Perkins CTE Act 2006 (S. 250)

Summary

Helps high school and college students develop job skills and academic knowledge for high-skill, high-wage careers.

What problem does this solve?

Job training programs needed to be updated to match modern school standards and what today's employers are looking for. This law connects high school and college training, mixes school subjects with job skills, and makes states responsible for helping students get good jobs.

Who does this affect?

High school students
Postsecondary students (college and technical schools)
Educators and administrators in career and technical fields

What does this law do?

Establishes new accountability rules

Creates a system for states and local schools to measure student success. This includes tracking graduation rates, skill levels, and whether students get jobs or continue their education after finishing a program.

Creates 'Programs of study'

Requires states to create clear paths for students that connect high school classes with college or technical school programs. This helps students move smoothly from one level to the next without repeating coursework.

Changes how money is given out

Sets rules for how federal money is divided among states and then given to local schools and colleges. Most of the money must be sent directly to local programs, with smaller amounts for state administration and leadership.

Strengthens 'Tech prep' programs

Supports programs that create a direct link between high schools and colleges. These programs offer a combined 4- or 6-year course of study that blends academic and technical learning.

Focuses on integrating school subjects with job skills

Requires programs to mix core school subjects like math and science with hands-on job training. The goal is to show students how their schoolwork applies to real-world careers.

Increases support for special populations

Requires states and schools to provide equal access to programs for students with disabilities, students from low-income families, single parents, and others. It also requires tracking their success.

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens the U.S. workforce

Aims to make American workers more competitive around the world. By linking school programs directly to jobs that are in demand, the law helps fill important skill gaps in the country's economy.

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Increases state and local control

Gives states more freedom to design and run their own job training programs. However, it also requires them to prove that their students are succeeding, which means states have more control but also more responsibility.

When does this start?

The changes and funding authorized by this law begin in fiscal year 2007 and have several deadlines for reports and reviews.

National assessment interim report

Requires the Secretary of Education to submit a report to Congress on the progress of the law's programs by January 1, 2010.

National assessment final report

Requires the Secretary of Education to submit a final report to Congress summarizing all studies and findings related to the law by July 1, 2011.

Funding authorization period

Authorizes the government to spend money on these programs for the fiscal years 2007 through 2012.

Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006