FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Megan Fitzgerald
March 21, 2003 (703) 683-9312; mfitzgerald@acteonline.org
ALEXANDRIA, VA- President Bush?s budget proposal for 2004 and the reauthorization of the Perkin?s Act were among the key issues addressed at this year?s Association for Career and Technical Education?s (ACTE) National Policy Seminar, held at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC, March 16-18. This year, the three-day briefing on federal policies was jointly coordinated with the American School Counselor Association?s Advocacy and Policy Institute.
Career and technical educators were addressed by several prominent figures in the field. To kick off the program, Stuart Rothenburg, renowned ?inside the beltway? columnist, editor and publisher, welcomed and entertained attendees with a message focusing on political analysis in 2003 and beyond.
Congressman John Peterson, from Pennsylvania, hosted a ?power breakfast? and delivered a message on the importance of technical education in today?s economy. The United States Deputy Secretary of Vocational and Adult Education, Hans Meeder, educated attendees with an overview of the administration?s proposals for the reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998.
In addition, the conference featured other administration officials, key congressional staff and other experts who provided insights on how to form connections among government officials, community leaders, corporate managers and educators at the local, state and national levels.
Over 400 educators and business leaders from across the country had an opportunity to meet with lawmakers, learn how to work with local, state and federal decision-makers effectively and were informed of the current proposed legislation and the effects they will have on career and technical education.
The Association for Career and Technical Education is the national association for the field of career and technical education. Now in its 77th year, ACTE?s membership numbers more than 30,000 teachers, counselors and administrators at the middle school, high school and postsecondary levels.
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March 21, 2003 NR#03-008
