Promoting Rigorous Career and Technical Education Programs of Study Through Statewide or Multi-State Articulation Agreements (1890-0001)

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Vocational and Adult Education

Washington, D.C. 20202-7241

FISCAL YEAR 2007

Promoting Rigorous Career and Technical Education Programs of Study

Through Statewide and Multi-State Articulation Agreements

Form Approved

OMB No. 1830-NEW

Expiration Date:

CFDA Number 84.051C

DATED MATERIAL-OPEN IMMEDIATELY

Closing Date:

Dear Colleague:

Thank you for your interest in the “Promoting Rigorous Career and Technical Education Programs of Study Through Statewide and Multi-State Articulation Agreements” program competition for eligible agencies under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006.

The new Perkins legislation requires that institutions receiving Perkins funding incorporate at least one program of study. This project is designed to support States in their effort to incorporate high quality and rigorous 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 require strong collaboration and on-going communication between the partners as they work through policy issues that inhibit the agreements, and the identification of program of study standards that align with the demands of postsecondary education and the expectations of employers allowing for dual enrollment opportunities; “seamless” transitions from secondary to postsecondary education; and the ability of postsecondary students to transfer to other postsecondary institutions with out losing credit for courses already completed.

As a result of this project a variety of best practices will be identified for developing collaboration between the partners, developing articulation agreements and the alignment of program of study standards. These best practices will provide effective models to assist other States as they attempt to enhance the quality of programs of study through the development of articulation agreements.

The enclosed materials include the forms you will need to complete your application, instructions for completing the forms, and additional information that you will need to complete the application. Applicants should organize the application contents, including the program narrative in accordance with the instructions provided in this package. Also, it is important to note that project narratives that exceed the page limit will not be reviewed. If you have questions about these or any other program requirement, please call or e-mail Scott Hess at 202-245-7772 or [email protected]

We ask that you notify OVAE of your intent to apply. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications electronically. Applicants must complete the one-time registration process to begin submitting grant applications through www.Grants.gov for all Federal grant opportunities. A handy guide “Getting Started” is available through Grants.gov.

Electronic copies must be uploaded in Grants.gov before 4:30 PM Washington, D.C. time on the closing date. A copy of your application must not be emailed directly to the Department. We strongly suggest that you carefully check your submission to ensure that you use the correct forms and instructions.

We look forward to receiving your application and appreciate your efforts to improve the quality of career and technical education.

______________________________

Sharon Miller

Director for the Division of Academic and Technical Education

Office of Vocational and Adult Education

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dear Colleague Letter

Section A: Program Background Information

Section B: Legal and Regulatory Documents

Section C: Notice Inviting Applications

Section D: Program Statute

SECTION A: PROGRAM BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The President’s American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) recognizes that a high school diploma or equivalency diploma is no longer adequate for 21^st century workforce demands, and that the bedrock of America's competitiveness is a well-educated and skilled workforce. Some form of postsecondary education and training is now critical for workers to succeed in the new global economy.

In response to the increased demands from postsecondary education and employers many State and local agencies have changed their approach to delivering career and technical education by implementing programs of study. Programs of study are offered as an option to students when planning for, and completing future coursework in career and technical content areas. These career and technical education programs of study are designed to outline rigorous academic and technical course standards that assist students to successfully transition from secondary to postsecondary education, and between postsecondary institutions.

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 program of study standards that align with the demands of postsecondary education and the expectations of employers allowing for “seamless” transitions from secondary to postsecondary education, and between postsecondary institutions.

SECTION B: LEGAL AND REGULATORY DOCUMENTS

Program Authority

This project is authorized under The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006, Section 122(c)(1)9A), Section 122 allows the Secretary of Education to establish and carry out a program of national leadership activities to enhance the quality of career and technical education

The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99. Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of higher education only.

SECTION D: PROGRAM STATUTE

The relevant section of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 is included below.

SEC. 114. NATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

‘‘(a) PROGRAM PERFORMANCE INFORMATION.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall collect performance

information about, and report on, the condition of career and

technical education and on the effectiveness of State and local

programs, services, and activities carried out under this title

in order to provide the Secretary and Congress, as well as

Federal, State, local, and tribal agencies, with information relevant

to improvement in the quality and effectiveness of career

and technical education. The Secretary shall report annually

to Congress on the Secretary’s aggregate analysis of performance

information collected each year pursuant to this title,

including an analysis of performance data regarding special

populations.

‘‘(2) COMPATIBILITY.—The Secretary shall, to the extent

feasible, ensure that the performance information system is

compatible with other Federal information systems.

