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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