On July 31, 2018, the president signed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) into law. This Act, which became Public Law 115-224, reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins IV). It was approved unanimously by both chambers of Congress, reflecting broad bipartisan support for career and technical education (CTE) programs. Perkins V is largely based on the structure and content of current law, but makes some key changes that will impact the implementation of CTE programs and administrative processes around the country.
The Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois State Board of Education held six regional CTE information sessions in December, sharing information about the recent Perkins Reauthorization and collecting feedback to inform statewide planning. Educators, administrators, businesses, workforce board representatives, students, parents, and communities were invited to participate in these discussions. Additionally, a webinar was hosted to widen access to those not available to attend the sessions. The presentation and the recording of the webinar can be found below.
Additionally, we are pleased to release the first round of Perkins Reauthorization resources. In an effort to rethink and re-brand CTE in Illinois, the one-page flyer titled ‘Rethink CTE’ includes general information on Perkins Reauthorization and expectations as Illinois creates a Perkins State Plan. Additionally, the ‘What is CTE’ flyer can be utilized as a recruitment and legislative outreach tool, providing recipients with CTE factoids and statistics. Also featured Illinois’ new CTE logo. Please share these resources as you wish. You may access the flyers and logo below.
