As states begin the process of developing their state plans for the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), it is critical for communications to be front and center in a state’s overall efforts to create – and eventually implement – its Perkins V state plan. Given the incredible interest in and spotlight on Career Technical Education (CTE) from so many policymakers, industry leaders and families, having a proactive communications strategy that has a clear and compelling message is more important now than ever. Communicating early and often is imperative to helping facilitate the many changes that will be coming as a result of Perkins V. Find tools and resources below to help you communicate with a variety of audiences.
TOOL: Communicating About Perkins V (Word and PDF): This tool aims to help state leaders think through their overall communications strategy throughout the process of developing and implementing a Perkins V state plan.
GUIDE: Key Tips for Engaging Policymakers: Straightforward advice on preparing to brief new leaders, with tailored guidance for and questions to expect from new governors, legislators, state board members, and K-12 and postsecondary leaders.
PowerPoint: “CTE in Your State” PowerPoint Template and related tips: A basic template and related guidance to help state leaders build their own materials.
More Resources
- PowerPoint, Fact Sheets and Brochure: Idaho has delivered a number of presentations on CTE, including to their state legislature, backed up by fact sheets and Alabama created a brochure for new leadership.
- Communications and advocacy strategy: Saginaw Intermediate School District developed a communications and advocacy strategy to promote their local millage to increase CTE funding.
- Tools for Engaging Parents and Learners: Find Advance CTE’s research, tools, and resources on our webpage for engaging parents and learners.
The next issue of this series will include resources on the comprehensive local needs assessment and in the meantime, please be sure to check out the Learning that Works Resource Center.
Kathryn Zekus, Senior Associate for Federal Policy & Katie Fitzgerald, Communications Manager
