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[House Report 115-164]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

115th Congress    }                                          {    Report
                         HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 1st Session      }                                          {   115-164

======================================================================

 
 STRENGTHENING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT

                                _______
                                

  June 7, 2017.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

Ms. Foxx, from the Committee on Education and the Workforce, submitted 
                             the following

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

                            ADDITIONAL VIEWS

                        [To accompany H.R. 2353]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

    The Committee on Education and the Workforce, to whom was 
referred the bill (H.R. 2353) to reauthorize the Carl D. 
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, having 
considered the same, report favorably thereon with an amendment 
and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.
    The amendment is as follows:
  Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

  This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening Career and Technical 
Education for the 21st Century Act''.

SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

  The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
Sec. 3. References.
Sec. 4. Effective date.
Sec. 5. Table of contents of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 
Education Act of 2006.
Sec. 6. Purpose.
Sec. 7. Definitions.
Sec. 8. Transition provisions.
Sec. 9. Prohibitions.
Sec. 10. Authorization of appropriations.

    TITLE I--CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ASSISTANCE TO THE STATES

                    Part A--Allotment and Allocation

Sec. 110. Reservations and State allotment.
Sec. 111. Within State allocation.
Sec. 112. Accountability.
Sec. 113. National activities.
Sec. 114. Assistance for the outlying areas.
Sec. 115. Tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical 
institutions.
Sec. 116. Occupational and employment information.

                        Part B--State Provisions

Sec. 121. State plan.
Sec. 122. Improvement plans.
Sec. 123. State leadership activities.

                        Part C--Local Provisions

Sec. 131. Local application for career and technical education 
programs.
Sec. 132. Local uses of funds.

                      TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 201. Federal and State administrative provisions.

             TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO THE WAGNER-PEYSER ACT

Sec. 301. State responsibilities.

SEC. 3. REFERENCES.

  Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an 
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal 
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to 
be made to a section or other provision of the Carl D. Perkins Career 
and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.).

SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.

  This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take effect 
beginning on July 1, 2018.

SEC. 5. TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE CARL D. PERKINS CAREER AND TECHNICAL 
                    EDUCATION ACT OF 2006.

  Section 1(b) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

``Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
``Sec. 2. Purpose.
``Sec. 3. Definitions.
``Sec. 4. Transition provisions.
``Sec. 5. Privacy.
``Sec. 6. Limitation.
``Sec. 7. Special rule.
``Sec. 8. Prohibitions.
``Sec. 9. Authorization of appropriations.

   ``TITLE I--CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ASSISTANCE TO THE STATES

                   ``Part A--Allotment and Allocation

``Sec. 111. Reservations and State allotment.
``Sec. 112. Within State allocation.
``Sec. 113. Accountability.
``Sec. 114. National activities.
``Sec. 115. Assistance for the outlying areas.
``Sec. 116. Native American programs.
``Sec. 117. Tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical 
institutions.

                       ``Part B--State Provisions

``Sec. 121. State administration.
``Sec. 122. State plan.
``Sec. 123. Improvement plans.
``Sec. 124. State leadership activities.

                       ``Part C--Local Provisions

``Sec. 131. Distribution of funds to secondary education programs.
``Sec. 132. Distribution of funds for postsecondary education programs.
``Sec. 133. Special rules for career and technical education.
``Sec. 134. Local application for career and technical education 
programs.
``Sec. 135. Local uses of funds.

                     ``TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS

              ``Part A--Federal Administrative Provisions

``Sec. 211. Fiscal requirements.
``Sec. 212. Authority to make payments.
``Sec. 213. Construction.
``Sec. 214. Voluntary selection and participation.
``Sec. 215. Limitation for certain students.
``Sec. 216. Federal laws guaranteeing civil rights.
``Sec. 217. Participation of private school personnel and children.
``Sec. 218. Limitation on Federal regulations.
``Sec. 219. Study on programs of study aligned to high-skill, high-wage 
occupations.

               ``Part B--State Administrative Provisions

``Sec. 221. Joint funding.
``Sec. 222. Prohibition on use of funds to induce out-of-State 
relocation of businesses.
``Sec. 223. State administrative costs.
``Sec. 224. Student assistance and other Federal programs.''.

SEC. 6. PURPOSE.

  Section 2 (20 U.S.C. 2301) is amended--
          (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
                  (A) by striking ``academic and career and technical 
                skills'' and inserting ``academic knowledge and 
                technical and employability skills''; and
                  (B) by inserting ``and programs of study'' after 
                ``technical education programs'';
          (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``, including tech prep 
        education''; and
          (3) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``and programs of study'' 
        after ``technical education programs''.

SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS.

  Section 3 (20 U.S.C. 2302) is amended--
          (1) by striking paragraphs (16), (23), (24), (25), (26), and 
        (32);
          (2) by redesignating paragraphs (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), 
        (13), (14), (15), (17), (18), (19), (20), (21), (22), (27), 
        (28), (29), (30), (31), (33), and (34) as paragraphs (9), (10), 
        (13), (16), (17), (19), (20), (23), (25), (27), (28), (30), 
        (32), (35), (39), (40), (41), (44), (45), (46), and (47), 
        respectively;
          (3) in paragraph (3)--
                  (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``5 different 
                occupational fields to individuals'' and inserting 
                ``three different fields, especially in in-demand 
                industry sectors or occupations, that are available to 
                all students''; and
                  (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``not fewer than 
                5 different occupational fields'' and inserting ``not 
                fewer than three different occupational fields'';
          (4) in paragraph (5)--
                  (A) in subparagraph (A)--
                          (i) in clause (i)--
                                  (I) by striking ``coherent and 
                                rigorous content aligned with 
                                challenging academic standards'' and 
                                inserting ``content at the secondary 
                                level aligned with the challenging 
                                State academic standards adopted by a 
                                State under section 1111(b)(1) of the 
                                Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
                                of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)), and at 
                                the postsecondary level with the 
                                rigorous academic content,'';
                                  (II) by striking ``and skills'' and 
                                inserting ``and skills,''; and
                                  (III) by inserting ``, including in 
                                in-demand industry sectors or 
                                occupations'' before the semicolon at 
                                the end;
                          (ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``, an 
                        industry-recognized credential, a certificate, 
                        or an associate degree'' and inserting ``or a 
                        recognized postsecondary credential, which may 
                        include an industry-recognized credential''; 
                        and
                          (iii) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at 
                        the end;
                  (B) in subparagraph (B)--
                          (i) by inserting ``, work-based, or other'' 
                        after ``competency-based'';
                          (ii) by striking ``contributes to the'' and 
                        inserting ``supports the development of'';
                          (iii) by striking the period at the end and 
                        inserting a semicolon; and
                          (iv) by striking ``general''; and
                  (C) by adding at the end the following:
                  ``(C) to the extent practicable, coordinate between 
                secondary and postsecondary education programs, which 
                may include early college programs with articulation 
                agreements, dual or concurrent enrollment program 
                opportunities, or programs of study; and
                  ``(D) may include career exploration at the high 
                school level or as early as the middle grades (as such 
                term is defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
                Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).'';
          (5) in paragraph (7)--
                  (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``(and parents, 
                as appropriate)'' and inserting ``(and, as appropriate, 
                parents and out-of-school youth)''; and
                  (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``financial 
                aid,'' and all that follows through the period at the 
                end and inserting ``financial aid, job training, 
                secondary and postsecondary options (including 
                baccalaureate degree programs), dual or concurrent 
                enrollment programs, work-based learning opportunities, 
                and support services.'';
          (6) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
          ``(8) Career pathways.--The term `career pathways' has the 
        meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation 
        and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).'';
          (7) by inserting after paragraph (10) (as so redesignated by 
        paragraph (2)) the following:
          ``(11) CTE concentrator.--The term `CTE concentrator' means--
                  ``(A) at the secondary school level, a student served 
                by an eligible recipient who has--
                          ``(i) completed three or more career and 
                        technical education courses; or
                          ``(ii) completed at least two courses in a 
                        single career and technical education program 
                        or program of study; or
                  ``(B) at the postsecondary level, a student enrolled 
                in an eligible recipient who has--
                          ``(i) earned at least 12 cumulative credits 
                        within a career and technical education program 
                        or program of study; or
                          ``(ii) completed such a program if the 
                        program encompasses fewer than 12 credits or 
                        the equivalent in total.
          ``(12) CTE participant.--The term `CTE participant' means an 
        individual who completes not less than one course or earns not 
        less than one credit in a career and technical education 
        program or program of study of an eligible recipient.'';
          (8) by inserting after paragraph (13) (as so redesignated by 
        paragraph (2)) the following:
          ``(14) Dual or concurrent enrollment.--The term `dual or 
        concurrent enrollment' has the meaning given the term in 
        section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
        1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
          ``(15) Early college high school.--The term `early college 
        high school' has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of 
        the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
        7801).'';
          (9) by inserting after paragraph (17) (as so redesignated by 
        paragraph (2)) the following:
          ``(18) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a 
        consortium that--
                  ``(A) shall include at least two of the following:
                          ``(i) a local educational agency;
                          ``(ii) an educational service agency;
                          ``(iii) an eligible institution;
                          ``(iv) an area career and technical education 
                        school;
                          ``(v) a State educational agency; or
                          ``(vi) the Bureau of Indian Education;
                  ``(B) may include a regional, State, or local public 
                or private organization, including a community-based 
                organization, one or more employers, or a qualified 
                intermediary; and
                  ``(C) is led by an entity or partnership of entities 
                described in subparagraph (A).'';
          (10) by amending paragraph (19) (as so redesignated by 
        paragraph (2)) to read as follows:
          ``(19) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible institution' 
        means--
                  ``(A) a consortium of two or more of the entities 
                described in subparagraphs (B) through (F);
                  ``(B) a public or nonprofit private institution of 
                higher education that offers and will use funds 
                provided under this title in support of career and 
                technical education courses that lead to technical 
                skill proficiency, an industry-recognized credential, a 
                certificate, or an associate degree;
                  ``(C) a local educational agency providing education 
                at the postsecondary level;
                  ``(D) an area career and technical education school 
                providing education at the postsecondary level;
                  ``(E) a postsecondary educational institution 
                controlled by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or operated 
                by or on behalf of any Indian tribe that is eligible to 
                contract with the Secretary of the Interior for the 
                administration of programs under the Indian Self-
                Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
                450 et seq.) or the Act of April 16, 1934 (25 U.S.C. 
                452 et seq.); or
                  ``(F) an educational service agency.'';
          (11) by adding after paragraph (20) (as so redesignated by 
        paragraph (2)) the following:
          ``(21) English learner.--The term `English learner' means--
                  ``(A) a secondary school student who is an English 
                learner, as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary 
                and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801); 
                or
                  ``(B) an adult or an out-of-school youth who has 
                limited ability in speaking, reading, writing, or 
                understanding the English language and--
                          ``(i) whose native language is a language 
                        other than English; or
                          ``(ii) who lives in a family environment in 
                        which a language other than English is the 
                        dominant language.
          ``(22) Evidence-based.--The term `evidence-based' has the 
        meaning given the term in section 8101(21)(A) of the Elementary 
        and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801(21)(A)).'';
          (12) by inserting after paragraph (23) (as so redesignated by 
        paragraph (2)) the following:
          ``(24) In-demand industry sector or occupation.--The term 
        `in-demand industry sector or occupation' has the meaning given 
        the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and 
        Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).'';
          (13) by inserting after paragraph (25) (as so redesignated by 
        paragraph (2)) the following:
          ``(26) Industry or sector partnership.--The term `industry or 
        sector partnership' has the meaning given the term in section 3 
        of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
        3102).'';
          (14) by inserting after paragraph (28) (as so redesignated by 
        paragraph (2)) the following:
          ``(29) Local workforce development board.--The term `local 
        workforce development board' means a local workforce 
        development board established under section 107 of the 
        Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.'';
          (15) by inserting after paragraph (30) (as so redesignated by 
        paragraph (2)) the following:
          ``(31) Out-of-school youth.--The term `out-of-school youth' 
        has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce 
        Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).'';
          (16) by inserting after paragraph (32) (as so redesignated by 
        paragraph (2)) the following:
          ``(33) Paraprofessional.--The term `paraprofessional' has the 
        meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
        Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
          ``(34) Pay for success initiative.--The term `pay for success 
        initiative' has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of 
        the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
        7801), except that such term does not include an initiative 
        that--
                  ``(A) reduces the special education or related 
                services that a student would otherwise receive under 
                the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 
                U.S.C. 1400 et seq.); or
                  ``(B) otherwise reduces the rights of a student or 
                the obligations of an entity under the Individuals with 
                Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.), 
                the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.), 
                the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 
                12101 et seq.), or any other law.'';
          (17) by inserting after paragraph (35) (as so redesignated by 
        paragraph (2)) the following:
          ``(36) Program of study.--The term `program of study' means a 
        coordinated, nonduplicative sequence of secondary and 
        postsecondary academic and technical content that--
                  ``(A) incorporates challenging State academic 
                standards, including those adopted by a State under 
                section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary 
                Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)), that--
                          ``(i) address both academic and technical 
                        knowledge and skills, including employability 
                        skills; and
                          ``(ii) are aligned with the needs of 
                        industries in the economy of the State, region, 
                        or local area;
                  ``(B) progresses in specificity (beginning with all 
                aspects of an industry or career cluster and leading to 
                more occupational specific instruction);
                  ``(C) has multiple entry and exit points that 
                incorporate credentialing; and
                  ``(D) culminates in the attainment of a recognized 
                postsecondary credential.
          ``(37) Qualified intermediary.--The term `qualified 
        intermediary' means a non-profit entity that demonstrates 
        expertise to build, connect, sustain, and measure partnerships 
        with entities such as employers, schools, community-based 
        organizations, postsecondary institutions, social service 
        organizations, economic development organizations, and 
        workforce systems to broker services, resources, and supports 
        to youth and the organizations and systems that are designed to 
        serve youth, including--
                  ``(A) connecting employers to classrooms;
                  ``(B) assisting in the design and implementation of 
                career and technical education programs and programs of 
                study;
                  ``(C) delivering professional development;
                  ``(D) connecting students to internships and other 
                work-based learning opportunities; and
                  ``(E) developing personalized student supports.
          ``(38) Recognized postsecondary credential.--The term 
        `recognized postsecondary credential' has the meaning given the 
        term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
        Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).'';
          (18) in paragraph (41) (as so redesignated by paragraph 
        (2))--
                  (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``foster 
                children'' and inserting ``youth who are in or have 
                aged out of the foster care system'';
                  (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the 
                end;
                  (C) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``individuals 
                with limited English proficiency.'' and inserting 
                ``English learners;''; and
                  (D) by adding at the end the following:
                  ``(G) homeless individuals described in section 725 
                of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 
                U.S.C. 11434a); and
                  ``(H) youth with a parent who--
                          ``(i) is a member of the armed forces (as 
                        such term is defined in section 101(a)(4) of 
                        title 10, United States Code); and
                          ``(ii) is on active duty (as such term is 
                        defined in section 101(d)(1) of such title).'';
          (19) by inserting after paragraph (41) (as so redesignated by 
        paragraph (2)) the following:
          ``(42) Specialized instructional support personnel.--The term 
        `specialized instructional support personnel' has the meaning 
        given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
        Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
          ``(43) Specialized instructional support services.--The term 
        `specialized instructional support services' has the meaning 
        given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
        Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).'';
          (20) in paragraph (45) (as so redesignated by paragraph (2)) 
        by inserting ``(including paraprofessionals and specialized 
        instructional support personnel)'' after ``supportive 
        personnel''; and
          (21) by adding at the end the following:
          ``(48) Universal design for learning.--The term `universal 
        design for learning' has the meaning given the term in section 
        8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 7801).
          ``(49) Work-based learning.--The term `work-based learning' 
        means sustained interactions with industry or community 
        professionals in real workplace settings, to the extent 
        practicable, or simulated environments at an educational 
        institution that foster in-depth, first-hand engagement with 
        the tasks required of a given career field, that are aligned to 
        curriculum and instruction.''.

SEC. 8. TRANSITION PROVISIONS.

  Section 4 (20 U.S.C. 2303) is amended--
          (1) by striking ``the Secretary determines to be 
        appropriate'' and inserting ``are necessary'';
          (2) by striking ``Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 
        Education Improvement Act of 2006'' each place it appears and 
        inserting ``Strengthening Career and Technical Education for 
        the 21st Century Act''; and
          (3) by striking ``1998'' and inserting ``2006''.

SEC. 9. PROHIBITIONS.

  Section 8 (20 U.S.C. 2306a) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Federal Government to 
        mandate,'' and all that follows through the period at the end 
        and inserting ``Federal Government--
          ``(1) to condition or incentivize the receipt of any grant, 
        contract, or cooperative agreement, or the receipt of any 
        priority or preference under such grant, contract, or 
        cooperative agreement, upon a State, local educational agency, 
        eligible agency, eligible recipient, eligible entity, or 
        school's adoption or implementation of specific instructional 
        content, academic standards and assessments, curricula, or 
        program of instruction (including any condition, priority, or 
        preference to adopt the Common Core State Standards developed 
        under the Common Core State Standards Initiative, any other 
        academic standards common to a significant number of States, or 
        any assessment, instructional content, or curriculum aligned to 
        such standards);
          ``(2) through grants, contracts, or other cooperative 
        agreements, to mandate, direct, or control a State, local 
        educational agency, eligible agency, eligible recipient, 
        eligible entity, or school's specific instructional content, 
        academic standards and assessments, curricula, or program of 
        instruction (including any requirement, direction, or mandate 
        to adopt the Common Core State Standards developed under the 
        Common Core State Standards Initiative, any other academic 
        standards common to a significant number of States, or any 
        assessment, instructional content, or curriculum aligned to 
        such standards); and
          ``(3) except as required under sections 112(b), 211(b), and 
        223--
                  ``(A) to mandate, direct, or control the allocation 
                of State or local resources; or
                  ``(B) to mandate that a State or a political 
                subdivision of a State spend any funds or incur any 
                costs not paid for under this Act.''; and
          (2) by striking subsection (d) and redesignating subsection 
        (e) as subsection (d).

SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  Section 9 (20 U.S.C. 2307) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  ``There are to be authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act 
(other than sections 114 and 117)--
          ``(1) $1,133,002,074 for fiscal year 2018;
          ``(2) $1,148,618,465 for fiscal year 2019;
          ``(3) $1,164,450,099 for fiscal year 2020;
          ``(4) $1,180,499,945 for fiscal year 2021;
          ``(5) $1,196,771,008 for fiscal year 2022; and
          ``(6) $1,213,266,339 for fiscal year 2023.''.

    TITLE I--CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ASSISTANCE TO THE STATES

                    PART A--ALLOTMENT AND ALLOCATION

SEC. 110. RESERVATIONS AND STATE ALLOTMENT.

  Paragraph (5) of section 111(a) (20 U.S.C. 2321(a)) is amended--
          (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``No State'' and 
        inserting ``For each of fiscal years 2018, 2019, and 2020, no 
        State'';
          (2) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
          (3) by inserting after subparagraph (A), as amended by 
        paragraph (1), the following:
                  ``(B) Fiscal year 2021 and each succeeding fiscal 
                year.--For fiscal year 2021 and each of the succeeding 
                fiscal years, no State shall receive an allotment under 
                this section for a fiscal year that is less than 90 
                percent of the allotment the State received under this 
                section for the preceding fiscal year.''; and
          (4) in subparagraph (C), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by 
        striking ``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (A) 
        or (B)''.

SEC. 111. WITHIN STATE ALLOCATION.

  Section 112 (20 U.S.C. 2322) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``10 percent'' and 
                inserting ``15 percent'';
                  (B) in paragraph (2)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (A)--
                                  (I) by striking ``1 percent'' and 
                                inserting ``2 percent''; and
                                  (II) by striking ``State correctional 
                                institutions and institutions'' and 
                                inserting ``State correctional 
                                institutions, juvenile justice 
                                facilities, and educational 
                                institutions''; and
                          (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
                        ``available for services'' and inserting 
                        ``available to assist eligible recipients in 
                        providing services''; and
                  (C) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking ``a local 
                plan;'' and inserting ``local applications;''; and
          (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``section 135'' and all 
        that follows through the end and inserting ``section 135--
          ``(1) in--
                  ``(A) rural areas;
                  ``(B) areas with high percentages of CTE 
                concentrators or CTE participants; and
                  ``(C) areas with high numbers of CTE concentrators or 
                CTE participants; and
          ``(2) in order to--
                  ``(A) foster innovation through the identification 
                and promotion of promising and proven career and 
                technical education programs, practices, and 
                strategies, which may include practices and strategies 
                that prepare individuals for nontraditional fields; or
                  ``(B) promote the development, implementation, and 
                adoption of programs of study or career pathways 
                aligned with State-identified in-demand occupations or 
                industries.''.

SEC. 112. ACCOUNTABILITY.

  Section 113 (20 U.S.C. 2323) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``comprised of the 
        activities'' and inserting ``comprising the activities'';
          (2) in subsection (b)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraph (B) 
                and redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B);
                  (B) in paragraph (1)(B), as so redesignated, by 
                striking ``, and State levels of performance described 
                in paragraph (3)(B) for each additional indicator of 
                performance''; and
                  (C) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the 
                following:
          ``(2) Indicators of performance.--
                  ``(A) Core indicators of performance for cte 
                concentrators at the secondary level.--Each eligible 
                agency shall identify in the State plan core indicators 
                of performance for CTE concentrators at the secondary 
                level that are valid and reliable, and that include, at 
                a minimum, measures of each of the following:
                          ``(i) The percentage of CTE concentrators who 
                        graduate high school, as measured by--
                                  ``(I) the four-year adjusted cohort 
                                graduation rate (defined in section 
                                8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
                                Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                                7801)); and
                                  ``(II) at the State's discretion, the 
                                extended-year adjusted cohort 
                                graduation rate defined in such section 
                                8101 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
                          ``(ii) CTE concentrator attainment of 
                        challenging State academic standards adopted by 
                        the State under section 1111(b)(1) of the 
                        Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 
                        (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)), and measured by the 
                        academic assessments described in section 
                        1111(b)(2) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)).
                          ``(iii) The percentage of CTE concentrators 
                        who, in the second quarter following the 
                        program year after exiting from secondary 
                        education, are in postsecondary education or 
                        advanced training, military service, or 
                        unsubsidized employment.
                          ``(iv) Not less than one indicator of career 
                        and technical education program quality that--
                                  ``(I) shall include, not less than 
                                one of the following--
                                          ``(aa) the percentage of CTE 
                                        concentrators, as defined in 
                                        section 3(11)(A)(ii), 
                                        graduating from high school 
                                        having attained recognized 
                                        postsecondary credentials;
                                          ``(bb) the percentage of CTE 
                                        concentrators, as defined in 
                                        section 3(11)(A)(ii), 
                                        graduating from high school 
                                        having attained postsecondary 
                                        credits in the relevant career 
                                        and technical educational 
                                        program or program of study 
                                        earned through dual and 
                                        concurrent enrollment or 
                                        another credit transfer 
                                        agreement; or
                                          ``(cc) the percentage of CTE 
                                        concentrators, as defined in 
                                        section 3(11)(A)(ii), 
                                        graduating from high school 
                                        having participated in work-
                                        based learning; and
                                  ``(II) may include any other measure 
                                of student success in career and 
                                technical education that is statewide, 
                                valid, and reliable.
                          ``(v) The percentage of CTE concentrators, as 
                        defined in section 3(11)(A)(ii), in career and 
                        technical education programs and programs of 
                        study that lead to nontraditional fields.
                  ``(B) Core indicators of performance for cte 
                concentrators at the postsecondary level.--Each 
                eligible agency shall identify in the State plan core 
                indicators of performance for CTE concentrators at the 
                postsecondary level that are valid and reliable, and 
                that include, at a minimum, measures of each of the 
                following:
                          ``(i) The percentage of CTE concentrators, 
                        who, during the second quarter after program 
                        completion, are in education or training 
                        activities, advanced training, or unsubsidized 
                        employment.
                          ``(ii) The median earnings of CTE 
                        concentrators in unsubsidized employment two 
                        quarters after program completion.
                          ``(iii) The percentage of CTE concentrators 
                        who receive a recognized postsecondary 
                        credential during participation in or within 1 
                        year of program completion.
                          ``(iv) The percentage of CTE concentrators in 
                        career and technical education programs and 
                        programs of study that lead to nontraditional 
                        fields.
                  ``(C) Alignment of performance indicators.--In 
                developing core indicators of performance under 
                subparagraphs (A) and (B), an eligible agency shall, to 
                the greatest extent possible, align the indicators so 
                that substantially similar information gathered for 
                other State and Federal programs, or for any other 
                purpose, may be used to meet the requirements of this 
                section.'';
                  (D) in paragraph (3)--
                          (i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as 
                        follows:
                  ``(A) State adjusted levels of performance for core 
                indicators of performance.--
                          ``(i) In general.--Each eligible agency, with 
                        input from eligible recipients, shall establish 
                        and identify in the State plan submitted under 
                        section 122, for the first 2 program years 
                        covered by the State plan, State levels of 
                        performance for each of the core indicators of 
                        performance described in subparagraphs (A) and 
                        (B) of paragraph (2) for career and technical 
                        education activities authorized under this 
                        title. The levels of performance established 
                        under this subparagraph shall, at a minimum--
                                  ``(I) be expressed in a percentage or 
                                numerical form, so as to be objective, 
                                quantifiable, and measurable; and
                                  ``(II) be sufficiently ambitious to 
                                allow for meaningful evaluation of 
                                program quality.
                          ``(ii) State adjusted levels of performance 
                        for subsequent years.--Prior to the third 
                        program year covered by the State plan, each 
                        eligible agency shall revise the State levels 
                        of performance for each of the core indicators 
                        of performance for the subsequent program years 
                        covered by the State plan, taking into account 
                        the extent to which such levels of performance 
                        promote meaningful program improvement on such 
                        indicators. The State adjusted levels of 
                        performance identified under this clause shall 
                        be considered to be the State adjusted levels 
                        of performance for the State for such years and 
                        shall be incorporated into the State plan.
                          ``(iii) Reporting.--The eligible agency 
                        shall, for each year described in clauses (i) 
                        and (iii), publicly report and widely 
                        disseminate the State levels of performance 
                        described in this subparagraph.
                          ``(iv) Revisions.--If unanticipated 
                        circumstances arise in a State, the eligible 
                        agency may revise the State adjusted levels of 
                        performance required under this subparagraph, 
                        and submit such revised levels of performance 
                        with evidence supporting the revision and 
                        demonstrating public consultation, in a manner 
                        consistent with the procedure described in 
                        subsections (d) and (f) of section 122.'';
                          (ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and 
                        inserting the following:
                  ``(B) Actual levels of performance.--At the end of 
                each program year, the eligible agency shall determine 
                actual levels of performance on each of the core 
                indicators of performance and publicly report and 
                widely disseminate the actual levels of performance 
                described in this subparagraph.''; and
                          (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                  ``(C)  Establishment of levels of performance.--An 
                eligible agency shall establish State levels of 
                performance under subparagraph (A) in a manner 
                consistent with the procedure adopted by the eligible 
                agency under section 122(d)(9).''; and
                  (E) in paragraph (4)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (A)--
                                  (I) in clause (i)(I), by striking 
                                ``consistent with the State levels of 
                                performance established under paragraph 
                                (3), so as'' and inserting ``consistent 
                                with the form expressed in the State 
                                levels, so as'';
                                  (II) by striking clause (i)(II) and 
                                inserting the following:
                                  ``(II) be sufficiently ambitious to 
                                allow for meaningful evaluation of 
                                program quality.'';
                                  (III) in clause (iv)--
                                          (aa) by striking ``third and 
                                        fifth program years'' and 
                                        inserting ``third program 
                                        year''; and
                                          (bb) by striking 
                                        ``corresponding'' before 
                                        ``subsequent program years'';
                                  (IV) in clause (v)--
                                          (aa) by striking ``and'' at 
                                        the end of subclause (I);
                                          (bb) by redesignating 
                                        subclause (II) as subclause 
                                        (III);
                                          (cc) by inserting after 
                                        subclause (I) the following:
                                  ``(II) local economic conditions;'';
                                          (dd) in subclause (III), as 
                                        so redesignated, by striking 
                                        ``promote continuous 
                                        improvement on the core 
                                        indicators of performance by 
                                        the eligible recipient.'' and 
                                        inserting ``advance the 
                                        eligible recipient's 
                                        accomplishments of the goals 
                                        set forth in the local 
                                        application; and''; and
                                          (ee) by adding at the end the 
                                        following:
                                  ``(IV) the eligible recipient's 
                                ability and capacity to collect and 
                                access valid, reliable, and cost 
                                effective data.'';
                                  (V) in clause (vi), by inserting ``or 
                                changes occur related to improvements 
                                in data or measurement approaches,'' 
                                after ``factors described in clause 
                                (v),''; and
                                  (VI) by adding at the end the 
                                following:
                          ``(vii) Reporting.--The eligible recipient 
                        shall, for each year described in clauses (iii) 
                        and (iv), publicly report the local levels of 
                        performance described in this subparagraph.'';
                          (ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and 
                        redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph 
                        (B); and
                          (iii) in clause (ii)(I) of subparagraph (B), 
                        as so redesignated--
                                  (I) by striking ``section 
                                1111(h)(1)(C)(i)'' and inserting 
                                ``section 1111(h)(1)(C)(ii)''; and
                                  (II) by striking ``section 3(29)'' 
                                and inserting ``section 3(40)''; and
          (3) in subsection (c)--
                  (A) in the heading, by inserting ``State'' before 
                ``Report'';
                  (B) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``information on 
                the levels of performance achieved by the State with 
                respect to the additional indicators of performance, 
                including the'' and inserting ``the''; and
                  (C) in paragraph (2)(A)--
                          (i) by striking ``categories'' and inserting 
                        ``subgroups'';
                          (ii) by striking ``section 1111(h)(1)(C)(i)'' 
                        and inserting ``section 1111(h)(1)(C)(ii)''; 
                        and
                          (iii) by striking ``section 3(29)'' and 
                        inserting ``section 3(40)''.

SEC. 113. NATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

  Section 114 (20 U.S.C. 2324) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1)--
                          (i) by striking ``The Secretary shall'' the 
                        first place it appears and inserting ``The 
                        Secretary shall, in consultation with the 
                        Director of the Institute for Education 
                        Sciences,''; and
                          (ii) by inserting ``from eligible agencies 
                        under section 113(c)'' after ``pursuant to this 
                        title''; and
                  (B) by striking paragraph (3);
          (2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
  ``(b) Reasonable Cost.--The Secretary shall take such action as may 
be necessary to secure at reasonable cost the information required by 
this title. To ensure reasonable cost, the Secretary, in consultation 
with the National Center for Education Statistics and the Office of 
Career, Technical, and Adult Education shall determine the methodology 
to be used and the frequency with which such information is to be 
collected.'';
          (3) in subsection (c)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1)--
                          (i) by striking ``may'' and inserting 
                        ``shall'';
                          (ii) by striking ``, directly or through 
                        grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements,'' 
                        and inserting ``directly or through grants''; 
                        and
                          (iii) by striking ``and assessment''; and
                  (B) in paragraph (2)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, 
                        acting through the Director of the Institute 
                        for Education Sciences,'' after ``describe how 
                        the Secretary''; and
                          (ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``, in 
                        consultation with the Director of the Institute 
                        for Education Sciences,'' after ``the 
                        Secretary'';
          (4) in subsection (d)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1)--
                          (i) in subparagraph (A)--
                                  (I) by inserting ``, acting through 
                                the Director of the Institute for 
                                Education Sciences,'' after ``The 
                                Secretary'';
                                  (II) by inserting ``and the plan 
                                developed under subsection (c)'' after 
                                ``described in paragraph (2)''; and
                                  (III) by striking ``assessment'' each 
                                place such term appears and inserting 
                                ``evaluation''; and
                          (ii) in subparagraph (B)--
                                  (I) in clause (v), by striking ``; 
                                and'' and inserting a semicolon;
                                  (II) in clause (vi), by striking the 
                                period at the end and inserting ``, 
                                which may include individuals with 
                                expertise in addressing inequities in 
                                access to, and in opportunities for 
                                academic and technical skill 
                                attainment; and''; and
                                  (III) by adding at the end the 
                                following:
                          ``(vii) representatives of special 
                        populations.'';
                  (B) in paragraph (2)--
                          (i) in the heading, by striking ``and 
                        assessment'';
                          (ii) in subparagraph (A)--
                                  (I) by inserting ``, acting through 
                                the Director of the Institute for 
                                Education Sciences,'' after ``the 
                                Secretary'';
                                  (II) by striking ``an independent 
                                evaluation and assessment'' and 
                                inserting ``a series of research and 
                                evaluation initiatives for each year 
                                for which funds are appropriated to 
                                carry out this Act, which are aligned 
                                with the plan in subsection (c)(2),'';
                                  (III) by striking ``Carl D. Perkins 
                                Career and Technical Education 
                                Improvement Act of 2006'' and inserting 
                                ``Strengthening Career and Technical 
                                Education for the 21st Century Act'';
                                  (IV) by striking ``, contracts, and 
                                cooperative agreements that are'' and 
                                inserting ``to institutions of higher 
                                education or a consortia of one or more 
                                institutions of higher education and 
                                one or more private nonprofit 
                                organizations or agencies''; and
                                  (V) by adding at the end the 
                                following: ``Such evaluation shall, 
                                whenever possible, use the most recent 
                                data available.''; and
                          (iii) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as 
                        follows:
                  ``(B) Contents.--The evaluation required under 
                subparagraph (A) shall include descriptions and 
                evaluations of--
                          ``(i) the extent and success of the 
                        integration of challenging State academic 
                        standards adopted under 1111(b)(1) of the 
                        Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 
                        (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)) and career and technical 
                        education for students participating in career 
                        and technical education programs, including a 
                        review of the effect of such integration on the 
                        academic and technical proficiency achievement 
                        of such students (including the number of such 
                        students that receive a regular high school 
                        diploma, as such term is defined under section 
                        8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
                        Act of 1965 or a State-defined alternative 
                        diploma described in section 
                        8101(25)(A)(ii)(I)(bb) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 
                        7801(25)(A)(ii)(I)(bb)));
                          ``(ii) the extent to which career and 
                        technical education programs and programs of 
                        study prepare students, including special 
                        populations, for subsequent employment in high-
                        skill, high-wage occupations (including those 
                        in which mathematics and science, which may 
                        include computer science, skills are critical), 
                        or for participation in postsecondary 
                        education;
                          ``(iii) employer involvement in, benefit 
                        from, and satisfaction with, career and 
                        technical education programs and programs of 
                        study and career and technical education 
                        students' preparation for employment;
                          ``(iv) efforts to expand access to career and 
                        technical education programs of study for all 
                        students;
                          ``(v) innovative approaches to work-based 
                        learning programs that increase participation 
                        and alignment with employment in high-growth 
                        industries, including in rural and low-income 
                        areas;
                          ``(vi) the extent to which career and 
                        technical education programs supported by this 
                        Act are grounded on evidence-based research;
                          ``(vii) the impact of the amendments to this 
                        Act made under the Strengthening Career and 
                        Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, 
                        including comparisons, where appropriate, of--
                                  ``(I) the use of the comprehensive 
                                needs assessment under section 134(b);
                                  ``(II) the implementation of programs 
                                of study; and
                                  ``(III) coordination of planning and 
                                program delivery with other relevant 
                                laws, including the Workforce 
                                Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
                                U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) and the Elementary 
                                and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
                                U.S.C. 6301 et seq.);
                          ``(viii) changes in career and technical 
                        education program accountability as described 
                        in section 113 and any effects of such changes 
                        on program delivery and program quality; and
                          ``(ix) changes in student enrollment 
                        patterns.''; and
                          (iv) in subparagraph (C)--
                                  (I) in clause (i)--
                                          (aa) by inserting ``, in 
                                        consultation with the Director 
                                        of the Institute for Education 
                                        Sciences,'' after ``The 
                                        Secretary'';
                                          (bb) in subclause (I)--
                                                  (AA) by striking 
                                                ``assessment'' and 
                                                inserting ``evaluation 
                                                and summary of research 
                                                activities carried out 
                                                under this section''; 
                                                and
                                                  (BB) by striking 
                                                ``2010'' and inserting 
                                                ``2021''; and
                                          (cc) in subclause (II)--
                                                  (AA) by striking 
                                                ``assessment'' and 
                                                inserting ``evaluation 
                                                and summary of research 
                                                activities carried out 
                                                under this section''; 
                                                and
                                                  (BB) by striking 
                                                ``2011'' and inserting 
                                                ``2023''; and
                                  (II) by adding after clause (ii) the 
                                following:
                          ``(iii) Dissemination.--In addition to 
                        submitting the reports required under clause 
                        (i), the Secretary shall disseminate the 
                        results of the evaluation widely and on a 
                        timely basis in order to increase the 
                        understanding among State and local officials 
                        and educators of the effectiveness of programs 
                        and activities supported under the Act and of 
                        the career and technical education programs 
                        that are most likely to produce positive 
                        educational and employment outcomes.''; and
                  (C) by striking paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) and 
                inserting the following:
          ``(3) Innovation.--
                  ``(A) Grant program.--To identify and support 
                evidence-based and innovative strategies and activities 
                to improve career and technical education and align 
                workforce skills with labor market needs as part of the 
                plan developed under subsection (c) and the 
                requirements of this subsection, the Secretary may 
                award grants to eligible entities to--
                          ``(i) create, develop, implement, or take to 
                        scale evidence-based, field initiated 
                        innovations, including through a pay for 
                        success initiative, to improve student outcomes 
                        in career and technical education; and
                          ``(ii) rigorously evaluate such innovations.
                  ``(B) Matching funds.--
                          ``(i) Matching funds required.--Except as 
                        provided under clause (ii), to receive a grant 
                        under this paragraph, an eligible entity shall, 
                        through cash or in-kind contributions, provide 
                        matching funds from public or private sources 
                        in an amount equal to at least 50 percent of 
                        the funds provided under such grant.
                          ``(ii) Exception.--The Secretary may waive 
                        the matching fund requirement under clause (i) 
                        if the eligible entity demonstrates exceptional 
                        circumstances.
                  ``(C) Application.--To receive a grant under this 
                paragraph, an eligible entity shall submit to the 
                Secretary at such a time as the Secretary may require, 
                an application that--
                          ``(i) identifies and designates the agency, 
                        institution, or school responsible for the 
                        administration and supervision of the program 
                        assisted under this paragraph;
                          ``(ii) identifies the source and amount of 
                        the matching funds required under subparagraph 
                        (B)(i);
                          ``(iii) describes how the eligible entity 
                        will use the grant funds, including how such 
                        funds will directly benefit students, including 
                        special populations, served by the eligible 
                        entity;
                          ``(iv) describes how the program assisted 
                        under this paragraph will be coordinated with 
                        the activities carried out under section 124 or 
                        135;
                          ``(v) describes how the program assisted 
                        under this paragraph aligns with the single 
                        plan described in subsection (c); and
                          ``(vi) describes how the program assisted 
                        under this paragraph will be evaluated and how 
                        that evaluation may inform the report described 
                        in subsection (d)(2)(C).
                  ``(D) Priority.--In awarding grants under this 
                paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to 
                applications from eligible entities that will 
                predominantly serve students from low-income families.
                  ``(E) Geographic diversity.--
                          ``(i) In general.--In awarding grants under 
                        this paragraph, the Secretary shall award no 
                        less than 25 percent of the total available 
                        funds for any fiscal year to eligible entities 
                        proposing to fund career and technical 
                        education activities that serve--
                                  ``(I) a local educational agency with 
                                an urban-centric district locale code 
                                of 32, 33, 41, 42, or 43, as determined 
                                by the Secretary;
                                  ``(II) an institution of higher 
                                education primarily serving the one or 
                                more areas served by such a local 
                                educational agency;
                                  ``(III) a consortium of such local 
                                educational agencies or such 
                                institutions of higher education;
                                  ``(IV) a partnership between--
                                          ``(aa) an educational service 
                                        agency or a nonprofit 
                                        organization; and
                                          ``(bb) such a local 
                                        educational agency or such an 
                                        institution of higher 
                                        education; or
                                  ``(V) a partnership between--
                                          ``(aa) a grant recipient 
                                        described in subclause (I) or 
                                        (II); and
                                          ``(bb) a State educational 
                                        agency.
                          ``(ii) Exception.--Notwithstanding clause 
                        (i), the Secretary shall reduce the amount of 
                        funds made available under such clause if the 
                        Secretary does not receive a sufficient number 
                        of applications of sufficient quality.
                  ``(F) Uses of funds.--An eligible entity that is 
                awarded a grant under this paragraph shall use the 
                grant funds, in a manner consistent with subparagraph 
                (A)(i), to--
                          ``(i) improve career and technical education 
                        outcomes of students served by eligible 
                        entities under this title;
                          ``(ii) improve career and technical education 
                        teacher effectiveness;
                          ``(iii) improve the transition of students 
                        from secondary education to postsecondary 
                        education or employment;
                          ``(iv) improve the incorporation of 
                        comprehensive work-based learning into career 
                        and technical education;
                          ``(v) increase the effective use of 
                        technology within career and technical 
                        education programs;
                          ``(vi) support new models for integrating 
                        academic content and career and technical 
                        education content in such programs;
                          ``(vii) support the development and 
                        enhancement of innovative delivery models for 
                        career and technical education;
                          ``(viii) work with industry to design and 
                        implement courses or programs of study aligned 
                        to labor market needs in new or emerging 
                        fields;
                          ``(ix) integrate science, technology, 
                        engineering, and mathematics fields, including 
                        computer science education, with career and 
                        technical education;
                          ``(x) support innovative approaches to career 
                        and technical education by redesigning the high 
                        school experience for students, which may 
                        include evidence-based transitional support 
                        strategies for students who have not met 
                        postsecondary education eligibility 
                        requirements;
                          ``(xi) improve CTE concentrator employment 
                        outcomes in nontraditional fields; or
                          ``(xii) support the use of career and 
                        technical education programs and programs of 
                        study in a coordinated strategy to address 
                        identified employer needs and workforce 
                        shortages, such as shortages in the early 
                        childhood, elementary school, and secondary 
                        school education workforce.
                  ``(G) Evaluation.--Each eligible entity receiving a 
                grant under this paragraph shall provide for an 
                independent evaluation of the activities carried out 
                using such grant and submit to the Secretary an annual 
                report that includes--
                          ``(i) a description of how funds received 
                        under this paragraph were used;
                          ``(ii) the performance of the eligible entity 
                        with respect to, at a minimum, the performance 
                        indicators described under section 113, as 
                        applicable, and disaggregated by--
                                  ``(I) subgroups of students described 
                                in section 1111(c)(2)(B) of the 
                                Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
                                of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(c)(2)(B));
                                  ``(II) special populations; and
                                  ``(III) as appropriate, each career 
                                and technical education program and 
                                program of study; and
                          ``(iii) a quantitative analysis of the 
                        effectiveness of the project carried out under 
                        this paragraph.''; and
          (5) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
  ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section--
          ``(1) $7,523,285 for fiscal year 2018;
          ``(2) $7,626,980 for fiscal year 2019;
          ``(3) $7,732,104 for fiscal year 2020;
          ``(4) $7,838,677 for fiscal year 2021;
          ``(5) $7,946,719 for fiscal year 2022; and
          ``(6) $8,056,251 for fiscal year 2023.''.

