Federal Investment in High-Quality, Career and Technical Education is Vital to Student Success, Witnesses Tell Education Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Federal investments in career and technical education programs must be used in innovative ways to ensure that all students are prepared for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand jobs, witnesses told the House subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education today.
“High quality, relevant, and rigorous career and technical education is imperative for our nation to stay competitive and build a stronger economy," said Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), the ranking member's designee for the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education. "Evaluations of career academies across the country have demonstrated that offering students academically rigorous curricula embedded in career-related programs can reduce high school drop-out rates and prepare students for high-earning and high-skilled careers. By ensuring that students not only graduate from high school, college- and career- ready, but also succeed in college and the global economy, we are securing our nation’s future."
Career and technical education (CTE) is already helping to ensure a skilled workforce is ready to meet workforce demands and maintain our global competitiveness. Witnesses testified that innovation in the delivery of CTE programs, at all levels, is key to continued student success. For example, programs like Vermont’s Virtual Academy are providing students with an alternative to the traditional in-classroom k-12 experience. Instead, the virtual academy allows students to learn at their own pace in an environment of their choosing through their computer and an Internet connection.
"Online schools such as Vermont’s Virtual Academy have helped to improve student performance and achievement through a more flexible and modern delivery system," said John Fischer, deputy commissioner of the Vermont Agency of Education. "This blended learning approach lends itself well to Vermont’s priority Career Clusters, Information Technologies and STEM. This dynamic and innovative educational programs seeks to fulfill the constantly evolving needs of every student."
However, the across-the-board spending cuts known as sequestration coupled with recent budget cuts to the Perkins Act are having a negative impact on CTE programs’ ability to meet student needs. Witnesses testified that failing to provide a robust investment in Perkins is detrimental to career and technical education students, the business community that relies on a qualified workforce, and the future economic competitiveness of our country.
“The federal investment in CTE is vitally important and continues to be a major driver of change and innovation in CTE,” continued Fisher. “Career and technical education is learning that works for America. The federal investment is vital to ensuring that we achieve the vision we put forth – ensuring that all students have access to high-quality CTE programs.”
Additional committee hearings on this important subject are expected in the coming weeks as the committee takes steps to reauthorize the Perkins Act. In April of 2012 the Obama administration released a blueprint for reauthorizing Perkins with a clear focus on alignment with workforce demands, collaboration, accountability, and innovation. Committee Democrats have indicated that a full reauthorization of Perkins should be bipartisan and restore adequate funding for CTE programs.
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