Area superintendents are applauding the U.S. House of Representatives for passing legislation designed to strengthen and improve career and technical education and provide individuals the skills needed to compete for in-demand jobs.
This week’s approval of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act is the first major overhaul to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act since 2006. The act provides federal support to state and local career and technical education programs.
“The Perkins funding does reduce the burden on local taxpayers. Hopefully through the reauthorization we will see a reduction in the bureaucracy. We will need to see the new guidelines for Perkins and next year’s allocation,” said Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center Director James Young.
Specifically, the legislation will deliver states more flexibility to use federal resources in response to changing education and economic needs; ensure career and technical education prepares all students, including historically disadvantaged and vulnerable students, for success in high-skill, high-wage occupations and careers in nontraditional fields; improve alignment with in-demand jobs by supporting innovative learning opportunities, building better community partnerships, and encouraging stronger engagement with employers; and enhance career and technical education through increased focus on employability skills, work-based learning opportunities, and meaningful credentialing so students are prepared to enter the workforce poised for success.
In addition, the legislation will streamline performance measures to ensure career and technical education programs deliver results for students and taxpayers; reduce administrative burdens and simplify the process for states to apply for federal resources; reward success and innovation by directing federal resources to replicate promising practices that best serve students and employers; provide parents, students, and stakeholders a voice in setting performance goals and evaluating the effectiveness of state and local programs; and empower state and local leaders to develop plans that improve the quality of career and technical education and take into account unique local and state needs.
“The Port Allegany School District has had a traditionally very strong and positive relationship with the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center,” Port Allegany School District Superintendent Gary Buchsen said. “CTCs across the commonwealth continue to meet the employment needs for 21st Century businesses and we are pleased to see that the Perkins has been reauthorized.”
Bradford Area School District Superintendent Katharine Pude said she is not sure how the legislation will impact her school district.
“I am pleased that the federal government is continuing its support of Career and Technical Education because it is vital to the success of our students and the economy,” she said.
St. Marys Area School District Superintendent Dr. Brian Toth shared similar thoughts.
“I commend and thank Representative [Glenn] Thompson and his colleagues for being champions for our students. GT listens and gets things done to help educators provide high-quality programs for students,” he said. “At St. Marys, we want our students to have a myriad of educational opportunities to choose from as they build a background for their careers. This legislation helps us to be creative and streamline programs to address needs in all areas of the workforce.”
Thompson called the legislation a win for the American worker.
“Given the dramatic evolution of our nation’s workforce, it is imperative that we create clear pathways to education and training for students interested in pursuing careers in high-demand industries and technical fields,” he said in a prepared statement.