SEC. 114. ASSISTANCE FOR THE OUTLYING AREAS.

  Section 115 (20 U.S.C. 2325) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``subject to subsection 
        (d)'' and inserting ``subject to subsection (b)'';
          (2) by striking subsections (b) and (c); and
          (3) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (b).

SEC. 115. TRIBALLY CONTROLLED POSTSECONDARY CAREER AND TECHNICAL 
                    INSTITUTIONS.

  Section 117(i) (20 U.S.C. 2327(i)) is amended to read as follows:
  ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section--
          ``(1) $8,400,208 for fiscal year 2018;
          ``(2) $8,515,989 for fiscal year 2019;
          ``(3) $8,633,367 for fiscal year 2020;
          ``(4) $8,752,362 for fiscal year 2021;
          ``(5) $8,872,998 for fiscal year 2022; and
          ``(6) $8,995,296 for fiscal year 2023.''.

SEC. 116. OCCUPATIONAL AND EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION.

  Section 118 (20 U.S.C. 2328) is repealed.

                        PART B--STATE PROVISIONS

SEC. 121. STATE PLAN.

  Section 122 (20 U.S.C. 2342) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1)--
                          (i) by striking ``6-year period'' and 
                        inserting ``4-year period''; and
                          (ii) by striking ``Carl D. Perkins Career and 
                        Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006'' 
                        and inserting ``Strengthening Career and 
                        Technical Education for the 21st Century Act'';
                  (B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``6-year 
                period'' and inserting ``4-year period''; and
                  (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``(including 
                charter school'' and all that follows through ``and 
                community organizations)'' and inserting ``(including 
                teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support 
                personnel, paraprofessionals, school leaders, 
                authorized public chartering agencies, and charter 
                school leaders, consistent with State law, employers, 
                labor organizations, parents, students, and community 
                organizations)''; and
          (2) by amending subsections (b), (c), (d), and (e) to read as 
        follows:
  ``(b) Options for Submission of State Plan.--
          ``(1) Combined plan.--The eligible agency may submit a 
        combined plan that meets the requirements of this section and 
        the requirements of section 103 of the Workforce Innovation and 
        Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3113), unless the eligible agency 
        opts to submit a single plan under paragraph (2) and informs 
        the Secretary of such decision.
          ``(2) Single plan.--If the eligible agency elects not to 
        submit a combined plan as described in paragraph (1), such 
        eligible agency shall submit a single State plan.
  ``(c) Plan Development.--
          ``(1) In general.--The eligible agency shall--
                  ``(A) develop the State plan in consultation with--
                          ``(i) representatives of secondary and 
                        postsecondary career and technical education 
                        programs, including eligible recipients and 
                        representatives of 2-year Minority-Serving 
                        Institutions and Historically Black Colleges 
                        and Universities in States where such 
                        institutions are in existence, and charter 
                        school representatives in States where such 
                        schools are in existence, which shall include 
                        teachers, faculty, school leaders, specialized 
                        instructional support personnel (including 
                        guidance counselors), and paraprofessionals;
                          ``(ii) interested community representatives, 
                        including parents and students;
                          ``(iii) the State workforce development board 
                        described in section 101 of the Workforce 
                        Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
                        3111);
                          ``(iv) representatives of special 
                        populations;
                          ``(v) representatives of business and 
                        industry (including representatives of small 
                        business), which shall include representatives 
                        of industry and sector partnerships in the 
                        State, as appropriate, and representatives of 
                        labor organizations in the State;
                          ``(vi) representatives of agencies serving 
                        out-of-school youth, homeless children and 
                        youth, and at-risk youth; and
                          ``(vii) representatives of Indian tribes 
                        located in the State; and
                  ``(B) consult the Governor of the State, and the 
                heads of other State agencies with authority for career 
                and technical education programs that are not the 
                eligible agency, with respect to the development of the 
                State plan.
          ``(2) Activities and procedures.--The eligible agency shall 
        develop effective activities and procedures, including access 
        to information needed to use such procedures, to allow the 
        individuals and entities described in paragraph (1) to 
        participate in State and local decisions that relate to 
        development of the State plan.
  ``(d) Plan Contents.--The State plan shall include--
          ``(1) a summary of State-supported workforce development 
        activities (including education and training) in the State, 
        including the degree to which the State's career and technical 
        education programs and programs of study are aligned with such 
        activities;
          ``(2) the State's strategic vision and set of goals for 
        preparing an educated and skilled workforce (including special 
        populations) and for meeting the skilled workforce needs of 
        employers, including in-demand industry sectors and occupations 
        as identified by the State, and how the State's career and 
        technical education programs will help to meet these goals;
          ``(3) a summary of the strategic planning elements of the 
        unified State plan required under section 102(b)(1) of the 
        Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
        3112(b)(1)), including the elements related to system alignment 
        under section 102(b)(2)(B) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 
        3112(b)(2)(B));
          ``(4) a description of the career and technical education 
        programs or programs of study that will be supported, 
        developed, or improved, including descriptions of--
                  ``(A) the programs of study to be developed at the 
                State level and made available for adoption by eligible 
                recipients;
                  ``(B) the process and criteria to be used for 
                approving locally developed programs of study or career 
                pathways, including how such programs address State 
                workforce development and education needs; and
                  ``(C) how the eligible agency will--
                          ``(i) make information on approved programs 
                        of study and career pathways, including career 
                        exploration, work-based learning opportunities, 
                        dual and concurrent enrollment opportunities, 
                        and guidance and advisement resources, 
                        available to students and parents;
                          ``(ii) ensure nonduplication of eligible 
                        recipients' development of programs of study 
                        and career pathways;
                          ``(iii) determine alignment of eligible 
                        recipients' programs of study to the State, 
                        regional or local economy, including in-demand 
                        fields and occupations identified by the State 
                        workforce development board as appropriate;
                          ``(iv) provide equal access to activities 
                        assisted under this Act for special 
                        populations;
                          ``(v) coordinate with the State workforce 
                        board to support the local development of 
                        career pathways and articulate processes by 
                        which career pathways will be developed by 
                        local workforce development boards;
                          ``(vi) use State, regional, or local labor 
                        market data to align career and technical 
                        education with State labor market needs;
                          ``(vii) support effective and meaningful 
                        collaboration between secondary schools, 
                        postsecondary institutions, and employers, 
                        which may include the development of 
                        articulation agreements described in section 
                        124(b)(3); and
                          ``(viii) improve outcomes for CTE 
                        concentrators, including those who are members 
                        of special populations;
          ``(5) a description of the criteria and process for how the 
        eligible agency will approve eligible recipients for funds 
        under this Act, including how--
                  ``(A) each eligible recipient will promote academic 
                achievement;
                  ``(B) each eligible recipient will promote skill 
                attainment, including skill attainment that leads to a 
                recognized postsecondary credential; and
                  ``(C) each eligible recipient will ensure the local 
                needs assessment under section 134 takes into 
                consideration local economic and education needs, 
                including where appropriate, in-demand industry sectors 
                and occupations;
          ``(6) a description of how the eligible agency will support 
        the recruitment and preparation of teachers, including special 
        education teachers, faculty, administrators, specialized 
        instructional support personnel, and paraprofessionals to 
        provide career and technical education instruction, leadership, 
        and support;
          ``(7) a description of how the eligible agency will use State 
        leadership funding to meet the requirements of section 124(b);
          ``(8) a description of how funds received by the eligible 
        agency through the allotment made under section 111 will be 
        distributed--
                  ``(A) among career and technical education at the 
                secondary level, or career and technical education at 
                the postsecondary and adult level, or both, including 
                how such distribution will most effectively provide 
                students with the skills needed to succeed in the 
                workplace; and
                  ``(B) among any consortia that may be formed among 
                secondary schools and eligible institutions, and how 
                funds will be distributed among the members of the 
                consortia, including the rationale for such 
                distribution and how it will most effectively provide 
                students with the skills needed to succeed in the 
                workplace;
          ``(9) a description of the procedure the eligible agency will 
        adopt for determining State adjusted levels of performance 
        described in section 113, which at a minimum shall include--
                  ``(A) consultation with stakeholders identified in 
                paragraph (1);
                  ``(B) opportunities for the public to comment in 
                person and in writing on the State adjusted levels of 
                performance included in the State plan; and
                  ``(C) submission of public comment on State adjusted 
                levels of performance as part of the State plan; and
          ``(10) assurances that--
                  ``(A) the eligible agency will comply with the 
                requirements of this Act and the provisions of the 
                State plan, including the provision of a financial 
                audit of funds received under this Act, which may be 
                included as part of an audit of other Federal or State 
                programs;
                  ``(B) none of the funds expended under this Act will 
                be used to acquire equipment (including computer 
                software) in any instance in which such acquisition 
                results in a direct financial benefit to any 
                organization representing the interests of the 
                acquiring entity or the employees of the acquiring 
                entity, or any affiliate of such an organization;
                  ``(C) the eligible agency will use the funds to 
                promote preparation for high-skill, high-wage, or in-
                demand occupations and nontraditional fields, as 
                identified by the State;
                  ``(D) the eligible agency will use the funds provided 
                under this Act to implement career and technical 
                education programs and programs of study for 
                individuals in State correctional institutions, 
                including juvenile justice facilities; and
                  ``(E) the eligible agency will provide local 
                educational agencies, area career and technical 
                education schools, and eligible institutions in the 
                State with technical assistance, including technical 
                assistance on how to close gaps in student 
                participation and performance in career and technical 
                education programs.
  ``(e) Consultation.--
          ``(1) In general.--The eligible agency shall develop the 
        portion of each State plan relating to the amount and uses of 
        any funds proposed to be reserved for adult career and 
        technical education, postsecondary career and technical 
        education, and secondary career and technical education after 
        consultation with the--
                  ``(A) State agency responsible for supervision of 
                community colleges, technical institutes, or other 2-
                year postsecondary institutions primarily engaged in 
                providing postsecondary career and technical education;
                  ``(B) the State agency responsible for secondary 
                education; and
                  ``(C) the State agency responsible for adult 
                education.
          ``(2) Objections of state agencies.--If a State agency other 
        than the eligible agency finds that a portion of the final 
        State plan is objectionable, that objection shall be filed 
        together with the State plan. The eligible agency shall respond 
        to any objections of such State agency in the State plan 
        submitted to the Secretary.
  ``(f) Plan Approval.--
          ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall approve a State plan 
        not later than 120 days after its submission to the Secretary 
        unless the Secretary--
                  ``(A) determines that the State plan does not meet 
                the requirements of this Act, including the 
                requirements described in section 113; and
                  ``(B) meets the requirements of paragraph (2) with 
                respect to such plan.
          ``(2) Disapproval.--The Secretary shall--
                  ``(A) have the authority to disapprove a State plan 
                only if the Secretary--
                          ``(i) determines how the State plan fails to 
                        meet the requirements of this Act; and
                          ``(ii) provides to the eligible agency, in 
                        writing, notice of such determination and the 
                        supporting information and rationale to 
                        substantiate such determination; and
                  ``(B) not finally disapprove a State plan, except 
                after making the determination and providing the 
                information described in subparagraph (A), and giving 
                the eligible agency notice and an opportunity for a 
                hearing.''.

SEC. 122. IMPROVEMENT PLANS.

  Section 123 (20 U.S.C. 2343) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1)--
                          (i) by striking ``percent of an agreed upon'' 
                        and inserting ``percent of the''; and
                          (ii) by striking ``appropriate agencies,'' 
                        and inserting ``appropriate State agencies,'';
                  (B) in paragraph (2)--
                          (i) by striking ``purposes of this Act,'' and 
                        inserting ``purposes of this section, including 
                        after implementation of the improvement plan 
                        described in paragraph (1),'' and
                          (ii) by striking ``work with the eligible 
                        agency'' and inserting ``provide the eligible 
                        agency technical assistance''; and
                  (C) in paragraph (3)--
                          (i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as 
                        follows:
                  ``(A) In general.--If the eligible agency fails to 
                make any improvement in meeting any of the State 
                adjusted levels of performance for any of the core 
                indicators of performance identified under paragraph 
                (1) during the first 2 years of implementation of the 
                improvement plan required under paragraph (1), the 
                eligible agency--
                          ``(i) shall develop and implement, in 
                        consultation with the stakeholders described in 
                        section 122(c)(1)(A), a revised improvement 
                        plan (with special consideration of performance 
                        gaps identified under section 113(c)(2)(B)) to 
                        address the reasons for such failure; and
                          ``(ii) shall continue to implement such 
                        improvement plan until the eligible agency 
                        meets at least 90 percent of the State adjusted 
                        level of performance for the same core 
                        indicators of performance for which the plan is 
                        revised.'';
                          (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as 
                        subparagraph (C);
                          (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A), 
                        the following:
                  ``(B) Revised performance improvement plan 
                implementation.--The Secretary shall provide technical 
                assistance, monitoring, and oversight to each eligible 
                agency with a plan revised under subparagraph (A)(i) 
                until such agency meets the requirements of 
                subparagraph (A)(ii).''; and
                          (iv) in subparagraph (C), as redesignated by 
                        clause (ii), by striking ``sanction in'' and 
                        inserting ``requirements of''; and
                  (D) by striking paragraph (4);
          (2) in subsection (b)--
                  (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``the eligible 
                agency, appropriate agencies, individuals, and 
                organizations'' and inserting ``local stakeholders 
                included in section 134(d)(1)'';
                  (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``shall work with 
                the eligible recipient to implement improvement 
                activities consistent with the requirements of this 
                Act.'' and inserting ``shall provide technical 
                assistance to assist the eligible recipient in meeting 
                its responsibilities under section 134.'';
                  (C) in paragraph (4)--
                          (i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as 
                        follows:
                  ``(A) In general.--If the eligible recipient fails to 
                make any improvement in meeting any of the local 
                adjusted levels of performance for any of the core 
                indicators of performance identified under paragraph 
                (2) during a number of years determined by the eligible 
                agency, the eligible recipient--
                          ``(i) shall revise the improvement plan 
                        described in paragraph (2) to address the 
                        reasons for such failure; and
                          ``(ii) shall continue to implement such 
                        improvement plan until such recipient meets at 
                        least 90 percent of an agreed upon local 
                        adjusted level of performance for the same core 
                        indicators of performance for which the plan is 
                        revised.''; and
                          (ii) in subparagraph (B)--
                                  (I) in the matter preceding clause 
                                (i)--
                                          (aa) by striking ``In 
                                        determining whether to impose 
                                        sanctions under subparagraph 
                                        (A), the'' and inserting 
                                        ``The''; and
                                          (bb) by striking ``waive 
                                        imposing sanctions'' and 
                                        inserting ``waive the 
                                        requirements of subparagraph 
                                        (A)'';
                                  (II) in clause (i), by striking 
                                ``or'' at the end;
                                  (III) in clause (ii), by striking the 
                                period at the end and inserting ``; 
                                or''; and
                                  (IV) by adding at the end the 
                                following:
                          ``(iii) in response to a public request from 
                        an eligible recipient consistent with clauses 
                        (i) and (ii).''; and
                  (D) by striking paragraph (5); and
          (3) by adding at the end the following:
  ``(c) Plan Development.--Except for consultation described in 
subsection (b)(2), the State and local improvement plans, and the 
elements of such plans, required under this section shall be developed 
solely by the eligible agency or the eligible recipient, 
respectively.''.

SEC. 123. STATE LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.

  Section 124 (20 U.S.C. 2344) is amended--
          (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``shall conduct State 
        leadership activities.'' and inserting ``shall--
          ``(1) conduct State leadership activities directly; and
          ``(2) report on the effectiveness of such use of funds in 
        achieving the goals described in section 122(d)(2) and the 
        State adjusted levels of performance described in section 
        113(b)(3)(A).'';
          (2) in subsection (b)--
                  (A) by striking paragraphs (1) through (4) and 
                inserting the following:
          ``(1) developing statewide programs of study, which may 
        include standards, curriculum, and course development, and 
        career exploration, guidance, and advisement activities and 
        resources;
          ``(2) approving locally developed programs of study that meet 
        the requirements established in section 122(d)(4)(B);
          ``(3) establishing statewide articulation agreements aligned 
        to approved programs of study;
          ``(4) establishing statewide partnerships among local 
        educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and 
        employers, including small businesses, to develop and implement 
        programs of study aligned to State and local economic and 
        education needs, including as appropriate, in-demand industry 
        sectors and occupations;''; and
                  (B) by striking paragraphs (6) through (9) and 
                inserting the following:
          ``(6) support services for individuals in State institutions, 
        such as State correctional institutions, including juvenile 
        justice facilities, and educational institutions that serve 
        individuals with disabilities;
          ``(7) for faculty and teachers providing career and technical 
        education instruction, support services, and specialized 
        instructional support services, high-quality comprehensive 
        professional development that is, to the extent practicable, 
        grounded in evidence-based research (to the extent a State 
        determines that such evidence is reasonably available) that 
        identifies the most effective educator professional development 
        process and is coordinated and aligned with other professional 
        development activities carried out by the State (including 
        under title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
        1965 (20 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.) and title II of the Higher 
        Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1021 et seq.)), including 
        programming that--
                  ``(A) promotes the integration of the challenging 
                State academic standards adopted by the State under 
                section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary 
                Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)) and 
                relevant technical knowledge and skills;
                  ``(B) prepares career and technical education 
                teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support 
                personnel, and paraprofessionals to provide appropriate 
                accommodations for students who are members of special 
                populations, including through the use of principles of 
                universal design for learning; and
                  ``(C) increases understanding of industry standards, 
                as appropriate, for faculty providing career and 
                technical education instruction; and
          ``(8) technical assistance for eligible recipients.''; and
          (3) in subsection (c), by striking paragraphs (1) through 
        (17) and inserting the following:
          ``(1) awarding incentive grants to eligible recipients--
                  ``(A) for exemplary performance in carrying out 
                programs under this Act, which awards shall be based 
                on--
                          ``(i) eligible recipients exceeding the local 
                        adjusted level of performance established under 
                        section 113(b)(4)(A) in a manner that reflects 
                        sustained or significant improvement;
                          ``(ii) eligible recipients effectively 
                        developing connections between secondary 
                        education and postsecondary education and 
                        training;
                          ``(iii) the integration of academic and 
                        technical standards;
                          ``(iv) eligible recipients' progress in 
                        closing achievement gaps among subpopulations 
                        who participate in programs of study; or
                          ``(v) other factors relating to the 
                        performance of eligible recipients under this 
                        Act as the eligible agency determines are 
                        appropriate; or
                  ``(B) if an eligible recipient elects to use funds as 
                permitted under section 135(c);
          ``(2) providing support for the adoption and integration of 
        recognized postsecondary credentials or for consultation and 
        coordination with other State agencies for the identification, 
        consolidation, or elimination of licenses or certifications 
        which pose an unnecessary barrier to entry for aspiring workers 
        and provide limited consumer protection;
          ``(3) the creation, implementation, and support of pay-for-
        success initiatives leading to recognized postsecondary 
        credentials;
          ``(4) support for career and technical education programs for 
        adults and out-of-school youth concurrent with their completion 
        of their secondary school education in a school or other 
        educational setting;
          ``(5) the creation, evaluation, and support of competency-
        based curricula;
          ``(6) support for the development, implementation, and 
        expansion of programs of study or career pathways in areas 
        declared to be in a state of emergency under section 501 of the 
        Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act 
        (42 U.S.C. 5191);
          ``(7) providing support for dual or concurrent enrollment 
        programs, such as early college high schools;
          ``(8) improvement of career guidance and academic counseling 
        programs that assist students in making informed academic and 
        career and technical education decisions, including academic 
        and financial aid counseling;
          ``(9) support for the integration of employability skills 
        into career and technical education programs and programs of 
        study;
          ``(10) support for programs and activities that increase 
        access, student engagement, and success in science, technology, 
        engineering, and mathematics fields (including computer 
        science), particularly for students who are members of groups 
        underrepresented in such subject fields, such as female 
        students, minority students, and students who are members of 
        special populations;
          ``(11) support for career and technical student 
        organizations, especially with respect to efforts to increase 
        the participation of students who are members of special 
        populations;
          ``(12) support for establishing and expanding work-based 
        learning opportunities;
          ``(13) support for preparing, retaining, and training of 
        career and technical education teachers, faculty, specialized 
        instructional support personnel, and paraprofessionals, such as 
        preservice, professional development, and leadership 
        development programs;
          ``(14) integrating and aligning programs of study and career 
        pathways;
          ``(15) supporting the use of career and technical education 
        programs and programs of study aligned with State, regional, or 
        local in-demand industry sectors or occupations identified by 
        State or local workforce development boards;
          ``(16) making all forms of instructional content widely 
        available, which may include use of open educational resources;
          ``(17) support for the integration of arts and design skills, 
        when appropriate, into career and technical education programs 
        and programs of study; and
          ``(18) support for accelerated learning programs (described 
        in section 4104(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV) of the Elementary and Secondary 
        Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7114(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV)) when any 
        such program is part of a program of study.''.

                        PART C--LOCAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 131. LOCAL APPLICATION FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION 
                    PROGRAMS.

  Section 134 (20 U.S.C. 2354) is amended--
          (1) in the section heading by striking ``local plan'' and 
        inserting ``local application'';
          (2) in subsection (a)--
                  (A) in the heading, by striking ``Local Plan'' and 
                inserting ``Local Application'';
                  (B) by striking ``submit a local plan'' and inserting 
                ``submit a local application''; and
                  (C) by striking ``Such local plan'' and inserting 
                ``Such local application''; and
          (3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
  ``(b) Contents.--The eligible agency shall determine the requirements 
for local applications, except that each local application shall 
contain--
          ``(1) a description of the results of the comprehensive needs 
        assessment conducted under subsection (c);
          ``(2) information on the programs of study approved by a 
        State under section 124(b)(2) supported by the eligible 
        recipient with funds under this part, including--
                  ``(A) how the results of the comprehensive needs 
                assessment described in subsection (c) informed the 
                selection of the specific career and technical 
                education programs and activities selected to be 
                funded; and
                  ``(B) a description of any new programs of study the 
                eligible recipient will develop and submit to the State 
                for approval;
          ``(3) a description of how the eligible recipient will 
        provide--
                  ``(A) career exploration and career development 
                coursework, activities, or services;
                  ``(B) career information; and
                  ``(C) an organized system of career guidance and 
                academic counseling to students before enrolling and 
                while participating in a career and technical education 
                program; and
          ``(4) a description of how the eligible recipient will--
                  ``(A) provide activities to prepare special 
                populations for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand 
                occupations that will lead to self-sufficiency; and
                  ``(B) prepare CTE participants for nontraditional 
                fields.
  ``(c) Comprehensive Needs Assessment.--
          ``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive financial 
        assistance under this part, an eligible recipient shall--
                  ``(A) conduct a comprehensive local needs assessment 
                related to career and technical education; and
                  ``(B) not less than once every 2 years, update such 
                comprehensive local needs assessment.
          ``(2) Requirements.--The comprehensive local needs assessment 
        described under paragraph (1) shall include--
                  ``(A) an evaluation of the performance of the 
                students served by the eligible recipient with respect 
                to State and local adjusted levels of performance 
                established pursuant to section 113, including an 
                evaluation of performance for special populations;
                  ``(B) a description of how career and technical 
                education programs offered by the eligible recipient 
                are--
                          ``(i) sufficient in size, scope, and quality 
                        to meet the needs of all students served by the 
                        eligible recipient; and
                          ``(ii)(I) aligned to State, regional, or 
                        local in-demand industry sectors or occupations 
                        identified by the State or local workforce 
                        development board, including career pathways, 
                        where appropriate; or
                          ``(II) designed to meet local education or 
                        economic needs not identified by State or local 
                        workforce development boards;
                  ``(C) an evaluation of progress toward the 
                implementation of career and technical education 
                programs and programs of study;
                  ``(D) an evaluation of strategies needed to overcome 
                barriers that result in lowering rates of access to, or 
                lowering success in, career and technical education 
                programs for special populations, which may include 
                strategies to establish or utilize existing flexible 
                learning and manufacturing facilities, such as 
                makerspaces;
                  ``(E) a description of how the eligible recipient 
                will improve recruitment, retention, and training of 
                career and technical education teachers, faculty, 
                specialized instructional support personnel, 
                paraprofessionals, and career, academic, and guidance 
                counselors, including individuals in groups 
                underrepresented in such professions; and
                  ``(F) a description of how the eligible recipient 
                will support the transition to teaching from business 
                and industry.
  ``(d) Consultation.--In conducting the comprehensive needs assessment 
under subsection (c), an eligible recipient shall involve a diverse 
body of stakeholders, including, at a minimum--
          ``(1) representatives of career and technical education 
        programs in a local educational agency or educational service 
        agency, including teachers and administrators;
          ``(2) representatives of career and technical education 
        programs at postsecondary educational institutions, including 
        faculty and administrators;
          ``(3) representatives of State or local workforce development 
        boards and a range of local or regional businesses or 
        industries;
          ``(4) parents and students;
          ``(5) representatives of special populations; and
          ``(6) representatives of local agencies serving out-of-school 
        youth, homeless children and youth, and at-risk youth (as 
        defined in section 1432 of the Elementary and Secondary 
        Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6472)).
  ``(e) Continued Consultation.--An eligible recipient receiving 
financial assistance under this part shall consult with the entities 
described in subsection (d) on an ongoing basis to--
          ``(1) provide input on annual updates to the comprehensive 
        needs assessment required under subsection (c);
          ``(2) ensure programs of study are--
                  ``(A) responsive to community employment needs;
                  ``(B) aligned with employment priorities in the 
                State, regional, or local economy identified by 
                employers and the entities described in subsection (d), 
                which may include in-demand industry sectors or 
                occupations identified by the local workforce 
                development board;
                  ``(C) informed by labor market information, including 
                information provided under section 15(e)(2)(C) of the 
                Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 491-2(e)(2)(C));
                  ``(D) designed to meet current, intermediate, or 
                long-term labor market projections; and
                  ``(E) allow employer input, including input from 
                industry or sector partnerships in the local area, 
                where applicable, into the development and 
                implementation of programs of study to ensure programs 
                align with skills required by local employment 
                opportunities, including activities such as the 
                identification of relevant standards, curriculum, 
                industry-recognized credentials, and current technology 
                and equipment;
          ``(3) identify and encourage opportunities for work-based 
        learning; and
          ``(4) ensure funding under this part is used in a coordinated 
        manner with other local resources.''.

SEC. 132. LOCAL USES OF FUNDS.

  Section 135 (20 U.S.C. 2355) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 135. LOCAL USES OF FUNDS.

  ``(a) General Authority.--Each eligible recipient that receives funds 
under this part shall use such funds to develop, coordinate, implement, 
or improve career and technical education programs to meet the needs 
identified in the comprehensive needs assessment described in section 
134(c).
  ``(b) Requirements for Uses of Funds.--Funds made available to 
eligible recipients under this part shall be used to support career and 
technical education programs that are of sufficient size, scope, and 
quality to be effective and--
          ``(1) provide career exploration and career development 
        activities through an organized, systematic framework designed 
        to aid students, before enrolling and while participating in a 
        career and technical education program, in making informed 
        plans and decisions about future education and career 
        opportunities and programs of study, which may include--
                  ``(A) introductory courses or activities focused on 
                career exploration and career awareness;
                  ``(B) readily available career and labor market 
                information, including information on--
                          ``(i) occupational supply and demand;
                          ``(ii) educational requirements;
                          ``(iii) other information on careers aligned 
                        to State or local economic priorities; and
                          ``(iv) employment sectors;
                  ``(C) programs and activities related to the 
                development of student graduation and career plans;
                  ``(D) career guidance and academic counselors that 
                provide information on postsecondary education and 
                career options; or
                  ``(E) any other activity that advances knowledge of 
                career opportunities and assists students in making 
                informed decisions about future education and 
                employment goals;
          ``(2) provide professional development for teachers, 
        principals, school leaders, administrators, faculty, and career 
        and guidance counselors with respect to content and pedagogy 
        that--
                  ``(A) supports individualized academic and career and 
                technical education instructional approaches, including 
                the integration of academic and career and technical 
                education standards and curriculum;
                  ``(B) ensures labor market information is used to 
                inform the programs, guidance, and advisement offered 
                to students;
                  ``(C) provides educators with opportunities to 
                advance knowledge, skills, and understanding of all 
                aspects of an industry, including the latest workplace 
                equipment, technologies, standards, and credentials;
                  ``(D) supports administrators in managing career and 
                technical education programs in the schools, 
                institutions, or local educational agencies of such 
                administrators;
                  ``(E) supports the implementation of strategies to 
                improve student achievement and close gaps in student 
                participation and performance in career and technical 
                education programs; and
                  ``(F) provides educators with opportunities to 
                advance knowledge, skills, and understanding in 
                pedagogical practices, including, to the extent the 
                eligible recipient determines that such evidence is 
                reasonably available, evidence-based pedagogical 
                practices;
          ``(3) provide career and technical education students, 
        including special populations, with the skills necessary to 
        pursue high-skill, high-wage occupations;
          ``(4) support integration of academic skills into career and 
        technical education programs and programs of study to support 
        CTE participants at the secondary school level in meeting the 
        challenging State academic standards adopted under section 
        1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
        1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)) by the State in which the eligible 
        recipient is located;
          ``(5) plan and carry out elements that support the 
        implementation of career and technical education programs and 
        programs of study and student achievement of the local adjusted 
        levels of performance established under section 113, which may 
        include--
                  ``(A) curriculum aligned with the requirements for a 
                program of study;
                  ``(B) sustainable relationships among education, 
                business and industry, and other community 
                stakeholders, including industry or sector partnerships 
                in the local area, where applicable, that are designed 
                to facilitate the process of continuously updating and 
                aligning programs of study with skills in demand in the 
                State, regional, or local economy;
                  ``(C) dual or concurrent enrollment programs, 
                including early college high schools, and the 
                development or implementation of articulation 
                agreements;
                  ``(D) appropriate equipment, technology, and 
                instructional materials (including support for library 
                resources) aligned with business and industry needs, 
                including machinery, testing equipment, tools, 
                implements, hardware and software, and other new and 
                emerging instructional materials;
                  ``(E) a continuum of work-based learning 
                opportunities;
                  ``(F) industry-recognized certification exams or 
                other assessments leading toward industry-recognized 
                postsecondary credentials;
                  ``(G) efforts to recruit and retain career and 
                technical education program administrators and 
                educators;
                  ``(H) where applicable, coordination with other 
                education and workforce development programs and 
                initiatives, including career pathways and sector 
                partnerships developed under the Workforce Innovation 
                and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) and other 
                Federal laws and initiatives that provide students with 
                transition-related services, including the Individuals 
                with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et 
                seq.);
                  ``(I) expanding opportunities for students to 
                participate in distance career and technical education 
                and blended-learning programs;
                  ``(J) expanding opportunities for students to 
                participate in competency-based education programs;
                  ``(K) improving career guidance and academic 
                counseling programs that assist students in making 
                informed academic and career and technical education 
                decisions, including academic and financial aid 
                counseling;
                  ``(L) supporting the integration of employability 
                skills into career and technical education programs and 
                programs of study;
                  ``(M) supporting programs and activities that 
                increase access, student engagement, and success in 
                science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
                fields (including computer science) for students who 
                are members of groups underrepresented in such subject 
                fields;
                  ``(N) providing career and technical education, in a 
                school or other educational setting, for adults or a 
                school-aged individual who has dropped out of a 
                secondary school to complete secondary school education 
                or upgrade technical skills;
                  ``(O) career and technical student organizations, 
                including student preparation for and participation in 
                technical skills competitions aligned with career and 
                technical education program standards and curriculum;
                  ``(P) making all forms of instructional content 
                widely available, which may include use of open 
                educational resources;
                  ``(Q) supporting the integration of arts and design 
                skills, when appropriate, into career and technical 
                education programs and programs of study;
                  ``(R) where appropriate, expanding opportunities for 
                CTE concentrators to participate in accelerated 
                learning programs (described in section 
                4104(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV) of the Elementary and Secondary 
                Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7114(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV)) 
                as part of a program of study; and
                  ``(S) other activities to improve career and 
                technical education programs; and
          ``(6) develop and implement evaluations of the activities 
        carried out with funds under this part, including evaluations 
        necessary to complete the comprehensive needs assessment 
        required under section 134(c) and the local report required 
        under section 113(b)(4)(C).
  ``(c) Pooling Funds.--An eligible recipient may pool a portion of 
funds received under this Act with a portion of funds received under 
this Act available to not less than one other eligible recipient to 
support implementation of programs of study through the activities 
described in subsection (b)(2).
  ``(d) Administrative Costs.--Each eligible recipient receiving funds 
under this part shall not use more than 5 percent of such funds for 
costs associated with the administration of activities under this 
section.''.

                      TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 201. FEDERAL AND STATE ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

  The Act (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.) is amended--
          (1) in section 311(b)--
                  (A) in paragraph (1)--
                          (i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as 
                        follows:
                  ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph 
                (B), (C), or (D), in order for a State to receive its 
                full allotment of funds under this Act for any fiscal 
                year, the Secretary must find that the State's fiscal 
                effort per student, or the aggregate expenditures of 
                such State, with respect to career and technical 
                education for the preceding fiscal year was not less 
                than the fiscal effort per student, or the aggregate 
                expenditures of such State, for the second preceding 
                fiscal year.'';
                          (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``shall 
                        exclude capital expenditures, special 1-time 
                        project costs, and the cost of pilot 
                        programs.'' and inserting ``shall, at the 
                        request of the State, exclude competitive or 
                        incentive-based programs established by the 
                        State, capital expenditures, special one-time 
                        project costs, and the cost of pilot 
                        programs.''; and
                          (iii) by adding after subparagraph (C), the 
                        following new subparagraph:
                  ``(D) Establishing the state baseline.--
                          ``(i) In general.--For purposes of 
                        subparagraph (A), the State may--
                                  ``(I) continue to use the State's 
                                fiscal effort per student, or aggregate 
                                expenditures of such State, with 
                                respect to career and technical 
                                education, as was in effect on the day 
                                before the date of enactment of the 
                                Strengthening Career and Technical 
                                Education for the 21st Century Act; or
                                  ``(II) establish a new level of 
                                fiscal effort per student, or aggregate 
                                expenditures of such State, with 
                                respect to career and technical 
                                education, which is not less than 90 
                                percent of the State's fiscal effort 
                                per student, or the aggregate 
                                expenditures of such State, with 
                                respect to career and technical 
                                education for the preceding fiscal 
                                year.
                          ``(ii) Amount.--The amount of the new level 
                        described in clause (i)(II) shall be the 
                        State's fiscal effort per student, or aggregate 
                        expenditures of such State, with respect to 
                        career and technical education, for the first 
                        full fiscal year following the enactment of the 
                        Strengthening Career and Technical Education 
                        for the 21st Century Act.''; and
                  (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the 
                following:
          ``(2) Failure to meet.--The Secretary shall reduce the amount 
        of a State's allotment of funds under this Act for any fiscal 
        year in the exact proportion by which the State fails to meet 
        the requirement of paragraph (1) by falling below the State's 
        fiscal effort per student or the State's aggregate expenditures 
        (using the measure most favorable to the State), if the State 
        failed to meet such requirement (as determined using the 
        measure most favorable to the State) for 1 or more of the 5 
        immediately preceding fiscal years.
          ``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive paragraph (2) due to 
        exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances affecting the 
        ability of the State to meet the requirement of paragraph 
        (1).'';
          (2) in section 317(b)(1)--
                  (A) by striking ``may, upon written request, use 
                funds made available under this Act to'' and inserting 
                ``may use funds made available under this Act to''; and
                  (B) by striking ``who reside in the geographical area 
                served by'' and inserting ``located in or near the 
                geographical area served by'';
          (3) by striking title II and redesignating title III as title 
        II;
          (4) by redesignating sections 311 through 318 as sections 211 
        through 218, respectively;
          (5) by redesignating sections 321 through 324 as sections 221 
        through 224, respectively; and
          (6) by inserting after section 218 (as so redesignated) the 
        following:

``SEC. 219. STUDY ON PROGRAMS OF STUDY ALIGNED TO HIGH-SKILL, HIGH-WAGE 
                    OCCUPATIONS.

  ``(a) Scope of Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
shall conduct a study to evaluate--
          ``(1) the strategies, components, policies, and practices 
        used by eligible agencies or eligible recipients receiving 
        funding under this Act to successfully assist--
                  ``(A) all students in pursuing and completing 
                programs of study aligned to high-skill, high-wage 
                occupations; and
                  ``(B) any specific subgroup of students identified in 
                section 1111(h)(1)(C)(ii) of the Elementary and 
                Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                6311(h)(1)(C)(ii)) in pursuing and completing programs 
                of study aligned to high-skill, high-wage occupations 
                in fields in which such subgroup is underrepresented; 
                and
          ``(2) any challenges associated with replication of such 
        strategies, components, policies, and practices.
  ``(b) Consultation.--In carrying out the study conducted under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
consult with a geographically diverse (including urban, suburban, and 
rural) representation of--
          ``(1) students and parents;
          ``(2) eligible agencies and eligible recipients;
          ``(3) teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support 
        personnel, and paraprofessionals, including those with 
        expertise in preparing CTE students for nontraditional fields;
          ``(4) special populations; and
          ``(5) representatives of business and industry.
  ``(c) Submission.--Upon completion, the Comptroller General of the 
United States shall submit the study conducted under subsection (a) to 
the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions of the Senate.''.

             TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO THE WAGNER-PEYSER ACT

SEC. 301. STATE RESPONSIBILITIES.

  Section 15(e)(2) of the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49l-2(e)(2)) is 
amended--
          (1) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
                  ``(B) consult with eligible agencies (defined in 
                section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 
                Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302)), State 
                educational agencies, and local educational agencies 
                concerning the provision of workforce and labor market 
                information in order to--
                          ``(i) meet the needs of secondary school and 
                        postsecondary school students who seek such 
                        information; and
                          ``(ii) annually inform the development and 
                        implementation of programs of study defined in 
                        section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
                        Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 
                        2302), and career pathways;'';
          (2) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``and'' at the end;
          (3) in subparagraph (H), by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
          (4) by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following new 
        subparagraph:
                  ``(I) provide, on an annual and timely basis to each 
                eligible agency (defined in section 3 of the Carl D. 
                Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 
                U.S.C. 2302)), the data and information described in 
                subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(1).''.

                                Purpose

    H.R. 2353, Strengthening Career and Technical Education for 
the 21st Century Act, amends the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins Act) to help more 
Americans enter the workforce with the skills necessary to 
compete for and succeed in high-skilled, in-demand careers.

                            Committee Action

    H.R. 2353 is the culmination of efforts by the Committee on 
Education and the Workforce (Committee) throughout the 113th, 
114th, and 115th Congresses to improve the Perkins Act so that 
it reflects the current realities and challenges facing 
students, workers, and employers. The legislation builds on the 
Committee's reforms to both K-12 education and workforce 
development systems passed into law through the Every Student 
Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Workforce Innovation and 
Opportunity Act (WIOA).

