Section 122(c)(1)9A) of the Carl D.
Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006
authorizes the Department to establish and carry out a program of
national leadership activities to enhance the quality of career and
technical education programs of study nationwide. Many State and
local education agencies have developed a variety of career and
technical education programs of study to be offered as an option to
students when planning for and completing future coursework, for
career and technical content areas. These career and technical
education programs of study are designed to outline rigorous
academic and technical course standards, that when completed assist
students to successfully transition from secondary to postsecondary
education, and between postsecondary institutions. While the
Department is generally aware of these efforts, there is little
documentation of the level of rigor or effectiveness of the
technical courses within programs of study. This discretionary
grant competition is intended to enhance the quality and rigor of
career and technical education programs of study by facilitating
the formation of effective partnerships between secondary and
postsecondary education, State workforce agencies, and employers,
to create statewide or multi-state articulation agreements.
Articulation agreements ensure strong collaboration and on-going
communication between the partners to identify course standards
that align with the expectations of postsecondary education and
employers allowing for seamless transitions from secondary to
postsecondary education, and between postsecondary
institutions.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.