Press Releases Archives

ACTE, Advance CTE Statement Upon Signing of Perkins CTE Reauthorization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2018

Media Contacts:
Jarrod Nagurka, ACTE
jnagurka@acteonline.org; 703-683-9312

Katie Fitzgerald, Advance CTE
kfitzgerald@careertech.org; 301-588-9630

ACTE, Advance CTE Statement Upon Signing of Perkins CTE Reauthorization

Alexandria, VA – ACTE and Advance CTE released the following joint statement in response to President Trump signing H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins).

“The signing of this bill marks an important continuation of longstanding, bipartisan commitment to a federal investment in CTE. The resources provided through this law will assist states and local public education providers in their efforts to ensure both secondary and postsecondary learners have the skills and experiences that will provide a pathway to the middle class, while also meeting the needs of large and small employers across the nation.

“As we turn our attention from policymaking to implementation, there is much work to be done to ensure the intent and aspirations of this law are fully realized. Given the swiftness of the final stages of this law’s development, we look forward to continuing to work with congressional leaders and Administration officials and their staff to clarify key aspects of the new policy.

“We appreciate the opportunity we were given to share the views of our members during this process and the shared commitment to ensuring all learners have access to high-quality CTE programs of study. While a new law always presents both opportunities and challenges, our organizations stand ready to work with our members and CTE’s stakeholders to ensure this law’s implementation is effective in advancing the great work already underway in states and local communities across this country.

“Finally, a new law serves as a reminder of the resources that will be needed to effectively implement high-quality CTE. In the near-term, we encourage policymakers to adopt no less than the $102 million increase to Perkins Basic State Grants included in the Fiscal Year 2019 funding bill approved by the House Appropriations Committee.”

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.

About Advance CTE
Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Advance CTE was formerly known as the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc).

ACTE, Advance CTE Statement on Perkins Reauthorization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2018

Media Contacts:
Jarrod Nagurka, ACTE
jnagurka@acteonline.org
703-683-9312

Katie Fitzgerald, Advance CTE
kfitzgerald@careertech.org
301-588-9630

ACTE, Advance CTE Statement on Perkins Reauthorization

Alexandria, VA – ACTE and Advance CTE released the following joint statement in response to the passage of H.R. 2353, as amended by the Senate, reauthorizing the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins).

“We thank both the House and Senate for their hard work and commitment to create a bipartisan Perkins reauthorization bill.

“Should the bill be signed into law by President Trump, we look forward to working with Congress to ensure that the legislative language and intent are clear to states and locals and that these federal resources are dedicated to specifically advancing career and technical education (CTE). This includes a commitment to ensure that every learner who chooses to participate in CTE has access to a high-quality program of study and is prepared for both postsecondary education and thriving careers. In addition, the new legislation should not impose on states and locals burdensome administrative requirements.

“As the CTE community looks towards implementation of this new law, it will take the full CTE stakeholder community—including state leaders, educators, administrators, policymakers and employers—working together to set the expectations high and provide the vision, supports and resources to ensure robust and high-quality CTE programs of study. Again, we thank both the Senate and House for their tireless efforts to reauthorize Perkins in a bipartisan manner.”

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About Advance CTE
Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports visionary state leadership, cultivates best practices and speaks with a collective voice on national policy to promote academic and technical excellence that ensures a career-ready workforce.

ACTE, Advance CTE Statement Upon Passage of Senate Perkins CTE Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2018

Media Contacts:

Jarrod Nagurka, ACTE
jnagurka@acteonline.org
703-683-9312

Katie Fitzgerald, Advance CTE
kfitzgerald@careertech.org
301-588-9630

ACTE, Advance CTE Statement Upon Passage of Senate Perkins CTE Bill

Alexandria, VA – ACTE and Advance CTE released the following joint statement in response to passage of S. 3217, the Senate bill reauthorizing the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins).

