This week, the bipartisan Congressional CTE Caucus held a briefing for congressional staffers to discuss Perkins reauthorization from the perspective of different CTE stakeholders. As the House moves forward with reauthorizing the Perkins CTE Act, ACTE and NASDCTEc are working closely with the Caucus to better inform Members of Congress on the importance of Perkins and CTE through in-person meetings, schools visits, policy recommendations and informational briefings like this one. The panelists included:
- Kim Green, Executive Director, National Association of State Directors of CTE Consortium (NASDCTEc)
- Eric Gearhart, Director of Research and Foundation Relations, SkillsUSA
- Dr. Johan Uvin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education
The panelists each emphasized the important role CTE plays in preparing students to be college-and career-ready after high school and helping more postsecondary students successfully complete their programs. Additionally, each highlighted areas they thought could be improved and strengthened through reauthorization.
Dr. Uvin discussed the role Programs of Study (POS) have played in increasing the rigor of CTE programs in high schools across the country and emphasized the importance of expanding the use of POS at the state and local levels to give students a clear path toward their goals. He also talked about the importance of improving the connections between secondary schools, postsecondary institutions, and business and industry.
Also highlighting the importance of business and industry partnerships, Mr. Gearhart argued that business advisory councils, established at the local level, have a direct impact on programs and curriculum, helping them stay up to date with current industry needs.
Ms. Green centered her remarks on the NASDCTEc Perkins reauthorization principles, which echo the Perkins reauthorization priorities and guiding principles developed by ACTE. She noted that a majority of states have implemented more than the minimum required number of POS and that furthering their implementation is important during reauthorization. She also highlighted issues around improving CTE delivery at the postsecondary level, including the accreditation process.
There are a couple of other notable events in Perkins reauthorization that will be coming in the next few weeks. ACTE has organized a CTE school visit for congressional staff later this month at the Arlington Career Center in Arlington, VA. These schools visits allow policymakers to see CTE teachers and students in action. This is a great time for all ACTE members to contact their Senators and Representative to arrange a school visit during the upcoming congressional recesses. Additionally, the House Education and the Workforce Committee will hold its second reauthorization hearing on Tuesday, November 19, as a follow up to the successful hearing in September. Check the CTE Policy Watch blog for more Perkins updates.
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