‘‘(3) ASSESSMENTS.—As a regular part of its assessments,

the National Center for Education Statistics shall collect and

report information on career and technical education for a

nationally representative sample of students. Such assessment

may include international comparisons in the aggregate.

‘‘(b) MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.—

‘‘(1) COLLECTION OF INFORMATION AT REASONABLE COST.—

The Secretary shall take such action as may be necessary

to secure at reasonable cost the information required by this

title. To ensure reasonable cost, the Secretary, in consultation

with the National Center for Education Statistics, the Office

of Vocational and Adult Education, and an entity assisted under

section 118 (if applicable), shall determine the methodology

to be used and the frequency with which information is to

be collected.

‘‘(2) COOPERATION OF STATES.—All eligible agencies

receiving assistance under this Act shall cooperate with the

Secretary in implementing the information systems developed

pursuant to this Act.

‘‘(c) SINGLE PLAN FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DISSEMINATION,

EVALUATION, AND ASSESSMENT.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may, directly or through

grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, carry out research,

development, dissemination, evaluation and assessment,

capacity building, and technical assistance with regard to the

career and technical education programs under this Act. The

Secretary shall develop a single plan for such activities.

‘‘(2) PLAN.—Such plan shall—

‘‘(A) identify the career and technical education activities

described in paragraph (1) that the Secretary will

carry out under this section;

‘‘(B) describe how the Secretary will evaluate such

career and technical education activities in accordance with

subsection (d)(2); and

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‘‘(C) include such other information as the Secretary

determines to be appropriate.

‘‘(d) ADVISORY PANEL; EVALUATION; REPORTS.—

‘‘(1) INDEPENDENT ADVISORY PANEL.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall appoint an independent

advisory panel to advise the Secretary on the

implementation of the assessment described in paragraph

(2), including the issues to be addressed and the methodology

of the studies involved to ensure that the assessment

adheres to the highest standards of quality.

‘‘(B) MEMBERS.—The advisory panel shall consist of—

‘‘(i) educators, administrators, State directors of

career and technical education, and chief executives,

including those with expertise in the integration of

academic and career and technical education;

‘‘(ii) experts in evaluation, research, and assessment;

‘‘(iii) representatives of labor organizations and

businesses, including small businesses, economic

development entities, and workforce investment entities;

‘‘(iv) parents;

‘‘(v) career guidance and academic counseling

professionals; and

‘‘(vi) other individuals and intermediaries with relevant

expertise.

‘‘(C) INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS.—The advisory panel shall

transmit to the Secretary, the relevant committees of Congress,

and the Library of Congress an independent analysis

of the findings and recommendations resulting from the

assessment described in paragraph (2).

‘‘(D) FACA.—The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5

U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the panel established under

this paragraph.

‘‘(2) EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—From amounts made available

under subsection (e), the Secretary shall provide for the

conduct of an independent evaluation and assessment of

career and technical education programs under this Act,

including the implementation of the Carl D. Perkins Career

and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006, to the

extent practicable, through studies and analyses conducted

independently through grants, contracts, and cooperative

agreements that are awarded on a competitive basis.

‘‘(B) CONTENTS.—The assessment required under

subparagraph (A) shall include descriptions and evaluations

of—

‘‘(i) the extent to which State, local, and tribal

entities have developed, implemented, or improved

State and local career and technical education programs

assisted under this Act;

‘‘(ii) the preparation and qualifications of teachers

and faculty of career and technical education (such

as meeting State established teacher certification or

licensing requirements), as well as shortages of such

teachers and faculty;

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‘‘(iii) academic and career and technical education

achievement and employment outcomes of career and

technical education, including analyses of—

‘‘(I) the extent and success of the integration

of rigorous and challenging academic and career

and technical education for students participating

in career and technical education programs,

including a review of the effect of such integration

on the academic and technical proficiency achievement

of such students (including the number of

such students receiving a secondary school

diploma); and

‘‘(II) the extent to which career and technical

education programs prepare students, including

special populations, for subsequent employment in

high skill, high wage occupations (including those

in which mathematics and science skills are critical),

or for participation in postsecondary education;

‘‘(iv) employer involvement in, and satisfaction

with, career and technical education programs and

career and technical education students’ preparation

for employment;

‘‘(v) the participation of students in career and

technical education programs;

‘‘(vi) the use of educational technology and distance

learning with respect to career and technical education

and tech prep programs; and

‘‘(vii) the effect of State and local adjusted levels

of performance and State and local levels of performance

on the delivery of career and technical education

services, including the percentage of career and technical

education and tech prep students meeting the

adjusted levels of performance described in section 113.