“We thank the Committee for its dedication and commitment to reauthorizing Perkins, in a bipartisan manner and for working with us during this process to improve the bill so that it can better meet the needs of states, local communities and CTE students. There are aspects of the bill that will positively impact the career and technical education (CTE) system that we are pleased to see included such as largely retaining the current law’s focus on quality and system improvement through programs of study. Additionally, the bill increases the reserve fund and expands career exploration into the middle grades. However, the bill falls short of fully addressing our legislative priorities and includes some potentially troubling provisions we expect to be clarified in report language and through implementation supports.

“Should the Senate-passed bill be adopted by the House and signed by the President, we look forward to working with the Committees in both chambers to clarify the legislative language to ensure that there are no unintended consequences that result in setting unambitious performance targets, lower academic standards for CTE students, or force states and programs to meet onerous administrative requirements instead of focusing on providing high-quality CTE programs.

“We look forward to working with the Committee to clarify key legislative provisions, as well as to being our partners during the implementation of this important law. Together we can support states and locals so they can effectively and efficiently use these resources to promote equity and access to high-quality CTE programs that meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s learners and economy. We again thank the Committee for its hard work and willingness to engage with us to improve to the bill.”

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About Advance CTE
Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports visionary state leadership, cultivates best practices and speaks with a collective voice on national policy to promote academic and technical excellence that ensures a career-ready workforce.

ACTE, Advance CTE Applaud Scott Stump’s Confirmation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2018

Media Contacts:

Jarrod Nagurka, ACTE
jnagurka@acteonline.org
703-683-9312

Katie Fitzgerald, Advance CTE
kfitzgerald@careertech.org
301-588-9630

ACTE, Advance CTE Applaud Scott Stump’s Confirmation

Alexandria, VA – ACTE and Advance CTE released the following joint statement in response to Scott Stump’s confirmation as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE).

“OCTAE serves an important purpose within the career and technical education (CTE) system, providing support for CTE programs all across the country and administering roughly $1.2 billion annually through the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. The Assistant Secretary is also the face of CTE at the national level, advocating for it across the Department of Education and federal government.

“The critical role OCTAE and its Assistant Secretary play in CTE makes us all the more excited by Scott Stump’s confirmation. Stump has spent his life’s work in CTE, including beginning his career as an instructor and eventually serving as the Associate Provost for Career & Technical Education at the Colorado Community College System charged with implementing CTE in the state. Additionally, he represented state leaders of CTE as president of Advance CTE. His impressive track record makes him eminently qualified for this position. We look forward to working with him and are grateful for both his nomination and the bipartisan support he received in the Senate.

“We also want to thank Dr. Michael Wooten for his service as Acting Assistant Secretary. We look forward to continuing to work with him as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Colleges.”

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About Advance CTE
Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports visionary state leadership, cultivates best practices and speaks with a collective voice on national policy to promote academic and technical excellence that ensures a career-ready workforce.

ACTE and Advance CTE Statement on Perkins Markup

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 25, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Katie Fitzgerald, Advance CTE
301-588-9630; kfitzgerald@careertech.org

Jarrod Nagurka, ACTE
703-683-9312; jnagurka@acteonline.org

ACTE and Advance CTE Statement on Perkins Markup

Alexandria, VA – ACTE and Advance CTE released the following joint statement in response to the June 24, 2018 Senate version of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education Act for the 21st Century Act, which would reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins).

“We greatly appreciate the focus of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on the reauthorization of the Perkins Act, and the hard work of committee Senators and their staffs to create a bipartisan reauthorization bill.

“We believe it is important to have a clear, coherent federal policy that vigilantly focuses on improving career and technical education (CTE) programs around the country, and that seamlessly aligns planning, spending and accountability systems to ensure all students have access to high-quality CTE. Our goals for reauthorization include streamlining current requirements to focus on the essential elements that drive CTE student achievement, and creating a framework in which state and local recipients have the flexibility to design programs and services to meet the unique, data-driven needs of their communities and every learner who chooses to participate in CTE.

“We look forward to continue working with the Senate to improve the bill and meet these goals to address the needs of both the CTE system and the students it serves, as well as the growing need for skilled workers across the entire country.”

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About ACTE:
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.

