ACTE, Advance CTE Statement on Perkins Reauthorization

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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 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 Upon Passage of Senate Perkins CTE Bill

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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 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 Applaud Scott Stump’s Confirmation

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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 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 and Advance CTE Statement on Perkins Markup

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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

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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 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 Endorses OCTAE Assistant Secretary Nominee

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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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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.

ACTE Responds to President Trump’s Remarks in Ohio

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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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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.

ACTE Statement on FY 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

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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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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.

ACTE, Advance CTE Statement on President’s FY19 Budget

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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 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 Statement on President Trump’s Remarks on “Vocational Schools”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2018

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

ACTE Statement on President Trump’s Remarks on “Vocational Schools”

Alexandria, VA – In response to President Trump’s statements (beginning at 22:33) at the Republican Retreat about “vocational schools” and community colleges, ACTE issued the following statement:

“Today marked the first day of CTE Month, a month recognized by Congress that aims to educate the public about all that today’s career and technical education (CTE) has to offer. But unfortunately, the President’s comments do not align with all that CTE Month celebrates and the opportunities that these programs offer.

“We are concerned by the President’s remarks that mischaracterize the nature of today’s CTE, and stand ready and willing to work with the Administration to advance, promote and expand the many high-quality CTE programs that do exist across the country.

“Millions of high school students are enrolled in thousands of CTE programs that prepare students for careers in not only the traditional skilled trades, but also in nursing, coding, business, engineering and more. CTE delivery systems vary to meet the needs of individual localities, and community colleges play a vital role in these systems. From dually enrolled high school students to adult students seeking new credentials and careers, Americans value and trust the nation’s community college system.”

SUMMARY OF PRESIDENT’S REMARKS ON FEBRUARY 1 AT GOP RETREAT

Quote: “I think the word ‘vocational’ is a much better word in a lot of cases than community college.”
Fact: The term “vocational” is long outdated.
“Career and technical education (CTE)” is the preferred term for programs today and reflects the nature of today’s CTE system that imparts students with not just technical skills, but also rigorous academic curriculum and 21st century employability skills in a much broader range of career fields. Both federal and state laws use the term, as does the U.S. Department of Education.

Quote: “When I was going to school … there were people in class, one person in particular, who wasn’t, like, the greatest student. He just wasn’t. And yet I saw him one day and he was able to fix a car engine blindfolded.”
Fact: CTE programs, like today’s high-demand career fields, require strong academic skills.
Students of all abilities and from all backgrounds benefit from high-quality CTE. In fact, CTE students have lower dropout and higher on-time graduation rates, and many transition to postsecondary education. CTE students are also more likely than non-CTE students to develop problem-solving, research, math, and critical-thinking skills, and are more likely to meet college and career readiness goals.

Quote: “We don’t have that very much anymore…” (referring to CTE programs in skilled trades)
Fact: High-quality CTE programs exist in significant number.
Thousands of CTE programs exist in CTE centers, comprehensive high schools, career academies, and CTE high schools. Additionally, nearly 1,600 2-year colleges serve millions of postsecondary students. High-quality CTE programs are thriving. The biggest barrier to their continued success and the opportunity for more students to access their programs are funding cuts, including a proposed 15 percent cut in the President’s own Fiscal Year 2018 budget to CTE programs.

Quote: “You learn mechanical, you learn bricklaying and carpentry.”
Fact: CTE encompasses a broad array of subjects that touch virtually every sector of the economy.
From health science to information technology and business management, today’s CTE students (94 percent of high school students and over 8 million postsecondary students) are tomorrow’s engineers, farmers, advanced manufacturers, technicians, businesspeople, and more.

Quote: “A lot of people don’t know what a community college means or represents.”
Fact: Americans are aware of and value community colleges and their benefits.
There are 30 million careers in the United States with an average income of $55,000 that do not require a bachelor’s degree, but in many cases require postsecondary education from a community college. In fact, in 2016 more than a third of undergraduate students attended public or private two-year colleges. One out of every five undergraduate students attended a public two-year college. Community colleges are routinely among the highest rated postsecondary institutions.

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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.