                             113TH CONGRESS

Hearings--First Session

    On September 20, 2013, the Committee's Subcommittee on 
Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a 
hearing in Washington, D.C., entitled ``Preparing Today's 
Students for Tomorrow's Jobs: A Discussion on Career and 
Technical Education and Training Programs.'' The hearing 
provided members an opportunity to explore ways the federal 
government can support state and local initiatives to improve 
career and technical education. Testifying before the 
Subcommittee were Mr. Alvin Bargas, President, Pelican Chapter 
Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc., Baton Rouge, 
Louisiana; Dr. Sheila Harrity, Principal, Worcester Technical 
High School, Worcester, Massachusetts; Mr. John Fischer, Deputy 
Commissioner, Transformation & Innovation, Vermont Agency of 
Education, Montpelier, Vermont; and Mr. Frank Britt, Chief 
Executive Officer, Penn Foster Inc., Scranton, Pennsylvania.
    On November 19, 2013, the Committee held a hearing in 
Washington, D.C., entitled ``Preparing Today's Students for 
Tomorrow's Jobs: Improving the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
Technical Education Act.'' The purpose of the hearing was to 
discuss proposals to strengthen career and technical education 
through reauthorization of the Perkins Act. Testifying before 
the Committee were the Honorable Brenda Dann-Messier, Assistant 
Secretary for Adult and Vocational Education, U.S. Department 
of Education, Washington, D.C.; Mr. Stanley S. Litow, Vice 
President of Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs, IBM 
Corporation, Armonk, New York; Dr. Blake Flanders, Vice 
President of Workforce Development, Kansas Board of Regents, 
Topeka, Kansas; and Dr. Bryan Albrecht, President, Gateway 
Technical College, Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Hearings--Second Session

    On March 18, 2014, the Committee held a field hearing in 
Las Vegas, Nevada, entitled ``Reviving Our Economy: How Career 
and Technical Education Can Strengthen the Workforce.'' The 
purpose of the hearing was to hear from students, educators, 
and state and local education and business sector leaders about 
the challenges and opportunities that exist in career and 
technical education. Testifying before the Committee were Ms. 
Felicia Nemcek, Principal, Southwest Career and Technical 
Academy, Las Vegas, Nevada; Dr. Michael Spangler, Dean of the 
School of Advanced & Applied Technologies, College of Southern 
Nevada, North Las Vegas, Nevada; Ms. Kacy Qua, Founder and 
Chief Executive Officer, Qualifyor, Las Vegas, Nevada; Mr. Alan 
Aleman, Student, College of Southern Nevada, North Las Vegas, 
Nevada; Professor Angela Morrison, Visiting Professor, William 
S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las 
Vegas, Nevada; and Mr. Frank R. Woodbeck, Director, Nevada 
Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, Las 
Vegas, Nevada.

                             114TH CONGRESS

Hearings--First Session

    On October 27, 2015, the Committee's Subcommittee on Early 
Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing 
in Washington, D.C., entitled ``Improving Career and Technical 
Education to Help Students Succeed in the Workforce.'' The 
purpose of the hearing was to learn about economic and skills-
related challenges facing students entering today's workforce, 
and ways to improve career and technical education programs to 
ensure students have the knowledge and skills necessary to 
succeed when entering the workforce. Testifying before the 
Subcommittee were Dr. Deneece G. Huftalin, President, Salt Lake 
Community College, Salt Lake City, Utah; Dr. Douglas Major, 
Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer, Meridian Technology 
Center, Stillwater, Oklahoma; Dr. Irelene Ricks, Director of 
Diversity in Life Science Programs, Keystone Symposia on 
Molecular and Cellular Biology, Silverthorne, Colorado; and Mr. 
Tim Johnson, Director of Government Relations, National Center 
for Construction Education and Research, Baton Rouge, 
Louisiana.

Hearings--Second Session

    On May 17, 2016, the Committee held a hearing in 
Washington, D.C., entitled ``Helping Students Succeed by 
Strengthening the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 
Education Act.'' The purpose of the hearing was to discuss ways 
to reform the Perkins Act to strengthen career and technical 
education for all Americans and young Americans in particular. 
Testifying before the Committee were the Honorable Tim Kaine, 
U. S. Senator for Virginia; Mr. Paul Tse, Project Manager, 
Shapiro & Duncan Inc., Rockville, Maryland; Mr. Jason Bates, 
Manager, Toyota--Bodine Aluminum Inc., Jackson, Tennessee; and 
Dr. Monty Sullivan, President, Louisiana Community and 
Technical College System, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Legislative Action--Second Session

    On June 28, 2016, Reps. Glenn ``GT'' Thompson (R-PA) and 
Katherine Clark (D-MA), along with Reps. Bradley Byrne (R-AL), 
Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), James Langevin (D-RI), and Richard Nolan 
(D-MN), introduced H.R. 5587, the Strengthening Career and 
Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. The bipartisan 
bill would have reauthorized and reformed the Perkins Act to 
help more Americans enter the workforce with the skills 
necessary to compete for and succeed in high-skilled, in-demand 
careers.
    On July 7, 2016, the Committee considered H.R. 5587 in 
legislative session and reported it favorably, as amended, to 
the House of Representatives by a vote of 37 to 0. The 
Committee considered and adopted the following amendments to 
H.R. 5587:
     Rep. Thompson offered an amendment in the nature 
of a substitute to clarify that ``eligible postsecondary 
institutions'' refer to those institutions offering a technical 
skill proficiency, industry-recognized credential, certificate, 
or associate degree; restore the 100 percent maintenance of 
effort requirement and allow states to establish a new baseline 
of fiscal effort; increase coordination between research and 
evaluation activities; add representatives of Indian tribes and 
associate degree-granting Minority-Serving Institutions and 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities as stakeholders 
with whom states must consult during state plan development; 
and other technical changes. The amendment was adopted by voice 
vote.
     Rep. Joe Heck (R-NV) offered an amendment to 
replace the current hold harmless provision adopted in Fiscal 
Year (FY) 1998 hold harmless provision for purposes of 
allocating Basic State Grant program funding with a 90 percent 
prior-year hold harmless provision beginning in FY 2020. The 
amendment was adopted by voice vote.
     Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) offered an amendment 
with Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) to expand the allowable use 
of funds at the state and local levels to include, where 
appropriate, the integration of arts and design skills. The 
amendment was agreed to by voice vote.
     Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) offered an amendment to 
allow, but not require, eligible recipients to consider 
strategies to establish or use existing flexible learning and 
manufacturing facilities, such as ``makerspaces,'' as part of 
their needs assessment. The amendment was agreed to by voice 
vote.
    The Committee further considered the following amendments 
to H.R. 5587:
     Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA) offered an amendment to 
define ``equity gaps'' for purposes of student performance. The 
amendment was withdrawn.
     Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) offered an amendment 
to alter the ``special populations'' definition to include ex-
offenders. The amendment was withdrawn.
     Rep. Bonamici offered an amendment to strike all 
authorization levels and replace them with ``such sums.'' The 
amendment was withdrawn.
    On September 13, 2016, the House of Representatives passed 
H.R. 5587 by a vote of 405 to 5.

                             115TH CONGRESS

Hearings--First Session

    On February 28, 2017, the Committee's Subcommittee on Early 
Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing 
in Washington, D.C., entitled ``Providing More Students a 
Pathway to Success by Strengthening Career and Technical 
Education.'' The purpose of the hearing was to learn more about 
America's career and technical education systems and gain a 
better understanding of what policies Congress can enact to 
help prepare the next generation workforce for employment. 
Testifying before the Subcommittee were Mr. Glen Johnson, 
Manufacturing Workforce Development Leader, BSAF, Houston, 
Texas; Mrs. Janet Goble, Director of Career and Technical 
Education, Canyons School District, Sandy, Utah; Ms. Mimi 
Lufkin, Chief Executive Officer, National Alliance for 
Partnerships in Equity, Gap, Pennsylvania; and Mr. Mike Rowe, 
Chief Executive Officer, mikeroweWORKS Foundation, Santa 
Monica, California.

Legislative Action--First Session

    On May 4, 2017, Reps. Thompson and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-
IL), along with Reps. Byrne, Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Drew 
Ferguson (R-GA), Clark, Langevin, and Nolan, introduced H.R. 
2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 
21st Century Act. The bipartisan bill reauthorizes and reforms 
the Perkins Act and helps more Americans enter the workforce 
with the skills necessary to compete for and succeed in high-
skilled, in-demand careers.
    On May 17, 2017, the Committee considered H.R. 2353 in 
legislative session and voted unanimously to favorably report 
the bill to the House of Representatives. The Committee 
considered and adopted by voice vote an amendment offered by 
Rep. Jason Lewis (R-MN) to require states provide students and 
families information about dual and concurrent enrollment 
opportunities and allow states to use Perkins Act funding to 
support the development of articulation agreements.
    The Committee further considered the following amendments 
to H.R. 2353:
     Rep. Wilson offered an amendment to alter the 
``special populations'' definition to include ex-offenders. The 
amendment was withdrawn.
     Rep. Bonamici and Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) offered 
an amendment to strike the changes to the Perkins Act's 
performance improvement section included in H.R. 2353. The 
amendment was withdrawn.

                                Summary

    Since 1984, through the Perkins Act federal support has 
been provided to state and local career and technical education 
(CTE) programs. These programs--created and operated by state 
and local leaders--offer students the knowledge, skills, and 
experience necessary to compete for and succeed in careers in a 
broad range of fields.

                            Committee Views

    In the 2006 reauthorization of the Perkins Act, Congress 
enacted a number of reforms to strengthen local program 
accountability, including the required use of valid and 
reliable data for the purpose of determining state and local 
performance. Congress also emphasized the use of programs of 
study and strengthened the link between secondary and 
postsecondary CTE. H.R. 2353 builds on these reforms to 
modernize federal support for career and technical education by 
(1) improving program accountability; (2) providing states more 
flexibility to meet changing education and economic needs; (3) 
ensuring career and technical education prepares all students 
to pursue high-skilled, high-wage occupations (including 
occupations in nontraditional fields); (4) improving alignment 
with in-demand jobs; and (5) increasing the emphasis on 
employability skills, work-based learning opportunities, and 
credential attainment so students are better prepared to enter 
the workforce.

Career and technical education definition

    H.R. 2353 amends the definition of ``career and technical 
education'' to include recognized postsecondary credentials. 
The Committee intends this change to signal CTE can be 
incorporated into sequences of courses extending beyond an 
associate's degree. The Committee does not intend for Perkins 
Act funding to be used to support CTE activities related to the 
attainment of baccalaureate degrees and made corresponding 
changes to the definition of ``eligible institution'' to 
reflect that objective.
    H.R. 2353 further amends the definition of ``career and 
technical education'' to support the integration of 
employability skills into CTE programs and programs of study. 
An increased emphasis on employability skills will help all 
students learn the foundational skills necessary for success in 
the labor market for all employment levels and in all sectors.

Programs of study definition

    It is the intent of the Committee in providing a definition 
of ``programs of study'' within the law to emphasize the 
importance of sequential coursework leading to a recognized 
postsecondary credential. The Committee does not intend to 
reconfigure programs of study currently operating at the state 
and local level. Programs of study may operate in a coordinated 
manner across secondary and postsecondary agencies and 
institutions. To underscore the Committee's intent, the new 
definition provides for multiple entry and exit points that 
incorporate credentialing in programs of study with attainment 
of a recognized postsecondary credential as the expected final 
outcome.

Alignment with state and local workforce development efforts

    H.R. 2353 ensures eligible agencies and eligible recipients 
are able to use Perkins Act funding to support the development 
of an educated and skilled workforce. This includes efforts to 
provide students with the education, support, and skills 
necessary to pursue and succeed in careers in in-demand 
industry sectors or occupations.
    The Committee recognizes effective preparation of students 
for the workforce requires attention to current and future 
labor market demands. H.R. 2353 ensures educators and 
administrators are provided the labor market information needed 
for program planning, and encourages state and local leaders to 
provide workforce development services, including CTE, through 
a coordinated strategy. H.R. 2353 amends the Wagner-Peyser Act 
to ensure state and local educational agencies receive relevant 
information regarding state and local employment opportunities. 
The Committee intends CTE providers be viewed as customers of 
state agencies supported by Wagner-Peyser Act funding.
    Under current law, states are required to create workforce 
development plans lasting four years and CTE plans lasting six 
years. To facilitate integrated planning efforts and the use of 
combined plans, H.R. 2353 sets the duration of state plans at 
four years, consistent with the workforce development plan 
duration established in WIOA. Moreover, H.R. 2353 integrates 
the strategic planning elements of WIOA unified and combined 
plans into state plans developed as part of the Perkins Act. 
The Committee believes improved alignment of state CTE and 
workforce development planning requirements and submission of 
combined plans as a single, unified document will allow states 
to deliver CTE and workforce development services to their 
citizens in a seamless manner.
    H.R. 2353 also allows for more effective coordination 
between CTE and workforce development efforts through a focus 
on in-demand industry sectors or occupations. These sectors or 
occupations--identified by state, regional, or local workforce 
development boards--have substantial current or potential 
economic impact on that state or region. Eligible agencies must 
consider the integration of in-demand industry sectors and 
occupations in local needs assessments when approving local 
applications. Eligible recipients will describe the alignment 
of CTE programs to these industry sectors or occupations, 
except in cases where the program is designed to meet 
alternative local education or economic needs. Finally, state 
leaders are provided the opportunity to directly support CTE 
programs aligned to in-demand industry sectors or occupations. 
The bill expands the state reservation of funds from 10 percent 
to 15 percent and requires this funding support either CTE 
programs aligned to in-demand industry sectors or occupations 
or innovation in the delivery of CTE programs.
    Under WIOA, local workforce development boards are 
responsible for the creation of career pathways, and H.R. 2353 
supports the alignment of CTE programs of study with this 
workforce development strategy. Similar to programs of study, 
career pathways provide individuals with education and 
counseling aligned to a specific occupation or career. Eligible 
agencies may approve career pathways for use as programs for 
study, are required to make information on approved career 
pathways available to students and parents, and will coordinate 
with the state workforce development board to support the 
development of career pathways at the local level.
    The Committee recognizes the important role of community-
based organizations in partnering with eligible agencies and 
eligible recipients to provide CTE, especially to adult 
education program participants. Given the Committee's efforts 
to better integrate federally-supported workforce development 
programs, H.R. 2353 allows communities to support CTE 
programming that extends beyond the hours of the traditional 
academic day or school calendar.

Program performance

    H.R. 2353 aligns the core indicators of the Perkins Act 
with those included in ESSA and WIOA. The use of these 
streamlined performance measures will ensure CTE programs 
deliver results for all students and taxpayers and will 
guarantee parents, students, and stakeholders a voice in 
setting performance goals and evaluating program effectiveness.
    Existing core performance indicators related to graduation 
and academic achievement are updated to reflect policies in 
ESSA. The problematic ``skill proficiency'' indicator is 
eliminated and replaced with a state-developed quality 
indicator that includes at least one of three components for 
students who have taken two courses in a single CTE program of 
study: (1) the percentage of students participating in work-
based learning which may include paid and unpaid opportunities; 
(2) the percentage of students receiving a recognized 
postsecondary credential aligned with their program or program 
of study; or (3) the percentage of students receiving 
postsecondary credit aligned with their program or program of 
study. Given programs of study culminate in the attainment of a 
recognized postsecondary credential, H.R. 2353 clarifies the 
core indicator relating to student participation in non-
traditional fields measures participation within a program or 
program of study. The core indicator measuring student 
attainment of a secondary school diploma, GED, or proficiency 
credential is eliminated because it is duplicative of the 
indicator measuring student graduation.
    At the postsecondary level, the existing core indicators of 
performance are eliminated and replaced with core indicators 
aligned to those used for youth programs authorized under WIOA. 
These indicators include the percentage of CTE students in 
education or employment following program completion, the 
median earnings of career and technical education students 
employed after program completion, and the percentage of 
students who receive a recognized postsecondary credential 
within a year of program completion. H.R. 2353 clarifies the 
core indicator relating to student participation in programs or 
programs of study leading to non-traditional fields should 
measure participation within a program or program of study.
    Eligible agencies, after consulting with a broad range of 
representatives, are required to establish levels of 
performance and adjusted levels of performance. The levels of 
performance must be sufficiently ambitious to evaluate program 
quality and meet the purpose of the Perkins Act. The public is 
guaranteed the opportunity to comment on the proposed levels of 
performance either in-person or through written comment. 
Eligible agencies are no longer required to negotiate adjusted 
levels of performance with the Secretary of Education 
(Secretary).
    Levels of performance are to be submitted to the Secretary 
by eligible agencies as part of the state plan along with any 
comments submitted by members of the public. For subsequent 
program years, states will revise their levels of performance 
and consider the extent to which these adjusted levels of 
performance promote meaningful program improvement. H.R. 2353 
requires the Secretary to notify a state of plan approval 
within 120 days of submission and maintains the Secretary's 
existing discretion to disapprove a state plan if the plan 
fails to meet the requirements of the Perkins Act. If the 
Secretary disapproves a plan for failing to meet the 
requirements of the Perkins Act, including disapproval due to 
failure to meet the requirements of sections 113 and 122, H.R. 
2353 requires the Secretary to immediately notify the state in 
writing rather than through a de facto informal negotiation 
process.
    Under current law, eligible agencies consider the extent to 
which local adjusted levels of performance promote continuous 
improvement. Instead, H.R. 2353 requires eligible agencies to 
consider the extent to which local levels of performance 
advance the goals set forth in the local application. In 
determining levels of performance, eligible agencies must now 
also consider local economic conditions in addition to the 
characteristics of participants and the services provided. The 
Committee believes this change offers eligible recipients 
needed flexibility to improve CTE programs more effectively.
    H.R. 2353 clarifies eligible recipients are accountable for 
the performance of CTE concentrators rather than participants. 
The use of the uniform definition of concentrator will increase 
program transparency and allow for the evaluation of program 
effectiveness. Career and technical education serves multiple 
roles in our nation's schools--to provide students 
opportunities for career exploration, core academic instruction 
through an applied model, and opportunities to delve deep into 
a subject in order to prepare immediately for a chosen career 
or profession. The definition of CTE concentrator contained in 
H.R. 2353 reflects these multiple purposes by giving schools 
credit for serving students exploring multiple professions as 
well as students pursuing a single program or program of study. 
The Committee encourages eligible agencies to consider how CTE 
programs are implemented by eligible recipients when 
negotiating levels of performance with eligible recipients. 
While H.R. 2353 includes both students taking three or more CTE 
courses and students engaged in a sequential CTE program as 
concentrators, the Committee does not intend for the creation 
of a bifurcated performance system with multiple categories of 
concentrators.
    To empower effective local stakeholder oversight of CTE 
programs, H.R. 2353 requires both eligible recipients and 
eligible agencies to report publicly actual levels of 
performance. Consistent with ESSA, eligible agencies are 
required to disseminate widely this information. Moreover, the 
bill also aligns the Perkins Act with ESSA by requiring the 
disaggregation of student performance by the subgroups of 
students enumerated under the ESSA. However, data is not 
reported for individual students, and disaggregated data shall 
not be reported if personally identifiable information would be 
revealed or the number of students in a category would be 
insufficient to yield statistically reliable information.
    Should an eligible agency or eligible recipient fail to 
achieve 90 percent of its adjusted level of performance on any 
core indicator, H.R. 2353 requires the creation and 
implementation of a performance improvement plan developed 
solely by the eligible agency or recipient (along with the 
state and local stakeholder consultations required of eligible 
agencies and eligible recipients). If after two years an 
eligible agency fails to show improvement in meeting the 
adjusted level of performance on the indicator or indicators 
for which the improvement plan was developed, the eligible 
agency must revise the relevant performance improvement plan 
and leave it in place until 90 percent of the adjusted level of 
performance is met. H.R. 2353 requires eligible recipients to 
consult with local stakeholders in developing improvement plans 
and clarifies that such plans shall be developed solely by the 
eligible agency or the eligible recipient. H.R. 2353 reaffirms 
the Department of Education's responsibility to provide 
technical assistance, monitoring, and oversight related to the 
implementation of revised state improvement plans. H.R. 2353 
removes the authority of the Secretary to withhold funding from 
eligible agencies for failure to achieve 90 percent of the 
adjusted level(s) of performance during implementation of the 
improvement plan. In addition, H.R. 2353 makes no changes to 
the enforcement authority afforded the Secretary under the 
General Education Provisions Act when grant recipients fail to 
comply with statutory requirements. The length of time before 
which eligible recipients are required to amend a local 
improvement plan is left to the discretion of eligible 
agencies. Eligible recipients may request eligible agencies 
waive the requirements of this section.

State-based program delivery

    H.R. 2353 replaces the state leadership activities required 
under current law with activities closely aligned with the 
purpose of the program. These activities include development of 
statewide programs of study, approval of locally-developed 
programs of study, establishment of articulation agreements 
aligned to programs of study, support for CTE services for 
individuals in state institutions, and professional development 
to help ensure CTE instructors have appropriate qualifications. 
The requirement that states support the preparation of students 
for non-traditional fields in professions that expose students, 
including special populations, to high-skilled, high-wage 
occupations is preserved from current law. In addition, the 
overall administrative burden for the state is reduced as state 
planning requirements now correspond directly to state 
leadership activities included in H.R. 2353.
    States have flexibility in how to use state leadership 
funding to support innovative strategies and effective program 
delivery. These uses include the creation, implementation, and 
support of pay-for-success initiatives; support for CTE 
programs for adults and out-of-school youth; development and 
support of competency based curricula; integration and 
alignment of programs of study and career pathways; and 
increases in the amount of federal funding states can dedicate 
to provide career and technical education opportunities to 
individuals in state-run institutions or juvenile justice 
facilities. H.R. 2353 supports state-driven program innovation 
by allowing states to use the expanded funding reservation to 
identify and promote promising and proven career and technical 
education strategies. Additionally, the bill ensures state 
agencies may use funds to support an educated, and skilled 
workforce, including to address workforce shortages in critical 
and in-demand fields.

Local activities

    To better coordinate federal CTE funding with local 
economic and education needs, H.R. 2353 streamlines the local 
application process built on a biennial assessment of local 
needs. As part of the local needs assessment, eligible 
recipients will evaluate student performance, effectiveness of 
the CTE programs in meeting local economic or educational 
needs, the strategies needed to overcome barriers in access 
to--and success in--CTE programs for special populations, and 
the recruitment of CTE educators. In addition to the 
comprehensive local needs assessment, the local application 
should include a description of the programs and programs of 
study offered, a description of how the eligible recipient will 
prepare special populations to pursue occupations leading to 
self-sufficiency, and a description of how the eligible 
recipient will prepare CTE participants for non-traditional 
fields. Eligible recipients shall also describe the guidance 
and academic counseling services offered to students before 
enrolling and while participating in a CTE program. H.R. 2353 
calls for the needs assessment to be updated annually to ensure 
CTE programs meet the needs of students and keep pace with the 
changing demands of the workforce. Additionally, the bill 
ensures local agencies may use funds to support an educated and 
skilled workforce including using funds to address workforce 
shortages in critical and in-demand fields.
    The uses of funds required under current law are replaced 
with a streamlined list of uses of funds: providing career 
development and career exploration activities, integrated 
academic content, professional development, and activities to 
provide students the skills necessary to pursue high-skilled, 
high-wage occupations. H.R. 2353 preserves the flexibility of 
current law in allowing eligible recipients to determine how to 
use their Perkins Act funding after the recipient has met the 
required uses.
    The Committee supports improving the participation of 
members of special populations in CTE programs leading to high-
skilled, high-wage occupations, including homeless individuals 
and youth with a parent who is a member of the armed forces. 
H.R. 2353 includes reforms that will help ensure teachers and 
faculty have the professional development support necessary to 
improve achievement and close participation gaps among 
underrepresented student populations; provide students, 
including special populations, with the skills necessary to 
pursue high-skilled, high-wage jobs; and allow nontraditional 
students the opportunity and increased access to participate in 
CTE programs. Additionally, the bill contains provisions to 
ensure members of special populations have a voice in the 
development of CTE plans by eligible recipients, eligible 
agencies, and at the national level. Moreover, H.R. 2353 
requires the Governmental Accountability Office conduct a study 
to evaluate the strategies, components, policies, and practices 
used to assist underrepresented racial or ethnic groups in 
pursuing and completing programs or programs of study aligned 
to high-skilled, high-wage occupations.
    H.R. 2353 updates the Perkins Act prohibition on federal 
curricula mandates to reflect the prohibitions on federal 
mandates, direction or control put in place by ESSA.

Innovation and evaluation

    H.R. 2353 reforms the national activities provisions to 
better align the research and evaluation activities occurring 
at the national level with the needs of state and local 
educators and program participants. As part of this effort, 
H.R. 2353 directs the Secretary, through the Director of the 
Institute of Education Sciences, to ensure independent and non-
partisan research. The Committee intends for the National 
Center for Education Statistics to continue current work 
related to CTE through its regular survey projects to maintain 
data collection on and evaluation of key enrollment and outcome 
trends.
    To ensure that parents, students, and educators are 
involved in developing research and evaluation priorities, H.R. 
2353 requires an independent advisory panel be consulted during 
development of the single plan for research, development, 
dissemination, and evaluation. H.R. 2353 maintains the Perkins 
Act requirement that educators, experts, parents, counselors 
and representatives from business and labor be included on that 
panel. H.R. 2353 also requires the inclusion of representatives 
of special populations and individuals with expertise in 
addressing inequities regarding access to, and opportunities 
for, academic and technical skill development.
    H.R. 2353 requires the Secretary to carry out a series of 
research and evaluation initiatives aligned to the single plan 
through grants to institutions of higher education, or a 
consortium including one or more institutions of higher 
education. The Committee acknowledges the Secretary may 
establish one or more national research centers to oversee the 
initiatives. In order to ensure applicability and relevance of 
the research, these initiatives are required to use the most 
recently available data whenever possible.
    To support these research efforts, H.R. 2353 authorizes the 
Secretary, as part of the single plan, to award grants 
specifically designed to identify and support innovative 
strategies and activities to improve career and technical 
education and align workforce skill development with labor 
market needs. The Committee encourages such efforts to assess 
the strength of partnerships between eligible entities and two-
year Minority-Serving Institutions and Historically Black 
Colleges and Universities especially as it pertains to science, 
technology, engineering, and math initiatives. Under such 
authority and as part of the single plan, the Secretary may 
award grants to support the use of CTE programs and programs of 
study to address identified employer needs and workforce 
shortages as well as improve outcomes for special populations. 
A workforce shortage can exist when available workers do not 
possess the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the needs of 
employers and/or individuals served by that workforce. It is 
the Committee's intent that addressing any workforce shortage 
under state or local plans or activities, or the national 
innovative activity added under section 113 of the bill, can 
include providing the current and future workforce with the 
education and skills necessary to perform at a high level.
    Eligible entities receiving grants to identify and support 
innovative strategies and activities are to include at least 
two CTE providers or state agencies and may include employers, 
community-based organizations, or qualified intermediaries. In 
order to ensure geographic diversity, 25 percent of any funds 
made available through this grant authorization are reserved to 
support CTE programs serving rural local educational agencies. 
H.R. 2353 also required the Secretary give priority to eligible 
applicants intending to serve high need students. The financial 
matching requirement may be waived due to exceptional 
circumstances.

Conclusion

    Evolving workforce and business needs have increased the 
demand for CTE programs that better reflect the realities of 
our modern economy. Federal policy authorizing support for CTE 
is outdated and misaligned with recently updated federal 
education and workforce policies. The Committee believes H.R. 
2353 will provide a better way to ensure all Americans are 
equipped for today's workforce. H.R. 2353 includes reforms that 
will better prioritize student needs and local economic demands 
and opportunities. Updating the law will help more Americans, 
especially young Americans, enter the workforce with the tools 
and knowledge necessary to compete for and succeed in high-
skilled, in-demand jobs.

                      Section-by-Section Analysis

Section 1. Short title

    Designates the bill as the ``The Strengthening Career and 
Technical Education for the 21st Century Act''.

Section 2. Table of contents

    Lists the sections of the bill. The legislation is 
organized into three titles: (1) Career and Technical Education 
Assistance to the States; (2) General Provisions; and (3) 
Amendments to the Wagner-Peyser Act.

Section 3. References

    Clarifies the following amendments and repeals are, unless 
otherwise stated, being made to the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
Technical Education Act of 2006.

Section 4. Effective date

    Sets effective date at January 1, 2018

Section 5. Table of contents of the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
        Technical Education Act of 2006

    Amends the table of contents of the Perkins Act.

Section 6. Purpose

    Amends the purpose of the law to include developing the 
academic knowledge and technical and employability skills of 
students who are enrolled in CTE programs and programs of 
study.

Section 7. Definitions

    The bill removes six definitions from current law including 
``individual with limited English proficiency,'' 
``postsecondary education tech prep student,'' ``school 
dropout,'' ``scientifically-based research,'' ``secondary 
education tech prep student,'' and ``tech prep program.''
    The bill changes or adds 24 definitions: ``area career and 
technical education school,'' ``career and technical 
education,'' ``career guidance and academic counseling,'' 
``career pathways,'' ``CTE concentrator,'' ``CTE participant,'' 
``dual or concurrent enrollment,'' ``early college high 
school,'' ``eligible entity,'' ``English learner,'' ``evidence-
based,'' ``in-demand industry sector or occupation,'' 
``industry or sector partnership,'' ``local workforce 
development board,'' ``paraprofessional,'' ``out-of-school 
youth,'' ``pay for success initiative,'' ``program of study,'' 
``recognized postsecondary credential,'' ``specialized 
instructional support personnel,'' ``special populations,'' 
``support services,'' ``universal design for learning,'' and 
``work-based learning.''
    Of the definitions added, 12 are aligned to definitions 
contained in the ESSA or WIOA: ``career pathways,'' ``dual or 
concurrent enrollment,'' ``early college high school,'' 
``evidence-based,'' ``in-demand industry sector or 
occupation,'' ``industry or sector partnership,'' ``local 
workforce development board,'' ``paraprofessional,'' ``pay for 
success initiative,'' ``recognized postsecondary credential,'' 
``specialized instructional support personnel,'' and 
``universal design for learning.''

Section 8. Transition provisions

    Updates the transition provisions.

Section 9. Prohibitions

    Strengthens the existing prohibition on federal curriculum, 
program, or allocation mandates to mirror the ESSA prohibitions 
on incentivizing the adoption of any specific curriculum.

Section 10. Authorization of appropriations

    Replaces such sums authorization with levels consistent 
with the annualized change in the budget caps.

    Title I--Career and Technical Education Assistance to the States

                    PART A--ALLOTMENT AND ALLOCATION

Section 111. State allocation

    Increases the state reservation of funding from 10 percent 
to 15 percent. Allows the funding to be used to support CTE 
programs aligned with in-demand industry sectors or occupations 
or for state-based innovation to provide states with greater 
flexibility in determining how to allocate the funding and 
allow them to target state-specific education and economic 
needs.
    Adds juvenile justice facilities to the list of state 
institutions eligible for funding from the state leadership 
account and clarifies that state institutions must be 
correctional or educational. The bill increases the maximum 
amount of leadership funding states are allowed to spend on 
these institutions to 2 percent from 1 percent.

Section 112. Accountability

    Streamlines existing performance indicators and brings the 
indicators into alignment with ESSA and WIOA.
        Secondary level:
          Decreases the number of core indicators required at 
        the secondary school level from six to five: (1) the 
        percentage of CTE concentrators who graduate high 
        school; (2) the percentage of CTE concentrators who 
        meet the state-developed academic standards; (3) the 
        percentage of CTE concentrators who are employed, in 
        workforce preparation, military service, or 
        postsecondary education after graduation; (4) a state-
        developed indicator of quality that includes one of the 
        following: the percentage of CTE concentrators who have 
        taken two courses in a single CTE program of study 
        receiving recognized postsecondary credentials, having 
        participated in work-based learning, or having obtained 
        postsecondary credits in their program of study; and 
        (5) the percentage of CTE concentrators who have taken 
        two courses in a single CTE program of study in CTE 
        programs leading to non-traditional fields.
          Eliminates the requirement for schools to report on 
        student attainment of diplomas, GED credentials, or 
        proficiency credentials. Aligns the student academic 
        achievement and graduation rate indicators with the 
        requirements of ESSA. Replaces the problematic 
        technical skill proficiency indicator with a state-
        determined quality indicator, which must include 
        student participation in work-based learning, 
        attainment of postsecondary credits through dual or 
        concurrent enrollment, or attainment of recognized 
        postsecondary credentials.
        Postsecondary level:
          Decreases the number of core indicators required at 
        the postsecondary level from five to four and aligns 
        these indicators to those under WIOA. The new, WIOA-
        aligned indicators are: (1) student participation in 
        education, workforce preparation, or unsubsidized 
        employment after program completion; (2) the median 
        earnings of students in unsubsidized employment; (3) 
        and the percentage of CTE students receiving a 
        recognized postsecondary credential. The final 
        indicator is simplified to only consider the percentage 
        of CTE students in non-traditional fields.
    Replaces the one-size-fits-all continuous improvement 
requirement with the requirement that performance levels for 
each indicator must be sufficiently ambitious to allow for 
meaningful evaluation of program quality.
    Eliminates negotiation with the Secretary on levels of 
performance required in current law.
    Aligns program reporting requirements with ESSA.
    Requires the consideration of local economic conditions and 
the ability of the local recipient to collect cost-effective 
data in setting local levels of performance.
    Clarifies that states are to establish their levels of 
performance in a manner consistent with the procedure outlined 
in the state plan.

Section 113. National activities

    Eliminates the annual performance report.
    Requires that the single plan for research, development, 
dissemination, and evaluation be carried out by an independent 
grantee. The Secretary must act through the Director of the 
Institute for Education Sciences to evaluate CTE activities. 
Adds representatives of special populations to the existing 
independent advisory panel.
    Provides the Secretary authority to issue demonstration 
grants specifically designed to identify or support innovative 
strategies and activities to improve career and technical 
education and align workforce skills with labor market needs, 
so long as such grants are aligned with the single plan.
    Replaces ``such sums'' authorization with levels consistent 
with the annualized change in the budget caps.

Section 114. Tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical 
        institutions

    Replaces ``such sums'' authorization with levels consistent 
with the annualized change in the budget caps.

Section 115. Occupational and employment information

    Repeals section 118 of current law.

                        PART B--STATE PROVISIONS

Section 121. State plan

    Clarifies the ability of states to submit a combined plan 
together with the state workforce development plan submitted 
under WIOA. Sets plan length at four years to align with the 
WIOA combined plan.
    Requires states to consult with stakeholders and allow for 
public comment in developing the targeted performance levels 
submitted as part of the state plan.
    Streamlines the required contents of state plans from 52 
items to 28 items.
    Like in ESSA, requires the Secretary to approve a state 
plan unless the Secretary deems the state plan fails to meet 
the requirements of the Act, which includes the requirement to 
set sufficiently ambitious levels of performance. The timeline 
for the review of state plans is extended from 90 to 120 days.

Section 122. Improvement plans

    Eliminates the authority of the Secretary to withhold 
funding from the states for failure to meet 90 percent of their 
adjusted levels of performance and instead requires states to 
develop performance improvement plans, the development of which 
the states are solely responsible. If a state fails to make 
improvement on the indicator or indicators identified in the 
improvement plan over the course of two years, the state must 
revise the improvement plan to address the reasons for that 
failure in consultation with state-based stakeholders. The 
responsibility of the Secretary to provide technical 
assistance, monitoring, and oversight related to the 
implementation of the revised performance improvement plan is 
reaffirmed. At the local level, improvement plans must be 
developed in consultation with local stakeholders and states 
have the discretion to determine how many years may pass before 
revisions are required. Local grant recipients may request a 
waiver from state agencies to waive the requirements of this 
section, subject to approval by the state.

Section 123. State leadership activities

    Streamlines the required and allowable uses of funds while 
preserving state flexibility.

                        PART C--LOCAL PROVISIONS

Section 131. Local application for career and technical education 
        programs

    Replaces the lengthy local plan in current law with a local 
application including specific requirements.
    Requires local recipients to consult with local 
stakeholders to perform biennial needs assessments to determine 
how the program is aligned with community needs.
    The assessment is to be updated on an annual basis to 
ensure the program is responsive to community employment needs 
and allow for employer input.

Section 132. Local uses of funds

    Streamlines the required and allowable uses of funds while 
preserving local flexibility.

                      Title II--General Provisions

Section 201. Federal and state administrative provisions

    Preserves the requirement that states maintain 100 percent 
of fiscal effort, but provides additional flexibility by 
allowing states to establish a new baseline of fiscal effort 10 
percent below their current level.
    Removes the previously required written request for private 
school students to participate in CTE programs and activities 
and expands the area for which local recipients can serve 
private school students, subject to discretion of the local 
agency.
    Repeals Title II of current law and re-designates Title III 
as Title II.

Section 219. Study on programs of study aligned to high-skill, high-
        wage occupations

    Requires a study on the strategies, components, policies 
and practices used to assist students in pursuing programs of 
study aligned to high-skilled, high-wage occupations, including 
for populations underrepresented in those occupations.

             Title III--Amendments to the Wagner-Peyser Act

Section 301. State responsibilities

    Requires states to consult with Perkins eligible agencies 
and provide such agencies with the information needed to meet 
the needs of secondary and postsecondary school students.

                       Explanation of Amendments

    The amendments, including the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute, are explained in the body of this report.

              Application of Law to the Legislative Branch

    Section 102(b)(3) of Public Law 104-1 requires a 
description of the application of this bill to the legislative 
branch. H.R. 2353, Strengthening Career and Technical Education 
for the 21st Century Act, amends the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
Technical Education Act of 2006 to help more Americans enter 
the workforce with the skills necessary to compete for and 
succeed in high-skilled, in-demand careers.

                       Unfunded Mandate Statement

    Section 423 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment 
Control Act (as amended by Section 101(a)(2) of the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act, P.L. 104-4) requires a statement of 
whether the provisions of the reported bill include unfunded 
mandates. This issue is addressed in the CBO letter.

                           Earmark Statement

    H.R. 2353 does not contain any congressional earmarks, 
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in 
clause 9 of House Rule XXI.

                            Roll Call Votes

    Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives requires the Committee Report to include for 
each record vote on a motion to report the measure or matter 
and on any amendments offered to the measure or matter the 
total number of votes for and against and the names of the 
Members voting for and against. No roll call votes were taken 
for H.R. 2353.

         Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives

    In accordance with clause (3)(c) of House Rule XIII, the 
goal of H.R. 2353 is to help more Americans enter the workforce 
with the skills necessary to compete for and succeed in high-
skilled, in-demand careers.

                    Duplication of Federal Programs

    No provision of H.R. 2353 establishes or reauthorizes a 
program of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of 
another Federal program, a program that was included in any 
report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress 
pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program 
related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance.

                  Disclosure of Directed Rule Makings

    The committee estimates that enacting H.R. 2353 does not 
specifically direct the completion of any specific rule makings 
within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 551.

  Statement of Oversight Findings and Recommendations of the Committee

    In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII and clause 
2(b)(1) of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives, 
the committee's oversight findings and recommendations are 
reflected in the body of this report.

               New Budget Authority and CBO Cost Estimate

    With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) of rule 
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 
308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and with respect 
to requirements of clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives and section 402 of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the committee has received 
the following estimate for H.R. 2353 from the Director of the 
Congressional Budget Office:

                                     U.S. Congress,
                               Congressional Budget Office,
                                      Washington, DC, June 5, 2017.
Hon. Virginia Foxx,
Chairwoman, Committee on Education and the Workforce,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
    Dear Madam Chairwoman: The Congressional Budget Office has 
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 2353, the 
Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st 
Century Act.
    If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be 
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Leah 
Koestner.
            Sincerely,
                                              Keith Hall, Director.
    Enclosure.

H.R. 2353--Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st 
        Century Act

    Summary: H.R. 2353 would amend the Carl D. Perkins Career 
and Technical Education Act of 2006 and reauthorize secondary 
and postsecondary career and technical education (CTE) programs 
through fiscal year 2023. The bill would authorize the 
appropriation of $5.9 billion over the 2018-2022 period, and an 
additional $1.2 billion in 2023. Under the General Education 
Provisions Act, those authorizations would be extended 
automatically for an additional year through 2024.
    CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2353 would cost $4.4 
billion over the 2018-2022 period, and about $4 billion after 
2022, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts.
    Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or 
revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO 
estimates that enacting H.R. 2353 would not increase net direct 
spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 
10-year periods beginning in 2028.
    H.R. 2353 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector 
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA).
    Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated 
budgetary effect of H.R. 2353 is shown in the following table. 
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 500 
(education, training, employment, and social services).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             2017      2018      2019      2020      2021      2022    2017-2022
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 INCREASES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
 
Authorization Level......................         0     1,149     1,165     1,181     1,197     1,214      5,906
Estimated Outlays........................         0        34       862     1,104     1,176     1,193      4,369
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Some programs have received advance appropriations for fiscal year 2018; those amounts are not reflected
  in this table. Instead, the table shows the additional appropriations that would be authorized for 2018.

    Basis of estimate: CBO assumes that H.R. 2353 will be 
enacted near the end of fiscal year 2017. The bill would 
authorize specific amounts through 2023 and, under the General 
Education Provisions Act, those authorizations would be 
extended automatically for an additional year, through fiscal 
year 2024. Based on historical spending patterns of the current 
program, and assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts, 
CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $4.4 
billion over the 2018-2022 period and an additional $4 billion 
in years after 2022.
    H.R. 2353 would:
     Authorize the appropriation of specific amounts 
each year that increase from about $1.1 billion in 2018 to a 
little more than $1.2 billion in 2023 for grants to states for 
vocational programs. The bill would provide more flexibility in 
the uses of funds, expand the number of eligible recipients, 
and amend performance standards for CTE programs. In 2017, $1.1 
billion was available for those grants.
     Authorize the appropriation of $8 million for each 
of the fiscal years 2018 through 2023 for the Secretary to 
award demonstration grants to support CTE programs. The bill 
also would require the Secretary of Education to consult with 
the Director of the Institute for Education Sciences for an 
evaluation of career and technical education activities. In 
2017, $7 million was available for those activities.
     Authorize the appropriation of $8 million in 2017, 
and $9 million for each year from 2018 through 2023 for 
tribally controlled CTE programs. In 2017, $8 million was 
available for this purpose.
    Pay-As-You-Go considerations: None.
    Increase in long-term direct spending and deficits: CBO 
estimates that enacting H.R. 2353 would not increase net direct 
spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 
10-year periods beginning in 2028.
    Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 2353 
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as 
defined in UMRA.
    Estimate prepared by: Federal costs: Leah Koestner; Impact 
on State, local, and tribal governments: Zachary Byrum; Impact 
on the private sector: Logan Smith.
    Estimate approved by: H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant 
Director for Budget Analysis.

