Federal Policy Agenda
Advance CTE's Federal Policy Agenda
We believe each learner should have access to an innovative and responsive CTE ecosystem that prepares them for success in a career of their choice and that federal policy plays a key role in building that ecosystem.
To create a CTE ecosystem that is inclusive and effective, Advance CTE seeks to impact federal policy with three key tenets in mind:
- Elevate and emphasize the important role innovative state CTE leadership;
- Ensure that every learner is adequately supported and that all dimensions of equity are attended to; and
- Promote policies that impact the full learning continuum, from K-12 all the way to career.
To realize this vision for federal policy, Advance CTE advocates for policies and legislation that increase access to high-quality Career Technical Education (CTE) programs of study. Given CTE connects to education, workforce and economic development initiatives and programs, Advance CTE advocates for greater coordination among related systems and alignment between federal education and workforce development investments.These include systems and investments authorized by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V), the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the Higher Education Act, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the National Apprenticeship Act, and other related federal investments in skills development.
Advance CTE engages in federal advocacy in support of this vision by:
- Monitoring federal policy and related political developments that affect CTE and advocating for policies aligned to this agenda on behalf of Advance CTE’s membership;
- Keeping the CTE community informed through communications such as our Legislative Updates; and
- Providing the tools and resources required to present a persuasive case for high-quality CTE and related policies and legislation
Federal Policy Agenda
Advance CTE believes each learner should have access to an innovative and responsive CTE ecosystem that prepares them for success in a career of their choice and that federal policy plays a key role in building that ecosystem.
On July 31, 2018, the President signed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) into law. This bill reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins IV) and is more commonly referred to as Perkins V.
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) funds K-12 education throughout the nation and emphasizes equitable access to education, high standards and accountability.
Higher Education Act (HEA) governs nearly all federal financial aid programs for the nation’s postsecondary students. The vast majority of HEA funding flows through Title IV of the legislation, which oversees the administration of the various student loan and grant programs such as the federal Pell grant.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) supports workforce development activities and funds job training programs for adults, dislocated workers and youth.
Federal Apprenticeship Policy Recommendations
As Congress considers updating the NAA to meet today’s challenges and more thoughtfully connect all forms of apprenticeship with this ecosystem, Advance CTE, representing the state leadership for secondary, postsecondary, and adult CTE in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories in consultation with a working group of these leaders, offers recommendations for future federal legislation.
