquiries and hearings into the Trump administration. This includes inquiries into Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, with anticipated topics including campus sexual assault and higher education loan borrowing. However, it remains possible that some bipartisan priorities are pursued in the 116th Congress, including a potential infrastructure package that could include a workforce development component. ACTE will continue our federal policy advocacy on CTE-related issues, and work closely with both Democrats and Republicans to strengthen the CTE system.

Trump Administration CTE Update

On November 9, President Trump issued a proclamation marking American Education Week. The proclamation focused on the role education plays in meeting the demands of the labor market, noting that "[h]igh-quality education also paves the way for a thriving workforce." The president noted the National Council for the American Worker and the American Workforce Advisory Board which he established earlier this year to bring education and industry stakeholders together.

The proclamation also mentioned Perkins reauthorization, describing it as "legislation [to] increase[] access to programs that will help provide students with the skills they need to succeed in our 21st century economy while enabling more flexibility for States to meet the unique needs of their students, educators, and employers." The proclamation then reiterates a commitment to ensure "students and workers have access to education and job training."

Additionally, the Department of Education has highlighted National Apprenticeship Week. In a blog post, the Department recapped action that the president took last year in an effort to grow American apprenticeships. It also discussed statistics from the Department of Labor and various industry publications about apprenticeships and the skills gap. The blog concluded by touting the benefits conferred to apprentices, and how high-quality apprenticeships can lead to high-paying careers.

CTE: The Pathway to Cybersecurity Careers

This week ACTE is releasing a new infographic describing opportunities in cybersecurity and how CTE prepares students for this high-wage, highly-skilled and fulfilling career pathway.

With more than 300,000 unfilled jobs in the United States needing cybersecurity skills, CTE programs—including courses, work-based learning, career and technical student organizations and opportunities to earn recognized postsecondary credentials—are critical for developing the current and future workforce in this sector.

The infographic was developed in consultation with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), a partnership between government, academia and the private sector focused on cybersecurity education, training and workforce development, led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Parents and students can learn more about cybersecurity careers with ACTE’s STEM Parent program, which immerses students in a multi-year interactive experience exploring and test-driving some of the most in-demand STEM careers. The connected mobile app for parents keeps families apprised of their child’s progress. ACTE STEM Parent is powered by LifeJourney, a technology for families to explore careers with leading industry mentors at internet scale.

Midterm Election Impacts CTE Caucus Membership

Last week, we reported on the preliminary results from the 2018 midterm election. While some congressional races remain too close to call and are headed for recounts, a clearer picture has emerged as to how the elections have impacted CTE caucus membership

First, all CTE Caucus co-chairs were re-elected. In the Senate, the two caucus co-chairs who were up for election emerged victorious, Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). The same holds true for the House CTE Caucus, where Reps. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Jim Langevin (D-RI) were both re-elected.

On the Senate side, we hope the results will net a gain of at least two caucus members. The only Senate CTE Caucus member that will not be returning is Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), who lost her re-election bid. However, Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), who defeated her, was a member of the House CTE Caucus who we believe will join the Senate CTE Caucus after his swearing in. Additionally, Rep. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the House CTE Caucus, defeated incumbent Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV). Because Rep. Rosen was as a member of the House, we hope she will likewise join the Senate CTE Caucus. Similarly, it appears that Rep. Krysten Sinema (D-AZ), also a House CTE Caucus member, won her senate race in Arizona. Accordingly, Senate CTE Caucus membership is poised to increase by at least two members.

In terms of House CTE Caucus membership, there will be a number of members dropping off of the caucus. This is in part due to the large number of retirements in the House, the significant number of incumbents defeated, and those representatives who chose to pursue other office. Those members of the caucus who are not returning to serve in the House are:

• Lou Barletta (R-PA) (Retired to run for Governor)
• Rod Blum (R-IA) (Defeated)
• Mike Coffman (R-CO) (Defeated)
• Ryan Costello (R-PA) (Retired)
• Kevin Cramer (Retired to run for Senate—Elected)
• Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) (Retired)
• Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) (Retired)
• Ruben Kihuen (D-NV) (Retired)
• Jason Lewis (R-MN) (Defeated)
• Mia Love (R-UT) (Not yet called, but losing)
• Rick Nolan (D-MN) (Retired)
• Jared Polis (D-CO) (Retired to run for Governor—Elected)
• Jacky Rosen (D-NV) (Retired to run for Senate—Elected)
• Steve Russell (R-OK) (Defeated)
• Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) (Retired)
• Krysten Sinema (D-NM) (Retired to run for Senate—Elected)

Following every congressional election, ACTE meets with new Members of Congress. As part of this outreach to freshmen Members, ACTE recruits new members for the congressional CTE Caucuses. We believe that through these efforts, and with the help of grassroots advocacy from our members, we can add more Members of Congress to the Senate CTE Caucus, and replace (and exceed!) the 14 House CTE Caucus members who are not returning to Congress.