                        Committee Cost Estimate

    Clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives requires an estimate and a comparison of the 
costs that would be incurred in carrying out H.R. 2353. 
However, clause 3(d)(2)(B) of that rule provides that this 
requirement does not apply when the committee has included in 
its report a timely submitted cost estimate of the bill 
prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office 
under section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act.

         Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

    In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (new matter is 
printed in italic and existing law in which no change is 
proposed is shown in roman):

         Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

  In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italic, and existing law in which no 
change is proposed is shown in roman):

       CARL D. PERKINS CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ACT OF 2006

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

  (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Carl D. 
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006''.
  [(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
is as follows:]
  (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is 
as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Purpose.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
Sec. 4. Transition provisions.
Sec. 5. Privacy.
Sec. 6. Limitation.
Sec. 7. Special rule.
Sec. 8. Prohibitions.
Sec. 9. Authorization of appropriations.

    TITLE I--CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ASSISTANCE TO THE STATES

                    Part A--Allotment and Allocation

Sec. 111. Reservations and State allotment.
Sec. 112. Within State allocation.
Sec. 113. Accountability.
Sec. 114. National activities.
Sec. 115. Assistance for the outlying areas.
Sec. 116. Native American programs.
Sec. 117. Tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical 
          institutions.

                        Part B--State Provisions

Sec. 121. State administration.
Sec. 122. State plan.
Sec. 123. Improvement plans.
Sec. 124. State leadership activities.

                        Part C--Local Provisions

Sec. 131. Distribution of funds to secondary education programs.
Sec. 132. Distribution of funds for postsecondary education programs.
Sec. 133. Special rules for career and technical education.
Sec. 134. Local application for career and technical education programs.
Sec. 135. Local uses of funds.

                      TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS

                Part A--Federal Administrative Provisions

Sec. 211. Fiscal requirements.
Sec. 212. Authority to make payments.
Sec. 213. Construction.
Sec. 214. Voluntary selection and participation.
Sec. 215. Limitation for certain students.
Sec. 216. Federal laws guaranteeing civil rights.
Sec. 217. Participation of private school personnel and children.
Sec. 218. Limitation on Federal regulations.
Sec. 219. Study on programs of study aligned to high-skill, high-wage 
          occupations.

                 Part B--State Administrative Provisions

Sec. 221. Joint funding.
Sec. 222. Prohibition on use of funds to induce out-of-State relocation 
          of businesses.
Sec. 223. State administrative costs.
Sec. 224. Student assistance and other Federal programs.

SEC. 2. PURPOSE.

   The purpose of this Act is to develop more fully the 
[academic and career and technical skills] academic knowledge 
and technical and employability skills of secondary education 
students and postsecondary education students who elect to 
enroll in career and technical education programs and programs 
of study, by--
          (1) building on the efforts of States and localities 
        to develop challenging academic and technical standards 
        and to assist students in meeting such standards, 
        including preparation for high skill, high wage, or 
        high demand occupations in current or emerging 
        professions;
          (2) promoting the development of services and 
        activities that integrate rigorous and challenging 
        academic and career and technical instruction, and that 
        link secondary education and postsecondary education 
        for participating career and technical education 
        students;
          (3) increasing State and local flexibility in 
        providing services and activities designed to develop, 
        implement, and improve career and technical education[, 
        including tech prep education];
          (4) conducting and disseminating national research 
        and disseminating information on best practices that 
        improve career and technical education programs and 
        programs of study, services, and activities;
          (5) providing technical assistance that--
                  (A) promotes leadership, initial preparation, 
                and professional development at the State and 
                local levels; and
                  (B) improves the quality of career and 
                technical education teachers, faculty, 
                administrators, and counselors;
          (6) supporting partnerships among secondary schools, 
        postsecondary institutions, baccalaureate degree 
        granting institutions, area career and technical 
        education schools, local workforce investment boards, 
        business and industry, and intermediaries; and
          (7) providing individuals with opportunities 
        throughout their lifetimes to develop, in conjunction 
        with other education and training programs, the 
        knowledge and skills needed to keep the United States 
        competitive.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

   Unless otherwise specified, in this Act:
          (1) Administration.--The term ``administration'', 
        when used with respect to an eligible agency or 
        eligible recipient, means activities necessary for the 
        proper and efficient performance of the eligible agency 
        or eligible recipient's duties under this Act, 
        including the supervision of such activities. Such term 
        does not include curriculum development activities, 
        personnel development, or research activities.
          (2) All aspects of an industry.--The term ``all 
        aspects of an industry'' means strong experience in, 
        and comprehensive understanding of, the industry that 
        the individual is preparing to enter, including 
        information as described in section 118.
          (3) Area career and technical education school.--The 
        term ``area career and technical education school'' 
        means--
                  (A) a specialized public secondary school 
                used exclusively or principally for the 
                provision of career and technical education to 
                individuals who are available for study in 
                preparation for entering the labor market;
                  (B) the department of a public secondary 
                school exclusively or principally used for 
                providing career and technical education in not 
                fewer than [5 different occupational fields to 
                individuals] three different fields, especially 
                in in-demand industry sectors or occupations, 
                that are available to all students who are 
                available for study in preparation for entering 
                the labor market;
                  (C) a public or nonprofit technical 
                institution or career and technical education 
                school used exclusively or principally for the 
                provision of career and technical education to 
                individuals who have completed or left 
                secondary school and who are available for 
                study in preparation for entering the labor 
                market, if the institution or school admits, as 
                regular students, individuals who have 
                completed secondary school and individuals who 
                have left secondary school; or
                  (D) the department or division of an 
                institution of higher education, that operates 
                under the policies of the eligible agency and 
                that provides career and technical education in 
                [not fewer than 5 different occupational 
                fields] not fewer than three different 
                occupational fields leading to immediate 
                employment but not necessarily leading to a 
                baccalaureate degree, if the department or 
                division admits, as regular students, both 
                individuals who have completed secondary school 
                and individuals who have left secondary school.
          (4) Articulation agreement.--The term ``articulation 
        agreement'' means a written commitment--
                  (A) that is agreed upon at the State level or 
                approved annually by the lead administrators 
                of--
                          (i) a secondary institution and a 
                        postsecondary educational institution; 
                        or
                          (ii) a subbaccalaureate degree 
                        granting postsecondary educational 
                        institution and a baccalaureate degree 
                        granting postsecondary educational 
                        institution; and
                  (B) to a program that is--
                          (i) designed to provide students with 
                        a nonduplicative sequence of 
                        progressive achievement leading to 
                        technical skill proficiency, a 
                        credential, a certificate, or a degree; 
                        and
                          (ii) linked through credit transfer 
                        agreements between the 2 institutions 
                        described in clause (i) or (ii) of 
                        subparagraph (A) (as the case may be).
          (5) Career and technical education.--The term 
        ``career and technical education'' means organized 
        educational activities that--
                  (A) offer a sequence of courses that--
                          (i) provides individuals with 
                        [coherent and rigorous content aligned 
                        with challenging academic standards] 
                        content at the secondary level aligned 
                        with the challenging State academic 
                        standards adopted by a State under 
                        section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary 
                        and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
                        U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)), and at the 
                        postsecondary level with the rigorous 
                        academic content, and relevant 
                        technical knowledge [and skills] and 
                        skills, needed to prepare for further 
                        education and careers in current or 
                        emerging professions, including in in-
                        demand industry sectors or occupations;
                          (ii) provides technical skill 
                        proficiency[, an industry-recognized 
                        credential, a certificate, or an 
                        associate degree] or a recognized 
                        postsecondary credential, which may 
                        include an industry-recognized 
                        credential; and
                          (iii) may include prerequisite 
                        courses (other than a remedial course) 
                        that meet the requirements of this 
                        subparagraph; [and]
                  (B) include competency-based, work-based, or 
                other applied learning that [contributes to 
                the] supports the development of academic 
                knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-
                solving skills, work attitudes, [general] 
                employability skills, technical skills, and 
                occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of 
                all aspects of an industry, including 
                entrepreneurship, of an individual[.];
                  (C) to the extent practicable, coordinate 
                between secondary and postsecondary education 
                programs, which may include early college 
                programs with articulation agreements, dual or 
                concurrent enrollment program opportunities, or 
                programs of study; and
                  (D) may include career exploration at the 
                high school level or as early as the middle 
                grades (as such term is defined in section 8101 
                of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
                of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).
          (6) Career and technical student organization.--
                  (A) In general.--The term ``career and 
                technical student organization'' means an 
                organization for individuals enrolled in a 
                career and technical education program that 
                engages in career and technical education 
                activities as an integral part of the 
                instructional program.
                  (B) State and national units.--An 
                organization described in subparagraph (A) may 
                have State and national units that aggregate 
                the work and purposes of instruction in career 
                and technical education at the local level.
          (7) Career guidance and academic counseling.--The 
        term ``career guidance and academic counseling'' means 
        guidance and counseling that--
                  (A) provides access for students [(and 
                parents, as appropriate)] (and, as appropriate, 
                parents and out-of-school youth) to information 
                regarding career awareness and planning with 
                respect to an individual's occupational and 
                academic future; and
                  (B) provides information with respect to 
                career options, [financial aid, and 
                postsecondary options, including baccalaureate 
                degree programs.] financial aid, job training, 
                secondary and postsecondary options (including 
                baccalaureate degree programs), dual or 
                concurrent enrollment programs, work-based 
                learning opportunities, and support services.
          (8) Career pathways.--The term ``career pathways'' 
        has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the 
        Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
        3102).
          [(8)] (9) Charter school.--The term ``charter 
        school'' has the meaning given the term in section 4310 
        of the Elementary and SecondaryEducation Act of 1965.
          [(9)] (10) Cooperative education.--The term 
        ``cooperative education'' means a method of education 
        for individuals who, through written cooperative 
        arrangements between a school and employers, receive 
        instruction, including required rigorous and 
        challenging academic courses and related career and 
        technical education instruction, by alternation of 
        study in school with a job in any occupational field, 
        which alternation--
                  (A) shall be planned and supervised by the 
                school and employer so that each contributes to 
                the education and employability of the 
                individual; and
                  (B) may include an arrangement in which work 
                periods and school attendance may be on 
                alternate half days, full days, weeks, or other 
                periods of time in fulfilling the cooperative 
                program.
          (11) CTE concentrator.--The term ``CTE concentrator'' 
        means--
                  (A) at the secondary school level, a student 
                served by an eligible recipient who has--
                          (i) completed three or more career 
                        and technical education courses; or
                          (ii) completed at least two courses 
                        in a single career and technical 
                        education program or program of study; 
                        or
                  (B) at the postsecondary level, a student 
                enrolled in an eligible recipient who has--
                          (i) earned at least 12 cumulative 
                        credits within a career and technical 
                        education program or program of study; 
                        or
                          (ii) completed such a program if the 
                        program encompasses fewer than 12 
                        credits or the equivalent in total.
          (12) CTE participant.--The term ``CTE participant'' 
        means an individual who completes not less than one 
        course or earns not less than one credit in a career 
        and technical education program or program of study of 
        an eligible recipient.
          [(10)] (13) Displaced homemaker.--The term 
        ``displaced homemaker'' means an individual who--
                  (A)(i) has worked primarily without 
                remuneration to care for a home and family, and 
                for that reason has diminished marketable 
                skills;
                  (ii) has been dependent on the income of 
                another family member but is no longer 
                supported by that income; or
                  (iii) is a parent whose youngest dependent 
                child will become ineligible to receive 
                assistance under part A of title IV of the 
                Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) not 
                later than 2 years after the date on which the 
                parent applies for assistance under such title; 
                and
                  (B) is unemployed or underemployed and is 
                experiencing difficulty in obtaining or 
                upgrading employment.
          (14) Dual or concurrent enrollment.--The term ``dual 
        or concurrent enrollment'' has the meaning given the 
        term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
        Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
          (15) Early college high school.--The term ``early 
        college high school'' has the meaning given the term in 
        section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
        Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
          [(11)] (16) Educational service agency.--The term 
        ``educational service agency'' has the meaning given 
        the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
        SecondaryEducation Act of 1965.
          [(12)] (17) Eligible agency.--The term ``eligible 
        agency'' means a State board designated or created 
        consistent with State law as the sole State agency 
        responsible for the administration of career and 
        technical education in the State or for the supervision 
        of the administration of career and technical education 
        in the State.
          (18) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' 
        means a consortium that--
                  (A) shall include at least two of the 
                following:
                          (i) a local educational agency;
                          (ii) an educational service agency;
                          (iii) an eligible institution;
                          (iv) an area career and technical 
                        education school;
                          (v) a State educational agency; or
                          (vi) the Bureau of Indian Education;
                  (B) may include a regional, State, or local 
                public or private organization, including a 
                community-based organization, one or more 
                employers, or a qualified intermediary; and
                  (C) is led by an entity or partnership of 
                entities described in subparagraph (A).
          [(13) Eligible institution.--The term ``eligible 
        institution'' means--
                  [(A) a public or nonprofit private 
                institution of higher education that offers 
                career and technical education courses that 
                lead to technical skill proficiency, an 
                industry-recognized credential, a certificate, 
                or a degree;
                  [(B) a local educational agency providing 
                education at the postsecondary level;
                  [(C) an area career and technical education 
                school providing education at the postsecondary 
                level;
                  [(D) a postsecondary educational institution 
                controlled by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or 
                operated by or on behalf of any Indian tribe 
                that is eligible to contract with the Secretary 
                of the Interior for the administration of 
                programs under the Indian Self-Determination 
                and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et 
                seq.) or the Act of April 16, 1934 (25 U.S.C. 
                452 et seq.);
                  [(E) an educational service agency; or
                  [(F) a consortium of 2 or more of the 
                entities described in subparagraphs (A) through 
                (E).]
          (19) Eligible institution.--The term ``eligible 
        institution'' means--
                  (A) a consortium of two or more of the 
                entities described in subparagraphs (B) through 
                (F);
                  (B) a public or nonprofit private institution 
                of higher education that offers and will use 
                funds provided under this title in support of 
                career and technical education courses that 
                lead to technical skill proficiency, an 
                industry-recognized credential, a certificate, 
                or an associate degree;
                  (C) a local educational agency providing 
                education at the postsecondary level;
                  (D) an area career and technical education 
                school providing education at the postsecondary 
                level;
                  (E) a postsecondary educational institution 
                controlled by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or 
                operated by or on behalf of any Indian tribe 
                that is eligible to contract with the Secretary 
                of the Interior for the administration of 
                programs under the Indian Self-Determination 
                and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et 
                seq.) or the Act of April 16, 1934 (25 U.S.C. 
                452 et seq.); or
                  (F) an educational service agency.
          [(14)] (20) Eligible recipient.--The term ``eligible 
        recipient'' means--
                  (A) a local educational agency (including a 
                public charter school that operates as a local 
                educational agency), an area career and 
                technical education school, an educational 
                service agency, or a consortium, eligible to 
                receive assistance under section 131; or
                  (B) an eligible institution or consortium of 
                eligible institutions eligible to receive 
                assistance under section 132.
          (21) English learner.--The term ``English learner'' 
        means--
                  (A) a secondary school student who is an 
                English learner, as defined in section 8101 of 
                the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
                1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801); or
                  (B) an adult or an out-of-school youth who 
                has limited ability in speaking, reading, 
                writing, or understanding the English language 
                and--
                          (i) whose native language is a 
                        language other than English; or
                          (ii) who lives in a family 
                        environment in which a language other 
                        than English is the dominant language.
          (22) Evidence-based.--The term ``evidence-based'' has 
        the meaning given the term in section 8101(21)(A) of 
        the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 7801(21)(A)).
          [(15)] (23) Governor.--The term ``Governor'' means 
        the chief executive officer of a State.
          (24) In-demand industry sector or occupation.--The 
        term ``in-demand industry sector or occupation'' has 
        the meaning given the term in section 3 of the 
        Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
        3102).
          [(16) Individual with limited english proficiency.--
        The term ``individual with limited English 
        proficiency'' means a secondary school student, an 
        adult, or an out-of-school youth, who has limited 
        ability in speaking, reading, writing, or understanding 
        the English language, and--
                  [(A) whose native language is a language 
                other than English; or
                  [(B) who lives in a family or community 
                environment in which a language other than 
                English is the dominant language.]
          [(17)] (25) Individual with a disability.--
                  (A) In general.--The term ``individual with a 
                disability'' means an individual with any 
                disability (as defined in section 3 of the 
                Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 
                U.S.C. 12102)).
                  (B) Individuals with disabilities.--The term 
                ``individuals with disabilities'' means more 
                than 1 individual with a disability.
          (26) Industry or sector partnership.--The term 
        ``industry or sector partnership'' has the meaning 
        given the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation 
        and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
          [(18)] (27) Institution of higher education.--The 
        term ``institution of higher education'' has the 
        meaning given the term in section 101 of the Higher 
        Education Act of 1965.
          [(19)] (28) Local educational agency.--The term 
        ``local educational agency'' has the meaning given the 
        term in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
        SecondaryEducation Act of 1965.
          (29) Local workforce development board.--The term 
        ``local workforce development board'' means a local 
        workforce development board established under section 
        107 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
          [(20)] (30) Non-traditional fields.--The term ``non-
        traditional fields'' means occupations or fields of 
        work, including careers in computer science, 
        technology, and other current and emerging high skill 
        occupations, for which individuals from one gender 
        comprise less than 25 percent of the individuals 
        employed in each such occupation or field of work.
          (31) Out-of-school youth.--The term ``out-of-school 
        youth'' has the meaning given the term in section 3 of 
        the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
        3102).
          [(21)] (32) Outlying area.--The term ``outlying 
        area'' means the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, 
        American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern 
        Mariana Islands, and the Republic of Palau.
          (33) Paraprofessional.--The term ``paraprofessional'' 
        has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the 
        Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 7801).
          (34) Pay for success initiative.--The term ``pay for 
        success initiative'' has the meaning given the term in 
        section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
        Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801), except that such term 
        does not include an initiative that--
                  (A) reduces the special education or related 
                services that a student would otherwise receive 
                under the Individuals with Disabilities 
                Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.); or
                  (B) otherwise reduces the rights of a student 
                or the obligations of an entity under the 
                Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 
                U.S.C. 1400 et seq.), the Rehabilitation Act of 
                1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.), the Americans 
                with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 
                et seq.), or any other law.
          [(22)] (35) Postsecondary educational institution.--
        The term ``postsecondary educational institution'' 
        means--
                  (A) an institution of higher education that 
                provides not less than a 2-year program of 
                instruction that is acceptable for credit 
                toward a bachelor's degree;
                  (B) a tribally controlled college or 
                university; or
                  (C) a nonprofit educational institution 
                offering certificate or apprenticeship programs 
                at the postsecondary level.
          (36) Program of study.--The term ``program of study'' 
        means a coordinated, nonduplicative sequence of 
        secondary and postsecondary academic and technical 
        content that--
                  (A) incorporates challenging State academic 
                standards, including those adopted by a State 
                under section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and 
                Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                6311(b)(1)), that--
                          (i) address both academic and 
                        technical knowledge and skills, 
                        including employability skills; and
                          (ii) are aligned with the needs of 
                        industries in the economy of the State, 
                        region, or local area;
                  (B) progresses in specificity (beginning with 
                all aspects of an industry or career cluster 
                and leading to more occupational specific 
                instruction);
                  (C) has multiple entry and exit points that 
                incorporate credentialing; and
                  (D) culminates in the attainment of a 
                recognized postsecondary credential.
          (37) Qualified intermediary.--The term ``qualified 
        intermediary'' means a non-profit entity that 
        demonstrates expertise to build, connect, sustain, and 
        measure partnerships with entities such as employers, 
        schools, community-based organizations, postsecondary 
        institutions, social service organizations, economic 
        development organizations, and workforce systems to 
        broker services, resources, and supports to youth and 
        the organizations and systems that are designed to 
        serve youth, including--
                  (A) connecting employers to classrooms;
                  (B) assisting in the design and 
                implementation of career and technical 
                education programs and programs of study;
                  (C) delivering professional development;
                  (D) connecting students to internships and 
                other work-based learning opportunities; and
                  (E) developing personalized student supports.
          (38) Recognized postsecondary credential.--The term 
        ``recognized postsecondary credential'' has the meaning 
        given the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation 
        and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
          [(23) Postsecondary education tech prep student.--The 
        term ``postsecondary education tech prep student'' 
        means a student who--
                  [(A) has completed the secondary education 
                component of a tech prep program; and
                  [(B) has enrolled in the postsecondary 
                education component of a tech prep program at 
                an institution of higher education described in 
                clause (i) or (ii) of section 203(a)(1)(B).
          [(24) School dropout.--The term ``school dropout'' 
        means an individual who is no longer attending any 
        school and who has not received a secondary school 
        diploma or its recognized equivalent.
          [(25) Scientifically based research.--The term 
        ``scientifically based research'' means research that 
        is carried out using scientifically based research 
        standards, as defined in section 102 of the Education 
        Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9501).
          [(26) Secondary education tech prep student.--The 
        term ``secondary education tech prep student'' means a 
        secondary education student who has enrolled in 2 
        courses in the secondary education component of a tech 
        prep program.]
          [(27)] (39) Secondary school.--The term ``secondary 
        school'' has the meaning given the term in section 8101 
        of the Elementary and SecondaryEducation Act of 1965.
          [(28)] (40) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means 
        the Secretary of Education.
          [(29)] (41) Special populations.--The term ``special 
        populations'' means--
                  (A) individuals with disabilities;
                  (B) individuals from economically 
                disadvantaged families, including [foster 
                children] youth who are in or have aged out of 
                the foster care system;
                  (C) individuals preparing for non-traditional 
                fields;
                  (D) single parents, including single pregnant 
                women;
                  (E) displaced homemakers; [and]
                  (F) [individuals with limited English 
                proficiency.] English learners;
                  (G) homeless individuals described in section 
                725 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance 
                Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a); and
                  (H) youth with a parent who--
                          (i) is a member of the armed forces 
                        (as such term is defined in section 
                        101(a)(4) of title 10, United States 
                        Code); and
                          (ii) is on active duty (as such term 
                        is defined in section 101(d)(1) of such 
                        title).
          (42) Specialized instructional support personnel.--
        The term ``specialized instructional support 
        personnel'' has the meaning given the term in section 
        8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
        1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
          (43) Specialized instructional support services.--The 
        term ``specialized instructional support services'' has 
        the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the 
        Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 7801).
          [(30)] (44) State.--The term ``State'', unless 
        otherwise specified, means each of the several States 
        of the United States, the District of Columbia, the 
        Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and each outlying area.
          [(31)] (45) Support services.--The term ``support 
        services'' means services related to curriculum 
        modification, equipment modification, classroom 
        modification, supportive personnel (including 
        paraprofessionals and specialized instructional support 
        personnel), and instructional aids and devices.
          [(32) Tech prep program.--The term ``tech prep 
        program'' means a tech prep program described in 
        section 203(c).]
          [(33)] (46) Tribally controlled college or 
        university.--The term ``tribally controlled college or 
        university'' has the meaning given the term in section 
        2(a) of the Tribally Controlled Colleges and 
        Universities Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 
        1801(a)).
          [(34)] (47) Tribally controlled postsecondary career 
        and technical institution.--The term ``tribally 
        controlled postsecondary career and technical 
        institution'' means an institution of higher education 
        (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act 
        of 1965, except that subsection (a)(2) of such section 
        shall not be applicable and the reference to Secretary 
        in subsection (a)(5) of such section shall be deemed to 
        refer to the Secretary of the Interior) that--
                  (A) is formally controlled, or has been 
                formally sanctioned or chartered, by the 
                governing body of an Indian tribe or Indian 
                tribes;
                  (B) offers a technical degree or certificate 
                granting program;
                  (C) is governed by a board of directors or 
                trustees, a majority of whom are Indians;
                  (D) demonstrates adherence to stated goals, a 
                philosophy, or a plan of operation, that 
                fosters individual Indian economic and self-
                sufficiency opportunity, including programs 
                that are appropriate to stated tribal goals of 
                developing individual entrepreneurships and 
                self-sustaining economic infrastructures on 
                reservations;
                  (E) has been in operation for at least 3 
                years;
                  (F) holds accreditation with or is a 
                candidate for accreditation by a nationally 
                recognized accrediting authority for 
                postsecondary career and technical education; 
                and
                  (G) enrolls the full-time equivalent of not 
                less than 100 students, of whom a majority are 
                Indians.
          (48) Universal design for learning.--The term 
        ``universal design for learning'' has the meaning given 
        the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
        Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
          (49) Work-based learning.--The term ``work-based 
        learning'' means sustained interactions with industry 
        or community professionals in real workplace settings, 
        to the extent practicable, or simulated environments at 
        an educational institution that foster in-depth, first-
        hand engagement with the tasks required of a given 
        career field, that are aligned to curriculum and 
        instruction.

SEC. 4. TRANSITION PROVISIONS.

  The Secretary shall take such steps as [the Secretary 
determines to be appropriate] are necessary to provide for the 
orderly transition to the authority of this Act (as amended by 
the [Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement 
Act of 2006] Strengthening Career and Technical Education for 
the 21st Century Act) from any authority under the provisions 
of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act 
of [1998] 2006, as in effect on the day before the date of 
enactment of the [Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 
Education Improvement Act of 2006] Strengthening Career and 
Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. The Secretary 
shall give each eligible agency the opportunity to submit a 
transition plan for the first fiscal year following the date of 
enactment of the [Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 
Education Improvement Act of 2006] Strengthening Career and 
Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 8. PROHIBITIONS.

  (a) Local Control.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to 
authorize an officer or employee of the [Federal Government to 
mandate, direct, or control a State, local educational agency, 
or school's curriculum, program of instruction, or allocation 
of State or local resources, or mandate a State or any 
subdivision thereof to spend any funds or incur any costs not 
paid for under this Act, except as required under sections 
112(b), 311(b), and 323.] Federal Government--
          (1) to condition or incentivize the receipt of any 
        grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, or the 
        receipt of any priority or preference under such grant, 
        contract, or cooperative agreement, upon a State, local 
        educational agency, eligible agency, eligible 
        recipient, eligible entity, or school's adoption or 
        implementation of specific instructional content, 
        academic standards and assessments, curricula, or 
        program of instruction (including any condition, 
        priority, or preference to adopt the Common Core State 
        Standards developed under the Common Core State 
        Standards Initiative, any other academic standards 
        common to a significant number of States, or any 
        assessment, instructional content, or curriculum 
        aligned to such standards);
          (2) through grants, contracts, or other cooperative 
        agreements, to mandate, direct, or control a State, 
        local educational agency, eligible agency, eligible 
        recipient, eligible entity, or school's specific 
        instructional content, academic standards and 
        assessments, curricula, or program of instruction 
        (including any requirement, direction, or mandate to 
        adopt the Common Core State Standards developed under 
        the Common Core State Standards Initiative, any other 
        academic standards common to a significant number of 
        States, or any assessment, instructional content, or 
        curriculum aligned to such standards); and
          (3) except as required under sections 112(b), 211(b), 
        and 223--
                  (A) to mandate, direct, or control the 
                allocation of State or local resources; or
                  (B) to mandate that a State or a political 
                subdivision of a State spend any funds or incur 
                any costs not paid for under this Act.
  (b) No Preclusion of Other Assistance.--Any State that 
declines to submit an application to the Secretary for 
assistance under this Act shall not be precluded from applying 
for assistance under any other program administered by the 
Secretary.
  (c) Prohibition on Requiring Federal Approval or 
Certification of Standards.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of Federal law, no State shall be required to have 
academic and career and technical content standards or student 
academic and career and technical achievement standards 
approved or certified by the Federal Government, in order to 
receive assistance under this Act.
  [(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to affect the requirements under section 113.]
  [(e)] (d) Coherent and Rigorous Content.--For the purposes of 
this Act, coherent and rigorous content shall be determined by 
the State consistent with section 1111(b)(1) of theElementary 
and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

[SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  [There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act 
(other than sections 114, 117, and 118, and title II) such sums 
as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2007 through 
2012.]

SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  There are to be authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
this Act (other than sections 114 and 117)--
          (1) $1,133,002,074 for fiscal year 2018;
          (2) $1,148,618,465 for fiscal year 2019;
          (3) $1,164,450,099 for fiscal year 2020;
          (4) $1,180,499,945 for fiscal year 2021;
          (5) $1,196,771,008 for fiscal year 2022; and
          (6) $1,213,266,339 for fiscal year 2023.

    TITLE I--CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ASSISTANCE TO THE STATES

                    PART A--ALLOTMENT AND ALLOCATION

SEC. 111. RESERVATIONS AND STATE ALLOTMENT.

  (a) Reservations and State Allotment.--
          (1) Reservations.--From the sum appropriated under 
        section 9 for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
        reserve--
                  (A) 0.13 percent to carry out section 115; 
                and
                  (B) 1.50 percent to carry out section 116, of 
                which--
                          (i) 1.25 percent of the sum shall be 
                        available to carry out section 116(b); 
                        and
                          (ii) 0.25 percent of the sum shall be 
                        available to carry out section 116(h).
          (2) State allotment formula.--Subject to paragraphs 
        (3), (4), and (5), from the remainder of the sum 
        appropriated under section 9 and not reserved under 
        paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
        allot to a State for the fiscal year--
                  (A) an amount that bears the same ratio to 50 
                percent of the sum being allotted as the 
                product of the population aged 15 to 19 
                inclusive, in the State in the fiscal year 
                preceding the fiscal year for which the 
                determination is made and the State's allotment 
                ratio bears to the sum of the corresponding 
                products for all the States;
                  (B) an amount that bears the same ratio to 20 
                percent of the sum being allotted as the 
                product of the population aged 20 to 24, 
                inclusive, in the State in the fiscal year 
                preceding the fiscal year for which the 
                determination is made and the State's allotment 
                ratio bears to the sum of the corresponding 
                products for all the States;
                  (C) an amount that bears the same ratio to 15 
                percent of the sum being allotted as the 
                product of the population aged 25 to 65, 
                inclusive, in the State in the fiscal year 
                preceding the fiscal year for which the 
                determination is made and the State's allotment 
                ratio bears to the sum of the corresponding 
                products for all the States; and
                  (D) an amount that bears the same ratio to 15 
                percent of the sum being allotted as the 
                amounts allotted to the State under 
                subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) for such years 
                bears to the sum of the amounts allotted to all 
                the States under subparagraphs (A), (B), and 
                (C) for such year.
          (3) Minimum allotment for years with no additional 
        funds.--
                  (A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other 
                provision of law and subject to subparagraphs 
                (B) and (C), and paragraph (5), for a fiscal 
                year for which there are no additional funds 
                (as such term is defined in paragraph (4)(D)), 
                no State shall receive for such fiscal year 
                under this subsection less than \1/2\ of 1 
                percent of the amount appropriated under 
                section 9 and not reserved under paragraph (1) 
                for such fiscal year. Amounts necessary for 
                increasing such payments to States to comply 
                with the preceding sentence shall be obtained 
                by ratably reducing the amounts to be paid to 
                other States.
                  (B) Requirement.--No State, by reason of the 
                application of subparagraph (A), shall receive 
                for a fiscal year more than 150 percent of the 
                amount the State received under this subsection 
                for the preceding fiscal year.
                  (C) Special rule.--
                          (i) In general.--Subject to paragraph 
                        (5), no State, by reason of the 
                        application of subparagraph (A), shall 
                        be allotted for a fiscal year more than 
                        the lesser of--
                                  (I) 150 percent of the amount 
                                that the State received in the 
                                preceding fiscal year; and
                                  (II) the amount calculated 
                                under clause (ii).
                          (ii) Amount.--The amount calculated 
                        under this clause shall be determined 
                        by multiplying--
                                  (I) the number of individuals 
                                in the State counted under 
                                paragraph (2) in the preceding 
                                fiscal year; by
                                  (II) 150 percent of the 
                                national average per pupil 
                                payment made with funds 
                                available under this section 
                                for that year.
          (4) Minimum allotment for years with additional 
        funds.--
                  (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B) 
                and paragraph (5), for a fiscal year for which 
                there are additional funds, no State shall 
                receive for such fiscal year under this 
                subsection less than \1/2\ of 1 percent of the 
                amount appropriated under section 9 and not 
                reserved under paragraph (1) for such fiscal 
                year. Amounts necessary for increasing such 
                payments to States to comply with the preceding 
                sentence shall be obtained by ratably reducing 
                the amounts to be paid to other States.
                  (B) Special rule.--In the case of a 
                qualifying State, the minimum allotment under 
                subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year for the 
                qualifying State shall be the lesser of--
                          (i) \1/2\ of 1 percent of the amount 
                        appropriated under section 9 and not 
                        reserved under paragraph (1) for such 
                        fiscal year; and
                          (ii) the sum of--
                                  (I) the amount the qualifying 
                                State was allotted under 
                                paragraph (2) for fiscal year 
                                2006 (as such paragraph was in 
                                effect on the day before the 
                                date of enactment of the Carl 
                                D. Perkins Career and Technical 
                                Education Improvement Act of 
                                2006); and
                                  (II) the product of--
                                          (aa) \1/3\ of the 
                                        additional funds; 
                                        multiplied by
                                          (bb) the quotient 
                                        of--
                                                  (AA) the 
                                                qualifying 
                                                State's ratio 
                                                described in 
                                                subparagraph 
                                                (C) for the 
                                                fiscal year for 
                                                which the 
                                                determination 
                                                is made; 
                                                divided by
                                                  (BB) the sum 
                                                of all such 
                                                ratios for all 
                                                qualifying 
                                                States for the 
                                                fiscal year for 
                                                which the 
                                                determination 
                                                is made.
                  (C) Ratio.--For purposes of subparagraph 
                (B)(ii)(II)(bb)(AA), the ratio for a qualifying 
                State for a fiscal year shall be 1.00 less the 
                quotient of--
                          (i) the amount the qualifying State 
                        was allotted under paragraph (2) for 
                        fiscal year 2006 (as such paragraph was 
                        in effect on the day before the date of 
                        enactment of the Carl D. Perkins Career 
                        and Technical Education Improvement Act 
                        of 2006); divided by
                          (ii) \1/2\ of 1 percent of the amount 
                        appropriated under section 9 and not 
                        reserved under paragraph (1) for the 
                        fiscal year for which the determination 
                        is made.
                  (D) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
                          (i) Additional funds.--The term 
                        ``additional funds'' means the amount 
                        by which--
                                  (I) the sum appropriated 
                                under section 9 and not 
                                reserved under paragraph (1) 
                                for a fiscal year; exceeds
                                  (II) the sum of--
                                          (aa) the amount 
                                        allotted under 
                                        paragraph (2) for 
                                        fiscal year 2006 (as 
                                        such paragraph (2) was 
                                        in effect on the day 
                                        before the date of 
                                        enactment of the Carl 
                                        D. Perkins Career and 
                                        Technical Education 
                                        Improvement Act of 
                                        2006);
                                          (bb) the amount 
                                        reserved under 
                                        paragraph (1)(C) for 
                                        fiscal year 2006 (as 
                                        such paragraph (1)(C) 
                                        was so in effect); and
                                          (cc) $827,671.
                          (ii) Qualifying state.--The term 
                        ``qualifying State'' means a State 
                        (except the United States Virgin 
                        Islands) that, for the fiscal year for 
                        which a determination under this 
                        paragraph is made, would receive, under 
                        the allotment formula under paragraph 
                        (2) (without the application of this 
                        paragraph and paragraphs (3) and (5)), 
                        an amount that would be less than the 
                        amount the State would receive under 
                        subparagraph (A) for such fiscal year.
          (5) Hold harmless.--
                  (A) In general.--[No State] For each of 
                fiscal years 2018, 2019, and 2020, no State 
                shall receive an allotment under this section 
                for a fiscal year that is less than the 
                allotment the State received under part A of 
                title I of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and 
                Applied Technology Education Act (20 U.S.C. 
                2311 et seq.) (as such part was in effect on 
                the day before the date of enactment of the 
                Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied 
                Technology Education Amendments of 1998) for 
                fiscal year 1998.
                  (B) Fiscal year 2021 and each succeeding 
                fiscal year.--For fiscal year 2021 and each of 
                the succeeding fiscal years, no State shall 
                receive an allotment under this section for a 
                fiscal year that is less than 90 percent of the 
                allotment the State received under this section 
                for the preceding fiscal year.
                  [(B)] (C) Ratable reduction.--If for any 
                fiscal year the amount appropriated for 
                allotments under this section is insufficient 
                to satisfy the provisions of [subparagraph (A)] 
                subparagraph (A) or (B), the payments to all 
                States under such subparagraph shall be ratably 
                reduced.
  (b) Reallotment.--If the Secretary determines that any amount 
of any State's allotment under subsection (a) for any fiscal 
year will not be required for such fiscal year for carrying out 
the activities for which such amount has been allotted, the 
Secretary shall make such amount available for reallotment. Any 
such reallotment among other States shall occur on such dates 
during the same year as the Secretary shall fix, and shall be 
made on the basis of criteria established by regulation. No 
funds may be reallotted for any use other than the use for 
which the funds were appropriated. Any amount reallotted to a 
State under this subsection for any fiscal year shall remain 
available for obligation during the succeeding fiscal year and 
shall be deemed to be part of the State's allotment for the 
year in which the amount is obligated.
  (c) Allotment Ratio.--
          (1) In general.--The allotment ratio for any State 
        shall be 1.00 less the product of--
                  (A) 0.50; and
                  (B) the quotient obtained by dividing the per 
                capita income for the State by the per capita 
                income for all the States (exclusive of the 
                Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United 
                States Virgin Islands), except that--
                          (i) the allotment ratio in no case 
                        shall be more than 0.60 or less than 
                        0.40; and
                          (ii) the allotment ratio for the 
                        Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the 
                        United States Virgin Islands shall be 
                        0.60.
          (2) Promulgation.--The allotment ratios shall be 
        promulgated by the Secretary for each fiscal year 
        between October 1 and December 31 of the fiscal year 
        preceding the fiscal year for which the determination 
        is made. Allotment ratios shall be computed on the 
        basis of the average of the appropriate per capita 
        incomes for the 3 most recent consecutive fiscal years 
        for which satisfactory data are available.
          (3) Definition of per capita income.--For the purpose 
        of this section, the term ``per capita income'' means, 
        with respect to a fiscal year, the total personal 
        income in the calendar year ending in such year, 
        divided by the population of the area concerned in such 
        year.
          (4) Population determination.--For the purposes of 
        this section, population shall be determined by the 
        Secretary on the basis of the latest estimates 
        available to the Department of Education.
  (d) Definition of State.--For the purpose of this section, 
the term ``State'' means each of the several States of the 
United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands.

SEC. 112. WITHIN STATE ALLOCATION.

  (a) In General.--From the amount allotted to each State under 
section 111 for a fiscal year, the eligible agency shall make 
available--
          (1) not less than 85 percent for distribution under 
        section 131 or 132, of which not more than [10 percent] 
        15 percent of the 85 percent may be used in accordance 
        with subsection (c);
          (2) not more than 10 percent to carry out State 
        leadership activities described in section 124, of 
        which--
                  (A) an amount equal to not more than [1 
                percent] 2 percent of the amount allotted to 
                the State under section 111 for the fiscal year 
                shall be made available to serve individuals in 
                State institutions, such as [State correctional 
                institutions and institutions] State 
                correctional institutions, juvenile justice 
                facilities, and educational institutions that 
                serve individuals with disabilities; and
                  (B) not less than $60,000 and not more than 
                $150,000 shall be [available for services] 
                available to assist eligible recipients in 
                providing services that prepare individuals for 
                non-traditional fields; and
          (3) an amount equal to not more than 5 percent, or 
        $250,000, whichever is greater, for administration of 
        the State plan, which may be used for the costs of--
                  (A) developing the State plan;
                  (B) reviewing [a local plan;] local 
                applications;
                  (C) monitoring and evaluating program 
                effectiveness;
                  (D) assuring compliance with all applicable 
                Federal laws;
                  (E) providing technical assistance; and
                  (F) supporting and developing State data 
                systems relevant to the provisions of this Act.
  (b) Matching Requirement.--Each eligible agency receiving 
funds made available under subsection (a)(3) shall match, from 
non-Federal sources and on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the funds 
received under subsection (a)(3).
  (c) Reserve.--From amounts made available under subsection 
(a)(1) to carry out this subsection, an eligible agency may 
award grants to eligible recipients for career and technical 
education activities described in [section 135 in--]
          [(1) rural areas;
          [(2) areas with high percentages of career and 
        technical education students; and
          [(3) areas with high numbers of career and technical 
        education students.] section 135--
          (1) in--
                  (A) rural areas;
                  (B) areas with high percentages of CTE 
                concentrators or CTE participants; and
                  (C) areas with high numbers of CTE 
                concentrators or CTE participants; and
          (2) in order to--
                  (A) foster innovation through the 
                identification and promotion of promising and 
                proven career and technical education programs, 
                practices, and strategies, which may include 
                practices and strategies that prepare 
                individuals for nontraditional fields; or
                  (B) promote the development, implementation, 
                and adoption of programs of study or career 
                pathways aligned with State-identified in-
                demand occupations or industries.

SEC. 113. ACCOUNTABILITY.

