ACTE Executive Director Endorses the Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce Act

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January 20, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2015
CONTACT: Sean Lynch
703-683-9312, slynch@acteonline.org

ACTE Executive Director Endorses the Educating Tomorrow?s Workforce Act

ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson today announced the Association’s endorsement of the Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which was introduced by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Rob Portman (R-OH).

“Senators Kaine and Portman have proven to be steadfast champions of CTE in the past, and their reintroduction of the Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce Act further demonstrates their commitment to leading on this critical issue,” Wilson said. “This legislation will ensure that federal funding will support important tenets of successful CTE programs so they can function at their highest capacity, and will support students planning to continue their education beyond high school for a career they feel passionately about.”

The Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce Act will benefit millions of students nationwide by focusing on the connections between secondary and postsecondary CTE opportunities through programs of study that lead to industry recognized credentials, licenses, apprenticeship or postsecondary certificates, or degrees. Furthermore, the legislation will make a variety of technical changes to existing law that will benefit CTE students and professionals alike, such as more specific requirements for a local needs assessment to focus on the elements of high-quality CTE programs.

350 Employers, Industry and Education Organizations Call on Congress to Renew the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2016
Contact: Sean Lynch, ACTE, 703-683-9312
Katie Fitzgerald, NASDCTEc, 301-588-9630

350 Employers, Industry and Education Organizations Call on Congress to Renew the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act

Alexandria, VA – Today, 350 employers, industry associations, education organizations, and other key stakeholders throughout the nation called on Congress to strengthen the primary federal investment in Career Technical Education (CTE). The letter, which is supported by some of the nation’s largest employers, encourages lawmakers to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins) and makes four overarching recommendations for the law’s renewal that will strengthen the connections between CTE programs and workforce needs by focusing on economic alignment, secondary-postsecondary connections, experiential and work-based learning, and credentials.

“We are encouraged by this broad showing of support for Perkins and CTE from the employer and education communities,” said NASDCTEc Executive Director Kimberly Green. “These groups recognize that CTE is a critical element to student achievement and continued economic prosperity. We look forward to a comprehensive reauthorization process where our collective recommendations can be fully realized. Our members, and the students they serve, are counting on Congress to thoughtfully renew this important legislation.”

“The release of this letter demonstrates the critical need for greater federal emphasis on CTE to meet the needs of our students and employers, and we are hopeful that Congress will hear this call to action,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “Many of the CTE community’s specific policy priorities, such as our recommendation for using Programs of Study as the foundation for strengthening secondary-postsecondary-employer connections, are aligned directly with the principles in this letter. We look forward to working with Congress to achieve these goals and ensure that all students have access to high-quality CTE.”

The Perkins Act, which has been due for reauthorization since 2013, is the largest federal source of dedicated funding for CTE and is the largest investment in the nation’s high schools. Both chambers of Congress are currently considering reauthorization of the law.

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, guidance counselors 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 NASDCTEc
The National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc) was established in 1920 to represent the state and territory heads of secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across the nation. NASDCTEc, through leadership, advocacy and partnerships, aims to support an innovative CTE system that prepares individuals to succeed in education and their careers, and poises the United States to flourish in a global, dynamic economy.

ACTE Announces 2016 Board Election Results

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2016
Contact: Sean Lynch
703-683-9312, slynch@acteonline.org

ACTE ANNOUNCES 2016 BOARD ELECTION RESULTS

ALEXANDRIA, VA-The Association for Career and Technical Education announced today the election results for new members of the organization’s Board of Directors. The new Board members were elected by members of the Association during its annual election process.

