Carl D. Perkins Act

The Carl D. Perkins Act is intended to supplement the educational programs generally offered with state and local resources. To be in compliance with this requirement, a Local Education Agency (LEA) may not divert state and local funds from an activity merely because Perkins funds are available. In accordance with other federal funds, districts may only use Perkins money to provide supplemental services that would not have been provided had the Perkins funds not been available.

Perkins V represents an important opportunity to expand opportunities for every student to explore, choose, and follow career and technical education (CTE) programs of study and career pathways to earn credentials of value. Perkins V includes requirements for a Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment which is an evaluation of the performance of the students served by the LEA.

CTE Certification

Washington state's career and technical education courses are currently approved by OSPI (see the CTE Approval Process) and are taught by an instructor who has a current CTE certification and whose certification matches the instructional area.

CTE Education Act

The purpose of the Carl D. Perkins CTE Education Act is to develop more fully the academic and career and technical skills of secondary education students and postsecondary education students who elect to enroll in career and technical education programs, by-

  • Assisting students in meeting challenging academic and technical standards, including preparation for high skill, high wage, or high demand occupations in current or emerging professions;
  • Promoting the development of services and activities that integrate academic and career and technical instruction;
  • Increasing state and local flexibility in providing services and activities designed to improve career and technical education;
  • Conducting and disseminating information on best practices that improve career and technical education programs, services, and activities;
  • Providing technical assistance that-
    1. promotes leadership, initial preparation, and professional development at the State and local levels; and
    2. improves the quality of career and technical education teachers, faculty, administrators, and counselors; and
  • Supporting partnerships among secondary schools, postsecondary institutions, baccalaureate degree-granting institutions, area career and technical education schools, local workforce investment boards, business and industry, and intermediaries.

By accepting the Carl D. Perkins federal grant award, LEAs agree to abide by all federal and state assurances as required of that money.