  (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to establish and 
support State and local performance accountability systems, 
[comprised of the activities] comprising the activities 
described in this section, to assess the effectiveness of the 
State and the eligible recipients of the State in achieving 
statewide progress in career and technical education, and to 
optimize the return of investment of Federal funds in career 
and technical education activities.
  (b) State Performance Measures.--
          (1) In general.--Each eligible agency, with input 
        from eligible recipients, shall establish performance 
        measures for a State that consist of--
                  (A) the core indicators of performance 
                described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of 
                paragraph (2);
                  [(B) any additional indicators of performance 
                (if any) identified by the eligible agency 
                under paragraph (2)(C); and]
                  [(C)] (B) a State adjusted level of 
                performance described in paragraph (3)(A) for 
                each core indicator of performance[, and State 
                levels of performance described in paragraph 
                (3)(B) for each additional indicator of 
                performance].
          [(2) Indicators of performance.--
                  [(A) Core indicators of performance for 
                career and technical education students at the 
                secondary level.--Each eligible agency shall 
                identify in the State plan core indicators of 
                performance for career and technical education 
                students at the secondary level that are valid 
                and reliable, and that include, at a minimum, 
                measures of each of the following:
                          [(i) Student attainment of the 
                        challenging State academic standards, 
                        as adopted by a State in accordance 
                        with section 1111(b)(1) of the 
                        Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
                        of 1965 and measured by the State 
                        determined levels of achievement on the 
                        academic assessments described in 
                        section 1111(b)(2) of such Act.
                          [(ii) Student attainment of career 
                        and technical skill proficiencies, 
                        including student achievement on 
                        technical assessments, that are aligned 
                        with industry-recognized standards, if 
                        available and appropriate.
                          [(iii) Student rates of attainment of 
                        each of the following:
                                  [(I) A secondary school 
                                diploma.
                                  [(II) A General Education 
                                Development (GED) credential, 
                                or other State-recognized 
                                equivalent (including 
                                recognized alternative 
                                standards for individuals with 
                                disabilities).
                                  [(III) A proficiency 
                                credential, certificate, or 
                                degree, in conjunction with a 
                                secondary school diploma (if 
                                such credential, certificate, 
                                or degree is offered by the 
                                State in conjunction with a 
                                secondary school diploma).
                          [(iv) Student graduation rates 
                        (asdescribed in section 
                        1111(c)(4)(A)(i)(I)(bb) of 
                        theElementary and Secondary Education 
                        Act of 1965).
                          [(v) Student placement in 
                        postsecondary education or advanced 
                        training, in military service, or in 
                        employment.
                          [(vi) Student participation in and 
                        completion of career and technical 
                        education programs that lead to non-
                        traditional fields.
                  [(B) Core indicators of performance for 
                career and technical education students at the 
                postsecondary level.--Each eligible agency 
                shall identify in the State plan core 
                indicators of performance for career and 
                technical education students at the 
                postsecondary level that are valid and 
                reliable, and that include, at a minimum, 
                measures of each of the following:
                          [(i) Student attainment of 
                        challenging career and technical skill 
                        proficiencies, including student 
                        achievement on technical assessments, 
                        that are aligned with industry-
                        recognized standards, if available and 
                        appropriate.
                          [(ii) Student attainment of an 
                        industry-recognized credential, a 
                        certificate, or a degree.
                          [(iii) Student retention in 
                        postsecondary education or transfer to 
                        a baccalaureate degree program.
                          [(iv) Student placement in military 
                        service or apprenticeship programs or 
                        placement or retention in employment, 
                        including placement in high skill, high 
                        wage, or high demand occupations or 
                        professions.
                          [(v) Student participation in, and 
                        completion of, career and technical 
                        education programs that lead to 
                        employment in non-traditional fields.
                  [(C) Additional indicators of performance.--
                An eligible agency, with input from eligible 
                recipients, may identify in the State plan 
                additional indicators of performance for career 
                and technical education activities authorized 
                under this title, such as attainment of self-
                sufficiency.
                  [(D) Existing indicators.--If a State has 
                developed, prior to the date of enactment of 
                the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 
                Education Improvement Act of 2006, State career 
                and technical education performance measures 
                that meet the requirements of this section (as 
                amended by such Act), the State may use such 
                performance measures to measure the progress of 
                career and technical education students.
                  [(E) State role.--Indicators of performance 
                described in this paragraph shall be 
                established solely by each eligible agency with 
                input from eligible recipients.
                  [(F) Alignment of performance indicators.--In 
                the course of developing core indicators of 
                performance and additional indicators of 
                performance, an eligible agency shall, to the 
                greatest extent possible, align the indicators 
                so that substantially similar information 
                gathered for other State and Federal programs, 
                or for any other purpose, is used to meet the 
                requirements of this section.]
          (2) Indicators of performance.--
                  (A) Core indicators of performance for cte 
                concentrators at the secondary level Each 
                eligible agency shall identify in the State 
                plan core indicators of performance for CTE 
                concentrators at the secondary level that are 
                valid and reliable, and that include, at a 
                minimum, measures of each of the following:
                          (i) The percentage of CTE 
                        concentrators who graduate high school, 
                        as measured by--
                                  (I) the four-year adjusted 
                                cohort graduation rate (defined 
                                in section 8101 of the 
                                Elementary and Secondary 
                                Education Act of 1965 (20 
                                U.S.C. 7801)); and
                                  (II) at the State's 
                                discretion, the extended-year 
                                adjusted cohort graduation rate 
                                defined in such section 8101 
                                (20 U.S.C. 7801).
                          (ii) CTE concentrator attainment of 
                        challenging State academic standards 
                        adopted by the State under section 
                        1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and 
                        Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
                        U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)), and measured by the 
                        academic assessments described in 
                        section 1111(b)(2) of such Act (20 
                        U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)).
                          (iii) The percentage of CTE 
                        concentrators who, in the second 
                        quarter following the program year 
                        after exiting from secondary education, 
                        are in postsecondary education or 
                        advanced training, military service, or 
                        unsubsidized employment.
                          (iv) Not less than one indicator of 
                        career and technical education program 
                        quality that--
                                  (I) shall include, not less 
                                than one of the following--
                                          (aa) the percentage 
                                        of CTE concentrators, 
                                        as defined in section 
                                        3(11)(A)(ii), 
                                        graduating from high 
                                        school having attained 
                                        recognized 
                                        postsecondary 
                                        credentials;
                                          (bb) the percentage 
                                        of CTE concentrators, 
                                        as defined in section 
                                        3(11)(A)(ii), 
                                        graduating from high 
                                        school having attained 
                                        postsecondary credits 
                                        in the relevant career 
                                        and technical 
                                        educational program or 
                                        program of study earned 
                                        through dual and 
                                        concurrent enrollment 
                                        or another credit 
                                        transfer agreement; or
                                          (cc) the percentage 
                                        of CTE concentrators, 
                                        as defined in section 
                                        3(11)(A)(ii), 
                                        graduating from high 
                                        school having 
                                        participated in work-
                                        based learning; and
                                  (II) may include any other 
                                measure of student success in 
                                career and technical education 
                                that is statewide, valid, and 
                                reliable.
                          (v) The percentage of CTE 
                        concentrators, as defined in section 
                        3(11)(A)(ii), in career and technical 
                        education programs and programs of 
                        study that lead to nontraditional 
                        fields.
                  (B) Core indicators of performance for cte 
                concentrators at the postsecondary level.--Each 
                eligible agency shall identify in the State 
                plan core indicators of performance for CTE 
                concentrators at the postsecondary level that 
                are valid and reliable, and that include, at a 
                minimum, measures of each of the following:
                          (i) The percentage of CTE 
                        concentrators, who, during the second 
                        quarter after program completion, are 
                        in education or training activities, 
                        advanced training, or unsubsidized 
                        employment.
                          (ii) The median earnings of CTE 
                        concentrators in unsubsidized 
                        employment two quarters after program 
                        completion.
                          (iii) The percentage of CTE 
                        concentrators who receive a recognized 
                        postsecondary credential during 
                        participation in or within 1 year of 
                        program completion.
                          (iv) The percentage of CTE 
                        concentrators in career and technical 
                        education programs and programs of 
                        study that lead to nontraditional 
                        fields.
                  (C) Alignment of performance indicators.--In 
                developing core indicators of performance under 
                subparagraphs (A) and (B), an eligible agency 
                shall, to the greatest extent possible, align 
                the indicators so that substantially similar 
                information gathered for other State and 
                Federal programs, or for any other purpose, may 
                be used to meet the requirements of this 
                section.
          (3) State levels of performance.--
                  [(A) State adjusted levels of performance for 
                core indicators of performance.--
                          [(i) In general.--Each eligible 
                        agency, with input from eligible 
                        recipients, shall establish in the 
                        State plan submitted under section 122, 
                        levels of performance for each of the 
                        core indicators of performance 
                        described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) 
                        of paragraph (2) for career and 
                        technical education activities 
                        authorized under this title. The levels 
                        of performance established under this 
                        subparagraph shall, at a minimum--
                                  [(I) be expressed in a 
                                percentage or numerical form, 
                                so as to be objective, 
                                quantifiable, and measurable; 
                                and
                                  [(II) require the State to 
                                continually make progress 
                                toward improving the 
                                performance of career and 
                                technical education students.
                          [(ii) Identification in the state 
                        plan.--Subject to section 4, each 
                        eligible agency shall identify, in the 
                        State plan submitted under section 122, 
                        levels of performance for each of the 
                        core indicators of performance for the 
                        first 2 program years covered by the 
                        State plan.
                          [(iii) Agreement on state adjusted 
                        levels of performance for first 2 
                        years.--The Secretary and each eligible 
                        agency shall reach agreement on the 
                        levels of performance for each of the 
                        core indicators of performance, for the 
                        first 2 program years covered by the 
                        State plan, taking into account the 
                        levels identified in the State plan 
                        under clause (ii) and the factors 
                        described in clause (vi). The levels of 
                        performance agreed to under this clause 
                        shall be considered to be the State 
                        adjusted level of performance for the 
                        State for such years and shall be 
                        incorporated into the State plan prior 
                        to the approval of such plan.
                          [(iv) Role of the secretary.--The 
                        role of the Secretary in the agreement 
                        described in clauses (iii) and (v) is 
                        limited to reaching agreement on the 
                        percentage or number of students who 
                        attain the State adjusted levels of 
                        performance.
                          [(v) Agreement on state adjusted 
                        levels of performance for subsequent 
                        years.--Prior to the third and fifth 
                        program years covered by the State 
                        plan, the Secretary and each eligible 
                        agency shall reach agreement on the 
                        State adjusted levels of performance 
                        for each of the core indicators of 
                        performance for the corresponding 
                        subsequent program years covered by the 
                        State plan, taking into account the 
                        factors described in clause (vi). The 
                        State adjusted levels of performance 
                        agreed to under this clause shall be 
                        considered to be the State adjusted 
                        levels of performance for the State for 
                        such years and shall be incorporated 
                        into the State plan.
                          [(vi) Factors.--The agreement 
                        described in clause (iii) or (v) shall 
                        take into account--
                                  [(I) how the levels of 
                                performance involved compare 
                                with the State adjusted levels 
                                of performance established for 
                                other States, taking into 
                                account factors including the 
                                characteristics of participants 
                                when the participants entered 
                                the program and the services or 
                                instruction to be provided; and
                                  [(II) the extent to which 
                                such levels of performance 
                                promote continuous improvement 
                                on the indicators of 
                                performance by such State.
                          [(vii) Revisions.--If unanticipated 
                        circumstances arise in a State 
                        resulting in a significant change in 
                        the factors described in clause (vi), 
                        the eligible agency may request that 
                        the State adjusted levels of 
                        performance agreed to under clause 
                        (iii) or (v) be revised. The Secretary 
                        shall issue objective criteria and 
                        methods for making such revisions.
                  [(B) Levels of performance for additional 
                indicators.--Each eligible agency shall 
                identify in the State plan State levels of 
                performance for each of the additional 
                indicators of performance described in 
                paragraph (2)(C). Such levels shall be 
                considered to be the State levels of 
                performance for purposes of this title.]
                  (A) State adjusted levels of performance for 
                core indicators of performance.--
                          (i) In general.--Each eligible 
                        agency, with input from eligible 
                        recipients, shall establish and 
                        identify in the State plan submitted 
                        under section 122, for the first 2 
                        program years covered by the State 
                        plan, State levels of performance for 
                        each of the core indicators of 
                        performance described in subparagraphs 
                        (A) and (B) of paragraph (2) for career 
                        and technical education activities 
                        authorized under this title. The levels 
                        of performance established under this 
                        subparagraph shall, at a minimum--
                                  (I) be expressed in a 
                                percentage or numerical form, 
                                so as to be objective, 
                                quantifiable, and measurable; 
                                and
                                  (II) be sufficiently 
                                ambitious to allow for 
                                meaningful evaluation of 
                                program quality.
                          (ii) State adjusted levels of 
                        performance for subsequent years.--
                        Prior to the third program year covered 
                        by the State plan, each eligible agency 
                        shall revise the State levels of 
                        performance for each of the core 
                        indicators of performance for the 
                        subsequent program years covered by the 
                        State plan, taking into account the 
                        extent to which such levels of 
                        performance promote meaningful program 
                        improvement on such indicators. The 
                        State adjusted levels of performance 
                        identified under this clause shall be 
                        considered to be the State adjusted 
                        levels of performance for the State for 
                        such years and shall be incorporated 
                        into the State plan.
                          (iii) Reporting.--The eligible agency 
                        shall, for each year described in 
                        clauses (i) and (iii), publicly report 
                        and widely disseminate the State levels 
                        of performance described in this 
                        subparagraph.
                          (iv) Revisions.--If unanticipated 
                        circumstances arise in a State, the 
                        eligible agency may revise the State 
                        adjusted levels of performance required 
                        under this subparagraph, and submit 
                        such revised levels of performance with 
                        evidence supporting the revision and 
                        demonstrating public consultation, in a 
                        manner consistent with the procedure 
                        described in subsections (d) and (f) of 
                        section 122.
                  (B) Actual levels of performance.--At the end 
                of each program year, the eligible agency shall 
                determine actual levels of performance on each 
                of the core indicators of performance and 
                publicly report and widely disseminate the 
                actual levels of performance described in this 
                subparagraph.
                  (C)  Establishment of levels of 
                performance.--An eligible agency shall 
                establish State levels of performance under 
                subparagraph (A) in a manner consistent with 
                the procedure adopted by the eligible agency 
                under section 122(d)(9).
          (4) Local levels of performance.--
                  (A) Local adjusted levels of performance for 
                core indicators of performance.--
                          (i) In general.--Each eligible 
                        recipient shall agree to accept the 
                        State adjusted levels of performance 
                        established under paragraph (3) as 
                        local adjusted levels of performances, 
                        or negotiate with the State to reach 
                        agreement on new local adjusted levels 
                        of performance, for each of the core 
                        indicators of performance described in 
                        subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph 
                        (2) for career and technical education 
                        activities authorized under this title. 
                        The levels of performance established 
                        under this subparagraph shall, at a 
                        minimum--
                                  (I) be expressed in a 
                                percentage or numerical form, 
                                [consistent with the State 
                                levels of performance 
                                established under paragraph 
                                (3), so as] consistent with the 
                                form expressed in the State 
                                levels, so as to be objective, 
                                quantifiable, and measurable; 
                                and
                                  [(II) require the eligible 
                                recipient to continually make 
                                progress toward improving the 
                                performance of career and 
                                technical education students.]
                                  (II) be sufficiently 
                                ambitious to allow for 
                                meaningful evaluation of 
                                program quality.
                          (ii) Identification in the local 
                        plan.--Each eligible recipient shall 
                        identify, in the local plan submitted 
                        under section 134, levels of 
                        performance for each of the core 
                        indicators of performance for the first 
                        2 program years covered by the local 
                        plan.
                          (iii) Agreement on local adjusted 
                        levels of performance for first 2 
                        years.--The eligible agency and each 
                        eligible recipient shall reach 
                        agreement, as described in clause (i), 
                        on the eligible recipient's levels of 
                        performance for each of the core 
                        indicators of performance for the first 
                        2 program years covered by the local 
                        plan, taking into account the levels 
                        identified in the local plan under 
                        clause (ii) and the factors described 
                        in clause (v). The levels of 
                        performance agreed to under this clause 
                        shall be considered to be the local 
                        adjusted levels of performance for the 
                        eligible recipient for such years and 
                        shall be incorporated into the local 
                        plan prior to the approval of such 
                        plan.
                          (iv) Agreement on local adjusted 
                        levels of performance for subsequent 
                        years.--Prior to the [third and fifth 
                        program years] third program year 
                        covered by the local plan, the eligible 
                        agency and each eligible recipient 
                        shall reach agreement on the local 
                        adjusted levels of performance for each 
                        of the core indicators of performance 
                        for the [corresponding] subsequent 
                        program years covered by the local 
                        plan, taking into account the factors 
                        described in clause (v). The local 
                        adjusted levels of performance agreed 
                        to under this clause shall be 
                        considered to be the local adjusted 
                        levels of performance for the eligible 
                        recipient for such years and shall be 
                        incorporated into the local plan.
                          (v) Factors.--The agreement described 
                        in clause (iii) or (iv) shall take into 
                        account--
                                  (I) how the levels of 
                                performance involved compare 
                                with the local adjusted levels 
                                of performance established for 
                                other eligible recipients in 
                                the State, taking into account 
                                factors including the 
                                characteristics of participants 
                                when the participants entered 
                                the program and the services or 
                                instruction to be provided; 
                                [and]
                                  (II) local economic 
                                conditions;
                                  [(II)] (III) the extent to 
                                which the local adjusted levels 
                                of performance [promote 
                                continuous improvement on the 
                                core indicators of performance 
                                by the eligible recipient.] 
                                advance the eligible 
                                recipient's accomplishments of 
                                the goals set forth in the 
                                local application; and
                                  (IV) the eligible recipient's 
                                ability and capacity to collect 
                                and access valid, reliable, and 
                                cost effective data.
                          (vi) Revisions.--If unanticipated 
                        circumstances arise with respect to an 
                        eligible recipient resulting in a 
                        significant change in the factors 
                        described in clause (v), or changes 
                        occur related to improvements in data 
                        or measurement approaches, the eligible 
                        recipient may request that the local 
                        adjusted levels of performance agreed 
                        to under clause (iii) or (iv) be 
                        revised. The eligible agency shall 
                        issue objective criteria and methods 
                        for making such revisions.
                          (vii) Reporting.--The eligible 
                        recipient shall, for each year 
                        described in clauses (iii) and (iv), 
                        publicly report the local levels of 
                        performance described in this 
                        subparagraph.
                  [(B) Levels of performance for additional 
                indicators.--Each eligible recipient may 
                identify, in the local plan, local levels of 
                performance for any additional indicators of 
                performance described in paragraph (2)(C). Such 
                levels shall be considered to be the local 
                levels of performance for purposes of this 
                title.]
                  [(C)] (B) Local report.--
                          (i) Content of report.--Each eligible 
                        recipient that receives an allocation 
                        described in section 112 shall annually 
                        prepare and submit to the eligible 
                        agency a report, which shall include 
                        the data described in clause (ii)(I), 
                        regarding the progress of such 
                        recipient in achieving the local 
                        adjusted levels of performance on the 
                        core indicators of performance.
                          (ii) Data.--Except as provided in 
                        clauses (iii) and (iv), each eligible 
                        recipient that receives an allocation 
                        described in section 112 shall--
                                  (I) disaggregate data for 
                                each of the indicators of 
                                performance under paragraph (2) 
                                for the subgroups of students 
                                described in [section 
                                1111(h)(1)(C)(i)] section 
                                1111(h)(1)(C)(ii) of the 
                                Elementary and Secondary 
                                Education Act of 1965 and 
                                [section 3(29)] section 3(40) 
                                that are served under this Act; 
                                and
                                  (II) identify and quantify 
                                any disparities or gaps in 
                                performance between any such 
                                category of students and the 
                                performance of all students 
                                served by the eligible 
                                recipient under this Act.
                          (iii) Nonduplication.--The eligible 
                        agency shall ensure, in a manner that 
                        is consistent with the actions of the 
                        Secretary under subsection (c)(3), that 
                        each eligible recipient does not report 
                        duplicative information under this 
                        section.
                          (iv) Rules for reporting of data.--
                        The disaggregation of data under clause 
                        (ii) shall not be required when the 
                        number of students in a category is 
                        insufficient to yield statistically 
                        reliable information or when the 
                        results would reveal personally 
                        identifiable information about an 
                        individual student.
                          (v) Availability.--The report 
                        described in clause (i) shall be made 
                        available to the public through a 
                        variety of formats, including 
                        electronically through the Internet.
  (c)  State Report.--
          (1) In general.--Each eligible agency that receives 
        an allotment under section 111 shall annually prepare 
        and submit to the Secretary a report regarding--
                  (A) the progress of the State in achieving 
                the State adjusted levels of performance on the 
                core indicators of performance; and
                  (B) [information on the levels of performance 
                achieved by the State with respect to the 
                additional indicators of performance, including 
                the] the levels of performance for special 
                populations.
          (2) Data.--Except as provided in paragraphs (3) and 
        (4), each eligible agency that receives an allotment 
        under section 111 or 201 shall--
                  (A) disaggregate data for each of the 
                indicators of performance under subsection 
                (b)(2) for the [categories] subgroups of 
                students described in [section 
                1111(h)(1)(C)(i)] section 1111(h)(1)(C)(ii) of 
                the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
                1965 and [section 3(29)] section 3(40) that are 
                served under this Act; and
                  (B) identify and quantify any disparities or 
                gaps in performance between any such category 
                of students and the performance of all students 
                served by the eligible agency under this Act, 
                which shall include a quantifiable description 
                of the progress each such category of students 
                served by the eligible agency under this Act 
                has made in meeting the State adjusted levels 
                of performance.
          (3) Nonduplication.--The Secretary shall ensure that 
        each eligible agency does not report duplicative 
        information under this section.
          (4) Rules for reporting of data.--The disaggregation 
        of data under paragraph (2) shall not be required when 
        the number of students in a category is insufficient to 
        yield statistically reliable information or when the 
        results would reveal personally identifiable 
        information about an individual student.
          (5) Information dissemination.--The Secretary--
                  (A) shall make the information contained in 
                such reports available to the general public 
                through a variety of formats, including 
                electronically through the Internet;
                  (B) shall disseminate State-by-State 
                comparisons of the information; and
                  (C) shall provide the appropriate committees 
                of Congress with copies of such reports.

SEC. 114. NATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

  (a) Program Performance Information.--
          (1) In general.--[The Secretary shall] The Secretary 
        shall, in consultation with the Director of the 
        Institute for Education Sciences, collect performance 
        information about, and report on, the condition of 
        career and technical education and on the effectiveness 
        of State and local programs, services, and activities 
        carried out under this title in order to provide the 
        Secretary and Congress, as well as Federal, State, 
        local, and tribal agencies, with information relevant 
        to improvement in the quality and effectiveness of 
        career and technical education. The Secretary shall 
        report annually to Congress on the Secretary's 
        aggregate analysis of performance information collected 
        each year pursuant to this title from eligible agencies 
        under section 113(c), including an analysis of 
        performance data regarding special populations.
          (2) Compatibility.--The Secretary shall, to the 
        extent feasible, ensure that the performance 
        information system is compatible with other Federal 
        information systems.
          [(3) Assessments.--As a regular part of its 
        assessments, the National Center for Education 
        Statistics shall collect and report information on 
        career and technical education for a nationally 
        representative sample of students. Such assessment may 
        include international comparisons in the aggregate.]
  [(b) Miscellaneous Provisions.--
          [(1) Collection of information at reasonable cost.--
        The Secretary shall take such action as may be 
        necessary to secure at reasonable cost the information 
        required by this title. To ensure reasonable cost, the 
        Secretary, in consultation with the National Center for 
        Education Statistics, the Office of Career, Technical, 
        and Adult Education, and an entity assisted under 
        section 118 (if applicable), shall determine the 
        methodology to be used and the frequency with which 
        information is to be collected.
          [(2) Cooperation of states.--All eligible agencies 
        receiving assistance under this Act shall cooperate 
        with the Secretary in implementing the information 
        systems developed pursuant to this Act.]
  (b) Reasonable Cost.--The Secretary shall take such action as 
may be necessary to secure at reasonable cost the information 
required by this title. To ensure reasonable cost, the 
Secretary, in consultation with the National Center for 
Education Statistics and the Office of Career, Technical, and 
Adult Education shall determine the methodology to be used and 
the frequency with which such information is to be collected.
  (c) Single Plan for Research, Development, Dissemination, 
Evaluation, and Assessment.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary [may] shall [, 
        directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative 
        agreements,] directly or through grants carry out 
        research, development, dissemination, evaluation [and 
        assessment], capacity building, and technical 
        assistance with regard to the career and technical 
        education programs under this Act. The Secretary shall 
        develop a single plan for such activities.
          (2) Plan.--Such plan shall--
                  (A) identify the career and technical 
                education activities described in paragraph (1) 
                that the Secretary will carry out under this 
                section;
                  (B) describe how the Secretary, acting 
                through the Director of the Institute for 
                Education Sciences, will evaluate such career 
                and technical education activities in 
                accordance with subsection (d)(2); and
                  (C) include such other information as the 
                Secretary, in consultation with the Director of 
                the Institute for Education Sciences, 
                determines to be appropriate.
  (d) Advisory Panel; Evaluation; Reports.--
          (1) Independent advisory panel.--
                  (A) In general.--The Secretary, acting 
                through the Director of the Institute for 
                Education Sciences, shall appoint an 
                independent advisory panel to advise the 
                Secretary on the implementation of the 
                [assessment] evaluation described in paragraph 
                (2) and the plan developed under subsection 
                (c), including the issues to be addressed and 
                the methodology of the studies involved to 
                ensure that the [assessment] evaluation adheres 
                to the highest standards of quality.
                  (B) Members.--The advisory panel shall 
                consist of--
                          (i) educators, administrators, State 
                        directors of career and technical 
                        education, and chief executives, 
                        including those with expertise in the 
                        integration of academic and career and 
                        technical education;
                          (ii) experts in evaluation, research, 
                        and assessment;
                          (iii) representatives of labor 
                        organizations and businesses, including 
                        small businesses, economic development 
                        entities, and workforce investment 
                        entities;
                          (iv) parents;
                          (v) career guidance and academic 
                        counseling professionals[; and];
                          (vi) other individuals and 
                        intermediaries with relevant 
                        expertise[.], which may include 
                        individuals with expertise in 
                        addressing inequities in access to, and 
                        in opportunities for academic and 
                        technical skill attainment; and
                          (vii) representatives of special 
                        populations.
                  (C) Independent analysis.--The advisory panel 
                shall transmit to the Secretary, the relevant 
                committees of Congress, and the Library of 
                Congress an independent analysis of the 
                findings and recommendations resulting from the 
                assessment described in paragraph (2).
                  (D) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act 
                (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the panel 
                established under this paragraph.
          (2) Evaluation [and assessment].--
                  (A) In general.--From amounts made available 
                under subsection (e), the Secretary, acting 
                through the Director of the Institute for 
                Education Sciences, shall provide for the 
                conduct of [an independent evaluation and 
                assessment] a series of research and evaluation 
                initiatives for each year for which funds are 
                appropriated to carry out this Act, which are 
                aligned with the plan in subsection (c)(2), of 
                career and technical education programs under 
                this Act, including the implementation of the 
                [Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education 
                Improvement Act of 2006] Strengthening Career 
                and Technical Education for the 21st Century 
                Act, to the extent practicable, through studies 
                and analyses conducted independently through 
                grants[, contracts, and cooperative agreements 
                that are] to institutions of higher education 
                or a consortia of one or more institutions of 
                higher education and one or more private 
                nonprofit organizations or agencies awarded on 
                a competitive basis. Such evaluation shall, 
                whenever possible, use the most recent data 
                available.
                  [(B) Contents.--The assessment required under 
                subparagraph (A) shall include descriptions and 
                evaluations of--
                          [(i) the extent to which State, 
                        local, and tribal entities have 
                        developed, implemented, or improved 
                        State and local career and technical 
                        education programs assisted under this 
                        Act;
                          [(ii) the preparation and 
                        qualifications of teachers and faculty 
                        of career and technical education (such 
                        as meeting State established teacher 
                        certification or licensing 
                        requirements), as well as shortages of 
                        such teachers and faculty;
                          [(iii) academic and career and 
                        technical education achievement and 
                        employment outcomes of career and 
                        technical education, including analyses 
                        of--
                                  [(I) the extent and success 
                                of the integration of rigorous 
                                and challenging academic and 
                                career and technical education 
                                for students participating in 
                                career and technical education 
                                programs, including a review of 
                                the effect of such integration 
                                on the academic and technical 
                                proficiency achievement of such 
                                students (including the number 
                                of such students receiving a 
                                secondary school diploma); and
                                  [(II) the extent to which 
                                career and technical education 
                                programs prepare students, 
                                including special populations, 
                                for subsequent employment in 
                                high skill, high wage 
                                occupations (including those in 
                                which mathematics and science 
                                skills are critical), or for 
                                participation in postsecondary 
                                education;
                          [(iv) employer involvement in, and 
                        satisfaction with, career and technical 
                        education programs and career and 
                        technical education students' 
                        preparation for employment;
                          [(v) the participation of students in 
                        career and technical education 
                        programs;
                          [(vi) the use of educational 
                        technology and distance learning with 
                        respect to career and technical 
                        education and tech prep programs; and
                          [(vii) the effect of State and local 
                        adjusted levels of performance and 
                        State and local levels of performance 
                        on the delivery of career and technical 
                        education services, including the 
                        percentage of career and technical 
                        education and tech prep students 
                        meeting the adjusted levels of 
                        performance described in section 113.]
                  (B) Contents.--The evaluation required under 
                subparagraph (A) shall include descriptions and 
                evaluations of--
                          (i) the extent and success of the 
                        integration of challenging State 
                        academic standards adopted under 
                        1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and 
                        Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
                        U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)) and career and 
                        technical education for students 
                        participating in career and technical 
                        education programs, including a review 
                        of the effect of such integration on 
                        the academic and technical proficiency 
                        achievement of such students (including 
                        the number of such students that 
                        receive a regular high school diploma, 
                        as such term is defined under section 
                        8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
                        Education Act of 1965 or a State-
                        defined alternative diploma described 
                        in section 8101(25)(A)(ii)(I)(bb) of 
                        such Act (20 U.S.C. 
                        7801(25)(A)(ii)(I)(bb)));
                          (ii) the extent to which career and 
                        technical education programs and 
                        programs of study prepare students, 
                        including special populations, for 
                        subsequent employment in high-skill, 
                        high-wage occupations (including those 
                        in which mathematics and science, which 
                        may include computer science, skills 
                        are critical), or for participation in 
                        postsecondary education;
                          (iii) employer involvement in, 
                        benefit from, and satisfaction with, 
                        career and technical education programs 
                        and programs of study and career and 
                        technical education students' 
                        preparation for employment;
                          (iv) efforts to expand access to 
                        career and technical education programs 
                        of study for all students;
                          (v) innovative approaches to work-
                        based learning programs that increase 
                        participation and alignment with 
                        employment in high-growth industries, 
                        including in rural and low-income 
                        areas;
                          (vi) the extent to which career and 
                        technical education programs supported 
                        by this Act are grounded on evidence-
                        based research;
                          (vii) the impact of the amendments to 
                        this Act made under the Strengthening 
                        Career and Technical Education for the 
                        21st Century Act, including 
                        comparisons, where appropriate, of--
                                  (I) the use of the 
                                comprehensive needs assessment 
                                under section 134(b);
                                  (II) the implementation of 
                                programs of study; and
                                  (III) coordination of 
                                planning and program delivery 
                                with other relevant laws, 
                                including the Workforce 
                                Innovation and Opportunity Act 
                                (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) and 
                                the Elementary and Secondary 
                                Education Act of 1965 (20 
                                U.S.C. 6301 et seq.);
                          (viii) changes in career and 
                        technical education program 
                        accountability as described in section 
                        113 and any effects of such changes on 
                        program delivery and program quality; 
                        and
                          (ix) changes in student enrollment 
                        patterns.
                  (C) Reports.--
                          (i) In general.--The Secretary, in 
                        consultation with the Director of the 
                        Institute for Education Sciences, shall 
                        submit to the relevant committees of 
                        Congress--
                                  (I) an interim report 
                                regarding the [assessment] 
                                evaluation and summary of 
                                research activities carried out 
                                under this section on or before 
                                January 1, [2010] 2021; and
                                  (II) a final report, 
                                summarizing all studies and 
                                analyses that relate to the 
                                [assessment] evaluation and 
                                summary of research activities 
                                carried out under this section 
                                and that are completed after 
                                the interim report, on or 
                                before July 1, [2011] 2023.
                          (ii) Prohibition.--Notwithstanding 
                        any other provision of law, the reports 
                        required by this subsection shall not 
                        be subject to any review outside the 
                        Department of Education before their 
                        transmittal to the relevant committees 
                        of Congress and the Secretary, but the 
                        President, the Secretary, and the 
                        independent advisory panel established 
                        under paragraph (1) may make such 
                        additional recommendations to Congress 
                        with respect to the assessment as the 
                        President, the Secretary, or the panel 
                        determine to be appropriate.
                          (iii) Dissemination.--In addition to 
                        submitting the reports required under 
                        clause (i), the Secretary shall 
                        disseminate the results of the 
                        evaluation widely and on a timely basis 
                        in order to increase the understanding 
                        among State and local officials and 
                        educators of the effectiveness of 
                        programs and activities supported under 
                        the Act and of the career and technical 
                        education programs that are most likely 
                        to produce positive educational and 
                        employment outcomes.
          [(3) Collection of state information and report.--
                  [(A) In general.--The Secretary may collect 
                and disseminate information from States 
                regarding State efforts to meet State adjusted 
                levels of performance described in section 
                113(b).
                  [(B) Report.--The Secretary shall gather any 
                information collected pursuant to subparagraph 
                (A) and submit a report to the relevant 
                committees in Congress.
          [(4) Research.--
                  [(A) In general.--From amounts made available 
                under subsection (e), the Secretary, after 
                consulting with the States, shall award a 
                grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, on a 
                competitive basis, to an institution of higher 
                education, a public or private nonprofit 
                organization or agency, or a consortium of such 
                institutions, organizations, or agencies to 
                establish a national research center--
                          [(i) to carry out scientifically 
                        based research and evaluation for the 
                        purpose of developing, improving, and 
                        identifying the most successful methods 
                        for addressing the education, 
                        employment, and training needs of 
                        participants, including special 
                        populations, in career and technical 
                        education programs, including research 
                        and evaluation in such activities as--
                                  [(I) the integration of--
                                          [(aa) career and 
                                        technical instruction; 
                                        and
                                          [(bb) academic, 
                                        secondary and 
                                        postsecondary 
                                        instruction;
                                  [(II) education technology 
                                and distance learning 
                                approaches and strategies that 
                                are effective with respect to 
                                career and technical education;
                                  [(III) State adjusted levels 
                                of performance and State levels 
                                of performance that serve to 
                                improve career and technical 
                                education programs and student 
                                achievement;
                                  [(IV) academic knowledge and 
                                career and technical skills 
                                required for employment or 
                                participation in postsecondary 
                                education; and
                                  [(V) preparation for 
                                occupations in high skill, high 
                                wage, or high demand business 
                                and industry, including 
                                examination of--
                                          [(aa) collaboration 
                                        between career and 
                                        technical education 
                                        programs and business 
                                        and industry; and
                                          [(bb) academic and 
                                        technical skills 
                                        required for a regional 
                                        or sectoral workforce, 
                                        including small 
                                        business;
                          [(ii) to carry out scientifically 
                        based research and evaluation to 
                        increase the effectiveness and improve 
                        the implementation of career and 
                        technical education programs that are 
                        integrated with coherent and rigorous 
                        content aligned with challenging 
                        academic standards, including 
                        conducting research and development, 
                        and studies, that provide longitudinal 
                        information or formative evaluation 
                        with respect to career and technical 
                        education programs and student 
                        achievement;
                          [(iii) to carry out scientifically 
                        based research and evaluation that can 
                        be used to improve the preparation and 
                        professional development of teachers, 
                        faculty, and administrators, and to 
                        improve student learning in the career 
                        and technical education classroom, 
                        including--
                                  [(I) effective in-service and 
                                preservice teacher and faculty 
                                education that assists career 
                                and technical education 
                                programs in--
                                          [(aa) integrating 
                                        thoseprograms with 
                                        challenging State 
                                        academic standards, 
                                        asadopted by States 
                                        under section 
                                        1111(b)(1) of the 
                                        Elementaryand Secondary 
                                        Education Act of 1965; 
                                        and
                                          [(bb) coordinating 
                                        technical education 
                                        with industry-
                                        recognized 
                                        certification 
                                        requirements;
                                  [(II) dissemination and 
                                training activities related to 
                                the applied research and 
                                demonstration activities 
                                described in this subsection, 
                                which may also include serving 
                                as a repository for information 
                                on career and technical skills, 
                                State academic standards, and 
                                related materials; and
                                  [(III) the recruitment and 
                                retention of career and 
                                technical education teachers, 
                                faculty, counselors, and 
                                administrators, including 
                                individuals in groups 
                                underrepresented in the 
                                teaching profession; and
                          [(iv) to carry out such other 
                        research and evaluation, consistent 
                        with the purposes of this Act, as the 
                        Secretary determines appropriate to 
                        assist State and local recipients of 
                        funds under this Act.
                  [(B) Report.--The center conducting the 
                activities described in subparagraph (A) shall 
                annually prepare a report of the key research 
                findings of such center and shall submit copies 
                of the report to the Secretary, the relevant 
                committees of Congress, the Library of 
                Congress, and each eligible agency.
                  [(C) Dissemination.--The center shall conduct 
                dissemination and training activities based 
                upon the research described in subparagraph 
                (A).
          [(5) Demonstrations and dissemination.--The Secretary 
        is authorized to carry out demonstration career and 
        technical education programs, to replicate model career 
        and technical education programs, to disseminate best 
        practices information, and to provide technical 
        assistance upon request of a State, for the purposes of 
        developing, improving, and identifying the most 
        successful methods and techniques for providing career 
        and technical education programs assisted under this 
        Act.]
          (3) Innovation.--
                  (A) Grant program.--To identify and support 
                evidence-based and innovative strategies and 
                activities to improve career and technical 
                education and align workforce skills with labor 
                market needs as part of the plan developed 
                under subsection (c) and the requirements of 
                this subsection, the Secretary may award grants 
                to eligible entities to--
                          (i) create, develop, implement, or 
                        take to scale evidence-based, field 
                        initiated innovations, including 
                        through a pay for success initiative to 
                        improve student outcomes in career and 
                        technical education; and
                          (ii) rigorously evaluate such 
                        innovations.
                  (B) Matching funds.--
                          (i) Matching funds required.--Except 
                        as provided under clause (ii), to 
                        receive a grant under this paragraph, 
                        an eligible entity shall, through cash 
                        or in-kind contributions, provide 
                        matching funds from public or private 
                        sources in an amount equal to at least 
                        50 percent of the funds provided under 
                        such grant.
                          (ii) Exception.--The Secretary may 
                        waive the matching fund requirement 
                        under clause (i) if the eligible entity 
                        demonstrates exceptional circumstances.
                  (C) Application.--To receive a grant under 
                this paragraph, an eligible entity shall submit 
                to the Secretary at such a time as the 
                Secretary may require, an application that--
                          (i) identifies and designates the 
                        agency, institution, or school 
                        responsible for the administration and 
                        supervision of the program assisted 
                        under this paragraph;
                          (ii) identifies the source and amount 
                        of the matching funds required under 
                        subparagraph (B)(i);
                          (iii) describes how the eligible 
                        entity will use the grant funds, 
                        including how such funds will directly 
                        benefit students, including special 
                        populations, served by the eligible 
                        entity;
                          (iv) describes how the program 
                        assisted under this paragraph will be 
                        coordinated with the activities carried 
                        out under section 124 or 135;
                          (v) describes how the program 
                        assisted under this paragraph aligns 
                        with the single plan described in 
                        subsection (c); and
                          (vi) describes how the program 
                        assisted under this paragraph will be 
                        evaluated and how that evaluation may 
                        inform the report described in 
                        subsection (d)(2)(C).
                  (D) Priority.--In awarding grants under this 
                paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to 
                applications from eligible entities that will 
                predominantly serve students from low-income 
                families.
                  (E) Geographic diversity.--
                          (i) In general.--In awarding grants 
                        under this paragraph, the Secretary 
                        shall award no less than 25 percent of 
                        the total available funds for any 
                        fiscal year to eligible entities 
                        proposing to fund career and technical 
                        education activities that serve--
                                  (I) a local educational 
                                agency with an urban-centric 
                                district locale code of 32, 33, 
                                41, 42, or 43, as determined by 
                                the Secretary;
                                  (II) an institution of higher 
                                education primarily serving the 
                                one or more areas served by 
                                such a local educational 
                                agency;
                                  (III) a consortium of such 
                                local educational agencies or 
                                such institutions of higher 
                                education;
                                  (IV) a partnership between--
                                          (aa) an educational 
                                        service agency or a 
                                        nonprofit organization; 
                                        and
                                          (bb) such a local 
                                        educational agency or 
                                        such an institution of 
                                        higher education; or
                                  (V) a partnership between--
                                          (aa) a grant 
                                        recipient described in 
                                        subclause (I) or (II); 
                                        and
                                          (bb) a State 
                                        educational agency.
                          (ii) Exception.--Notwithstanding 
                        clause (i), the Secretary shall reduce 
                        the amount of funds made available 
                        under such clause if the Secretary does 
                        not receive a sufficient number of 
                        applications of sufficient quality.
                  (F) Uses of funds.--An eligible entity that 
                is awarded a grant under this paragraph shall 
                use the grant funds, in a manner consistent 
                with subparagraph (A)(i), to--
                          (i) improve career and technical 
                        education outcomes of students served 
                        by eligible entities under this title;
                          (ii) improve career and technical 
                        education teacher effectiveness;
                          (iii) improve the transition of 
                        students from secondary education to 
                        postsecondary education or employment;
                          (iv) improve the incorporation of 
                        comprehensive work-based learning into 
                        career and technical education;
                          (v) increase the effective use of 
                        technology within career and technical 
                        education programs;
                          (vi) support new models for 
                        integrating academic content and career 
                        and technical education content in such 
                        programs;
                          (vii) support the development and 
                        enhancement of innovative delivery 
                        models for career and technical 
                        education;
                          (viii) work with industry to design 
                        and implement courses or programs of 
                        study aligned to labor market needs in 
                        new or emerging fields;
                          (ix) integrate science, technology, 
                        engineering, and mathematics fields, 
                        including computer science education, 
                        with career and technical education;
                          (x) support innovative approaches to 
                        career and technical education by 
                        redesigning the high school experience 
                        for students, which may include 
                        evidence-based transitional support 
                        strategies for students who have not 
                        met postsecondary education eligibility 
                        requirements;
                          (xi) improve CTE concentrator 
                        employment outcomes in nontraditional 
                        fields; or
                          (xii) support the use of career and 
                        technical education programs and 
                        programs of study in a coordinated 
                        strategy to address identified employer 
                        needs and workforce shortages, such as 
                        shortages in the early childhood, 
                        elementary school, and secondary school 
                        education workforce.
                  (G) Evaluation.--Each eligible entity 
                receiving a grant under this paragraph shall 
                provide for an independent evaluation of the 
                activities carried out using such grant and 
                submit to the Secretary an annual report that 
                includes--
                          (i) a description of how funds 
                        received under this paragraph were 
                        used;
                          (ii) the performance of the eligible 
                        entity with respect to, at a minimum, 
                        the performance indicators described 
                        under section 113, as applicable, and 
                        disaggregated by--
                                  (I) subgroups of students 
                                described in section 
                                1111(c)(2)(B) of the Elementary 
                                and Secondary Education Act of 
                                1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(c)(2)(B));
                                  (II) special populations; and
                                  (III) as appropriate, each 
                                career and technical education 
                                program and program of study; 
                                and
                          (iii) a quantitative analysis of the 
                        effectiveness of the project carried 
                        out under this paragraph.
  [(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may 
be necessary for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2012.]
  (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section--
          (1) $7,523,285 for fiscal year 2018;
          (2) $7,626,980 for fiscal year 2019;
          (3) $7,732,104 for fiscal year 2020;
          (4) $7,838,677 for fiscal year 2021;
          (5) $7,946,719 for fiscal year 2022; and
          (6) $8,056,251 for fiscal year 2023.

