Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1990

• Reauthorized Perkins I with amendments for five years (July 1, 1991 - June 30, 1996)
• $1.6 billion dollars (increase of $600 million or 59% compared to Perkins I)
• Provided a new federal definition of vocational education
• Introduces requirement for program standards and measures
• Requires State leadership activities to include teacher training, curriculum development, and program assessment
• Introduces the requirement for academic/vocational integration (Perkins I allowed funds to be used for integration but did not require integration)
• Maintains special populations but emphasizes services to these populations without excess requirements for set asides
• Referred to as Perkins II

Details

The 1990 Perkins Act defines vocational education as "organized educational programs offering a sequence of courses which are directly related to the preparation of individuals in paid or unpaid employment in current or emerging occupations requiring other than a baccalaureate or advanced degree."  While vocational education is provided at both the secondary and postsecondary levels, its focus differs somewhat at each level.

This act greatly expanded the federal government's job-related education efforts.  It emphasized service to "special populations," including the individuals with disabilities, educationally and economically disadvantaged individuals (including foster children), individuals of limited English language proficiency, individuals who participate in programs designed to eliminate sex bias, and individuals in a correctional institution.  The method by which grants were allocated was changed significantly (from Perkins I).  Perkins II eliminated many of the fiscal constraints found in the former act, including set-asides, matching of program costs, and excess costs for the handicapped and disadvantaged.  The formula for allocating funds to secondary school programs was 70% based on Chapter 1 funds the local education agency received, 20% based on the number of students with handicaps who have individualized education programs, and 10% based on the number of students enrolled in school and adults enrolled in training programs.

The name of this new act was expanded to include the term "applied technology."  The purpose of Perkins II was condensed from nine state objectives (in Perkins I) to only one:

It is the purpose of this Act to make the United States more competitive in the world economy by developing more fully the academic and occupational skill of all segments of the population.  This purpose will principally be achieved through concentrating resources on improving educational programs leading to academic, occupations, training, and re-training skill competencies needed to work in a technologically advanced society.

The break down for funding under Perkins II:

• $1.3 billion for grants to the states
  • 75% to LEAs,
  • 8.5% for State Leadership
  • 10.5% Equity Programs,
  • 5% State Administration (must be matched 100%)
  • 1% Correctional Institutions
• $10 million for bilingual vocational education
• $9 million for state councils
• $322.5 million - Special Programs designated in Title III
  • $15 million for CBOs (community based organizations)
  • $38.5 million for consumer and homemaking education
  • $20 million for guidance and counseling
  • $10 million for business partnerships
  • $125 million for Tech Prep
  • $100 million for facilities and equipment acquisition
  • $10 million for community education/Lighthouse Schools
  • $4 million for tribally controlled postsecondary institutions

A new Tech-Prep Education Program is funded under Title III of this Act.  The purpose of this program is to provide planning and demonstration grants to consortia of local education agencies and postsecondary education institutions for the development and operation of four-year programs designed to provide a tech-prep education program leading to a two-year associate degree or two-year certificate.  Emphasis is placed on providing equal access to special populations, including offering preparatory programs as needed.

Under Title II, Part C uses of funds for secondary, postsecondary, and adult vocational education programs are defined as follows:

Eligible recipients may only use funds for program improvement, with the full participation of special populations.  Each eligible recipient must give priority to a limited number of sites that serve the highest concentrations of these at-risk students.  Each funded program:  must be of sufficient size and quality to be effective; must integrate vocational and academic competencies and must provide equitable participation for special populations.  If all these criteria are satisfied, then the eligible recipient may use the funds for any of the 14 enumerated activities (see Perkins II - Basic Grant Activities), including equipment purchases or other activities consistent with the act.