Our optimism about increasing CTE caucus membership comes in part from the number of political ads that included mention of CTE and workforce training as key messaging points. From ads discussing the skills gap and efforts to create a new CTE diploma, to promises to focus on "job training in the skilled trades," CTE was frequently included in the campaign narrative.

Once the 116th Congress is sworn in, we'll be asking CTE advocates to contact their Members of Congress, particularly any new members, to ask them to join their respective CTE Caucus. To stay up-to-date on these requests, be sure to sign-up for ACTE's legislative alerts here.

Democrats Take House, Republicans Gain in Senate

Last night's midterm election saw historic turnout in many places across the country. While some races for the U.S. House of Representatives are still too close to call, it is clear that House Democrats have taken the majority. As of 8:30AM on Wednesday, the New York Times predicted that the final breakdown would be 229-206 in Democrats' favor. All signs point to Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) once again assuming the gavel as Speaker of the House. This will be the second time in history that a woman has served as speaker, with Pelosi previously serving in the role from 2007-2011. On the committee front, a Democratic Congress means that Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) is poised to assume leadership of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

On the Senate side, Republicans have expanded their majority to at least 52 seats. Florida, Montana and Arizona are all considered too close to call as of 8:30AM on Wednesday, but Republicans are leading in all three states, which would give them a 55-45 seat majority. It is all but certain that Sen. Mitch McConnell will continue as majority leader. In terms of committee implications, this is likely to result in one additional Republican seat on each committee.

Specific to the CTE Caucus, Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), both caucus co-chairs, were on the ballot and were both re-elected. On the House side, both CTE Caucus co-chairs, Representatives Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Jim Langevin (D-RI) were re-elected, as was Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), who cosponsored the Perkins reauthorization bill.

ACTE will continue to closely monitor the outstanding results in House and Senate races, and will provide additional updates on new Members of Congress, committee assignments, congressional priorities and more in the weeks and months to come.

In addition to the federal elections, the results are still coming in for other candidates and issues on the ballot. However, it appears that Democrats made a number of pickups in governorships and state legislatures. For additional insight into education-related election updates, particularly in the states, visit Education Week's dedicated election page.

Vote on Tuesday, November 6!

Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 6, is Election Day! Voters all across the country will head to the polls. Every U.S. House of Representatives seat is up for election, and many voters will also cast ballots in senatorial, gubernatorial, state legislative and other races. Earlier this year, we wrote about some of these races, CTE-related ballot initiatives, and state superintendent elections.

To learn more about what's on your ballot, where to vote and voting times, visit Nonprofit VOTE!

At the federal level, control of both the House and Senate will be decided on Tuesday. The election has implications when it comes to committee chairs, committee compositions, the legislative agenda and more. Be sure to make your voice heard!

As a reminder, ACTE is a nonpartisan organization that does not—and will not—support or oppose any candidate for public office. 

ACTE Participates in U.S.-China Education Leaders Dialogue

On October 30 and 31, ACTE participated in the 4th U.S.-China State and Provincial Education Leaders Dialogue: Technical and Vocational Education and Training. The meeting gathered officials from the U.S. Department of Education and the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, U.S. State and Chinese Provincial Education Chiefs, and career and technical education (CTE/TVET) directors and providers. ACTE also provided input related to planning prior to the event

The two-day dialogue included a focus on national, and state and provincial CTE/TVET policies and work-based learning and industry partnerships. ACTE Deputy Executive Director Stephen DeWitt participated on a panel moderated by Meridian Technology Center Superintendent and CEO Dr. Douglas Major in Stillwater, OK. ACTE’s High-quality CTE Program of Study Framework was referenced as well as other elements of high-quality CTE. Daniel Domke, CTE Director for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District in Fairbanks, AK presented on his District’s CTE program in a panel featuring State and Provincial Perspectives.

