Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act

Definition

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act is a federal law enacted in 1984 to improve and promote career and technical education (CTE) programs across the United States. This legislation aims to enhance the quality of CTE by ensuring that programs are aligned with current labor market demands, providing funding for schools to develop and improve these programs, and increasing access for underserved populations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Perkins Act has undergone several reauthorizations since its original passage, with significant updates occurring in 1990, 1998, 2006, and most recently in 2018.
2. One key feature of the Perkins Act is its focus on accountability, requiring states to report on the performance of CTE programs in terms of student outcomes and effectiveness.
3. The legislation specifically allocates funding for programs that target special populations, including individuals with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, and those from non-traditional fields.
4. Under the Perkins Act, states are encouraged to collaborate with local businesses and industry leaders to ensure that CTE curricula meet the needs of employers.
5. The Perkins Act supports innovative teaching methods and the integration of academic and technical skills to better prepare students for both college and career pathways.

Review Questions

• How does the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act enhance career and technical education programs?
  • The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act enhances CTE programs by providing federal funding aimed at improving program quality, aligning curricula with labor market needs, and expanding access for underserved populations. It emphasizes accountability by requiring states to track program performance and outcomes, thus ensuring that educational institutions are meeting industry standards. Through this act, schools can develop innovative programs that better prepare students for careers while also addressing workforce gaps.
• Discuss the importance of accountability in the Perkins Act and how it impacts CTE programs at the state level.
  • Accountability is a crucial element of the Perkins Act as it ensures that states evaluate and report on the performance of their CTE programs. This includes tracking student outcomes such as graduation rates, job placement rates, and skill acquisition. By emphasizing accountability, states are motivated to continually improve their CTE offerings, make data-driven decisions, and allocate resources effectively to meet both student needs and workforce demands.
• Evaluate how the Perkins Act influences collaboration between educational institutions and industry stakeholders in shaping CTE programs.
  • The Perkins Act significantly influences collaboration between educational institutions and industry stakeholders by promoting partnerships that ensure CTE programs are relevant to current job market needs. Through funding incentives, schools are encouraged to engage with local businesses to develop curricula that reflect real-world skills required by employers. This collaboration not only helps in aligning education with workforce demands but also fosters community engagement and creates pathways for students into meaningful careers.

Related terms

Career and Technical Education (CTE): A series of educational programs designed to prepare students for specific careers, often incorporating hands-on training and real-world experiences.

Workforce Development: A comprehensive approach to improving the skills and capabilities of the workforce to meet the needs of employers and the economy.

Secondary Education: The stage of education following primary education, typically encompassing high school education, where students prepare for higher education or vocational training.