Carl D Perkins
Opportunities for Public Comment
Public Hearing Response Form

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 (Perkins IV) changes the philosophy for funding career and technology education (CTE) programs.  The Act focuses on innovation of CTE programs, not sustaining them. The focus of the FY08 Oklahoma State Transition Plan was on innovation and embracing the new national framework of clusters, pathways, career majors and courses.  The five-year plan for FY09 – FY13 seeks to expand beyond the boundaries of comfort and propel Oklahoma CTE to lead the way in which students are enabled to graduate from high school and compete in a global economy as lifelong learners.  In this new “flat world” in which we live, CTE is able to revision itself as a leader for innovation and quality academic and technical education.

As you read the proposed initiatives and descriptions, we seek your input to assist us with the following questions:  Is there a better way to implement the identified components of Perkins IV.  Are there other innovations we should be implementing?  Are there more effective and economical ways in which to implement the Perkins components?

Please provide any comments, suggestions, or recommendations that may assist in the development of Oklahoma's plan for the use of federal career and technical education funds.  Comments will be accepted until noon Thursday, December 20, 2007.