Georgia’s Career and Technical Education Plan approved by U.S. Secretary of Education

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced today the Department of Education has approved Georgia’s career and technical education (CTE) state plan. Georgia is one of the latest states to have its CTE plan approved under the new, bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), which was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on July 31, 2018.  “Thanks to the President’s leadership, the new career and technical education law gives local leaders the flexibility to make investments in the highest impact areas of local need,” said Secretary DeVos. “We know many well-paying, in-demand jobs require CTE training but not necessarily a college degree and the associated debt. The coronavirus pandemic has certainly highlighted the need for all education to be tailored to meet each student’s unique needs, more nimble, and relevant to 21st-century realities. High-quality CTE programs are a critical way to help learners of all ages and get our economy back up and running at full speed. I am pleased to approve Georgia’s plan, and want to thank Superintendent Woods for his leadership and his commitment to breaking down barriers between education and industry in order to better serve students.”  “Georgia’s Perkins V plan is founded on our belief that career, technical, and agricultural education delivers for students—that education and economic development are inextricably linked and that, working together, we can ensure a bright future for our students and a bright future for our state,” Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “It aligns to our state ESSA plan and our vision of offering a holistic education to each and every child in our state, increases our emphasis on work-based learning, and reaffirms our crucial partnerships with business and industry. I thank the U.S. Department of Education for their review and approval of our plan.”  Perkins V encourages states to expand opportunities for every student to access educational opportunities that will put them on the path to success. Each state crafted a plan to fulfill its promise of offering a robust CTE option for students following consultation with its key constituents representing education and workforce, business and industry, and parents and community partners.