Minnesota State and Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) will host public hearings beginning this week on changes to the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V). This act aims align systems and program improvement (Section 122:(a)(3) State Plan requirement of The Act).

MDE is seeking input on:

  • Proposed State Determined Performance Levels: The public comment period on this runs to Nov. 30. View the proposed performance levels.
  • Perkins V and Career and Technical Education: Alignment of programs of study to industry needs increasing student access to high-quality education, and supporting the full continuum of offerings from career exploration through preparations to meet the changing needs of learners and employers.

Public Hearing Session

You are encouraged to submit your questions and comments to myCTEidea@minnstate.edu or use the online submission form on the hearing webpage at www.MinnState.edu/CTEHearing.

About the Act

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act reauthorizes the federal investment in career and technical education from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2025 and retains the state governance structure of the current law. The general responsibilities such as the state plan development and local grantee oversight remain largely the same.

Minnesota will continue to fund local consortia (high school districts plus their postsecondary college partners) to spur innovation and support programs of study aligned with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand occupations or industries.

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) aims to increase learner access to high-quality Career and Technical programs of study. It provides dedicated resources to implement programs and support the range of educational needs of students from exploration through career preparation. The addition of the required comprehensive local needs assessment strives to provide a balance between student needs with the current and emerging economic needs.