The results of the election include the following:

  • President Elect – Gina Riggs, who will serve a one-year term beginning in July, 2016, followed by one year as president and one year as past president. Gina is the EMS Director at Kiamichi Technology Center in Poteau, OK.
  • Region I Vice President-Elect – Jon Quatman, who will serve a three-year term beginning in July, 2017. Jon is the Vice President at Great Oaks Career Campuses in Cincinnati, OH.
  • Region II Vice President – Brian Law, who will serve a three-year term beginning in July, 2016. Brian is a School Counselor at Valdosta High School in Valdosta, GA.
  • Business Education Division Vice President – Kelli Diemer, who will serve a three-year term beginning July 2016. Kelli is a Business/Marketing Education Consultant at the Iowa Department of Education in Des Moines, IA.
  • New and Related Services Vice President – Anesa Hooper, who will serve a three-year term beginning July 2016. Anesa is the District Marketing/Public Information Coordinator at Indian Capital Technology Center in Muskogee, OK.
  • Trade and Industrial Education Vice President-Elect – Dean Baker, who will serve a three-year term beginning July 2017. Dean is the Precision Machining/Computer Numerical Control Instructor at Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City, OK.
  • Region IV Vice President-Elect – Christine Holecek, who will serve a three-year term beginning July 2017. Christine is the CTE Education Specialist II for the Education Service Center Region 12 in Waco, TX.

Also joining the Board in July 2016 are Lorri Carlile, President;  Rachel Gonzalez, a FACS Teacher at Lakeridge Jr. High School in Orem, UT, who will serve a three-year term as the Family and Consumer Sciences Vice President; and Cindy Stover, who will serve a three-year term as Region III Vice President. Stover will represent Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.

For more information on the winners, including biographies and photos, please contact Lauren Lessels. To learn more about ACTE’s Board of Directors, please visitwww.acteonline.org.

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, guidance counselors 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.

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ACTE Voices Support for the TEACH Act

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December 16, 2015

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) today announced its endorsement of the Technical Education and Career Help (TEACH) Act, sponsored by Reps. Alex Mooney (R-WV), Katherine Clark (D-MA), Rod Blum (R-IA), Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Tom MacArthur (R-NJ), Ami Bera (D-CA), Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) and Congressional CTE Caucus Co-Chair  Jim Langevin (D-RI) on December 16, 2015.

“ACTE is proud to endorse the TEACH Act, which will bridge the gap between future CTE educators and the classroom,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “It is critical that we encourage new professionals to enter the CTE teaching field and provide them with the support they need to succeed in their role, especially in the face of challenges currently posed by teacher shortages nationwide.”

The legislation is a companion bill to the Creating Quality Technical Educators Act introduced in the Senate by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rob Portman (R-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), which was also endorsed by ACTE. It expands eligibility to Teacher Quality Partnership Grants for eligible partnerships of local educational agencies and postsecondary teacher preparation programs to prepare future CTE teachers, as well as to provide mentorship and ongoing professional development for these new professionals once they enter the classroom.

Candidates Selected for ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program’s 2016 Class

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December 15, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2015
CONTACT: Sean Lynch
703-683-9312; slynch@acteonline.org

Candidates Selected for
ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program’s 2016 Class

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) today announced the selection of nine participants for its National Leadership Fellowship Program, which provides educators with an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills and involvement in professional organizations. The program identifies, trains, and motivates a cadre of leaders who will continue to advance efforts which support an educated, prepared, adaptable and competitive workforce.

The Fellowship Program is a one-year commitment from January 1 through December 31, 2016. Each of the five regions of ACTE is represented in the program in addition to several Divisions this year and selected by the relevant Vice President and Policy Committee. This year’s fellowship class includes:

Mr. Jim Comer will serve as the Fellowship Coordinator for the class of 2016.  He is a past ACTE president and retired Program Coordinator, Short-term Adult Training from Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma.

In addition, ACTE congratulates past ACTE President Doug Major on his appointment by the Executive Committee to serve as the 2017-18 Fellowship Program Coordinator. He will work closely with Comer in the next year to prepare for his tenure in the role.

The fellows are required to complete several activities throughout the year, including conducting an in-person visit with a local, state and federal legislator, writing blog posts, attending at least two required events and submitting a final summary of their accomplishments to ACTE’s Board of Directors.

For more information regarding the application and requirements, please visit the ACTE Fellowship Program information on the ACTE Web site.

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, guidance counselors 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.

