I'm looking to you guys for help....

It seems President Bush is at it again.  He is attempting to eliminate the Carl Perkins funding for “career programs”…. AGAIN!

Career and technical education (CTE) plays a critical role in providing the skills and knowledge essential for a competitive workforce. According to the Southern Regional Education Board, students at schools with highly integrated rigorous academic and CTE programs have significantly higher student achievement in reading, mathematics and science than do students at schools with less integrated programs.According to the Department of Labor, the 20 fastest growing jobs will require an associate’s degree, certificate or work-related training. CTE programs increase student engagement and innovative integration of math, science and literacy skills, which will meet the needs of both employers and the economy as a whole. ACTE and NASDCTEc believe there should be an increased focus on CTE, which is an integral part of STEM and a solution to help meet the needs of the 21st century economy.ACTE Executive Director Janet Bray commented, “We are extremely disappointed with the President’s decision to terminate Perkins funding this year. Not only does CTE play a critical role in providing the necessary skills and knowledge for students to remain competitive in today’s workforce, but it is an important part of school reform. These programs are helping to reduce dropout rates through engaging “hands on” coursework that improves student understanding and application of academic knowledge. Funding for the Perkins Act is essential, and it has already proven to be successful and should NOT be shortchanged.”

In both FY 2006 and 2007, the Bush administration proposed to eliminate Perkins, but Congress rejected both of these proposals. In the FY 2008 budget, Bush proposed cutting the program by 50 percent, but Congress recommended a $25 million increase to $1.3 billion; unfortunately President Bush vetoed this proposal. The final FY 2008 budget included a $20 million decrease to funding due to across-the-board-budget cuts implemented in the final bill. The Perkins program has not received a substantial increase in funding since FY 2002. Funding must be increased, not cut, to help career and technical education programs continue to meet the education and training needs of the global economy.

Not only will this mean that my husband will be out of a job but this also means the kids that are not “college material” will not have the necessary programs i.e. automotive technology, business academies, nursing programs, fire technology programs… etc.  This affects ALL Career Technology Programs Nationwide!  Not just in Florida.  So if you know anyone else please forward this information and ask them to write to their local congressmen.  This- is what I’m asking from you.  If you would please help my husband and I write letters to our Senators, Congressman, whomever you feel will help us we would greatly appreciate it.  I know that Cliff Stern’s office is aware of this problem because my husband met one of his reps in Keystone two weeks ago.   His office is supposed to look into this. Not only am I affected by this with my husband teaching the Automotive Technology Program at Loften High School (Gainesville) but I know that my son  is going to be effected by this in his education choices.  We have already been discussing Technology Programs and I want him to have every opportunity he can to do “the best he can with what he’s got” (as my Dad always said) J.   

Thank you in advance for all your help!!!

 http://www.acteonline.org/policy/takeaction/legalerts/020408.cfm

Vanessa