‘‘(C) REPORTS.—

‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall submit to

the relevant committees of Congress—

‘‘(I) an interim report regarding the assessment

on or before January 1, 2010; and

‘‘(II) a final report, summarizing all studies

and analyses that relate to the assessment and

that are completed after the interim report, on

or before July 1, 2011.

‘‘(ii) PROHIBITION.—Notwithstanding any other

provision of law, the reports required by this subsection

shall not be subject to any review outside the Department

of Education before their transmittal to the relevant

committees of Congress and the Secretary, but

the President, the Secretary, and the independent

advisory panel established under paragraph (1) may

make such additional recommendations to Congress

with respect to the assessment as the President, the

Secretary, or the panel determine to be appropriate.

‘‘(3) COLLECTION OF STATE INFORMATION AND REPORT.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may collect and

disseminate information from States regarding State efforts

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to meet State adjusted levels of performance described

in section 113(b).

‘‘(B) REPORT.—The Secretary shall gather any information

collected pursuant to subparagraph (A) and submit

a report to the relevant committees in Congress.

‘‘(4) RESEARCH.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—From amounts made available

under subsection (e), the Secretary, after consulting with

the States, shall award a grant, contract, or cooperative

agreement, on a competitive basis, to an institution of

higher education, a public or private nonprofit organization

or agency, or a consortium of such institutions, organizations,

or agencies to establish a national research center—

‘‘(i) to carry out scientifically based research and

evaluation for the purpose of developing, improving,

and identifying the most successful methods for

addressing the education, employment, and training

needs of participants, including special populations,

in career and technical education programs, including

research and evaluation in such activities as—

‘‘(I) the integration of—

‘‘(aa) career and technical instruction; and

‘‘(bb) academic, secondary and postsecondary

instruction;

‘‘(II) education technology and distance

learning approaches and strategies that are effective

with respect to career and technical education;

‘‘(III) State adjusted levels of performance and

State levels of performance that serve to improve

career and technical education programs and student

achievement;

‘‘(IV) academic knowledge and career and technical

skills required for employment or participation

in postsecondary education; and

‘‘(V) preparation for occupations in high skill,

high wage, or high demand business and industry,

including examination of—

‘‘(aa) collaboration between career and

technical education programs and business

and industry; and

‘‘(bb) academic and technical skills

required for a regional or sectoral workforce,

including small business;

‘‘(ii) to carry out scientifically based research and

evaluation to increase the effectiveness and improve

the implementation of career and technical education

programs that are integrated with coherent and rigorous

content aligned with challenging academic standards,

including conducting research and development,

and studies, that provide longitudinal information or

formative evaluation with respect to career and technical

education programs and student achievement;

‘‘(iii) to carry out scientifically based research and

evaluation that can be used to improve the preparation

and professional development of teachers, faculty, and

administrators, and to improve student learning in

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the career and technical education classroom,

including—

‘‘(I) effective in-service and preservice teacher

and faculty education that assists career and technical

education programs in—

‘‘(aa) integrating those programs with academic

content standards and student academic

achievement standards, as adopted by States

under section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary

and Secondary Education Act of 1965; and

‘‘(bb) coordinating technical education

with industry-recognized certification requirements;

‘‘(II) dissemination and training activities

related to the applied research and demonstration

activities described in this subsection, which may

also include serving as a repository for information

on career and technical skills, State academic

standards, and related materials; and

‘‘(III) the recruitment and retention of career

and technical education teachers, faculty, counselors,

and administrators, including individuals

in groups underrepresented in the teaching profession;

and

‘‘(iv) to carry out such other research and evaluation,

consistent with the purposes of this Act, as the

Secretary determines appropriate to assist State and

local recipients of funds under this Act.

‘‘(B) REPORT.—The center conducting the activities

described in subparagraph (A) shall annually prepare a

report of the key research findings of such center and

shall submit copies of the report to the Secretary, the

relevant committees of Congress, the Library of Congress,

and each eligible agency.

‘‘(C) DISSEMINATION.—The center shall conduct

dissemination and training activities based upon the

research described in subparagraph (A).

‘‘(5) DEMONSTRATIONS AND DISSEMINATION.—The Secretary

is authorized to carry out demonstration career and technical

education programs, to replicate model career and technical

education programs, to disseminate best practices information,

and to provide technical assistance upon request of a State,

for the purposes of developing, improving, and identifying the

most successful methods and techniques for providing career

and technical education programs assisted under this Act.

‘‘(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized

to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may

be necessary for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2012.