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National CTE Associations Applaud Passage of Every Student Succeeds Act

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December 10, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2015
Contact:
Sean Lynch, slynch@acteonline.org, 703-683-9312
Katie Fitzgerald, kfitzgerald@careertech.org, 301-588-9630

National CTE Associations Applaud Passage of Every Student Succeeds Act
Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization legislation shows unprecedented federal support for Career Technical Education students, programs

Alexandria, VA – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc) today applauded Congress and President Obama on the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a law reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which includes Career Technical Education (CTE) as a core component of a well-rounded education.

“By acknowledging that all students need to be prepared for college and careers, ESSA takes important steps toward breaking down long-standing silos between CTE and academic programs,” said NASDCTEc Executive Director Kimberly Green. “The new law will help ensure more students find success through public education, and we look forward to CTE programs having a more integral role in this success.”

“Through the work of CTE advocates and their champions on Capitol Hill, we’ve begun a new chapter under ESSA that will foster a public education system that empowers students through high-quality CTE,” continued ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “We look forward to supporting ESSA’s implementation and helping to maximize the opportunities presented in this new law to strengthen the linkages between academics and CTE.”

Both organizations are prepared to assist their respective memberships in carrying out the new law. In particular, ACTE and NASDCTEc support ESSA’s inclusion of key CTE provisions that promote integration of academic and CTE content in the classroom, such as specialized professional development, expanded college and career guidance programs, and improved availability of CTE student performance information.

The measure passed through the Senate by a vote of 85 to 12, and was approved by the House by a margin of 359 to 64 on December 2. Today, President Obama signed the legislation into law.

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, guidance counselors 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 NASDCTEc
The National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc) was established in 1920 to represent the state and territory heads of secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across the nation. NASDCTEc, through leadership, advocacy and partnerships, aims to support an innovative CTE system that prepares individuals to succeed in education and their careers, and poises the United States to flourish in a global, dynamic economy.

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ACTE Endorses Every Student Succeeds Act

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December 1, 2015

Association for Career and Technical Education Endorses Every Student Succeeds Act

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) has announced its support for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a bill to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). This bipartisan legislation includes critical measures to strengthen the role of CTE in our nation’s K-12 education system and prepare more students to graduate from high school ready for college and careers.

“This legislation to reauthorize ESEA is a major step toward ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education, including CTE, that prepares them for a brighter future,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “I speak for ACTE members nationwide in thanking our partners in Congress for their recognition of CTE’s role in supporting student success, and for working with our Association and its members to make these ideas a reality. I now encourage the full Congress to act in support of this bill on behalf of our students and their future.”

Through leadership from both parties and chambers, ESSA places an unprecedented priority on the alignment and integration of academics and CTE, and emphasizes the importance of students’ access to career exploration and enhanced labor market information from their school counselors. In addition, the legislation formally recognizes CTE as an important part of a well-rounded education. ACTE encourages our leaders on Capitol Hill to pass this legislation and send it to President Obama for signature into law.

New Orleans Hosts 4,000+ Education, Business and Policy Stakeholders for Premiere CTE Professional Development Event

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November 24, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 24, 2015
Contact: Sean Lynch
703-683-9312, slynch@acteonline.org

New Orleans Hosts 4,000+ Education, Business and Policy Stakeholders for Premiere CTE Professional Development Event

Alexandria, VA –  Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) President Doug Meyer announced the kickoff of the national “I Am CTE” campaign during his address at CareerTech VISION 2015, held November 19-22 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. More than 4,000 CTE professionals, business leaders and policy stakeholders attended the event, which provided an ideal opportunity to launch the association’s year-long effort to build awareness of CTE and strengthen public engagement.

The I Am CTE campaign will unify ACTE members from every discipline and region of the country around a common goal of building a CTE system that prepares all students for college and career success. As a part of this effort, Meyer and ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson called on all ACTE members to invite a policymaker, association leader or business partner to visit their CTE program and demonstrate the opportunities available in their area in an effort called the CTE Showcase. Meyer also emphasized the need for all members to keep their place in the broader CTE community in mind at VISION and throughout the year, and to think of themselves first as a CTE educator before focusing on differences by field.