Secretary of Education Betsey DeVos opened the event and referenced the importance of people-to-people learning exchanges, and the indivisibility of education and the economy, especially given the interconnectedness of today’s world. OCTAE Assistant Secretary Scott Stump participated in the event and reinforced messages related to the apprenticeships and business-education partnerships theme. He also noted the importance of the new Perkins V related to CTE in the U.S.

The two-day event included much sharing about the CTE/TVET systems in each nation as well as tours of Northern Virginia Community College and Montgomery College programs.

Other Trump Administration News

In other CTE-related Trump Administration news, the President recently hosted an "Our Pledge to America's Workers Event." There, National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow and presidential advisor Ivanka Trump joined the President and various business leaders to highlight new industry commitments to create training opportunities. As part of the event, a FIRST Robotics student spoke about her experience in CTE and how it has helped her find a career that interests and excites her.

Draft Perkins V State Plan Guide Released

Last week, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) released its first official guidance related to the implementation of Perkins V—its draft “Guide for the Submission of State Plans.” The guide was released in the federal register and is available for public comment. Once comments are received, it will be revised if necessary and re-released in final form, likely in January.

In releasing the guide, OCTAE Assistant Secretary Scott Stump summed up his thoughts on his Perkins V implementation, “We hope you will arrive at big and bold goals for CTE in your State under this newly-authorized Perkins V statute. And, we look forward to working with you and helping you along the way.” He also outlined some key questions state (and local) leaders should ask themselves as they embark on a new Perkins law:

• What is the right “split of funds” between secondary and postsecondary programs given today’s environment?
• How can “reserve” funds be used to incentivize “high-quality” CTE programs?
• How do you define and approve high-quality CTE programs?
• How can work-based learning, including “earn and learn programs” such as apprenticeships, be the rule and not the exception?
• How can you build the pipeline of teachers necessary to develop the pathways local communities need?
• What is the best role for employers in the development and delivery of CTE programs?

As stated in the federal register notice, “State eligible agencies may submit a 4-year state plan or, for FY 2019 only, a one-year transition plan followed by a 4-year plan. An eligible agency also may submit its state plan as part of a Combined State Plan under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act of 2014 (WIOA).” This guide outlines the specific requirements under each of these scenarios, including checklists of required materials and timelines, as well as an outline of required plan contents. It is important to note that only a few items, primarily related to the state’s fiscal responsibilities under Perkins V, must be included in a transition plan if that option is chosen.

Comments are due on the state plan guide by December 24, 2018, but we encourage you to submit early if you have concerns to allow plenty of time for them to be addressed. Comments can be submitted electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov by selecting the Docket ID number ED–2018–ICCD–0108.

ED Accepting Nominations for Postsecondary Rulemaking

In July, the U.S. Department of Education announced that a new negotiated rulemaking panel will be formed to address some key aspects of federal higher education policy. Through negotiated rulemaking, the department has indicated that it will undertake a comprehensive review of the role that accrediting agencies play in overseeing postsecondary institutions, while also examining innovative practices in higher education. As part of this process, the department will also establish three subcommittees to address specific topics, including faith-based entities, TEACH Grants, and distance learning and educational innovation. The department is now seeking nominations for negotiators to represent students, financial aid administrators, community colleges, four-year institutions of higher education, accreditation agencies and employers. Nominations are due by November 15. The rulemaking sessions will take place in January, February and March of 2019 in Washington, D.C.

Trump Seeks Cut for Education in Next Budget

Recently, President Donald Trump announced that he will seek a 5 percent cut across most federal Cabinet departments, including the U.S. Department of Education, for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, which begins next October. This proposed across-the-board cut to nondefense discretionary funding will likely be included in the president’s FY 2020 budget request to Congress early next year.  

In September, Congress approved, with overwhelming bipartisan support, a final FY 2019 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill that will increase funding for the Perkins Basic State Grant by $70 million--bringing the total to nearly $1.263 billion for next school year (2019-20)! This comes on top of a $75 million boost in Perkins funding in the FY 2018 funding measure. The proposal to cut overall funding for education programs in FY 2020 could jeopardize the important gains in Perkins funding going forward. Continue to let your Members of Congress know that you support increasing our investment in Perkins!