Administration Developing New NCLB Regulations
In recent weeks the Department of Education has made two major No Child Left Behind (NCLB) policy announcements that would make changes to the way that states implement the law. These changes have been widely discussed as part of NLCB reauthorization debates, but the delays in the reauthorization process prompted the Department of Education to move forward on these issues on its own.
On March 18, U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings announced a new “differentiated accountability” program that invites up to 10 states to create more nuanced ways of distinguishing between schools in need of dramatic intervention, and those that are closer to meeting NCLB goals. The plan requires states to meet four eligibility criteria related to accountability, and priority is given to states that have at least 20 percent of their Title I schools identified for improvement; innovative and rigorous efforts to implement reform proposals; and significant and comprehensive approaches to intervention. States must submit proposals to participate in the program by May 2, 2008.
At an event hosted by the America's Promise Alliance on April 1, Secretary Margaret Spellings announced that the Department of Education will begin moving toward requiring a uniform graduation rate and the disaggregation of graduation rate data. This administrative step will allow for the direct comparison of federally-reported graduation rates across states. A proposed definition of the uniform rate is expected to be published in the Federal Register soon for public comment before being implemented.
For more details and the latest updates, visit ACTE’s NCLB Reauthorization Web page.
"Dear Colleague" Letters Finalized and Sent to Appropriations Committees
Over the past few weeks, the House and the Senate circulated “Dear Colleague” letters requesting that the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittees restore the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 cuts and increase the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins) to “keep pace with inflation, rising enrollments, and new program requirements.” “Dear Colleague” letters are often distributed to show support for a particular legislative initiative or a funding request for a specific program.
The House letter, which was initiated by Congressional CTE Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Baird (D-WA) and Rep. English (R-PA), was sent to Chairman Obey (D-WI) and Ranking Member Walsh (R-NY) on March 21. The letter received support from 63 Representatives.
Similarly, the Senate letter, which was initiated by Senators Durbin (D-IL), Collins (R-ME) and Clinton (D-NY) was sent to Chairman Harkin (D-IA) and Ranking Member Specter (R-PA) on April 1. The Senate letter collected 35 signatures.
The deadline for Members of Congress to submit FY 2009 individual program funding requests (“Dear Colleague” letters) has passed. Now the Subcommittee appropriators will begin allocating funds to specific programs choosing to adopt or ignore individual requests. Presently, there are rumors that some appropriations work will not be finalized this calendar year. ACTE has no confirmation on this and will continue to influence and encourage ACTE members to contact their legislators to request an increase for the Perkins program.
For more details and the latest updates, visit ACTE’s Federal Budget & Appropriations Web page.
Senator Clinton and Jay Leno Highlight CTE Issues on the Tonight Show
On April 3, 2008, Senator Clinton (D-NY) appeared on the Tonight Show and discussed how crucial CTE is to competitiveness, workforce and economic issues in the United States. ACTE has thanked the Senator and Jay Leno.
If you happen to see or hear any political candidate discussing CTE, please contact Sabrina Kidwai, ACTE’s Media Manager, with details.