About Advance CTE:
Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports visionary state leadership, cultivates best practices and speaks with a collective voice on national policy to promote academic and technical excellence that ensures a career-ready workforce.

ACTE, Advance CTE Statement on Postponement of Perkins CTE Senate Markup

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2018

Media Contacts:
Jarrod Nagurka, ACTE
jnagurka@acteonline.org
703-683-9312

Katie Fitzgerald, Advance CTE
kfitzgerald@careertech.org
301-588-9630

ACTE, Advance CTE Statement on Postponement of Perkins CTE Senate Markup

Alexandria, VA – ACTE and Advance CTE released the following joint statement in response to the announcement that the reauthorization markup of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins), which was previously scheduled for June 20, would be delayed a week as a result of progress on bipartisan negotiations:

“We are encouraged by Senators’ hard work and continued efforts to negotiate a bipartisan path forward for Perkins reauthorization. For more than a century, career and technical education (CTE) has enjoyed bipartisan federal support and we hope to see the Senate’s reauthorization proposal follow a similar trend.

“With a growing skills gap and a 21st century economy demanding a skilled labor market, to better serve today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce it is more important than ever that both sides come together to produce a bill that will help ensure all students have access to high-quality CTE programs. Postponing the markup and continuing bipartisan negotiations is a positive sign that policymakers are carefully considering how this legislation can best impact students, employers and communities. We urge continued bipartisan cooperation in advance of next week’s markup, and look forward to reviewing draft legislation when it is released.”

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About Advance CTE
Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports visionary state leadership, cultivates best practices and speaks with a collective voice on national policy to promote academic and technical excellence that ensures a career-ready workforce.

ACTE Endorses OCTAE Assistant Secretary Nominee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2018

Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
703-683-9312, jnagurka@acteonline.org

ACTE Endorses OCTAE Assistant Secretary Nominee

Alexandria, VA – Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) endorsed President Trump’s nominee, Scott Stump, to lead the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE) as Assistant Secretary. The following statement may be attributed to ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson:

“Scott Stump is a well-respected and seasoned CTE leader whose experience will be an asset for CTE professionals, parents and students alike. This nomination underscores the critical role the OCTAE Assistant Secretary plays in the nation’s career and technical education (CTE) system. The Assistant Secretary’s responsibilities include overseeing more than $2 billion in funding, helping bridge the gap between education and careers, and promoting the value of CTE. We applaud and strongly endorse Scott Stump’s nomination, and urge the Senate to act quickly and confirm this qualified nominee.”

In addition to previously serving as the Assistant Provost for CTE within the Colorado Community College System and as the president of Advance CTE in 2014, Mr. Stump has worked closely with ACTE and its Board of Directors on a number of projects.

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ACTE Responds to President Trump’s Remarks in Ohio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2018

Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
703-683-9312, jnagurka@acteonline.org

ACTE Responds to President Trump’s Remarks in Ohio

Alexandria, VA — Earlier today, President Trump spoke in Richfield, Ohio to discuss his infrastructure proposal. In his remarks, he repeatedly questioned community colleges, expressing support for “vocational education.” (Remarks at 37:12)

In response to the President’s remarks questioning community colleges, LeAnn Wilson, executive director of the Association for Career and Technical Education® (ACTE®), said:

“Millions of students and employers value community colleges and all they offer. Students earning industry-recognized credentials and two-year degrees at the nation’s community colleges increase their earning potential and gain the skills needed to fill high-demand careers. In the past, the term ‘vocational education’ was used to refer to a limited subset of professions. By contrast, today’s term, ‘career and technical education (CTE),’ is recognized by the federal government and in most states. Among other benefits, today’s CTE reflects the diverse program offerings encompassed in the nation’s CTE system, which touch virtually every sector of the American economy.”

In contrast with President Trump’s comments about community colleges and CTE, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has previously lavished praise on these programs.

