AFT’s Weingarten on House Vote on Perkins Reauthorization

WASHINGTON—In response to the House of Representatives’ overwhelming vote of 405-5 in favor of H.R. 5587, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement: "The House of Representatives must be commended today for its bipartisan recommitment to career and technical education in passing the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.

“Career and technical education programs can help make the world come alive for students. Examples include the robotics program at Toledo Technology Academy in Ohio, the culinary arts programs at Food and Finance High School in New York City, a dental assistant certification initiative at Hialeah Gardens Senior High School near Miami, a newly launched emergency medical technician certification program at Westinghouse High School in Pittsburgh, and a citywide collaboration in San Francisco to bring programming and computer science to all public schools.

“By reauthorizing the Perkins Act, the House has added meaningful pathways and choices for students to attain the skills, education and opportunities that will allow them to pursue their dreams, and has equipped educators with some of the resources they need to support this hands-on, project-based student learning.

“High-quality career and technical education programs can deepen student engagement while preparing students for the jobs of today and tomorrow by offering multiple pathways for kids to pursue their passions and their dreams, setting them up for success in further education, careers and life. From the outset, the AFT has urged Congress to craft a bill that could support and generate these important outcomes. This bill does just that.

“As a longtime leader and supporter of career and technical education, the AFT has a firsthand understanding of how high-quality CTE programs create opportunities for high schools, community colleges and businesses to collaborate in order to provide well-trained future employees with good middle-class jobs. That’s why we welcome the act’s commitment to high-quality professional development for educators; supportive partnerships that link school districts and teachers with industry partners; an emphasis on career guidance and career exploration that uses labor-market data; and promotion of industry-recognized credentials and certificates for specific occupational areas—all of which we pressed for.

“We applaud the partnership between Reps. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) and Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) in authoring this important bill, and appreciate House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-Minn.) and ranking member Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) for finding a path to bring this legislation before the full House. It is my sincere hope that the Senate will follow the lead of this important, bipartisan effort and pass similar legislation soon so Congress can complete action on a final bill.”