Carl D. Perkins Continuous Improvement Plan Completion Forms - Secondary and Postsecondary Education

Grants to Connecticut school districts and community colleges to enhance career and technical education (CTE) opportunities available in schools. The purpose of this program is to ensure that high school and college students gain the skills they need to enter high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand occupations.

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 is awaiting federal reauthorization. In the meantime, the federal government will continue to provide funds under a Continuing Resolution for eligible recipients that continue to meet the nine requirements of Section 134 (b) below:

1) Strengthen the academic and career and technical skills of students participating in CTE programs through integration of academics with CTE programs.

2) Link CTE at the secondary and the postsecondary level, including by offering the relevant elements of not less than one program of study.

3) Provide students with strong experience in and understanding of all aspects of an industry, which may include work-based learning experiences.

4) Develop, improve, or expand the use of technology in CTE, which may include training to use technology, providing students with the skills needed to enter technology fields, and encouraging schools to collaborate with technology industries to offer internships and mentoring programs.

5) Provide in-service and preservice professional development to teachers, faculty, administrators and career guidance and academic counselors who are involved in integrated CTE programs.

6) Develop and implement evaluations of the CTE programs carried out with Perkins funds, including an assessment of how the needs of special populations are being met.

7) Initiate, improve, expand and modernize quality CTE programs, including relevant technology.

8) Provide services and activities that are sufficient size, scope and quality to be effective.

9) Provide activities to prepare special populations including single parents and displaced homemakers who are enrolled in CTE programs, for high-skill, high-wage or high-demand occupations that will lead to self-sufficiency.

The CIP Summary should provide details for a comprehensive plan that describes how the community college or school district will use Perkins funds to improve CTE programs. The funds must be targeted to specific, measurable goals and objectives for the systemic improvement of student achievement and improvement of CTE programs.

Summary should articulate how the funds will be used to:

-Promote accountability and program improvement at all levels;
-Create stronger integration of academic and career technical teaching and learning;
-Increase alignment of secondary and postsecondary education;
-Strengthen links to business and industry;
-Improve computer and technology skills across all CTE program areas;
-Promote preparation for non-traditional fields;
-Make available information about postsecondary CTE programs of study;
-Provide awareness of careers associated with all CTE program areas;
-Use the CTE Advisory Board to guide and improve the relevance of all CTE programs; and
-Ensure that all CTE programs provide students with the skills needed to succeed in high-skill, high-wage, or high-demand occupations.