President Signs Key Legislation to Renew

Career and Technical Education Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. House Education Committee leaders are applauding the enactment of key legislation to strengthen career and technical education and improve educational opportunities for students.  The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act (S. 250) conference report was signed into law by President Bush over the weekend, after the measure was passed overwhelmingly by both the House and Senate last month.

"I am extremely pleased by the President's signing of the Perkins Act,” said Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE), chairman of the House Education Reform Subcommittee and author of House legislation to reauthorize the Perkins program.  “This legislation makes significant reforms to academic achievement and accountability to ensure students have the skills necessary to enter the workforce or continue to an institution of higher learning.  Vocational or career education plays a vital role in our educational system by working to prepare youth and adults for the future by building their academic and technical skills in preparation for postsecondary education and/or employment.  I believe strongly that the reforms we passed go a long way in driving program improvement, and ultimate success for students across the country.”

The Perkins program represents one of the largest federal investments in U.S. high schools and is a key component of secondary and postsecondary education systems.  Under the Perkins program, states and local communities help prepare youth and adults for the future by building their academic and technical skills.  The programs equip students with the knowledge to proceed with postsecondary education or pursue other postsecondary opportunities.

The newly-signed Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act strengthens the Perkins program by helping states better utilize federal funds for secondary and postsecondary vocational education programs, increasing accountability and emphasizing student achievement, and strengthening opportunities for coordination between secondary and postsecondary career and technical education.

“Each year, millions of students participate in career and technical education, with nearly all students leaving public high school having taken some career and technical education,” noted Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), Chairman of the House Education & the Workforce Committee.  “Congress has demonstrated a bipartisan commitment to enhancing their educational opportunities.  Indeed, this reauthorization will strengthen these programs so millions more can benefit from them for years to come.” 

Specifically, the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act:

Emphasizes Student Academic and Career-Technical Achievement by:

• Focusing on academics;

• Strengthening the transition from secondary to postsecondary education; and

• Enhancing Career and Technical Programs of Study.

Improves Accountability by:

• Helping states and local communities improve opportunities for students;

• Focusing on success at the local level;

• Allowing states and local communities to reward local performance; and

• Encouraging equitable participation for students.

Ensures Effective Use of Federal Funding by:

• Increasing flexibility for states; and

• Maintaining local control.

Enhances Professional Development for Teachers by:

• Recognizing the importance of teachers in improving academic achievement; and

• Ensuring teachers have access to quality professional development.

For more information on efforts to enhance career and technical education, visit the Education & the Workforce Committee website at http://edworkforce.house.gov/issues/109th/education/voced/voced.htm.