“Community Colleges are a tremendous option and a tremendous on-ramp for many students…” – March 24, 2017 at Valencia College
“Community colleges are a uniquely American institution and a proud national asset… Community colleges are the heartbeat of the education system… Community college graduates have skills that make for satisfied employers, booming industries, and healthy communities…” – July 27, 2017 at the Michigan Community College Association Summer Conference
“I have had the privilege and opportunity to visit three different community colleges since I’ve been on this job, and all of them take a really unique approach in partnering with local businesses… I think the way we can best support [CTE] is to, in a very targeted manner, focus the dollars to help support community colleges in this pursuit…” – May 24, 2017 to the House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has also made supportive comments about community colleges.

“A two-year program at a local community college is an important resource as well, and far more affordable.” – May 15, 2017 at the Chamber of Commerce Forum honoring 2017 Infrastructure Week

ACTE has previously issued a detailed statement regarding other comments the President has made about community colleges and his use of the word “vocational education.”

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ACTE Statement on FY 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2018

Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
703-683-9312, jnagurka@acteonline.org

ACTE Statement on FY 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

Alexandria, VA — Today the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) released a statement in response to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 omnibus appropriations bill released by Congress. The bill increases the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins) Basic State Grants by $75 million. This represents the first increase in Perkins funding in several years, and will provide significant new resources to career and technical education (CTE) programs across the country. The proposed funding increase would begin to restore the nearly $170 million in annual cuts that have been made to the program over the last decade. The following statement can be attributed to LeAnn Wilson, executive director of ACTE:

“Congress’ appropriations package is a solid first step to rebuilding the investment in CTE. The additional funds will help ensure more students have access to CTE programs that prepare them for college and career success. New resources will help provide essential elements of high-quality programs, like professional development for teachers, workforce-based learning opportunities for students and industry-aligned equipment for classrooms.

“Throughout the economy, from the infrastructure sector to diverse industry areas like information technology, STEM, manufacturing, and healthcare, there are existing and predicted shortages in skilled workers. High-quality CTE bridges the skills gap by helping students succeed in high school, postsecondary education and careers. Adequate federal funding is necessary to ensure all students have access to these programs.

“We applaud Members of Congress for beginning to restore the cuts that have plagued CTE programs over the last decade, and encourage them to continue growing investments in CTE in FY 2019 and beyond.”

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ACTE, Advance CTE Statement on President’s FY19 Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2018

Media Contacts:

Jarrod Nagurka, ACTE
jnagurka@acteonline.org
703-683-9312

Katie Fitzgerald, Advance CTE
kfitzgerald@careertech.org
301-588-9630

ACTE, Advance CTE Statement on President’s FY19 Budget

Alexandria, VA – ACTE and Advance CTE released the following statement in response to the President’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019:

“This budget proposal continues the disappointing, decade-long trend of drastically underfunding the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins). This budget proposal, which provides level funding from the FY 2017 enacted level for the Perkins Basic State Grant program, represents a 13 percent reduction (nearly $170 million in nominal dollars) in annual Perkins funding to states since FY 2007.

“In his State of the Union address, President Trump expressed support for expanding career and technical education (CTE) programs. However, his budget proposal doesn’t reflect that commitment. Further, the President’s infrastructure proposal noted the challenges of the skills gap and the critical importance of a skilled workforce, yet his budget does not align with his comments. To truly support CTE students and ensure America has the skilled workforce critical to its economic competitiveness, a significant new investment is required.

“The President’s budget includes policy recommendations related to Perkins reauthorization, but nearly all of them are already allowed under current law. Instead, to advance a successful Perkins reauthorization the budget should provide the funding necessary to support new, innovative CTE programs and expand existing programs to meet labor market demand.

“The budget also includes an annual two percent cut to non-defense domestic programs beginning after 2019. Institutionalizing these cuts, as well as the President’s proposed program eliminations and cuts to many other education and workforce programs is harmful to the learners CTE serves.

“We look forward to working with Congress to increase funding for CTE programs and oppose harmful cuts to other education and workforce programs.”

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About Advance CTE
Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports visionary state leadership, cultivates best practices and speaks with a collective voice on national policy to promote academic and technical excellence that ensures a career-ready workforce.