What is Perkins?
Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education and Applied Technology Act of 1998 The following information is taken from “The Official Guide to the Perkins Act of 1998.”
A Little History…A Federal Perspective
1905: Advocates of “practical education” argue for broader public school curriculum. 1917: Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act gives voc ed $1.7 million for 1917-18 and creates federal board. 1926: Voc ed enrollment exceeds 850,000 1940: Vocational education students and facilities used to aid war effort. 1963: Carl D. Perkins, Kentucky, introduces bill to replace Smith-Hughes Act. 1998: President Clinton signs new Perkins Act into law. 2002: We are presently operating under the 1998 Perkins Act.
Purposes of the Perkins Act
Further develop the academic, vocational and technical skills of vocational students through high standards. Link secondary and postsecondary vocational programs. Increase flexibility in the administration and use of federal funds. Disseminate national research about vocational and technical education. Provide professional development and technical assistance to vocational educators.
Federal Accountability Requires States to Report the following data:
Student attainment of vocational and academic skill proficiencies. Acquisition of secondary or postsecondary degrees or credentials. Placement and retention in postsecondary education or employment Completion of vocational and technical programs that lead to nontraditional training and employment (gender, special populations, etc.) (Basically, no reporting…no money.)
Funding:
Secondary programs or consortia thereof must qualify for at least $15,000 to receive a grant. (In other words…if a school’s designated allotment is less than $15,000 they must form a consortium to claim the grant dollars.) Funds are intended to serve students at the public secondary and two-year postsecondary levels who are interested in vocational and technical education programs.
Fund allotments are calculated based on:
Youth population ages 15 through 19 within the LEA (30%) Low-income youth population within the LEA (70%)
Allowable “Local” Uses of Funds (abbreviated list):
Improving or developing new courses Work-related experience Leasing, purchasing, upgrading, or adapting equipment Supporting programs that integrate academic and vocational education Supporting programs for special populations Support of vocational student organizations