February 26, 2008

Late on February 25, the U.S. House of Representatives approved House Resolution 930, recognizing February as national ‘‘Career and Technical Education Month.’’ The resolution was approved by a vote of 380-0.

The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) and Rep. Phil English (R-PA), co-chairs of the Congressional CTE Caucus, resolves that the United States House of Representatives:

• supports the goals and ideals of Career and Technical Education Month;
• recognizes the importance of career and technical education in preparing a well-educated and skilled workforce in America; and
• encourages educators, counselors, and administrators to promote career and technical education as an option to students.

This is the first time in recent history that Congress has recognized the annual CTE celebration. ACTE worked closely with the House on the development, introduction and promotion of the resolution.

While the resolution was being debated, Rep. Baird, along with Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), and Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) all spoke in support of CTE. Rep. Baird and Rep. English later applauded the resolution’s passage. Baird said, “Career and technical education provides students with the skills they need to find employment in skilled professions and to compete in a competitive global economy. I applaud the Association for Career and Technical Education for its efforts to spread the word about CTE initiatives nationwide.” 

English continued, “By recognizing February as Career and Technical Education month, this resolution demonstrates Washington’s commitment to promoting new programs and strengthening career and technical education throughout the country.”

If your Representative voted for the resolution, please take time to thank him or her and encourage continued support of CTE. Continue to build relationships with Members of Congress who were not present for the vote and let them know how important CTE programs are to your schools and communities.

January 25, 2008

On January 17, 2008, Representatives Brian Baird (D-WA) and Phil English (R-PA), co-chairs of the Congressional CTE Caucus, introduced a House resolution supporting the goals and ideals of national Career and Technical Education Month. The resolution, H. Res. 930, emphasizes the importance of career and technical education in preparing a well-educated and skilled workforce in America, and encourages educators, counselors, and administrators to promote career and technical education as an option to students.

In a related press release, Rep. Baird stated, “In 2006, I joined Congressman English in founding the CTE caucus in hopes of creating awareness about the increased need for career and tech programs that will better prepare and train America’s growing workforce. The month of February will help call attention to the importance of these programs and help students realize the vast career opportunities that lie at their fingertips.”

October 1, 2007

ACTE worked with Representatives Brian Baird (D-WA) and Phil English (R-PA) to host the first Career and Technical Education (CTE) Congressional Caucus briefing held on Friday, September 28, 2007. The briefing was an official launch to introduce the Caucus to Members of Congress and to discuss issues that are on the legislative calendar that affect CTE.

Congressman English kicked off the event with comments addressing the formation of the Caucus, underscoring the importance of a skilled workforce in today’s competitive economy, and how the Caucus will work to make CTE a priority in Congress.  Harry Snyder, Adult Education Supervisor at Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development in Cincinnati, OH and Past President of the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education followed Representative English’s comments. He reflected on his experience in the field explaining how the views of CTE are rapidly changing, and that now more than ever a skilled workforce is necessary.

ACTE showcased two CTE students who expressed how CTE is vital to securing their future. Danielle Hettmann, an information technology student and a member of the “Robocats” Robotics team at Battlefield High School in Haymarket, VA described her program and demonstrated how CTE is part of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) conversation. Her director Gail Drake also spoke about financial difficulties that the program experiences and the role of outside funding which is needed to keep the Haymarket program successful.

Ronald McClary, a Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) student at the Community College of Baltimore County in Maryland discussed how the CADD program and his membership in the Black Engineering Club is helping him pursue a career in architecture engineering. Next year, Ronald hopes to transfer to a four year institution to finish his engineering education. Technical Programs Supervisor from the Community College of Baltimore County, Rhonda Hoyman explained to Congressional staff the different ways local educational institutions receive their funding in Maryland and the steps Baltimore County and the state are taking to align courses with programs of study, career clusters, and academic integration..

Stephen DeWitt, Senior Director of Public Policy at ACTE, wrapped up the briefing by highlighting legislative items that are of importance to CTE, including ACTE’s recommendations for the No Child Left Behind Act and the Higher Education Act.

ACTE will continue to work very closely with the CTE Congressional Caucus to enhance the awareness and importance of CTE in preparing a well-education and skilled workforce in America.