Section 122(c)(1)9A) of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 authorizes the Department to establish and carry out a program of national leadership activities to enhance the quality of career and technical education programs of study nationwide. Many State and local education agencies have developed a variety of career and technical education programs of study to be offered as an option to students when planning for and completing future coursework, for career and technical content areas. These career and technical education programs of study are designed to outline rigorous academic and technical course standards, that when completed assist students to successfully transition from secondary to postsecondary education, and between postsecondary institutions. While the Department is generally aware of these efforts, there is little documentation of the level of rigor or effectiveness of the technical courses within programs of study. This discretionary grant competition is intended to enhance the quality and rigor of career and technical education programs of study by facilitating the formation of effective partnerships between secondary and postsecondary education, State workforce agencies, and employers, to create statewide or multi-state articulation agreements. Articulation agreements ensure strong collaboration and on-going communication between the partners to identify course standards that align with the expectations of postsecondary education and employers allowing for Âseamless transitions from secondary to postsecondary education, and between postsecondary institutions.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.