This unifying message spanned across VISION’s general sessions and throughout the event, which offered the insights of several major voices in education and workforce development. Adam Braun, founder and CEO of the global education non-profit Pencils of Promise, encouraged attendees to remember that even small actions can contribute to a collective effort for change. Braun went on to outline the opportunities he sees to build on education in the United States, from competency based education to emphasizing employability skills. VISION also connected experts from CTE and industry in its highly-anticipated VISION Talks session, featuring contributions on the trends and topics most important in education from former ACTE Teacher of the Year Tara Berescik, nationally recognized personality Kid Chef Eliana, Digital Promise executive Al Solis and Oklahoma State University Student Jason Wetzler.

VISION also marked an opportunity to recognize leadership among outstanding CTE professionals during the ACTE Excellence Awards Banquet. ACTE’s national award winners were announced and recognized at the event, and highlighted the inspirational work CTE professionals are doing every day to serve their students in every capacity. To learn more about the 2016 ACTE Excellence Award winners, click here.

More than 200 exhibitors at 360 stations also showcased the largest exhibition of CTE products and services in the country during the VISION CareerTech Expo. These technologies and offerings are driving innovation in CTE programs that will ultimately build a stronger CTE system for all students.

To learn more about the event and access the agenda, please visit the official website.

About Us: 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, guidance counselors 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.

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Alaska ACTE Unifies with National Career and Technical Education Association

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November 17, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 17, 2015
Contact: Sean Lynch
703-683-9312, slynch@acteonline.org

Alaska ACTE Unifies with National Career and Technical Education Association

Alexandria, VA – The national Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) today applauded the Alaska Association for Career and Technical Education and president Cathy LeCompte, who led in the state association’s decision to formally unify with the national body.

As a result of the shift, Alaska ACTE members can now take concurrent steps to join both their state and national professional associations. In doing so, Alaska ACTE has secured access for its members to the national association’s extensive professional development resources, public policy advocacy and leadership opportunities, as well as a stronger voice in the national conversation on CTE and education.

“I want to thank the members of Alaska ACTE and their president, Cathy LeCompte, for their work to advance their association through unification with our national community,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “This decision is a fantastic demonstration of their commitment to CTE and the work that our association is doing on the national level, and we’re so fortunate to have them as partners and colleagues in our efforts.”

The move to unify will streamline the administrative processes for Alaska’s CTE professionals to attain both state and national membership. In addition, unification ensures that Alaska ACTE members have access to the full scope of benefits available through ACTE membership.

“We are so excited to be a unified state and feel that this partnership will strengthen our association in Alaska,” said Alaska ACTE president Cathy LeCompte. “Unification with ACTE will enable us to provide much more opportunity for the CTE professionals across the state.”

About Us: 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, guidance counselors 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.

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ACTE Endorses JOBS Act in U.S. House of Representatives

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November 5, 2015

Last week, Reps. Cedric Richmond (D-LA) and Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) introduced the Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act in the House of Representatives – a companion bill to legislation introduced in the Senate to expand Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in short-term training programs. The Pell Grant program is one of the largest sources of needs-based federal financial aid, which provides billions of dollars annually to support students pursuing postsecondary education.

“The JOBS Act takes an important step toward building a workforce that will drive American economic success in the 21st century,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “I am proud to voice ACTE’s support for this legislation, and I want to extend my thanks to Reps. Richmond and Lawrence for their efforts. By connecting low-income students with the federal aid that they need to pursue CTE through short-term job training programs, we can give them a jump start on their careers while helping our employers find qualified professionals.”

Under the JOBS Act, CTE programs offered at a postsecondary institution (including area CTE centers and community colleges) that are least 150 clock hours of instruction time over a period of at least 8 weeks and lead to a recognized postsecondary credential would be Pell eligible. It would also help to promote the alignment of the training and education offered through these programs with local and regional workforce needs.