American Geological Institute

Government Affairs Program

Update on Career Preparation Education Reform (6-16-97)

Most Recent Action
On June 5, 1997, Rep. Bill Clay (D-MO) introduced H.R. 1803, the Career Preparation Education Reform Act of 1997. Rep. Matthew Martinez (D-CA) is the sole cosponsor so far. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Background
The Career Preparation Reform Act of 1997 amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act and was introduced with the intent of improving career preparation in secondary and postsecondary schools. It addresses the concern that many graduating high school students are not prepared to enter postsecondary schools or high-wage careers. The bill also addresses the issue that the United States must meet "new economic challenges brought about by technology, increasing international competition and changes in production technologies" with well-skilled workers.

H.R. 1803 seeks to use performance partnerships with states and localities to provide for expansion of career preparation curricula. The curricula should enable all students to have access to skills needed for postsecondary education and a wide range of careers. The bill also defines the federal government's role as one of research, program development and technical assistance to the states as they improve their career preparation programs.

H.R. 1803 authorizes $1.06 billion for fiscal year 1998 to do the following:

Ensure that all students have the chance to gain a set of basic and advanced skills needed to meet state academic standards and industry-recognized skill standards
Encourage the integration of academic and vocational education
Support curricula involving study in broad occupational clusters or industry sectors
Link secondary and postsecondary education
Provide students with experience in and knowledge of industries
Provide students with internships, work-based learning, job-shadowing and other opportunities to link work and classroom learning
Provide school and workplace mentoring
Provide students with instruction needed to earn a skill certificate
Provide career guidance and counseling
Ensure that parents and employers participate in program design and implementation
Provide support services, such as mentoring, tutoring, and child care.

Additionally, H.R. 1803 authorizes $105 million in fiscal year 1998 for activities related to "tech-prep education." These activities revolve around developing programs and curricula that prepare students to obtain skill certificates or enter postsecondary school for an associate or bachelor's degree. The curricula should include a suitable math, science, technology and communications core as well as work-based learning opportunities. These programs are to be conducted by a consortium consisting of at least one public secondary school and at least one postsecondary school.

Please send any comments or requests for information to the AGI Government Affairs Program.

Contributed by Stephanie Barrett, AGI Government Affairs Intern
Last updated June 16, 1997

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Update on Career Preparation Education Reform (6-16-97)

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