SEC. 115. ASSISTANCE FOR THE OUTLYING AREAS.

  (a) Outlying Areas.--From funds reserved pursuant to section 
111(a)(1)(A), the Secretary shall--
          (1) make a grant in the amount of $660,000 to Guam;
          (2) make a grant in the amount of $350,000 to each of 
        American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern 
        Mariana Islands; and
          (3) make a grant of $160,000 to the Republic of 
        Palau, subject to subsection [(d)] (b).
  [(b) Remainder.--
          [(1) First year.--Subject to subsection (a), for the 
        first fiscal year following the date of enactment of 
        the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education 
        Improvement Act of 2006, the Secretary shall make a 
        grant of the remainder of funds reserved pursuant to 
        section 111(a)(1)(A) to the Pacific Region Educational 
        Laboratory in Honolulu, Hawaii, to make grants for 
        career and technical education and training in Guam, 
        American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern 
        Mariana Islands, for the purpose of providing direct 
        career and technical educational services, including--
                  [(A) teacher and counselor training and 
                retraining;
                  [(B) curriculum development; and
                  [(C) the improvement of career and technical 
                education and training programs in secondary 
                schools and institutions of higher education, 
                or improving cooperative education programs 
                involving secondary schools and institutions of 
                higher education.
          [(2) Subsequent years.--Subject to subsection (a), 
        for the second fiscal year following the date of 
        enactment of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 
        Education Improvement Act of 2006, and each subsequent 
        year, the Secretary shall make a grant of the remainder 
        of funds reserved pursuant to section 111(a)(1)(A) and 
        subject to subsection (a), in equal proportion, to each 
        of Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the 
        Northern Mariana Islands, to be used to provide direct 
        career and technical educational services as described 
        in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (1).
  [(c) Limitation.--The Pacific Region Educational Laboratory 
may use not more than 5 percent of the funds received under 
subsection (b)(1) for administrative costs.]
  [(d)] (b) Restriction.--The Republic of Palau shall cease to 
be eligible to receive funding under this section upon entering 
into an agreement for an extension of United States educational 
assistance under the Compact of Free Association, unless 
otherwise provided in such agreement.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 117. TRIBALLY CONTROLLED POSTSECONDARY CAREER AND TECHNICAL 
                    INSTITUTIONS.

  (a) Grant Program.--Subject to the availability of 
appropriations, the Secretary shall make grants under this 
section, to provide basic support for the education and 
training of Indian students, to tribally controlled 
postsecondary career and technical institutions that are not 
receiving Federal assistance as of the date on which the grant 
is provided under--
          (1) title I of the Tribally Controlled Colleges and 
        Universities Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1802 et 
        seq.); or
          (2) the Navajo Community College Act (25 U.S.C. 640a 
        et seq.).
  (b) Uses of Grants.--Amounts made available under this 
section shall be used for career and technical education 
programs for Indian students and for the institutional support 
costs of the grant, including the expenses described in 
subsection (e).
  (c) Amount of Grants.--
          (1) In general.--If the sums appropriated for any 
        fiscal year for grants under this section are not 
        sufficient to pay in full the total amount which 
        approved applicants are eligible to receive under this 
        section for such fiscal year, the Secretary shall first 
        allocate to each such applicant who received funds 
        under this part for the preceding fiscal year an amount 
        equal to 100 percent of the product of the per capita 
        payment for the preceding fiscal year and such 
        applicant's Indian student count for the current 
        program year, plus an amount equal to the actual cost 
        of any increase to the per capita figure resulting from 
        inflationary increases to necessary costs beyond the 
        institution's control.
          (2) Per capita determination.--For the purposes of 
        paragraph (1), the per capita payment for any fiscal 
        year shall be determined by dividing the amount 
        available for grants to tribally controlled 
        postsecondary career and technical institutions under 
        this section for such program year by the sum of the 
        Indian student counts of such institutions for such 
        program year. The Secretary shall, on the basis of the 
        most accurate data available from the institutions, 
        compute the Indian student count for any fiscal year 
        for which such count was not used for the purpose of 
        making allocations under this section.
          (3) Indirect costs.--Notwithstanding any other 
        provision of law or regulation, the Secretary shall not 
        require the use of a restricted indirect cost rate for 
        grants issued under this section.
  (d) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
this section, a tribally controlled postsecondary career and 
technical institution that is not receiving Federal assistance 
under title I of the Tribally Controlled Colleges and 
Universities Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1802 et seq.) or 
the Navajo Community College Act (25 U.S.C. 640a et seq.) shall 
submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such 
manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may 
require.
  (e) Expenses.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall, subject to the 
        availability of appropriations, provide for each 
        program year to each tribally controlled postsecondary 
        career and technical institution having an application 
        approved by the Secretary, an amount necessary to pay 
        expenses associated with--
                  (A) the maintenance and operation of the 
                program, including development costs, costs of 
                basic and special instruction (including 
                special programs for individuals with 
                disabilities and academic instruction), 
                materials, student costs, administrative 
                expenses, boarding costs, transportation, 
                student services, daycare and family support 
                programs for students and their families 
                (including contributions to the costs of 
                education for dependents), and student 
                stipends;
                  (B) capital expenditures, including 
                operations and maintenance, and minor 
                improvements and repair, and physical plant 
                maintenance costs, for the conduct of programs 
                funded under this section;
                  (C) costs associated with repair, upkeep, 
                replacement, and upgrading of the instructional 
                equipment; and
                  (D) institutional support of career and 
                technical education.
          (2) Accounting.--Each institution receiving a grant 
        under this section shall provide annually to the 
        Secretary an accurate and detailed accounting of the 
        institution's operating and maintenance expenses and 
        such other information concerning costs as the 
        Secretary may reasonably require.
  (f) Other Programs.--
          (1) In general.--Except as specifically provided in 
        this Act, eligibility for assistance under this section 
        shall not preclude any tribally controlled 
        postsecondary career and technical institution from 
        receiving Federal financial assistance under any 
        program authorized under the Higher Education Act of 
        1965, or under any other applicable program for the 
        benefit of institutions of higher education or career 
        and technical education.
          (2) Prohibition on alteration of grant amount.--The 
        amount of any grant for which tribally controlled 
        postsecondary career and technical institutions are 
        eligible under this section shall not be altered 
        because of funds allocated to any such institution from 
        funds appropriated under the Act of November 2, 1921 
        (commonly known as the ``Snyder Act'') (25 U.S.C. 13).
          (3) Prohibition on contract denial.--No tribally 
        controlled postsecondary career and technical 
        institution for which an Indian tribe has designated a 
        portion of the funds appropriated for the tribe from 
        funds appropriated under the Act of November 2, 1921 
        (25 U.S.C. 13), may be denied a contract for such 
        portion under the Indian Self-Determination and 
        Education Assistance Act (except as provided in that 
        Act), or denied appropriate contract support to 
        administer such portion of the appropriated funds.
  (g) Complaint Resolution Procedure.--The Secretary shall 
establish (after consultation with tribally controlled 
postsecondary career and technical institutions) a complaint 
resolution procedure for grant determinations and calculations 
under this section for tribally controlled postsecondary career 
and technical institutions.
  (h) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) Indian; indian tribe.--The terms ``Indian'' and 
        ``Indian tribe'' have the meanings given the terms in 
        section 2 of the Tribally Controlled Colleges and 
        Universities Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801).
          (2) Indian student count.--
                  (A) In general.--The term ``Indian student 
                count'' means a number equal to the total 
                number of Indian students enrolled in each 
                tribally controlled postsecondary career and 
                technical institution, as determined in 
                accordance with subparagraph (B).
                  (B) Determination.--
                          (i) Enrollment.--For each academic 
                        year, the Indian student count shall be 
                        determined on the basis of the 
                        enrollments of Indian students as in 
                        effect at the conclusion of--
                                  (I) in the case of the fall 
                                term, the third week of the 
                                fall term; and
                                  (II) in the case of the 
                                spring term, the third week of 
                                the spring term.
                          (ii) Calculation.--For each academic 
                        year, the Indian student count for a 
                        tribally controlled postsecondary 
                        career and technical institution shall 
                        be the quotient obtained by dividing--
                                  (I) the sum of the credit 
                                hours of all Indian students 
                                enrolled in the tribally 
                                controlled postsecondary career 
                                and technical institution (as 
                                determined under clause (i)); 
                                by
                                  (II) 12.
                          (iii) Summer term.--Any credit earned 
                        in a class offered during a summer term 
                        shall be counted in the determination 
                        of the Indian student count for the 
                        succeeding fall term.
                          (iv) Students without secondary 
                        school degrees.--
                                  (I) In general.--A credit 
                                earned at a tribally controlled 
                                postsecondary career and 
                                technical institution by any 
                                Indian student that has not 
                                obtained a secondary school 
                                degree (or the recognized 
                                equivalent of such a degree) 
                                shall be counted toward the 
                                determination of the Indian 
                                student count if the 
                                institution at which the 
                                student is enrolled has 
                                established criteria for the 
                                admission of the student on the 
                                basis of the ability of the 
                                student to benefit from the 
                                education or training of the 
                                institution.
                                  (II) Presumption.--The 
                                institution shall be presumed 
                                to have established the 
                                criteria described in subclause 
                                (I) if the admission procedures 
                                for the institution include 
                                counseling or testing that 
                                measures the aptitude of a 
                                student to successfully 
                                complete a course in which the 
                                student is enrolled.
                                  (III) Credits toward 
                                secondary school degree.--No 
                                credit earned by an Indian 
                                student for the purpose of 
                                obtaining a secondary school 
                                degree (or the recognized 
                                equivalent of such a degree) 
                                shall be counted toward the 
                                determination of the Indian 
                                student count under this 
                                clause.
                          (v) Continuing education programs.--
                        Any credit earned by an Indian student 
                        in a continuing education program of a 
                        tribally controlled postsecondary 
                        career and technical institution shall 
                        be included in the determination of the 
                        sum of all credit hours of the student 
                        if the credit is converted to a credit 
                        hour basis in accordance with the 
                        system of the institution for providing 
                        credit for participation in the 
                        program.
  [(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may 
be necessary for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2012.]
  (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section--
          (1) $8,400,208 for fiscal year 2018;
          (2) $8,515,989 for fiscal year 2019;
          (3) $8,633,367 for fiscal year 2020;
          (4) $8,752,362 for fiscal year 2021;
          (5) $8,872,998 for fiscal year 2022; and
          (6) $8,995,296 for fiscal year 2023.

[SEC. 118. OCCUPATIONAL AND EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION.

  [(a) National Activities.--From funds appropriated under 
subsection (g), the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate 
Federal agencies, is authorized--
          [(1) to provide assistance to an entity to enable the 
        entity--
                  [(A) to provide technical assistance to State 
                entities designated under subsection (c) to 
                enable the State entities to carry out the 
                activities described in such subsection;
                  [(B) to disseminate information that promotes 
                the replication of high quality practices 
                described in subsection (c); and
                  [(C) to develop and disseminate products and 
                services related to the activities described in 
                subsection (c); and
          [(2) to award grants to States that designate State 
        entities in accordance with subsection (c) to enable 
        the State entities to carry out the State level 
        activities described in such subsection.
  [(b) State Application.--
          [(1) In general.--A jointly designated State entity 
        described in subsection (c) that desires to receive a 
        grant under this section shall submit an application to 
        the Secretary at the same time the State submits its 
        State plan under section 122, in such manner, and 
        accompanied by such additional information, as the 
        Secretary may reasonably require.
          [(2) Contents.--Each application submitted under 
        paragraph (1) shall include a description of how the 
        jointly designated State entity described in subsection 
        (c) will provide information based on trends provided 
        pursuant to section 15 of the Wagner-Peyser Act to 
        inform program development.
  [(c) State Level Activities.--In order for a State to receive 
a grant under this section, the eligible agency and the 
Governor of the State shall jointly designate an entity in the 
State--
          [(1) to provide support for career guidance and 
        academic counseling programs designed to promote 
        improved career and education decision making by 
        students (and parents, as appropriate) regarding 
        education (including postsecondary education) and 
        training options and preparations for high skill, high 
        wage, or high demand occupations and non-traditional 
        fields;
          [(2) to make available to students, parents, 
        teachers, administrators, faculty, and career guidance 
        and academic counselors, and to improve accessibility 
        with respect to, information and planning resources 
        that relate academic and career and technical 
        educational preparation to career goals and 
        expectations;
          [(3) to provide academic and career and technical 
        education teachers, faculty, administrators, and career 
        guidance and academic counselors with the knowledge, 
        skills, and occupational information needed to assist 
        parents and students, especially special populations, 
        with career exploration, educational opportunities, 
        education financing, and exposure to high skill, high 
        wage, or high demand occupations and non-traditional 
        fields, including occupations and fields requiring a 
        baccalaureate degree;
          [(4) to assist appropriate State entities in 
        tailoring career related educational resources and 
        training for use by such entities, including 
        information on high skill, high wage, or high demand 
        occupations in current or emerging professions and on 
        career ladder information;
          [(5) to improve coordination and communication among 
        administrators and planners of programs authorized by 
        this Act and by section 15 of the Wagner-Peyser Act at 
        the Federal, State, and local levels to ensure 
        nonduplication of efforts and the appropriate use of 
        shared information and data;
          [(6) to provide ongoing means for customers, such as 
        students and parents, to provide comments and feedback 
        on products and services and to update resources, as 
        appropriate, to better meet customer requirements; and
          [(7) to provide readily available occupational 
        information such as--
                  [(A) information relative to employment 
                sectors;
                  [(B) information on occupation supply and 
                demand; and
                  [(C) other information provided pursuant to 
                section 15 of the Wagner-Peyser Act as the 
                jointly designated State entity considers 
                relevant.
  [(d) Nonduplication.--
          [(1) Wagner-peyser act.--The jointly designated State 
        entity described under subsection (c) may use funds 
        provided under subsection (a)(2) to supplement 
        activities under section 15 of the Wagner-Peyser Act to 
        the extent such activities do not duplicate activities 
        assisted under such section.
          [(2) Workforce innovation and opportunity Act.--None 
        of the functions and activities assisted under this 
        section shall duplicate the functions and activities 
        carried out under the Workforce Innovation and 
        Opportunity Act.
  [(e) Funding Rule.--Of the amounts appropriated to carry out 
this section, the Federal entity designated under subsection 
(a) shall use--
          [(1) not less than 85 percent to carry out subsection 
        (c); and
          [(2) not more than 15 percent to carry out subsection 
        (a).
  [(f) Report.--The Secretary, in consultation with appropriate 
Federal agencies, shall prepare and submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress, an annual report that includes--
          [(1) a description of activities assisted under this 
        section during the prior program year;
          [(2) a description of the specific products and 
        services assisted under this section that were 
        delivered in the prior program year; and
          [(3) an assessment of the extent to which States have 
        effectively coordinated activities assisted under this 
        section with activities authorized under section 15 of 
        the Wagner-Peyser Act.
  [(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may 
be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2012.]

PART B--STATE PROVISIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 122. STATE PLAN.

  (a) State Plan.--
          (1) In general.--Each eligible agency desiring 
        assistance under this title for any fiscal year shall 
        prepare and submit to the Secretary a State plan for a 
        [6-year period] 4-year period, together with such 
        annual revisions as the eligible agency determines to 
        be necessary, except that, during the period described 
        in section 4, each eligible agency may submit a 
        transition plan that shall fulfill the eligible 
        agency's obligation to submit a State plan under this 
        section for the first fiscal year following the date of 
        enactment of the [Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 
        Education Improvement Act of 2006] Strengthening Career 
        and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.
          (2) Revisions.--Each eligible agency--
                  (A) may submit such annual revisions of the 
                State plan to the Secretary as the eligible 
                agency determines to be necessary; and
                  (B) shall, after the second year of the [6-
                year period] 4-year period, conduct a review of 
                activities assisted under this title and submit 
                any revisions of the State plan that the 
                eligible agency determines necessary to the 
                Secretary.
          (3) Hearing process.--The eligible agency shall 
        conduct public hearings in the State, after appropriate 
        and sufficient notice, for the purpose of affording all 
        segments of the public and interested organizations and 
        groups [(including charter school authorizers and 
        organizers consistent with State law, employers, labor 
        organizations, parents, students, and community 
        organizations)] (including teachers, faculty, 
        specialized instructional support personnel, 
        paraprofessionals, school leaders, authorized public 
        chartering agencies, and charter school leaders, 
        consistent with State law, employers, labor 
        organizations, parents, students, and community 
        organizations), an opportunity to present their views 
        and make recommendations regarding the State plan. A 
        summary of such recommendations and the eligible 
        agency's response to such recommendations shall be 
        included in the State plan.
  [(b) Plan Development.--
          [(1) In general.--The eligible agency shall--
                  [(A) develop the State plan in consultation 
                with--
                          [(i) academic and career and 
                        technical education teachers, faculty, 
                        and administrators;
                          [(ii) career guidance and academic 
                        counselors;
                          [(iii) eligible recipients;
                          [(iv) charter school authorizers and 
                        organizers consistent with State law;
                          [(v) parents and students;
                          [(vi) institutions of higher 
                        education;
                          [(vii) the State tech prep 
                        coordinator and representatives of tech 
                        prep consortia (if applicable);
                          [(viii) entities participating in 
                        activities described in section 101 of 
                        the Workforce Innovation and 
                        Opportunity Act;
                          [(ix) interested community members 
                        (including parent and community 
                        organizations);
                          [(x) representatives of special 
                        populations;
                          [(xi) representatives of business and 
                        industry (including representatives of 
                        small business); and
                          [(xii) representatives of labor 
                        organizations in the State; and
                  [(B) consult the Governor of the State with 
                respect to such development.
          [(2) Activities and procedures.--The eligible agency 
        shall develop effective activities and procedures, 
        including access to information needed to use such 
        procedures, to allow the individuals and entities 
        described in paragraph (1) to participate in State and 
        local decisions that relate to development of the State 
        plan.
  [(c) Plan Contents.--The State plan shall include information 
that--
          [(1) describes the career and technical education 
        activities to be assisted that are designed to meet or 
        exceed the State adjusted levels of performance, 
        including a description of--
                  [(A) the career and technical programs of 
                study, which may be adopted by local 
                educational agencies and postsecondary 
                institutions to be offered as an option to 
                students (and their parents as appropriate) 
                when planning for and completing future 
                coursework, for career and technical content 
                areas that--
                          [(i) incorporate secondary education 
                        and postsecondary education elements;
                          [(ii) include coherent and rigorous 
                        content aligned with challenging 
                        academic standards and relevant career 
                        and technical content in a coordinated, 
                        nonduplicative progression of courses 
                        that align secondary education with 
                        postsecondary education to adequately 
                        prepare students to succeed in 
                        postsecondary education;
                          [(iii) may include the opportunity 
                        for secondary education students to 
                        participate in dual or concurrent 
                        enrollment programs or other ways to 
                        acquire postsecondary education 
                        credits; and
                          [(iv) lead to an industry-recognized 
                        credential or certificate at the 
                        postsecondary level, or an associate or 
                        baccalaureate degree;
                  [(B) how the eligible agency, in consultation 
                with eligible recipients, will develop and 
                implement the career and technical programs of 
                study described in subparagraph (A);
                  [(C) how the eligible agency will support 
                eligible recipients in developing and 
                implementing articulation agreements between 
                secondary education and postsecondary education 
                institutions;
                  [(D) how the eligible agency will make 
                available information about career and 
                technical programs of study offered by eligible 
                recipients;
                  [(E) the secondary and postsecondary career 
                and technical education programs to be carried 
                out, including programs that will be carried 
                out by the eligible agency to develop, improve, 
                and expand access to appropriate technology in 
                career and technical education programs;
                  [(F) the criteria that will be used by the 
                eligible agency to approve eligible recipients 
                for funds under this Act, including criteria to 
                assess the extent to which the local plan 
                will--
                          [(i) promote continuous improvement 
                        in academic achievement;
                          [(ii) promote continuous improvement 
                        of technical skill attainment; and
                          [(iii) identify and address current 
                        or emerging occupational opportunities;
                  [(G) how programs at the secondary level will 
                prepare career and technical education 
                students, including special populations, to 
                graduate from secondary school with a diploma;
                  [(H) how such programs will prepare career 
                and technical education students, including 
                special populations, academically and 
                technically for opportunities in postsecondary 
                education or entry into high skill, high wage, 
                or high demand occupations in current or 
                emerging occupations, and how participating 
                students will be made aware of such 
                opportunities;
                  [(I) how funds will be used to improve or 
                develop new career and technical education 
                courses--
                          [(i) at the secondary level that are 
                        aligned withchallenging State academic 
                        standards adopted by the Stateunder 
                        section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary 
                        and SecondaryEducation Act of 1965;
                          [(ii) at the postsecondary level that 
                        are relevant and challenging; and
                          [(iii) that lead to employment in 
                        high skill, high wage, or high demand 
                        occupations;
                  [(J) how the eligible agency will facilitate 
                and coordinate communication on best practices 
                among successful recipients of tech prep 
                program grants under title II and eligible 
                recipients to improve program quality and 
                student achievement;
                  [(K) how funds will be used effectively to 
                link academic and career and technical 
                education at the secondary level and at the 
                postsecondary level in a manner that increases 
                student academic and career and technical 
                achievement; and
                  [(L) how the eligible agency will report on 
                the integration of coherent and rigorous 
                content aligned with challenging academic 
                standards in career and technical education 
                programs in order to adequately evaluate the 
                extent of such integration;
          [(2) describes how comprehensive professional 
        development (including initial teacher preparation and 
        activities that support recruitment) for career and 
        technical education teachers, faculty, administrators, 
        and career guidance and academic counselors will be 
        provided, especially professional development that--
                  [(A) promotes the integration of coherent and 
                rigorous academic content standards and career 
                and technical education curricula, including 
                through opportunities for the appropriate 
                academic and career and technical education 
                teachers to jointly develop and implement 
                curricula and pedagogical strategies, as 
                appropriate;
                  [(B) increases the percentage of teachers 
                that meet teacher certification or licensing 
                requirements;
                  [(C) is high quality, sustained, intensive, 
                and focused on instruction, and increases the 
                academic knowledge and understanding of 
                industry standards, as appropriate, of career 
                and technical education teachers;
                  [(D) encourages applied learning that 
                contributes to the academic and career and 
                technical knowledge of the student;
                  [(E) provides the knowledge and skills needed 
                to work with and improve instruction for 
                special populations;
                  [(F) assists in accessing and utilizing data, 
                including data provided under section 118, 
                student achievement data, and data from 
                assessments; and
                  [(G) promotes integration with professional 
                development activities that the State carries 
                out under title II of the Elementary and 
                Secondary Education Act of 1965 and title II of 
                the Higher Education Act of 1965;
          [(3) describes efforts to improve--
                  [(A) the recruitment and retention of career 
                and technical education teachers, faculty, and 
                career guidance and academic counselors, 
                including individuals in groups 
                underrepresented in the teaching profession; 
                and
                  [(B) the transition to teaching from business 
                and industry, including small business;
          [(4) describes efforts to facilitate the transition 
        of subbaccalaureate career and technical education 
        students into baccalaureate degree programs at 
        institutions of higher education;
          [(5) describes how the eligible agency will actively 
        involve parents, academic and career and technical 
        education teachers, administrators, faculty, career 
        guidance and academic counselors, local business 
        (including small businesses), and labor organizations 
        in the planning, development, implementation, and 
        evaluation of such career and technical education 
        programs;
          [(6) describes how funds received by the eligible 
        agency through the allotment made under section 111 
        will be allocated--
                  [(A) among career and technical education at 
                the secondary level, or career and technical 
                education at the postsecondary and adult level, 
                or both, including the rationale for such 
                allocation; and
                  [(B) among any consortia that will be formed 
                among secondary schools and eligible 
                institutions, and how funds will be allocated 
                among the members of the consortia, including 
                the rationale for such allocation;
          [(7) describes how the eligible agency will--
                  [(A) improve the academic and technical 
                skills of students participating in career and 
                technical education programs, including 
                strengthening the academic and career and 
                technical components of career and technical 
                education programs through the integration of 
                academics with career and technical education 
                to ensure learning in--
                          [(i) a well-rounded education (as 
                        defined in section8101 of the 
                        Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
                        of1965); and
                          [(ii) career and technical education 
                        subjects;
                  [(B) provide students with strong experience 
                in, and understanding of, all aspects of an 
                industry; and
                  [(C) ensure that students who participate in 
                such career and technical education programs 
                are taught to the same challenging academic 
                proficiencies as are taught to all other 
                students;
          [(8) describes how the eligible agency will annually 
        evaluate the effectiveness of such career and technical 
        education programs, and describe, to the extent 
        practicable, how the eligible agency is coordinating 
        such programs to ensure nonduplication with other 
        Federal programs;
          [(9) describes the eligible agency's program 
        strategies for special populations, including a 
        description of how individuals who are members of the 
        special populations--
                  [(A) will be provided with equal access to 
                activities assisted under this Act;
                  [(B) will not be discriminated against on the 
                basis of their status as members of the special 
                populations; and
                  [(C) will be provided with programs designed 
                to enable the special populations to meet or 
                exceed State adjusted levels of performance, 
                and prepare special populations for further 
                learning and for high skill, high wage, or high 
                demand occupations;
          [(10) describes--
                  [(A) the eligible agency's efforts to ensure 
                that eligible recipients are given the 
                opportunity to provide input in determining the 
                State adjusted levels of performance described 
                in section 113; and
                  [(B) how the eligible agency, in consultation 
                with eligible recipients, will develop a 
                process for the negotiation of local adjusted 
                levels of performance under section 113(b)(4) 
                if an eligible recipient does not accept the 
                State adjusted levels of performance under 
                section 113(b)(3);
          [(11) provides assurances that the eligible agency 
        will comply with the requirements of this Act and the 
        provisions of the State plan, including the provision 
        of a financial audit of funds received under this Act 
        which may be included as part of an audit of other 
        Federal or State programs;
          [(12) provides assurances that none of the funds 
        expended under this Act will be used to acquire 
        equipment (including computer software) in any instance 
        in which such acquisition results in a direct financial 
        benefit to any organization representing the interests 
        of the acquiring entity or the employees of the 
        acquiring entity, or any affiliate of such an 
        organization;
          [(13) describes how the eligible agency will report 
        data relating to students participating in career and 
        technical education in order to adequately measure the 
        progress of the students, including special 
        populations, and how the eligible agency will ensure 
        that the data reported to the eligible agency from 
        local educational agencies and eligible institutions 
        under this title and the data the eligible agency 
        reports to the Secretary are complete, accurate, and 
        reliable;
          [(14) describes how the eligible agency will 
        adequately address the needs of students in alternative 
        education programs, if appropriate;
          [(15) describes how the eligible agency will provide 
        local educational agencies, area career and technical 
        education schools, and eligible institutions in the 
        State with technical assistance;
          [(16) describes how career and technical education 
        relates to State and regional occupational 
        opportunities;
          [(17) describes the methods proposed for the joint 
        planning and coordination of programs carried out under 
        this title with other Federal education programs;
          [(18) describes how funds will be used to promote 
        preparation for high skill, high wage, or high demand 
        occupations and non-traditional fields;
          [(19) describes how funds will be used to serve 
        individuals in State correctional institutions; and
          [(20) contains the description and information 
        specified in subparagraphs (B) and (C)(iii) of section 
        102(b)(2), and, as appropriate, section 103(b)(3)(A), 
        and section 121(c), of the Workforce Innovation and 
        Opportunity Act concerning the provision of services 
        only for postsecondary students and school dropouts.
  [(d) Plan Options.--
          [(1) Single plan.--An eligible agency not choosing to 
        consolidate funds under section 202 shall fulfill the 
        plan or application submission requirements of this 
        section, and section 201(c), by submitting a single 
        State plan. In such plan, the eligible agency may allow 
        recipients to fulfill the plan or application 
        submission requirements of section 134 and subsections 
        (a) and (b) of section 204 by submitting a single local 
        plan.
          [(2) Plan submitted as part of combined plan.--The 
        eligible agency may submit the plan required under this 
        section as part of the plan submitted under section 103 
        of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, if the 
        plan submitted pursuant to the requirement of this 
        section meets the requirements of this Act.
  [(e) Plan Approval.--
          [(1) In general.--The Secretary shall approve a State 
        plan, or a revision to an approved State plan, unless 
        the Secretary determines that--
                  [(A) the State plan, or revision, 
                respectively, does not meet the requirements of 
                this Act; or
                  [(B) the State's levels of performance on the 
                core indicators of performance consistent with 
                section 113 are not sufficiently rigorous to 
                meet the purpose of this Act.
          [(2) Disapproval.--The Secretary shall not finally 
        disapprove a State plan, except after giving the 
        eligible agency notice and an opportunity for a 
        hearing.
          [(3) Consultation.--The eligible agency shall develop 
        the portion of each State plan relating to the amount 
        and uses of any funds proposed to be reserved for adult 
        career and technical education, postsecondary career 
        and technical education, tech prep education, and 
        secondary career and technical education after 
        consultation with the State agency responsible for 
        supervision of community colleges, technical 
        institutes, or other 2-year postsecondary institutions 
        primarily engaged in providing postsecondary career and 
        technical education, and the State agency responsible 
        for secondary education. If a State agency finds that a 
        portion of the final State plan is objectionable, the 
        State agency shall file such objections with the 
        eligible agency. The eligible agency shall respond to 
        any objections of the State agency in the State plan 
        submitted to the Secretary.
          [(4) Timeframe.--A State plan shall be deemed 
        approved by the Secretary if the Secretary has not 
        responded to the eligible agency regarding the State 
        plan within 90 days of the date the Secretary receives 
        the State plan.]
  (b) Options for Submission of State Plan.--
          (1) Combined plan.--The eligible agency may submit a 
        combined plan that meets the requirements of this 
        section and the requirements of section 103 of the 
        Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
        3113), unless the eligible agency opts to submit a 
        single plan under paragraph (2) and informs the 
        Secretary of such decision.
          (2) Single plan.--If the eligible agency elects not 
        to submit a combined plan as described in paragraph 
        (1), such eligible agency shall submit a single State 
        plan.
  (c) Plan Development.--
          (1) In general.--The eligible agency shall--
                  (A) develop the State plan in consultation 
                with--
                          (i) representatives of secondary and 
                        postsecondary career and technical 
                        education programs, including eligible 
                        recipients and representatives of 2-
                        year Minority-Serving Institutions and 
                        Historically Black Colleges and 
                        Universities in States where such 
                        institutions are in existence, and 
                        charter school representatives in 
                        States where such schools are in 
                        existence, which shall include 
                        teachers, faculty, school leaders, 
                        specialized instructional support 
                        personnel (including guidance 
                        counselors), and paraprofessionals;
                          (ii) interested community 
                        representatives, including parents and 
                        students;
                          (iii) the State workforce development 
                        board described in section 101 of the 
                        Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
                        Act (29 U.S.C. 3111);
                          (iv) representatives of special 
                        populations;
                          (v) representatives of business and 
                        industry (including representatives of 
                        small business), which shall include 
                        representatives of industry and sector 
                        partnerships in the State, as 
                        appropriate, and representatives of 
                        labor organizations in the State;
                          (vi) representatives of agencies 
                        serving out-of-school youth, homeless 
                        children and youth, and at-risk youth; 
                        and
                          (vii) representatives of Indian 
                        tribes located in the State; and
                  (B) consult the Governor of the State, and 
                the heads of other State agencies with 
                authority for career and technical education 
                programs that are not the eligible agency, with 
                respect to the development of the State plan.
          (2) Activities and procedures.--The eligible agency 
        shall develop effective activities and procedures, 
        including access to information needed to use such 
        procedures, to allow the individuals and entities 
        described in paragraph (1) to participate in State and 
        local decisions that relate to development of the State 
        plan.
  (d) Plan Contents.--The State plan shall include--
          (1) a summary of State-supported workforce 
        development activities (including education and 
        training) in the State, including the degree to which 
        the State's career and technical education programs and 
        programs of study are aligned with such activities;
          (2) the State's strategic vision and set of goals for 
        preparing an educated and skilled workforce (including 
        special populations) and for meeting the skilled 
        workforce needs of employers, including in-demand 
        industry sectors and occupations as identified by the 
        State, and how the State's career and technical 
        education programs will help to meet these goals;
          (3) a summary of the strategic planning elements of 
        the unified State plan required under section 102(b)(1) 
        of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
        U.S.C. 3112(b)(1)), including the elements related to 
        system alignment under section 102(b)(2)(B) of such Act 
        (29 U.S.C. 3112(b)(2)(B));
          (4) a description of the career and technical 
        education programs or programs of study that will be 
        supported, developed, or improved, including 
        descriptions of--
                  (A) the programs of study to be developed at 
                the State level and made available for adoption 
                by eligible recipients;
                  (B) the process and criteria to be used for 
                approving locally developed programs of study 
                or career pathways, including how such programs 
                address State workforce development and 
                education needs; and
                  (C) how the eligible agency will--
                          (i) make information on approved 
                        programs of study and career pathways, 
                        including career exploration, work-
                        based learning opportunities, dual and 
                        concurrent enrollment opportunities, 
                        and guidance and advisement resources, 
                        available to students and parents;
                          (ii) ensure nonduplication of 
                        eligible recipients' development of 
                        programs of study and career pathways;
                          (iii) determine alignment of eligible 
                        recipients' programs of study to the 
                        State, regional or local economy, 
                        including in-demand fields and 
                        occupations identified by the State 
                        workforce development board as 
                        appropriate;
                          (iv) provide equal access to 
                        activities assisted under this Act for 
                        special populations;
                          (v) coordinate with the State 
                        workforce board to support the local 
                        development of career pathways and 
                        articulate processes by which career 
                        pathways will be developed by local 
                        workforce development boards;
                          (vi) use State, regional, or local 
                        labor market data to align career and 
                        technical education with State labor 
                        market needs;
                          (vii) support effective and 
                        meaningful collaboration between 
                        secondary schools, postsecondary 
                        institutions, and employers, which may 
                        include the development of articulation 
                        agreements described in section 
                        124(b)(3); and
                          (viii) improve outcomes for CTE 
                        concentrators, including those who are 
                        members of special populations;
          (5) a description of the criteria and process for how 
        the eligible agency will approve eligible recipients 
        for funds under this Act, including how--
                  (A) each eligible recipient will promote 
                academic achievement;
                  (B) each eligible recipient will promote 
                skill attainment, including skill attainment 
                that leads to a recognized postsecondary 
                credential; and
                  (C) each eligible recipient will ensure the 
                local needs assessment under section 134 takes 
                into consideration local economic and education 
                needs, including where appropriate, in-demand 
                industry sectors and occupations;
          (6) a description of how the eligible agency will 
        support the recruitment and preparation of teachers, 
        including special education teachers, faculty, 
        administrators, specialized instructional support 
        personnel, and paraprofessionals to provide career and 
        technical education instruction, leadership, and 
        support;
          (7) a description of how the eligible agency will use 
        State leadership funding to meet the requirements of 
        section 124(b);
          (8) a description of how funds received by the 
        eligible agency through the allotment made under 
        section 111 will be distributed--
                  (A) among career and technical education at 
                the secondary level, or career and technical 
                education at the postsecondary and adult level, 
                or both, including how such distribution will 
                most effectively provide students with the 
                skills needed to succeed in the workplace; and
                  (B) among any consortia that may be formed 
                among secondary schools and eligible 
                institutions, and how funds will be distributed 
                among the members of the consortia, including 
                the rationale for such distribution and how it 
                will most effectively provide students with the 
                skills needed to succeed in the workplace;
          (9) a description of the procedure the eligible 
        agency will adopt for determining State adjusted levels 
        of performance described in section 113, which at a 
        minimum shall include--
                  (A) consultation with stakeholders identified 
                in paragraph (1);
                  (B) opportunities for the public to comment 
                in person and in writing on the State adjusted 
                levels of performance included in the State 
                plan; and
                  (C) submission of public comment on State 
                adjusted levels of performance as part of the 
                State plan; and
          (10) assurances that--
                  (A) the eligible agency will comply with the 
                requirements of this Act and the provisions of 
                the State plan, including the provision of a 
                financial audit of funds received under this 
                Act, which may be included as part of an audit 
                of other Federal or State programs;
                  (B) none of the funds expended under this Act 
                will be used to acquire equipment (including 
                computer software) in any instance in which 
                such acquisition results in a direct financial 
                benefit to any organization representing the 
                interests of the acquiring entity or the 
                employees of the acquiring entity, or any 
                affiliate of such an organization;
                  (C) the eligible agency will use the funds to 
                promote preparation for high-skill, high-wage, 
                or in-demand occupations and nontraditional 
                fields, as identified by the State;
                  (D) the eligible agency will use the funds 
                provided under this Act to implement career and 
                technical education programs and programs of 
                study for individuals in State correctional 
                institutions, including juvenile justice 
                facilities; and
                  (E) the eligible agency will provide local 
                educational agencies, area career and technical 
                education schools, and eligible institutions in 
                the State with technical assistance, including 
                technical assistance on how to close gaps in 
                student participation and performance in career 
                and technical education programs.
  (e) Consultation.--
          (1) In general.--The eligible agency shall develop 
        the portion of each State plan relating to the amount 
        and uses of any funds proposed to be reserved for adult 
        career and technical education, postsecondary career 
        and technical education, and secondary career and 
        technical education after consultation with the--
                  (A) State agency responsible for supervision 
                of community colleges, technical institutes, or 
                other 2-year postsecondary institutions 
                primarily engaged in providing postsecondary 
                career and technical education;
                  (B) the State agency responsible for 
                secondary education; and
                  (C) the State agency responsible for adult 
                education.
          (2) Objections of state agencies.--If a State agency 
        other than the eligible agency finds that a portion of 
        the final State plan is objectionable, that objection 
        shall be filed together with the State plan. The 
        eligible agency shall respond to any objections of such 
        State agency in the State plan submitted to the 
        Secretary.
  (f) Plan Approval.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall approve a State 
        plan not later than 120 days after its submission to 
        the Secretary unless the Secretary--
                  (A) determines that the State plan does not 
                meet the requirements of this Act, including 
                the requirements described in section 113; and
                  (B) meets the requirements of paragraph (2) 
                with respect to such plan.
          (2) Disapproval.--The Secretary shall--
                  (A) have the authority to disapprove a State 
                plan only if the Secretary--
                          (i) determines how the State plan 
                        fails to meet the requirements of this 
                        Act; and
                          (ii) provides to the eligible agency, 
                        in writing, notice of such 
                        determination and the supporting 
                        information and rationale to 
                        substantiate such determination; and
                  (B) not finally disapprove a State plan, 
                except after making the determination and 
                providing the information described in 
                subparagraph (A), and giving the eligible 
                agency notice and an opportunity for a hearing.

