Conference Committee Unanimously Approves Final Reauthorization Bill

[ Printer Friendly Page ] [ Email this Page ]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2006

CONTACT: Megan Reiter
(703) 683-9312; mreiter@acteonline.org

ALEXANDRIA, VA- Yesterday on Capitol Hill, the conference committee appointed to negotiate the differences between the House- and Senate-passed Perkins reauthorization bills met and approved the conference agreement for the “Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act.” The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is pleased that the committee took the step toward final approval of the legislation and recognized the progress being made in career and technical education classrooms nationwide.

The Conference Report signaled that language would be included in both the title and throughout the bill transitioning away from “vocational education” to use the term “career and technical education.” The new legislation will also maintain the Tech Prep program that helps to link secondary and postsecondary education as a separate program within the bill, a priority of the association.

ACTE’s Executive Director Janet Bray stated, “This bill reflects the positive changes being made and implemented in CTE programs across the country. It is encouraging that policymakers continue to recognize the need for these important programs and their role in maintaining American competitiveness.”

ACTE’s President Bob Scarborough added, “We are pleased with the progress that is being made and are hopeful that Perkins reauthorization will be completed this year. The federal investment in high-quality CTE is essential to meeting the needs of both specific employers and the economy as a whole as the nation’s education and workplace systems continue to evolve.”

The Perkins Act provides more than $1.2 billion in federal support for career and technical education programs in all 50 States. It was last reauthorized by Congress in 1998.

The Association for Career and Technical Education is the national professional association for the field of career and technical education. ACTE’s membership includes teachers, counselors and administrators at the middle school, high school and postsecondary levels.

###