SEC. 123. IMPROVEMENT PLANS.

  (a) State Program Improvement.--
          (1) Plan.--If a State fails to meet at least 90 
        [percent of an agreed upon] percent of the State 
        adjusted level of performance for any of the core 
        indicators of performance described in section 
        113(b)(3), the eligible agency shall develop and 
        implement a program improvement plan (with special 
        consideration to performance gaps identified under 
        section 113(c)(2)) in consultation with the 
        [appropriate agencies,] appropriate State agencies, 
        individuals, and organizations during the first program 
        year succeeding the program year for which the eligible 
        agency failed to so meet the State adjusted level of 
        performance for any of the core indicators of 
        performance.
          (2) Technical assistance.--If the Secretary 
        determines that an eligible agency is not properly 
        implementing the eligible agency's responsibilities 
        under section 122, or is not making substantial 
        progress in meeting the [purposes of this Act,] 
        purposes of this section, including after 
        implementation of the improvement plan described in 
        paragraph (1), based on the State's adjusted levels of 
        performance, the Secretary shall [work with the 
        eligible agency] provide the eligible agency technical 
        assistance to implement the improvement activities 
        consistent with the requirements of this Act.
          (3) Subsequent action.--
                  [(A) In general.--The Secretary may, after 
                notice and opportunity for a hearing, withhold 
                from an eligible agency all, or a portion, of 
                the eligible agency's allotment under 
                paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 112(a) if the 
                eligible agency--
                          [(i) fails to implement an 
                        improvement plan as described in 
                        paragraph (1);
                          [(ii) fails to make any improvement 
                        in meeting any of the State adjusted 
                        levels of performance for the core 
                        indicators of performance identified 
                        under paragraph (1) within the first 
                        program year of implementation of its 
                        improvement plan described in paragraph 
                        (1); or
                          [(iii) fails to meet at least 90 
                        percent of an agreed upon State 
                        adjusted level of performance for the 
                        same core indicator of performance for 
                        3 consecutive years.]
                  (A) In general.--If the eligible agency fails 
                to make any improvement in meeting any of the 
                State adjusted levels of performance for any of 
                the core indicators of performance identified 
                under paragraph (1) during the first 2 years of 
                implementation of the improvement plan required 
                under paragraph (1), the eligible agency--
                          (i) shall develop and implement, in 
                        consultation with the stakeholders 
                        described in section 122(c)(1)(A), a 
                        revised improvement plan (with special 
                        consideration of performance gaps 
                        identified under section 113(c)(2)(B)) 
                        to address the reasons for such 
                        failure; and
                          (ii) shall continue to implement such 
                        improvement plan until the eligible 
                        agency meets at least 90 percent of the 
                        State adjusted level of performance for 
                        the same core indicators of performance 
                        for which the plan is revised.
                  (B) Revised performance improvement plan 
                implementation.--The Secretary shall provide 
                technical assistance, monitoring, and oversight 
                to each eligible agency with a plan revised 
                under subparagraph (A)(i) until such agency 
                meets the requirements of subparagraph (A)(ii).
                  [(B)] (C) Waiver for exceptional 
                circumstances.--The Secretary may waive the 
                [sanction in] requirements of subparagraph (A) 
                due to exceptional or uncontrollable 
                circumstances, such as a natural disaster or a 
                precipitous and unforeseen decline in the 
                financial resources of the State.
          [(4) Funds resulting from reduced allotments.--The 
        Secretary shall use funds withheld under paragraph (3) 
        for a State served by an eligible agency to provide 
        technical assistance, to assist in the development of 
        an improved State improvement plan, or for other 
        improvement activities consistent with the requirements 
        of this Act for such State.]
  (b) Local Program Improvement.--
          (1) Local evaluation.--Each eligible agency shall 
        evaluate annually, using the local adjusted levels of 
        performance described in section 113(b)(4), the career 
        and technical education activities of each eligible 
        recipient receiving funds under this title.
          (2) Plan.--If, after reviewing the evaluation in 
        paragraph (1), the eligible agency determines that an 
        eligible recipient failed to meet at least 90 percent 
        of an agreed upon local adjusted level of performance 
        for any of the core indicators of performance described 
        in section 113(b)(4), the eligible recipient shall 
        develop and implement a program improvement plan (with 
        special consideration to performance gaps identified 
        under section 113(b)(4)(C)(ii)(II)) in consultation 
        with [the eligible agency, appropriate agencies, 
        individuals, and organizations] local stakeholders 
        included in section 134(d)(1) during the first program 
        year succeeding the program year for which the eligible 
        recipient failed to so meet any of the local adjusted 
        levels of performance for any of the core indicators of 
        performance.
          (3) Technical assistance.--If the eligible agency 
        determines that an eligible recipient is not properly 
        implementing the eligible recipient's responsibilities 
        under section 134, or is not making substantial 
        progress in meeting the purposes of this Act, based on 
        the local adjusted levels of performance, the eligible 
        agency [shall work with the eligible recipient to 
        implement improvement activities consistent with the 
        requirements of this Act.] shall provide technical 
        assistance to assist the eligible recipient in meeting 
        its responsibilities under section 134.
          (4) Subsequent action.--
                  [(A) In general.--The eligible agency may, 
                after notice and opportunity for a hearing, 
                withhold from the eligible recipient all, or a 
                portion, of the eligible recipient's allotment 
                under this title if the eligible recipient--
                          [(i) fails to implement an 
                        improvement plan as described in 
                        paragraph (2);
                          [(ii) fails to make any improvement 
                        in meeting any of the local adjusted 
                        levels of performance for the core 
                        indicators of performance identified 
                        under paragraph (2) within the first 
                        program year of implementation of its 
                        improvement plan described in paragraph 
                        (2); or
                          [(iii) fails to meet at least 90 
                        percent of an agreed upon local 
                        adjusted level of performance for the 
                        same core indicator of performance for 
                        3 consecutive years.]
                  (A) In general.--If the eligible recipient 
                fails to make any improvement in meeting any of 
                the local adjusted levels of performance for 
                any of the core indicators of performance 
                identified under paragraph (2) during a number 
                of years determined by the eligible agency, the 
                eligible recipient--
                          (i) shall revise the improvement plan 
                        described in paragraph (2) to address 
                        the reasons for such failure; and
                          (ii) shall continue to implement such 
                        improvement plan until such recipient 
                        meets at least 90 percent of an agreed 
                        upon local adjusted level of 
                        performance for the same core 
                        indicators of performance for which the 
                        plan is revised.
                  (B) Waiver for exceptional circumstances.--
                [In determining whether to impose sanctions 
                under subparagraph (A), the] The eligible 
                agency may [waive imposing sanctions] waive the 
                requirements of subparagraph (A)--
                          (i) due to exceptional or 
                        uncontrollable circumstances, such as a 
                        natural disaster or a precipitous and 
                        unforeseen decline in the financial 
                        resources of the eligible recipient; 
                        [or]
                          (ii) based on the impact on the 
                        eligible recipient's reported 
                        performance of the small size of the 
                        career and technical education program 
                        operated by the eligible recipient[.]; 
                        or
                          (iii) in response to a public request 
                        from an eligible recipient consistent 
                        with clauses (i) and (ii).
          [(5) Funds resulting from reduced allotments.--The 
        eligible agency shall use funds withheld under 
        paragraph (4) from an eligible recipient to provide 
        (through alternative arrangements) services and 
        activities to students within the area served by such 
        recipient to meet the purposes of this Act.]
  (c) Plan Development.--Except for consultation described in 
subsection (b)(2), the State and local improvement plans, and 
the elements of such plans, required under this section shall 
be developed solely by the eligible agency or the eligible 
recipient, respectively.

SEC. 124. STATE LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.

  (a) General Authority.--From amounts reserved under section 
112(a)(2), each eligible agency [shall conduct State leadership 
activities.] shall--
          (1) conduct State leadership activities directly; and
          (2) report on the effectiveness of such use of funds 
        in achieving the goals described in section 122(d)(2) 
        and the State adjusted levels of performance described 
        in section 113(b)(3)(A).
  (b) Required Uses of Funds.--The State leadership activities 
described in subsection (a) shall include--
          [(1) an assessment of the career and technical 
        education programs carried out with funds under this 
        title, including an assessment of how the needs of 
        special populations are being met and how the career 
        and technical education programs are designed to enable 
        special populations to meet State adjusted levels of 
        performance and prepare the special populations for 
        further education, further training, or for high skill, 
        high wage, or high demand occupations;
          [(2) developing, improving, or expanding the use of 
        technology in career and technical education that may 
        include--
                  [(A) training of career and technical 
                education teachers, faculty, career guidance 
                and academic counselors, and administrators to 
                use technology, including distance learning;
                  [(B) providing career and technical education 
                students with the academic and career and 
                technical skills (including the mathematics and 
                science knowledge that provides a strong basis 
                for such skills) that lead to entry into 
                technology fields, including non-traditional 
                fields; or
                  [(C) encouraging schools to collaborate with 
                technology industries to offer voluntary 
                internships and mentoring programs;
          [(3) professional development programs, including 
        providing comprehensive professional development 
        (including initial teacher preparation) for career and 
        technical education teachers, faculty, administrators, 
        and career guidance and academic counselors at the 
        secondary and postsecondary levels, that support 
        activities described in section 122 and--
                  [(A) provide in-service and preservice 
                training in career and technical education 
                programs--
                          [(i) on effective integration and use 
                        of challenging academic and career and 
                        technical education provided jointly 
                        with academic teachers to the extent 
                        practicable;
                          [(ii) on effective teaching skills 
                        based on research that includes 
                        promising practices;
                          [(iii) on effective practices to 
                        improve parental and community 
                        involvement; and
                          [(iv) on effective use of 
                        scientifically based research and data 
                        to improve instruction;
                  [(B) are high quality, sustained, intensive, 
                and classroom-focused in order to have a 
                positive and lasting impact on classroom 
                instruction and the teacher's performance in 
                the classroom, and are not 1-day or short-term 
                workshops or conferences;
                  [(C) will help teachers and personnel to 
                improve student achievement in order to meet 
                the State adjusted levels of performance 
                established under section 113;
                  [(D) will support education programs for 
                teachers of career and technical education in 
                public schools and other public school 
                personnel who are involved in the direct 
                delivery of educational services to career and 
                technical education students to ensure that 
                teachers and personnel--
                          [(i) stay current with the needs, 
                        expectations, and methods of industry;
                          [(ii) can effectively develop 
                        rigorous and challenging, integrated 
                        academic and career and technical 
                        education curricula jointly with 
                        academic teachers, to the extent 
                        practicable;
                          [(iii) develop a higher level of 
                        academic and industry knowledge and 
                        skills in career and technical 
                        education; and
                          [(iv) effectively use applied 
                        learning that contributes to the 
                        academic and career and technical 
                        knowledge of the student; and
                  [(E) are coordinated with the teacher 
                certification or licensing and professional 
                development activities that the State carries 
                out under title II of the Elementary and 
                Secondary Education Act of 1965 and title II of 
                the Higher Education Act of 1965;
          [(4) supporting career and technical education 
        programs that improve the academic and career and 
        technical skills of students participating in career 
        and technical education programs by strengthening the 
        academic and career and technical components of such 
        career and technical education programs, through the 
        integration of coherent and relevant content aligned 
        with challenging academic standards and relevant career 
        and technical education, to ensure achievement in--
                  [(A) a well-roundededucation (as defined in 
                section 8101 of the Elementaryand Secondary 
                Education Act of 1965); and
                  [(B) career and technical education 
                subjects;]
          (1) developing statewide programs of study, which may 
        include standards, curriculum, and course development, 
        and career exploration, guidance, and advisement 
        activities and resources;
          (2) approving locally developed programs of study 
        that meet the requirements established in section 
        122(d)(4)(B);
          (3) establishing statewide articulation agreements 
        aligned to approved programs of study;
          (4) establishing statewide partnerships among local 
        educational agencies, institutions of higher education, 
        and employers, including small businesses, to develop 
        and implement programs of study aligned to State and 
        local economic and education needs, including as 
        appropriate, in-demand industry sectors and 
        occupations;
          (5) providing preparation for non-traditional fields 
        in current and emerging professions, and other 
        activities that expose students, including special 
        populations, to high skill, high wage occupations;
          [(6) supporting partnerships among local educational 
        agencies, institutions of higher education, adult 
        education providers, and, as appropriate, other 
        entities, such as employers, labor organizations, 
        intermediaries, parents, and local partnerships, to 
        enable students to achieve State academic standards, 
        and career and technical skills, or complete career and 
        technical programs of study, as described in section 
        122(c)(1)(A);
          [(7) serving individuals in State institutions, such 
        as State correctional institutions and institutions 
        that serve individuals with disabilities;
          [(8) support for programs for special populations 
        that lead to high skill, high wage, or high demand 
        occupations; and
          [(9) technical assistance for eligible recipients.]
          (6) support services for individuals in State 
        institutions, such as State correctional institutions, 
        including juvenile justice facilities, and educational 
        institutions that serve individuals with disabilities;
          (7) for faculty and teachers providing career and 
        technical education instruction, support services, and 
        specialized instructional support services, high-
        quality comprehensive professional development that is, 
        to the extent practicable, grounded in evidence-based 
        research (to the extent a State determines that such 
        evidence is reasonably available) that identifies the 
        most effective educator professional development 
        process and is coordinated and aligned with other 
        professional development activities carried out by the 
        State (including under title II of the Elementary and 
        Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6601 et 
        seq.) and title II of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
        (20 U.S.C. 1021 et seq.)), including programming that--
                  (A) promotes the integration of the 
                challenging State academic standards adopted by 
                the State under section 1111(b)(1) of the 
                Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 
                (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)) and relevant technical 
                knowledge and skills;
                  (B) prepares career and technical education 
                teachers, faculty, specialized instructional 
                support personnel, and paraprofessionals to 
                provide appropriate accommodations for students 
                who are members of special populations, 
                including through the use of principles of 
                universal design for learning; and
                  (C) increases understanding of industry 
                standards, as appropriate, for faculty 
                providing career and technical education 
                instruction; and
          (8) technical assistance for eligible recipients.
  (c) Permissible Uses of Funds.--The leadership activities 
described in subsection (a) may include--
          [(1) improvement of career guidance and academic 
        counseling programs that assist students in making 
        informed academic and career and technical education 
        decisions, including--
                  [(A) encouraging secondary and postsecondary 
                students to graduate with a diploma or degree; 
                and
                  [(B) exposing students to high skill, high 
                wage occupations and non-traditional fields;
          [(2) establishment of agreements, including 
        articulation agreements, between secondary school and 
        postsecondary career and technical education programs 
        in order to provide postsecondary education and 
        training opportunities for students participating in 
        such career and technical education programs, such as 
        tech prep programs;
          [(3) support for initiatives to facilitate the 
        transition of subbaccalaureate career and technical 
        education students into baccalaureate degree programs, 
        including--
                  [(A) statewide articulation agreements 
                between associate degree granting career and 
                technical postsecondary educational 
                institutions and baccalaureate degree granting 
                postsecondary educational institutions;
                  [(B) postsecondary dual and concurrent 
                enrollment programs;
                  [(C) academic and financial aid counseling; 
                and
                  [(D) other initiatives--
                          [(i) to encourage the pursuit of a 
                        baccalaureate degree; and
                          [(ii) to overcome barriers to 
                        participation in baccalaureate degree 
                        programs, including geographic and 
                        other barriers affecting rural students 
                        and special populations;
          [(4) support for career and technical student 
        organizations, especially with respect to efforts to 
        increase the participation of students who are members 
        of special populations;
          [(5) support for public charter schools operating 
        career and technical education programs;
          [(6) support for career and technical education 
        programs that offer experience in, and understanding 
        of, all aspects of an industry for which students are 
        preparing to enter;
          [(7) support for family and consumer sciences 
        programs;
          [(8) support for partnerships between education and 
        business or business intermediaries, including 
        cooperative education and adjunct faculty arrangements 
        at the secondary and postsecondary levels;
          [(9) support to improve or develop new career and 
        technical education courses and initiatives, including 
        career clusters, career academies, and distance 
        education, that prepare individuals academically and 
        technically for high skill, high wage, or high demand 
        occupations;
          [(10) awarding incentive grants to eligible 
        recipients--
                  [(A) for exemplary performance in carrying 
                out programs under this Act, which awards shall 
                be based on--
                          [(i) eligible recipients exceeding 
                        the local adjusted levels of 
                        performance established under section 
                        113(b) in a manner that reflects 
                        sustained or significant improvement;
                          [(ii) eligible recipients effectively 
                        developing connections between 
                        secondary education and postsecondary 
                        education and training;
                          [(iii) the adoption and integration 
                        of coherent and rigorous content 
                        aligned with challenging academic 
                        standards and technical coursework;
                          [(iv) eligible recipients' progress 
                        in having special populations who 
                        participate in career and technical 
                        education programs meet local adjusted 
                        levels of performance; or
                          [(v) other factors relating to the 
                        performance of eligible recipients 
                        under this Act as the eligible agency 
                        determines are appropriate; or
                  [(B) if an eligible recipient elects to use 
                funds as permitted under section 135(c)(19);
          [(11) providing for activities to support 
        entrepreneurship education and training;
          [(12) providing career and technical education 
        programs for adults and school dropouts to complete 
        their secondary school education, in coordination, to 
        the extent practicable, with activities authorized 
        under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act;
          [(13) providing assistance to individuals, who have 
        participated in services and activities under this 
        title, in continuing the individuals' education or 
        training or finding appropriate jobs, such as through 
        referral to the system established under section 121 of 
        the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act;
          [(14) developing valid and reliable assessments of 
        technical skills;
          [(15) developing and enhancing data systems to 
        collect and analyze data on secondary and postsecondary 
        academic and employment outcomes;
          [(16) improving--
                  [(A) the recruitment and retention of career 
                and technical education teachers, faculty, 
                administrators, and career guidance and 
                academic counselors, including individuals in 
                groups underrepresented in the teaching 
                profession; and
                  [(B) the transition to teaching from business 
                and industry, including small business; and
          [(17) support for occupational and employment 
        information resources, such as those described in 
        section 118.]
          (1) awarding incentive grants to eligible 
        recipients--
                  (A) for exemplary performance in carrying out 
                programs under this Act, which awards shall be 
                based on--
                          (i) eligible recipients exceeding the 
                        local adjusted level of performance 
                        established under section 113(b)(4)(A) 
                        in a manner that reflects sustained or 
                        significant improvement;
                          (ii) eligible recipients effectively 
                        developing connections between 
                        secondary education and postsecondary 
                        education and training;
                          (iii) the integration of academic and 
                        technical standards;
                          (iv) eligible recipients' progress in 
                        closing achievement gaps among 
                        subpopulations who participate in 
                        programs of study; or
                          (v) other factors relating to the 
                        performance of eligible recipients 
                        under this Act as the eligible agency 
                        determines are appropriate; or
                  (B) if an eligible recipient elects to use 
                funds as permitted under section 135(c);
          (2) providing support for the adoption and 
        integration of recognized postsecondary credentials or 
        for consultation and coordination with other State 
        agencies for the identification, consolidation, or 
        elimination of licenses or certifications which pose an 
        unnecessary barrier to entry for aspiring workers and 
        provide limited consumer protection;
          (3) the creation, implementation, and support of pay-
        for-success initiatives leading to recognized 
        postsecondary credentials;
          (4) support for career and technical education 
        programs for adults and out-of-school youth concurrent 
        with their completion of their secondary school 
        education in a school or other educational setting;
          (5) the creation, evaluation, and support of 
        competency-based curricula;
          (6) support for the development, implementation, and 
        expansion of programs of study or career pathways in 
        areas declared to be in a state of emergency under 
        section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
        and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5191);
          (7) providing support for dual or concurrent 
        enrollment programs, such as early college high 
        schools;
          (8) improvement of career guidance and academic 
        counseling programs that assist students in making 
        informed academic and career and technical education 
        decisions, including academic and financial aid 
        counseling;
          (9) support for the integration of employability 
        skills into career and technical education programs and 
        programs of study;
          (10) support for programs and activities that 
        increase access, student engagement, and success in 
        science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
        fields (including computer science), particularly for 
        students who are members of groups underrepresented in 
        such subject fields, such as female students, minority 
        students, and students who are members of special 
        populations;
          (11) support for career and technical student 
        organizations, especially with respect to efforts to 
        increase the participation of students who are members 
        of special populations;
          (12) support for establishing and expanding work-
        based learning opportunities;
          (13) support for preparing, retaining, and training 
        of career and technical education teachers, faculty, 
        specialized instructional support personnel, and 
        paraprofessionals, such as preservice, professional 
        development, and leadership development programs;
          (14) integrating and aligning programs of study and 
        career pathways;
          (15) supporting the use of career and technical 
        education programs and programs of study aligned with 
        State, regional, or local in-demand industry sectors or 
        occupations identified by State or local workforce 
        development boards;
          (16) making all forms of instructional content widely 
        available, which may include use of open educational 
        resources;
          (17) support for the integration of arts and design 
        skills, when appropriate, into career and technical 
        education programs and programs of study; and
          (18) support for accelerated learning programs 
        (described in section 4104(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV) of the 
        Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 7114(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV)) when any such program is 
        part of a program of study.
  (d) Restriction on Uses of Funds.--An eligible agency that 
receives funds under section 112(a)(2) may not use any of such 
funds for administrative costs.

PART C--LOCAL PROVISIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 134. [LOCAL PLAN]  LOCAL APPLICATION FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL 
                    EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

  (a)  [Local Plan] Local Application Required.--Any eligible 
recipient desiring financial assistance under this part shall, 
in accordance with requirements established by the eligible 
agency (in consultation with such other educational training 
entities as the eligible agency determines to be appropriate) 
[submit a local plan] submit a local application to the 
eligible agency. [Such local plan] Such local application shall 
cover the same period of time as the period of time applicable 
to the State plan submitted under section 122.
  [(b) Contents.--The eligible agency shall determine the 
requirements for local plans, except that each local plan 
shall--
          [(1) describe how the career and technical education 
        programs required under section 135(b) will be carried 
        out with funds received under this title;
          [(2) describe how the career and technical education 
        activities will be carried out with respect to meeting 
        State and local adjusted levels of performance 
        established under section 113;
          [(3) describe how the eligible recipient will--
                  [(A) offer the appropriate courses of not 
                less than 1 of the career and technical 
                programs of study described in section 
                122(c)(1)(A);
                  [(B) improve the academic and technical 
                skills of students participating in career and 
                technical education programs by strengthening 
                the academic and career and technical education 
                components of such programs through the 
                integration of coherent and rigorous content 
                aligned with challenging academic standards and 
                relevant career and technical education 
                programs to ensure learning in--
                          [(i) a well-roundededucation (as 
                        defined in section 8101 of the 
                        Elementaryand Secondary Education Act 
                        of 1965); and
                          [(ii) career and technical education 
                        subjects;
                  [(C) provide students with strong experience 
                in, and understanding of, all aspects of an 
                industry;
                  [(D) ensure that students who participate in 
                such career and technical education programs 
                are taught to the same coherent and rigorous 
                content aligned with challenging academic 
                standards as are taught to all other students; 
                and
                  [(E) encourage career and technical education 
                students at the secondary evel to enroll in 
                rigorous and challenging courses inorder to 
                provide a well-rounded education (as defined 
                insection 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
                EducationAct of 1965);
          [(4) describe how comprehensive professional 
        development (including initial teacher preparation) for 
        career and technical education, academic, guidance, and 
        administrative personnel will be provided that promotes 
        the integration of coherent and rigorous content 
        aligned with challenging academic standards and 
        relevant career and technical education (including 
        curriculum development);
          [(5) describe how parents, students, academic and 
        career and technical education teachers, faculty, 
        administrators, career guidance and academic 
        counselors, representatives of tech prep consortia (if 
        applicable), representatives of the entities 
        participating in activities described in section 107 of 
        the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (if 
        applicable), representatives of business (including 
        small business) and industry, labor organizations, 
        representatives of special populations, and other 
        interested individuals are involved in the development, 
        implementation, and evaluation of career and technical 
        education programs assisted under this title, and how 
        such individuals and entities are effectively informed 
        about, and assisted in understanding, the requirements 
        of this title, including career and technical programs 
        of study;
          [(6) provide assurances that the eligible recipient 
        will provide a career and technical education program 
        that is of such size, scope, and quality to bring about 
        improvement in the quality of career and technical 
        education programs;
          [(7) describe the process that will be used to 
        evaluate and continuously improve the performance of 
        the eligible recipient;
          [(8) describe how the eligible recipient will--
                  [(A) review career and technical education 
                programs, and identify and adopt strategies to 
                overcome barriers that result in lowering rates 
                of access to or lowering success in the 
                programs, for special populations;
                  [(B) provide programs that are designed to 
                enable the special populations to meet the 
                local adjusted levels of performance; and
                  [(C) provide activities to prepare special 
                populations, including single parents and 
                displaced homemakers, for high skill, high 
                wage, or high demand occupations that will lead 
                to self-sufficiency;
          [(9) describe how individuals who are members of 
        special populations will not be discriminated against 
        on the basis of their status as members of the special 
        populations;
          [(10) describe how funds will be used to promote 
        preparation for non-traditional fields;
          [(11) describe how career guidance and academic 
        counseling will be provided to career and technical 
        education students, including linkages to future 
        education and training opportunities; and
          [(12) describe efforts to improve--
                  [(A) the recruitment and retention of career 
                and technical education teachers, faculty, and 
                career guidance and academic counselors, 
                including individuals in groups 
                underrepresented in the teaching profession; 
                and
                  [(B) the transition to teaching from business 
                and industry.]
  (b) Contents.--The eligible agency shall determine the 
requirements for local applications, except that each local 
application shall contain--
          (1) a description of the results of the comprehensive 
        needs assessment conducted under subsection (c);
          (2) information on the programs of study approved by 
        a State under section 124(b)(2) supported by the 
        eligible recipient with funds under this part, 
        including--
                  (A) how the results of the comprehensive 
                needs assessment described in subsection (c) 
                informed the selection of the specific career 
                and technical education programs and activities 
                selected to be funded; and
                  (B) a description of any new programs of 
                study the eligible recipient will develop and 
                submit to the State for approval;
          (3) a description of how the eligible recipient will 
        provide--
                  (A) career exploration and career development 
                coursework, activities, or services;
                  (B) career information; and
                  (C) an organized system of career guidance 
                and academic counseling to students before 
                enrolling and while participating in a career 
                and technical education program; and
          (4) a description of how the eligible recipient 
        will--
                  (A) provide activities to prepare special 
                populations for high-skill, high-wage, or in-
                demand occupations that will lead to self-
                sufficiency; and
                  (B) prepare CTE participants for 
                nontraditional fields.
  (c) Comprehensive Needs Assessment.--
          (1) In general.--To be eligible to receive financial 
        assistance under this part, an eligible recipient 
        shall--
                  (A) conduct a comprehensive local needs 
                assessment related to career and technical 
                education; and
                  (B) not less than once every 2 years, update 
                such comprehensive local needs assessment.
          (2) Requirements.--The comprehensive local needs 
        assessment described under paragraph (1) shall 
        include--
                  (A) an evaluation of the performance of the 
                students served by the eligible recipient with 
                respect to State and local adjusted levels of 
                performance established pursuant to section 
                113, including an evaluation of performance for 
                special populations;
                  (B) a description of how career and technical 
                education programs offered by the eligible 
                recipient are--
                          (i) sufficient in size, scope, and 
                        quality to meet the needs of all 
                        students served by the eligible 
                        recipient; and
                          (ii)(I) aligned to State, regional, 
                        or local in-demand industry sectors or 
                        occupations identified by the State or 
                        local workforce development board, 
                        including career pathways, where 
                        appropriate; or
                          (II) designed to meet local education 
                        or economic needs not identified by 
                        State or local workforce development 
                        boards;
                  (C) an evaluation of progress toward the 
                implementation of career and technical 
                education programs and programs of study;
                  (D) an evaluation of strategies needed to 
                overcome barriers that result in lowering rates 
                of access to, or lowering success in, career 
                and technical education programs for special 
                populations, which may include strategies to 
                establish or utilize existing flexible learning 
                and manufacturing facilities, such as 
                makerspaces;
                  (E) a description of how the eligible 
                recipient will improve recruitment, retention, 
                and training of career and technical education 
                teachers, faculty, specialized instructional 
                support personnel, paraprofessionals, and 
                career, academic, and guidance counselors, 
                including individuals in groups 
                underrepresented in such professions; and
                  (F) a description of how the eligible 
                recipient will support the transition to 
                teaching from business and industry.
  (d) Consultation.--In conducting the comprehensive needs 
assessment under subsection (c), an eligible recipient shall 
involve a diverse body of stakeholders, including, at a 
minimum--
          (1) representatives of career and technical education 
        programs in a local educational agency or educational 
        service agency, including teachers and administrators;
          (2) representatives of career and technical education 
        programs at postsecondary educational institutions, 
        including faculty and administrators;
          (3) representatives of State or local workforce 
        development boards and a range of local or regional 
        businesses or industries;
          (4) parents and students;
          (5) representatives of special populations; and
          (6) representatives of local agencies serving out-of-
        school youth, homeless children and youth, and at-risk 
        youth (as defined in section 1432 of the Elementary and 
        Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6472)).
  (e) Continued Consultation.--An eligible recipient receiving 
financial assistance under this part shall consult with the 
entities described in subsection (d) on an ongoing basis to--
          (1) provide input on annual updates to the 
        comprehensive needs assessment required under 
        subsection (c);
          (2) ensure programs of study are--
                  (A) responsive to community employment needs;
                  (B) aligned with employment priorities in the 
                State, regional, or local economy identified by 
                employers and the entities described in 
                subsection (d), which may include in-demand 
                industry sectors or occupations identified by 
                the local workforce development board;
                  (C) informed by labor market information, 
                including information provided under section 
                15(e)(2)(C) of the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 
                491-2(e)(2)(C));
                  (D) designed to meet current, intermediate, 
                or long-term labor market projections; and
                  (E) allow employer input, including input 
                from industry or sector partnerships in the 
                local area, where applicable, into the 
                development and implementation of programs of 
                study to ensure programs align with skills 
                required by local employment opportunities, 
                including activities such as the identification 
                of relevant standards, curriculum, industry-
                recognized credentials, and current technology 
                and equipment;
          (3) identify and encourage opportunities for work-
        based learning; and
          (4) ensure funding under this part is used in a 
        coordinated manner with other local resources.

[SEC. 135. LOCAL USES OF FUNDS.

  [(a) General Authority.--Each eligible recipient that 
receives funds under this part shall use such funds to improve 
career and technical education programs.
  [(b) Requirements for Uses of Funds.--Funds made available to 
eligible recipients under this part shall be used to support 
career and technical education programs that--
          [(1) strengthen the academic and career and technical 
        skills of students participating in career and 
        technical education programs, by strengthening the 
        academic and career and technical education components 
        of such programs through the integration of academics 
        with career and technical education programs through a 
        coherent sequence of courses, such as career and 
        technical programs of study described in section 
        122(c)(1)(A), to ensure learning in--
                  [(A) a well-rounded education (asdefined in 
                section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
                EducationAct of 1965); and
                  [(B) career and technical education subjects;
          [(2) link career and technical education at the 
        secondary level and career and technical education at 
        the postsecondary level, including by offering the 
        relevant elements of not less than 1 career and 
        technical program of study described in section 
        122(c)(1)(A);
          [(3) provide students with strong experience in and 
        understanding of all aspects of an industry, which may 
        include work-based learning experiences;
          [(4) develop, improve, or expand the use of 
        technology in career and technical education, which may 
        include--
                  [(A) training of career and technical 
                education teachers, faculty, and administrators 
                to use technology, which may include distance 
                learning;
                  [(B) providing career and technical education 
                students with the academic and career and 
                technical skills (including the mathematics and 
                science knowledge that provides a strong basis 
                for such skills) that lead to entry into the 
                technology fields; or
                  [(C) encouraging schools to collaborate with 
                technology industries to offer voluntary 
                internships and mentoring programs, including 
                programs that improve the mathematics and 
                science knowledge of students;
          [(5) provide professional development programs that 
        are consistent with section 122 to secondary and 
        postsecondary teachers, faculty, administrators, and 
        career guidance and academic counselors who are 
        involved in integrated career and technical education 
        programs, including--
                  [(A) in-service and preservice training on--
                          [(i) effective integration and use of 
                        challenging academic and career and 
                        technical education provided jointly 
                        with academic teachers to the extent 
                        practicable;
                          [(ii) effective teaching skills based 
                        on research that includes promising 
                        practices;
                          [(iii) effective practices to improve 
                        parental and community involvement; and
                          [(iv) effective use of scientifically 
                        based research and data to improve 
                        instruction;
                  [(B) support of education programs for 
                teachers of career and technical education in 
                public schools and other public school 
                personnel who are involved in the direct 
                delivery of educational services to career and 
                technical education students, to ensure that 
                such teachers and personnel stay current with 
                all aspects of an industry;
                  [(C) internship programs that provide 
                relevant business experience; and
                  [(D) programs designed to train teachers 
                specifically in the effective use and 
                application of technology to improve 
                instruction;
          [(6) develop and implement evaluations of the career 
        and technical education programs carried out with funds 
        under this title, including an assessment of how the 
        needs of special populations are being met;
          [(7) initiate, improve, expand, and modernize quality 
        career and technical education programs, including 
        relevant technology;
          [(8) provide services and activities that are of 
        sufficient size, scope, and quality to be effective; 
        and
          [(9) provide activities to prepare special 
        populations, including single parents and displaced 
        homemakers who are enrolled in career and technical 
        education programs, for high skill, high wage, or high 
        demand occupations that will lead to self-sufficiency.
  [(c) Permissive.--Funds made available to an eligible 
recipient under this title may be used--
          [(1) to involve parents, businesses, and labor 
        organizations as appropriate, in the design, 
        implementation, and evaluation of career and technical 
        education programs authorized under this title, 
        including establishing effective programs and 
        procedures to enable informed and effective 
        participation in such programs;
          [(2) to provide career guidance and academic 
        counseling, which may include information described in 
        section 118, for students participating in career and 
        technical education programs, that--
                  [(A) improves graduation rates and provides 
                information on postsecondary and career 
                options, including baccalaureate degree 
                programs, for secondary students, which 
                activities may include the use of graduation 
                and career plans; and
                  [(B) provides assistance for postsecondary 
                students, including for adult students who are 
                changing careers or updating skills;
          [(3) for local education and business (including 
        small business) partnerships, including for--
                  [(A) work-related experiences for students, 
                such as internships, cooperative education, 
                school-based enterprises, entrepreneurship, and 
                job shadowing that are related to career and 
                technical education programs;
                  [(B) adjunct faculty arrangements for 
                qualified industry professionals; and
                  [(C) industry experience for teachers and 
                faculty;
          [(4) to provide programs for special populations;
          [(5) to assist career and technical student 
        organizations;
          [(6) for mentoring and support services;
          [(7) for leasing, purchasing, upgrading or adapting 
        equipment, including instructional aids and 
        publications (including support for library resources) 
        designed to strengthen and support academic and 
        technical skill achievement;
          [(8) for teacher preparation programs that address 
        the integration of academic and career and technical 
        education and that assist individuals who are 
        interested in becoming career and technical education 
        teachers and faculty, including individuals with 
        experience in business and industry;
          [(9) to develop and expand postsecondary program 
        offerings at times and in formats that are accessible 
        for students, including working students, including 
        through the use of distance education;
          [(10) to develop initiatives that facilitate the 
        transition of subbaccalaureate career and technical 
        education students into baccalaureate degree programs, 
        including--
                  [(A) articulation agreements between sub-
                baccalaureate degree granting career and 
                technical education postsecondary educational 
                institutions and baccalaureate degree granting 
                postsecondary educational institutions;
                  [(B) postsecondary dual and concurrent 
                enrollment programs;
                  [(C) academic and financial aid counseling 
                for sub-baccalaureate career and technical 
                education students that informs the students of 
                the opportunities for pursuing a baccalaureate 
                degree and advises the students on how to meet 
                any transfer requirements; and
                  [(D) other initiatives--
                          [(i) to encourage the pursuit of a 
                        baccalaureate degree; and
                          [(ii) to overcome barriers to 
                        enrollment in and completion of 
                        baccalaureate degree programs, 
                        including geographic and other barriers 
                        affecting rural students and special 
                        populations;
          [(11) to provide activities to support 
        entrepreneurship education and training;
          [(12) for improving or developing new career and 
        technical education courses, including the development 
        of new proposed career and technical programs of study 
        for consideration by the eligible agency and courses 
        that prepare individuals academically and technically 
        for high skill, high wage, or high demand occupations 
        and dual or concurrent enrollment opportunities by 
        which career and technical education students at the 
        secondary level could obtain postsecondary credit to 
        count towards an associate or baccalaureate degree;
          [(13) to develop and support small, personalized 
        career-themed learning communities;
          [(14) to provide support for family and consumer 
        sciences programs;
          [(15) to provide career and technical education 
        programs for adults and school dropouts to complete the 
        secondary school education, or upgrade the technical 
        skills, of the adults and school dropouts;
          [(16) to provide assistance to individuals who have 
        participated in services and activities under this Act 
        in continuing their education or training or finding an 
        appropriate job, such as through referral to the system 
        established under section 121 of the Workforce 
        Innovation and Opportunity Act;
          [(17) to support training and activities (such as 
        mentoring and outreach) in non-traditional fields;
          [(18) to provide support for training programs in 
        automotive technologies;
          [(19) to pool a portion of such funds with a portion 
        of funds available to not less than 1 other eligible 
        recipient for innovative initiatives, which may 
        include--
                  [(A) improving the initial preparation and 
                professional development of career and 
                technical education teachers, faculty, 
                administrators, and counselors;
                  [(B) establishing, enhancing, or supporting 
                systems for--
                          [(i) accountability data collection 
                        under this Act; or
                          [(ii) reporting data under this Act;
                  [(C) implementing career and technical 
                programs of study described in section 
                122(c)(1)(A); or
                  [(D) implementing technical assessments; and
          [(20) to support other career and technical education 
        activities that are consistent with the purpose of this 
        Act.
  [(d) Administrative Costs.--Each eligible recipient receiving 
funds under this part shall not use more than 5 percent of the 
funds for administrative costs associated with the 
administration of activities assisted under this section.]

SEC. 135. LOCAL USES OF FUNDS.

  (a) General Authority.--Each eligible recipient that receives 
funds under this part shall use such funds to develop, 
coordinate, implement, or improve career and technical 
education programs to meet the needs identified in the 
comprehensive needs assessment described in section 134(c).
  (b) Requirements for Uses of Funds.--Funds made available to 
eligible recipients under this part shall be used to support 
career and technical education programs that are of sufficient 
size, scope, and quality to be effective and--
          (1) provide career exploration and career development 
        activities through an organized, systematic framework 
        designed to aid students, before enrolling and while 
        participating in a career and technical education 
        program, in making informed plans and decisions about 
        future education and career opportunities and programs 
        of study, which may include--
                  (A) introductory courses or activities 
                focused on career exploration and career 
                awareness;
                  (B) readily available career and labor market 
                information, including information on--
                          (i) occupational supply and demand;
                          (ii) educational requirements;
                          (iii) other information on careers 
                        aligned to State or local economic 
                        priorities; and
                          (iv) employment sectors;
                  (C) programs and activities related to the 
                development of student graduation and career 
                plans;
                  (D) career guidance and academic counselors 
                that provide information on postsecondary 
                education and career options; or
                  (E) any other activity that advances 
                knowledge of career opportunities and assists 
                students in making informed decisions about 
                future education and employment goals;
          (2) provide professional development for teachers, 
        principals, school leaders, administrators, faculty, 
        and career and guidance counselors with respect to 
        content and pedagogy that--
                  (A) supports individualized academic and 
                career and technical education instructional 
                approaches, including the integration of 
                academic and career and technical education 
                standards and curriculum;
                  (B) ensures labor market information is used 
                to inform the programs, guidance, and 
                advisement offered to students;
                  (C) provides educators with opportunities to 
                advance knowledge, skills, and understanding of 
                all aspects of an industry, including the 
                latest workplace equipment, technologies, 
                standards, and credentials;
                  (D) supports administrators in managing 
                career and technical education programs in the 
                schools, institutions, or local educational 
                agencies of such administrators;
                  (E) supports the implementation of strategies 
                to improve student achievement and close gaps 
                in student participation and performance in 
                career and technical education programs; and
                  (F) provides educators with opportunities to 
                advance knowledge, skills, and understanding in 
                pedagogical practices, including, to the extent 
                the eligible recipient determines that such 
                evidence is reasonably available, evidence-
                based pedagogical practices;
          (3) provide career and technical education students, 
        including special populations, with the skills 
        necessary to pursue high-skill, high-wage occupations;
          (4) support integration of academic skills into 
        career and technical education programs and programs of 
        study to support CTE participants at the secondary 
        school level in meeting the challenging State academic 
        standards adopted under section 1111(b)(1) of the 
        Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)) by the State in which the eligible 
        recipient is located;
          (5) plan and carry out elements that support the 
        implementation of career and technical education 
        programs and programs of study and student achievement 
        of the local adjusted levels of performance established 
        under section 113, which may include--
                  (A) curriculum aligned with the requirements 
                for a program of study;
                  (B) sustainable relationships among 
                education, business and industry, and other 
                community stakeholders, including industry or 
                sector partnerships in the local area, where 
                applicable, that are designed to facilitate the 
                process of continuously updating and aligning 
                programs of study with skills in demand in the 
                State, regional, or local economy;
                  (C) dual or concurrent enrollment programs, 
                including early college high schools, and the 
                development or implementation of articulation 
                agreements;
                  (D) appropriate equipment, technology, and 
                instructional materials (including support for 
                library resources) aligned with business and 
                industry needs, including machinery, testing 
                equipment, tools, implements, hardware and 
                software, and other new and emerging 
                instructional materials;
                  (E) a continuum of work-based learning 
                opportunities;
                  (F) industry-recognized certification exams 
                or other assessments leading toward industry-
                recognized postsecondary credentials;
                  (G) efforts to recruit and retain career and 
                technical education program administrators and 
                educators;
                  (H) where applicable, coordination with other 
                education and workforce development programs 
                and initiatives, including career pathways and 
                sector partnerships developed under the 
                Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
                U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) and other Federal laws and 
                initiatives that provide students with 
                transition-related services, including the 
                Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 
                U.S.C. 1400 et seq.);
                  (I) expanding opportunities for students to 
                participate in distance career and technical 
                education and blended-learning programs;
                  (J) expanding opportunities for students to 
                participate in competency-based education 
                programs;
                  (K) improving career guidance and academic 
                counseling programs that assist students in 
                making informed academic and career and 
                technical education decisions, including 
                academic and financial aid counseling;
                  (L) supporting the integration of 
                employability skills into career and technical 
                education programs and programs of study;
                  (M) supporting programs and activities that 
                increase access, student engagement, and 
                success in science, technology, engineering, 
                and mathematics fields (including computer 
                science) for students who are members of groups 
                underrepresented in such subject fields;
                  (N) providing career and technical education, 
                in a school or other educational setting, for 
                adults or a school-aged individual who has 
                dropped out of a secondary school to complete 
                secondary school education or upgrade technical 
                skills;
                  (O) career and technical student 
                organizations, including student preparation 
                for and participation in technical skills 
                competitions aligned with career and technical 
                education program standards and curriculum;
                  (P) making all forms of instructional content 
                widely available, which may include use of open 
                educational resources;
                  (Q) supporting the integration of arts and 
                design skills, when appropriate, into career 
                and technical education programs and programs 
                of study;
                  (R) where appropriate, expanding 
                opportunities for CTE concentrators to 
                participate in accelerated learning programs 
                (described in section 4104(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV) of 
                the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
                1965 (20 U.S.C. 7114(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV)) as part 
                of a program of study; and
                  (S) other activities to improve career and 
                technical education programs; and
          (6) develop and implement evaluations of the 
        activities carried out with funds under this part, 
        including evaluations necessary to complete the 
        comprehensive needs assessment required under section 
        134(c) and the local report required under section 
        113(b)(4)(C).
  (c) Pooling Funds.--An eligible recipient may pool a portion 
of funds received under this Act with a portion of funds 
received under this Act available to not less than one other 
eligible recipient to support implementation of programs of 
study through the activities described in subsection (b)(2).
  (d) Administrative Costs.--Each eligible recipient receiving 
funds under this part shall not use more than 5 percent of such 
funds for costs associated with the administration of 
activities under this section.

                     [TITLE II--TECH PREP EDUCATION

[SEC. 201. STATE ALLOTMENT AND APPLICATION.

  [(a) In General.--For any fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
allot the amount made available under section 206 among the 
States in the same manner as funds are allotted to States under 
paragraph (2) of section 111(a).
  [(b) Payments to Eligible Agencies.--The Secretary shall make 
a payment in the amount of a State's allotment under subsection 
(a) to the eligible agency that serves the State and has an 
application approved under subsection (c).
  [(c) State Application.--Each eligible agency desiring an 
allotment under this title shall submit, as part of its State 
plan under section 122, an application that--
          [(1) describes how activities under this title will 
        be coordinated, to the extent practicable, with 
        activities described in the State plan submitted under 
        section 122; and
          [(2) contains such information as the Secretary may 
        require.

[SEC. 202. CONSOLIDATION OF FUNDS.

  [(a) In General.--An eligible agency receiving an allotment 
under sections 111 and 201 may choose to consolidate all, or a 
portion of, funds received under section 201 with funds 
received under section 111 in order to carry out the activities 
described in the State plan submitted under section 122.
  [(b) Notification Requirement.--Each eligible agency that 
chooses to consolidate funds under this section shall notify 
the Secretary, in the State plan submitted under section 122, 
of the eligible agency's decision to consolidate funds under 
this section.
  [(c) Treatment of Consolidated Funds.--Funds consolidated 
under this section shall be considered as funds allotted under 
section 111 and shall be distributed in accordance with section 
112.

[SEC. 203. TECH PREP PROGRAM.

  [(a) Grant Program Authorized.--
          [(1) In general.--From amounts made available to each 
        eligible agency under section 201, the eligible agency, 
        in accordance with the provisions of this title, shall 
        award grants, on a competitive basis or on the basis of 
        a formula determined by the eligible agency, for tech 
        prep programs described in subsection (c). The grants 
        shall be awarded to consortia between or among--
                  [(A) a local educational agency, an 
                intermediate educational agency, educational 
                service agency, or area career and technical 
                education school, serving secondary school 
                students, or a secondary school funded by the 
                Bureau of Indian Affairs; and
                  [(B)(i) a nonprofit institution of higher 
                education that--
                          [(I)(aa) offers a 2-year associate 
                        degree program or a 2-year certificate 
                        program; and
                          [(bb) is qualified as an institution 
                        of higher education pursuant to section 
                        102 of the Higher Education Act of 
                        1965, including--
                                  [(AA) an institution 
                                receiving assistance under the 
                                Tribally Controlled Colleges 
                                and Universities Assistance Act 
                                of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801 et 
                                seq.); and
                                  [(BB) a tribally controlled 
                                postsecondary career and 
                                technical institution; or
                          [(II) offers a 2-year apprenticeship 
                        program that follows secondary 
                        education instruction,
                if such nonprofit institution of higher 
                education is not prohibited from receiving 
                assistance under part B of title IV of the 
                Higher Education Act of 1965 pursuant to the 
                provisions of section 435(a)(2) of such Act; or
                  [(ii) a proprietary institution of higher 
                education that offers a 2-year associate degree 
                program and is qualified as an institution of 
                higher education pursuant to section 102 of the 
                Higher Education Act of 1965, if such 
                proprietary institution of higher education is 
                not subject to a default management plan 
                required by the Secretary.
          [(2) Special rule.--In addition, a consortium 
        described in paragraph (1) may include 1 or more--
                  [(A) institutions of higher education that 
                award a baccalaureate degree; and
                  [(B) employers (including small businesses), 
                business intermediaries, or labor 
                organizations.
  [(b) Duration.--Each consortium receiving a grant under this 
title shall use amounts provided under the grant to develop and 
operate a 4- or 6-year tech prep program described in 
subsection (c).
  [(c) Contents of Tech Prep Program.--Each tech prep program 
shall--
          [(1) be carried out under an articulation agreement 
        between the participants in the consortium;
          [(2) consist of a program of study that--
                  [(A) combines--
                          [(i) a minimum of 2 years of 
                        secondary education (as determined 
                        under State law); with
                          [(ii)(I) a minimum of 2 years of 
                        postsecondary education in a 
                        nonduplicative, sequential course of 
                        study; or
                          [(II) an apprenticeship program of 
                        not less than 2 years following 
                        secondary education instruction; and
                  [(B) integrates academic and career and 
                technical education instruction, and utilizes 
                work-based and worksite learning experiences 
                where appropriate and available;
                  [(C) provides technical preparation in a 
                career field, including high skill, high wage, 
                or high demand occupations;
                  [(D) builds student competence in technical 
                skills and as part of a well-rounded 
                education(as defined in section 8101 of the 
                Elementary and SecondaryEducation Act of 1965), 
                as appropriate, through applied, contextual, 
                and integrated instruction, in a coherent 
                sequence of courses;
                  [(E) leads to technical skill proficiency, an 
                industry-recognized credential, a certificate, 
                or a degree, in a specific career field;
                  [(F) leads to placement in high skill or high 
                wage employment, or to further education; and
                  [(G) utilizes career and technical education 
                programs of study, to the extent practicable;
          [(3) include the development of tech prep programs 
        for secondary education and postsecondary education 
        that--
                  [(A) meet academic standards developed by the 
                State;
                  [(B) link secondary schools and 2-year 
                postsecondary institutions, and if possible and 
                practicable, 4-year institutions of higher 
                education, through--
                          [(i) nonduplicative sequences of 
                        courses in career fields;
                          [(ii) the use of articulation 
                        agreements; and
                          [(iii) the investigation of 
                        opportunities for tech prep secondary 
                        education students to enroll 
                        concurrently in secondary education and 
                        postsecondary education coursework;
                  [(C) use, if appropriate and available, work-
                based or worksite learning experiences in 
                conjunction with business and all aspects of an 
                industry; and
                  [(D) use educational technology and distance 
                learning, as appropriate, to involve all the 
                participants in the consortium more fully in 
                the development and operation of programs;
          [(4) include in-service professional development for 
        teachers, faculty, and administrators that--
                  [(A) supports effective implementation of 
                tech prep programs;
                  [(B) supports joint training in the tech prep 
                consortium;
                  [(C) supports the needs, expectations, and 
                methods of business and all aspects of an 
                industry;
                  [(D) supports the use of contextual and 
                applied curricula, instruction, and assessment;
                  [(E) supports the use and application of 
                technology; and
                  [(F) assists in accessing and utilizing data, 
                information available pursuant to section 118, 
                and information on student achievement, 
                including assessments;
          [(5) include professional development programs for 
        counselors designed to enable counselors to more 
        effectively--
                  [(A) provide information to students 
                regarding tech prep programs;
                  [(B) support student progress in completing 
                tech prep programs, which may include the use 
                of graduation and career plans;
                  [(C) provide information on related 
                employment opportunities;
                  [(D) ensure that students are placed in 
                appropriate employment or further postsecondary 
                education;
                  [(E) stay current with the needs, 
                expectations, and methods of business and all 
                aspects of an industry; and
                  [(F) provide comprehensive career guidance 
                and academic counseling to participating 
                students, including special populations;
          [(6) provide equal access, to the full range of 
        technical preparation programs (including 
        preapprenticeship programs), to individuals who are 
        members of special populations, including the 
        development of tech prep program services appropriate 
        to the needs of special populations;
          [(7) provide for preparatory services that assist 
        participants in tech prep programs; and
          [(8) coordinate with activities conducted under title 
        I.
  [(d) Additional Authorized Activities.--Each tech prep 
program may--
          [(1) provide for the acquisition of tech prep program 
        equipment;
          [(2) acquire technical assistance from State or local 
        entities that have designed, established, and operated 
        tech prep programs that have effectively used 
        educational technology and distance learning in the 
        delivery of curricula and services;
          [(3) establish articulation agreements with 
        institutions of higher education, labor organizations, 
        or businesses located inside or outside the State and 
        served by the consortium, especially with regard to 
        using distance learning and educational technology to 
        provide for the delivery of services and programs;
          [(4) improve career guidance and academic counseling 
        for participating students through the development and 
        implementation of graduation and career plans; and
          [(5) develop curriculum that supports effective 
        transitions between secondary and postsecondary career 
        and technical education programs.
  [(e) Indicators of Performance and Accountability.--
          [(1) In general.--Each consortium shall establish and 
        report to the eligible agency indicators of performance 
        for each tech prep program for which the consortium 
        receives a grant under this title. The indicators of 
        performance shall include the following:
                  [(A) The number of secondary education tech 
                prep students and postsecondary education tech 
                prep students served.
                  [(B) The number and percent of secondary 
                education tech prep students enrolled in the 
                tech prep program who--
                          [(i) enroll in postsecondary 
                        education;
                          [(ii) enroll in postsecondary 
                        education in the same field or major as 
                        the secondary education tech prep 
                        students were enrolled at the secondary 
                        level;
                          [(iii) complete a State or industry-
                        recognized certification or licensure;
                          [(iv) successfully complete, as a 
                        secondary school student, courses that 
                        award postsecondary credit at the 
                        secondary level; and
                          [(v) enroll in remedial mathematics, 
                        writing, or reading courses upon 
                        entering postsecondary education.
                  [(C) The number and percent of postsecondary 
                education tech prep students who--
                          [(i) are placed in a related field of 
                        employment not later than 12 months 
                        after graduation from the tech prep 
                        program;
                          [(ii) complete a State or industry-
                        recognized certification or licensure;
                          [(iii) complete a 2-year degree or 
                        certificate program within the normal 
                        time for completion of such program; 
                        and
                          [(iv) complete a baccalaureate degree 
                        program within the normal time for 
                        completion of such program.
          [(2) Number and percent.--For purposes of 
        subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (1), the numbers 
        and percentages shall be determined separately with 
        respect to each clause of each such subparagraph.

[SEC. 204. CONSORTIUM APPLICATIONS.

  [(a) In General.--Each consortium that desires to receive a 
grant under this title shall submit an application to the 
eligible agency at such time and in such manner as the eligible 
agency shall require.
  [(b) Plan.--Each application submitted under this section 
shall contain a 6-year plan for the development and 
implementation of tech prep programs under this title, which 
plan shall be reviewed after the second year of the plan.
  [(c) Approval.--The eligible agency shall approve 
applications under this title based on the potential of the 
activities described in the application to create an effective 
tech prep program.
  [(d) Special Consideration.--The eligible agency, as 
appropriate, shall give special consideration to applications 
that--
          [(1) provide for effective employment placement 
        activities or the transfer of students to baccalaureate 
        or advanced degree programs;
          [(2) are developed in consultation with business, 
        industry, institutions of higher education, and labor 
        organizations;
          [(3) address effectively the issues of school dropout 
        prevention and reentry, and the needs of special 
        populations;
          [(4) provide education and training in an area or 
        skill, including an emerging technology, in which there 
        is a significant workforce shortage based on the data 
        provided by the eligible entity in the State under 
        section 118;
          [(5) demonstrate how tech prep programs will help 
        students meet high academic and employability 
        competencies; and
          [(6) demonstrate success in, or provide assurances 
        of, coordination and integration with eligible 
        recipients described in part C of title I.
  [(e) Performance Levels.--
          [(1) In general.--Each consortium receiving a grant 
        under this title shall enter into an agreement with the 
        eligible agency to meet a minimum level of performance 
        for each of the performance indicators described in 
        sections 113(b) and 203(e).
          [(2) Resubmission of application; termination of 
        funds.--An eligible agency--
                  [(A) shall require consortia that do not meet 
                the performance levels described in paragraph 
                (1) for 3 consecutive years to resubmit an 
                application to the eligible agency for a tech 
                prep program grant; and
                  [(B) may choose to terminate the funding for 
                the tech prep program for a consortium that 
                does not meet the performance levels described 
                in paragraph (1) for 3 consecutive years, 
                including when the grants are made on the basis 
                of a formula determined by the eligible agency.
  [(f) Equitable Distribution of Assistance.--In awarding 
grants under this title, the eligible agency shall ensure an 
equitable distribution of assistance between or among urban and 
rural participants in the consortium.

[SEC. 205. REPORT.

  [Each eligible agency that receives an allotment under this 
title annually shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a 
report on the effectiveness of the tech prep programs assisted 
under this title, including a description of how grants were 
awarded within the State.

[SEC. 206. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  [There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
title such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007 and 
each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.]

                   TITLE [III] II--GENERAL PROVISIONS

               PART A--FEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

SEC. [311.]  211. FISCAL REQUIREMENTS.

  (a) Supplement Not Supplant.--Funds made available under this 
Act for career and technical education activities shall 
supplement, and shall not supplant, non-Federal funds expended 
to carry out career and technical education activities and tech 
prep program activities.
  (b) Maintenance of Effort.--
          (1) Determination.--
                  [(A) In general.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraphs (B) and (C), no payments shall be 
                made under this Act for any fiscal year to a 
                State for career and technical education 
                programs or tech prep programs unless the 
                Secretary determines that the fiscal effort per 
                student or the aggregate expenditures of such 
                State for career and technical education 
                programs for the fiscal year preceding the 
                fiscal year for which the determination is 
                made, equaled or exceeded such effort or 
                expenditures for career and technical education 
                programs for the second fiscal year preceding 
                the fiscal year for which the determination is 
                made.]
                  (A) In general.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (B), (C), or (D), in order for a 
                State to receive its full allotment of funds 
                under this Act for any fiscal year, the 
                Secretary must find that the State's fiscal 
                effort per student, or the aggregate 
                expenditures of such State, with respect to 
                career and technical education for the 
                preceding fiscal year was not less than the 
                fiscal effort per student, or the aggregate 
                expenditures of such State, for the second 
                preceding fiscal year.
                  (B) Computation.--In computing the fiscal 
                effort or aggregate expenditures pursuant to 
                subparagraph (A), the Secretary [shall exclude 
                capital expenditures, special 1-time project 
                costs, and the cost of pilot programs.] shall, 
                at the request of the State, exclude 
                competitive or incentive-based programs 
                established by the State, capital expenditures, 
                special one-time project costs, and the cost of 
                pilot programs.
                  (C) Decrease in federal support.--If the 
                amount made available for career and technical 
                education programs under this Act for a fiscal 
                year is less than the amount made available for 
                career and technical education programs under 
                this Act for the preceding fiscal year, then 
                the fiscal effort per student or the aggregate 
                expenditures of a State required by 
                subparagraph (A) for the preceding fiscal year 
                shall be decreased by the same percentage as 
                the percentage decrease in the amount so made 
                available.
                  (D) Establishing the state baseline.--
                          (i) In general.--For purposes of 
                        subparagraph (A), the State may--
                                  (I) continue to use the 
                                State's fiscal effort per 
                                student, or aggregate 
                                expenditures of such State, 
                                with respect to career and 
                                technical education, as was in 
                                effect on the day before the 
                                date of enactment of the 
                                Strengthening Career and 
                                Technical Education for the 
                                21st Century Act; or
                                  (II) establish a new level of 
                                fiscal effort per student, or 
                                aggregate expenditures of such 
                                State, with respect to career 
                                and technical education, which 
                                is not less than 90 percent of 
                                the State's fiscal effort per 
                                student, or the aggregate 
                                expenditures of such State, 
                                with respect to career and 
                                technical education for the 
                                preceding fiscal year.
                          (ii) Amount The amount of the new 
                        level described in clause (i)(II) shall 
                        be the State's fiscal effort per 
                        student, or aggregate expenditures of 
                        such State, with respect to career and 
                        technical education, for the first full 
                        fiscal year following the enactment of 
                        the Strengthening Career and Technical 
                        Education for the 21st Century Act.
          [(2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the 
        requirements of this section, with respect to not more 
        than 5 percent of expenditures by any eligible agency 
        for 1 fiscal year only, on making a determination that 
        such waiver would be equitable due to exceptional or 
        uncontrollable circumstances affecting the ability of 
        the eligible agency to meet such requirements, such as 
        a natural disaster or an unforeseen and precipitous 
        decline in financial resources. No level of funding 
        permitted under such a waiver may be used as the basis 
        for computing the fiscal effort or aggregate 
        expenditures required under this section for years 
        subsequent to the year covered by such waiver. The 
        fiscal effort or aggregate expenditures for the 
        subsequent years shall be computed on the basis of the 
        level of funding that would, but for such waiver, have 
        been required.]
          (2) Failure to meet.--The Secretary shall reduce the 
        amount of a State's allotment of funds under this Act 
        for any fiscal year in the exact proportion by which 
        the State fails to meet the requirement of paragraph 
        (1) by falling below the State's fiscal effort per 
        student or the State's aggregate expenditures (using 
        the measure most favorable to the State), if the State 
        failed to meet such requirement (as determined using 
        the measure most favorable to the State) for 1 or more 
        of the 5 immediately preceding fiscal years.
          (3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive paragraph (2) 
        due to exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances 
        affecting the ability of the State to meet the 
        requirement of paragraph (1).

SEC. [312.]  212. AUTHORITY TO MAKE PAYMENTS.

  Any authority to make payments or to enter into contracts 
under this Act shall be available only to such extent or in 
such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriation Acts.

SEC. [313.]  213. CONSTRUCTION.

  Nothing in this Act shall be construed to permit, allow, 
encourage, or authorize any Federal control over any aspect of 
a private, religious, or home school, regardless of whether a 
home school is treated as a private school or home school under 
State law. This section shall not be construed to bar students 
attending private, religious, or home schools from 
participation in programs or services under this Act.

SEC. [314.]  214. VOLUNTARY SELECTION AND PARTICIPATION.

  No funds made available under this Act shall be used--
          (1) to require any secondary school student to choose 
        or pursue a specific career path or major; or
          (2) to mandate that any individual participate in a 
        career and technical education program, including a 
        career and technical education program that requires 
        the attainment of a federally funded skill level, 
        standard, or certificate of mastery.

SEC. [315.]  215. LIMITATION FOR CERTAIN STUDENTS.

  No funds received under this Act may be used to provide 
career and technical education programs to students prior to 
the seventh grade, except that equipment and facilities 
purchased with funds under this Act may be used by such 
students.

SEC. [316.]  216. FEDERAL LAWS GUARANTEEING CIVIL RIGHTS.

  Nothing in this Act shall be construed to be inconsistent 
with applicable Federal law prohibiting discrimination on the 
basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability 
in the provision of Federal programs or services.

SEC. [317.]  217. PARTICIPATION OF PRIVATE SCHOOL PERSONNEL AND 
                    CHILDREN.

  (a) Personnel.--An eligible agency or eligible recipient that 
uses funds under this Act for in-service and preservice career 
and technical education professional development programs for 
career and technical education teachers, administrators, and 
other personnel shall, to the extent practicable, upon written 
request, permit the participation in such programs of career 
and technical education secondary school teachers, 
administrators, and other personnel in nonprofit private 
schools offering career and technical secondary education 
programs located in the geographical area served by such 
eligible agency or eligible recipient.
  (b) Student Participation.--
          (1) Student participation.--Except as prohibited by 
        State or local law, an eligible recipient [may, upon 
        written request, use funds made available under this 
        Act to] may use funds made available under this Act to 
        provide for the meaningful participation, in career and 
        technical education programs and activities receiving 
        funding under this Act, of secondary school students 
        attending nonprofit private schools [who reside in the 
        geographical area served by] located in or near the 
        geographical area served by the eligible recipient.
          (2) Consultation.--An eligible recipient shall 
        consult, upon written request, in a timely and 
        meaningful manner with representatives of nonprofit 
        private schools in the geographical area served by the 
        eligible recipient described in paragraph (1) regarding 
        the meaningful participation, in career and technical 
        education programs and activities receiving funding 
        under this Act, of secondary school students attending 
        nonprofit private schools.

SEC. [318.]  218. LIMITATION ON FEDERAL REGULATIONS.

  The Secretary may issue regulations under this Act only to 
the extent necessary to administer and ensure compliance with 
the specific requirements of this Act.

SEC. 219. STUDY ON PROGRAMS OF STUDY ALIGNED TO HIGH-SKILL, HIGH-WAGE 
                    OCCUPATIONS.

  (a) Scope of Study.--The Comptroller General of the United 
States shall conduct a study to evaluate--
          (1) the strategies, components, policies, and 
        practices used by eligible agencies or eligible 
        recipients receiving funding under this Act to 
        successfully assist--
                  (A) all students in pursuing and completing 
                programs of study aligned to high-skill, high-
                wage occupations; and
                  (B) any specific subgroup of students 
                identified in section 1111(h)(1)(C)(ii) of the 
                Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 
                (20 U.S.C. 6311(h)(1)(C)(ii)) in pursuing and 
                completing programs of study aligned to high-
                skill, high-wage occupations in fields in which 
                such subgroup is underrepresented; and
          (2) any challenges associated with replication of 
        such strategies, components, policies, and practices.
  (b) Consultation.--In carrying out the study conducted under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall consult with a geographically diverse (including urban, 
suburban, and rural) representation of--
          (1) students and parents;
          (2) eligible agencies and eligible recipients;
          (3) teachers, faculty, specialized instructional 
        support personnel, and paraprofessionals, including 
        those with expertise in preparing CTE students for 
        nontraditional fields;
          (4) special populations; and
          (5) representatives of business and industry.
  (c) Submission.--Upon completion, the Comptroller General of 
the United States shall submit the study conducted under 
subsection (a) to the Committee on Education and the Workforce 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, 
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.

                PART B--STATE ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

SEC. [321.]  221. JOINT FUNDING.

  (a) General Authority.--Funds made available to eligible 
agencies under this Act may be used to provide additional funds 
under an applicable program if--
          (1) such program otherwise meets the requirements of 
        this Act and the requirements of the applicable 
        program;
          (2) such program serves the same individuals that are 
        served under this Act;
          (3) such program provides services in a coordinated 
        manner with services provided under this Act; and
          (4) such funds are used to supplement, and not 
        supplant, funds provided from non-Federal sources.
  (b) Applicable Program.--For the purposes of this section, 
the term ``applicable program'' means any program under any of 
the following provisions of law:
          (1) Chapters 2 and 3 of subtitle B of title I of the 
        Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
          (2) The Wagner-Peyser Act.
  (c) Use of Funds as Matching Funds.--For the purposes of this 
section, the term ``additional funds'' does not include funds 
used as matching funds.

SEC. [322.]  222. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS TO INDUCE OUT-OF-STATE 
                    RELOCATION OF BUSINESSES.

  No funds provided under this Act shall be used for the 
purpose of directly providing incentives or inducements to an 
employer to relocate a business enterprise from one State to 
another State if such relocation will result in a reduction in 
the number of jobs available in the State where the business 
enterprise is located before such incentives or inducements are 
offered.

SEC. [323.]  223. STATE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.

  (a) General Rule.--Except as provided in subsection (b), for 
each fiscal year for which an eligible agency receives 
assistance under this Act, the eligible agency shall provide, 
from non-Federal sources for the costs the eligible agency 
incurs for the administration of programs under this Act, an 
amount that is not less than the amount provided by the 
eligible agency from non-Federal sources for such costs for the 
preceding fiscal year.
  (b) Exception.--If the amount made available from Federal 
sources for the administration of programs under this Act for a 
fiscal year (referred to in this section as the ``determination 
year'') is less than the amount made available from Federal 
sources for the administration of programs under this Act for 
the preceding fiscal year, then the amount the eligible agency 
is required to provide from non-Federal sources for costs the 
eligible agency incurs for the administration of programs under 
this Act for the determination year under subsection (a) shall 
bear the same ratio to the amount the eligible agency provided 
from non-Federal sources for such costs for the preceding 
fiscal year, as the amount made available from Federal sources 
for the administration of programs under this Act for the 
determination year bears to the amount made available from 
Federal sources for the administration of programs under this 
Act for the preceding fiscal year.

SEC. [324.]  224. STUDENT ASSISTANCE AND OTHER FEDERAL PROGRAMS.

  (a) Attendance Costs Not Treated as Income or Resources.--The 
portion of any student financial assistance received under this 
Act that is made available for attendance costs described in 
subsection (b) shall not be considered as income or resources 
in determining eligibility for assistance under any other 
program funded in whole or in part with Federal funds.
  (b) Attendance Costs.--The attendance costs described in this 
subsection are--
          (1) tuition and fees normally assessed a student 
        carrying an academic workload as determined by the 
        institution, and including costs for rental or purchase 
        of any equipment, materials, or supplies required of 
        all students in that course of study; and
          (2) an allowance for books, supplies, transportation, 
        dependent care, and miscellaneous personal expenses for 
        a student attending the institution on at least a half-
        time basis, as determined by the institution.
  (c) Costs of Career and Technical Education Services.--Funds 
made available under this Act may be used to pay for the costs 
of career and technical education services required in an 
individualized education program developed pursuant to section 
614(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and 
services necessary to meet the requirements of section 504 of 
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 with respect to ensuring equal 
access to career and technical education.
                              ----------                              

WAGNER-PEYSER ACT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

SEC. 15. EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS.

  (a) System Content.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary, in accordance with 
        the provisions of this section, shall oversee the 
        development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of 
        a nationwide employment statistics system of employment 
        statistics that includes--
                  (A) statistical data from cooperative 
                statistical survey and projection programs and 
                data from administrative reporting systems 
                that, taken together, enumerate, estimate, and 
                project employment opportunities and conditions 
                at national, State, and local levels in a 
                timely manner, including statistics on--
                          (i) employment and unemployment 
                        status of national, State, and local 
                        populations, including self-employed, 
                        part-time, and seasonal workers;
                          (ii) industrial distribution of 
                        occupations, as well as current and 
                        projected employment opportunities, 
                        wages, benefits (where data is 
                        available), and skill trends by 
                        occupation and industry, with 
                        particular attention paid to State and 
                        local conditions;
                          (iii) the incidence of, industrial 
                        and geographical location of, and 
                        number of workers displaced by, 
                        permanent layoffs and plant closings; 
                        and
                          (iv) employment and earnings 
                        information maintained in a 
                        longitudinal manner to be used for 
                        research and program evaluation;
                  (B) information on State and local employment 
                opportunities, and other appropriate 
                statistical data related to labor market 
                dynamics, which--
                          (i) shall be current and 
                        comprehensive;
                          (ii) shall meet the needs identified 
                        through the consultations described in 
                        subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection 
                        (e)(2); and
                          (iii) shall meet the needs for the 
                        information identified in section 
                        134(d);
                  (C) technical standards (which the Secretary 
                shall publish annually) for data and 
                information described in subparagraphs (A) and 
                (B) that, at a minimum, meet the criteria of 
                chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code;
                  (D) procedures to ensure compatibility and 
                additivity of the data and information 
                described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) from 
                national, State, and local levels;
                  (E) procedures to support standardization and 
                aggregation of data from administrative 
                reporting systems described in subparagraph (A) 
                of employment-related programs;
                  (F) analysis of data and information 
                described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) for uses 
                such as--
                          (i) national, State, and local 
                        policymaking;
                          (ii) implementation of Federal 
                        policies (including allocation 
                        formulas);
                          (iii) program planning and 
                        evaluation; and
                          (iv) researching labor market 
                        dynamics;
                  (G) wide dissemination of such data, 
                information, and analysis in a user-friendly 
                manner and voluntary technical standards for 
                dissemination mechanisms; and
                  (H) programs of--
                          (i) training for effective data 
                        dissemination;
                          (ii) research and demonstration; and
                          (iii) programs and technical 
                        assistance.
          (2) Information to be confidential.--
                  (A) In general.--No officer or employee of 
                the Federal Government or agent of the Federal 
                Government may--
                          (i) use any submission that is 
                        furnished for exclusively statistical 
                        purposes under the provisions of this 
                        section for any purpose other than the 
                        statistical purposes for which the 
                        submission is furnished;
                          (ii) make any publication or media 
                        transmittal of the data contained in 
                        the submission described in clause (i) 
                        that permits information concerning 
                        individual subjects to be reasonably 
                        inferred by either direct or indirect 
                        means; or
                          (iii) permit anyone other than a 
                        sworn officer, employee, or agent of 
                        any Federal department or agency, or a 
                        contractor (including an employee of a 
                        contractor) of such department or 
                        agency, to examine an individual 
                        submission described in clause (i);
                without the consent of the individual, agency, 
                or other person who is the subject of the 
                submission or provides that submission.
                  (B) Immunity from legal process.--Any 
                submission (including any data derived from the 
                submission) that is collected and retained by a 
                Federal department or agency, or an officer, 
                employee, agent, or contractor of such a 
                department or agency, for exclusively 
                statistical purposes under this section shall 
                be immune from the legal process and shall not, 
                without the consent of the individual, agency, 
                or other person who is the subject of the 
                submission or provides that submission, be 
                admitted as evidence or used for any purpose in 
                any action, suit, or other judicial or 
                administrative proceeding.
                  (C) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this 
                section shall be construed to provide immunity 
                from the legal process for such submission 
                (including any data derived from the 
                submission) if the submission is in the 
                possession of any person, agency, or entity 
                other than the Federal Government or an 
                officer, employee, agent, or contractor of the 
                Federal Government, or if the submission is 
                independently collected, retained, or produced 
                for purposes other than the purposes of this 
                Act.
  (b) System Responsibilities.--
          (1) In general.--
                  (A) Structure.--The workforce and labor 
                market information system described in 
                subsection (a) shall be evaluated and improved 
                by the Secretary, in consultation with the 
                Workforce Information Advisory Council 
                established in subsection (d).
                  (B) Grants and responsibilities.--
                          (i) In general.--The Secretary shall 
                        carry out the provisions of this 
                        section in a timely manner, through 
                        grants to or agreements with States.
                          (ii) Distribution of funds.--Using 
                        amounts appropriated under subsection 
                        (g), the Secretary shall provide funds 
                        through those grants and agreements. In 
                        distributing the funds (relating to 
                        workforce and labor market information 
                        funding) for fiscal years 2015 through 
                        2020, the Secretary shall continue to 
                        distribute the funds to States in the 
                        manner in which the Secretary 
                        distributed funds to the States under 
                        this section for fiscal years 2004 
                        through 2008.
          (2) Duties.--The Secretary, with respect to data 
        collection, analysis, and dissemination of workforce 
        and labor market information for the system, shall 
        carry out the following duties:
                  (A) Assign responsibilities within the 
                Department of Labor for elements of the 
                workforce and labor market information system 
                described in subsection (a) to ensure that the 
                statistical and administrative data collected 
                is consistent with appropriate Bureau of Labor 
                Statistics standards and definitions, and that 
                the information is accessible and 
                understandable to users of such data.
                  (B) Actively seek the cooperation of heads of 
                other Federal agencies to establish and 
                maintain mechanisms for ensuring 
                complementarity and nonduplication in the 
                development and operation of statistical and 
                administrative data collection activities.
                  (C) Solicit, receive, and evaluate the 
                recommendations from the Workforce Information 
                Advisory Council established in subsection (d) 
                concerning the evaluation and improvement of 
                the workforce and labor market information 
                system described in subsection (a) and respond 
                in writing to the Council regarding the 
                recommendations.
                  (D) Eliminate gaps and duplication in 
                statistical undertakings.
                  (E) Through the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
                and the Employment and Training Administration, 
                and in collaboration with States, develop and 
                maintain the elements of the workforce and 
                labor market information system described in 
                subsection (a), including the development of 
                consistent procedures and definitions for use 
                by the States in collecting the data and 
                information described in subparagraphs (A) and 
                (B) of subsection (a)(1).
                  (F) Establish procedures for the system to 
                ensure that--
                          (i) such data and information are 
                        timely; and
                          (ii) paperwork and reporting for the 
                        system are reduced to a minimum.
  (c) Two-year Plan.--The Secretary, acting through the 
Commissioner of Labor Statistics and the Assistant Secretary 
for Employment and Training, and in consultation with the 
Workforce Information Advisory Council described in subsection 
(d) and heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall 
prepare a 2-year plan for the workforce and labor market 
information system. The plan shall be developed and implemented 
in a manner that takes into account the activities described in 
State plans submitted by States under section 102 or 103 of the 
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and shall be submitted 
to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, 
and Pensions of the Senate. The plan shall include--
          (1) a description of how the Secretary will work with 
        the States to manage the nationwide workforce and labor 
        market information system described in subsection (a) 
        and the statewide workforce and labor market 
        information systems that comprise the nationwide 
        system;
          (2) a description of the steps to be taken in the 
        following 2 years to carry out the duties described in 
        subsection (b)(2);
          (3) an evaluation of the performance of the system, 
        with particular attention to the improvements needed at 
        the State and local levels;
          (4) a description of the involvement of States in the 
        development of the plan, through consultation by the 
        Secretary with the Workforce Information Advisory 
        Council in accordance with subsection (d); and
          (5) a description of the written recommendations 
        received from the Workforce Information Advisory 
        Council established under subsection (d), and the 
        extent to which those recommendations were incorporated 
        into the plan.
  (d) Workforce Information Advisory Council.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary, through the 
        Commissioner of Labor Statistics and the Assistant 
        Secretary for Employment and Training, shall formally 
        consult at least twice annually with the Workforce 
        Information Advisory Council established in accordance 
        with paragraph (2). Such consultations shall address 
        the evaluation and improvement of the nationwide 
        workforce and labor market information system described 
        in subsection (a) and the statewide workforce and labor 
        market information systems that comprise the nationwide 
        system and how the Department of Labor and the States 
        will cooperate in the management of such systems. The 
        Council shall provide written recommendations to the 
        Secretary concerning the evaluation and improvement of 
        the nationwide system, including any recommendations 
        regarding the 2-year plan described in subsection (c).
          (2) Establishment of council.--
                  (A) Establishment.--The Secretary shall 
                establish an advisory council that shall be 
                known as the Workforce Information Advisory 
                Council (referred to in this section as the 
                ``Council'') to participate in the 
                consultations and provide the recommendations 
                described in paragraph (1).
                  (B) Membership.--The Secretary shall appoint 
                the members of the Council, which shall consist 
                of--
                          (i) 4 members who are representatives 
                        of lead State agencies with 
                        responsibility for workforce investment 
                        activities, or State agencies described 
                        in section 4, who have been nominated 
                        by such agencies or by a national 
                        organization that represents such 
                        agencies;
                          (ii) 4 members who are 
                        representatives of the State workforce 
                        and labor market information directors 
                        affiliated with the State agencies that 
                        perform the duties described in 
                        subsection (e)(2), who have been 
                        nominated by the directors;
                          (iii) 1 member who is a 
                        representative of providers of training 
                        services under section 122 of the 
                        Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
                        Act;
                          (iv) 1 member who is a representative 
                        of economic development entities;
                          (v) 1 member who is a representative 
                        of businesses, who has been nominated 
                        by national business organizations or 
                        trade associations;
                          (vi) 1 member who is a representative 
                        of labor organizations, who has been 
                        nominated by a national labor 
                        federation;
                          (vii) 1 member who is a 
                        representative of local workforce 
                        development boards, who has been 
                        nominated by a national organization 
                        representing such boards; and
                          (viii) 1 member who is a 
                        representative of research entities 
                        that utilize workforce and labor market 
                        information.
                  (C) Geographic diversity.--The Secretary 
                shall ensure that the membership of the Council 
                is geographically diverse and that no 2 of the 
                members appointed under clauses (i), (ii), and 
                (vii) represent the same State.
                  (D) Period of appointment; vacancies.--
                          (i) In general.--Each member of the 
                        Council shall be appointed for a term 
                        of 3 years, except that the initial 
                        terms for members may be 1, 2, or 3 
                        years in order to establish a rotation 
                        in which one-third of the members are 
                        selected each year. Any such member may 
                        be appointed for not more than 2 
                        consecutive terms.
                          (ii) Vacancies.--Any member appointed 
                        to fill a vacancy occurring before the 
                        expiration of the term for which the 
                        member's predecessor was appointed 
                        shall be appointed only for the 
                        remainder of that term. A member may 
                        serve after the expiration of that 
                        member's term until a successor has 
                        taken office.
                  (E) Travel expenses.--The members of the 
                Council shall not receive compensation for the 
                performance of services for the Council, but 
                shall be allowed travel expenses, including per 
                diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates 
                authorized for employees of agencies under 
                subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United 
                States Code, while away from their homes or 
                regular places of business in the performance 
                of services for the Council. Notwithstanding 
                section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, 
                the Secretary may accept the voluntary and 
                uncompensated services of members of the 
                Council.
                  (F) Permanent council.--Section 14 of the 
                Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) 
                shall not apply to the Council.
  (e) State Responsibilities.--
          (1) Designation of state agency.--In order to receive 
        Federal financial assistance under this section, the 
        Governor of a State shall--
                  (A) designate a single State agency to be 
                responsible for the management of the portions 
                of the workforce and labor market information 
                system described in subsection (a) that 
                comprise a statewide workforce and labor market 
                information system and for the State's 
                participation in the development of the plan 
                described in subsection (c); and
                  (B) establish a process for the oversight of 
                such system.
          (2) Duties.--In order to receive Federal financial 
        assistance under this section, the State agency shall--
                  (A) consult with State and local employers, 
                participants, and local workforce investment 
                boards about the labor market relevance of the 
                data to be collected and disseminated through 
                the statewide workforce and labor market 
                information system;
                  [(B) consult with State educational agencies 
                and local educational agencies concerning the 
                provision of workforce and labor market 
                information in order to meet the needs of 
                secondary school and postsecondary school 
                students who seek such information;]
                  (B) consult with eligible agencies (defined 
                in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
                Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 
                2302)), State educational agencies, and local 
                educational agencies concerning the provision 
                of workforce and labor market information in 
                order to--
                          (i) meet the needs of secondary 
                        school and postsecondary school 
                        students who seek such information; and
                          (ii) annually inform the development 
                        and implementation of programs of study 
                        defined in section 3 of the Carl D. 
                        Perkins Career and Technical Education 
                        Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302), and 
                        career pathways;
                  (C) collect and disseminate for the system, 
                on behalf of the State and localities in the 
                State, the information and data described in 
                subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(1);
                  (D) maintain and continuously improve the 
                statewide workforce and labor market 
                information system in accordance with this 
                section;
                  (E) perform contract and grant 
                responsibilities for data collection, analysis, 
                and dissemination for such system;
                  (F) conduct such other data collection, 
                analysis, and dissemination activities as will 
                ensure an effective statewide workforce and 
                labor market information system;
                  (G) actively seek the participation of other 
                State and local agencies in data collection, 
                analysis, and dissemination activities in order 
                to ensure complementarity, compatibility, and 
                usefulness of data; [and]
                  (H) utilize the quarterly records described 
                in section 116(i)(2) of the Workforce 
                Innovation and Opportunity Act to assist the 
                State and other States in measuring State 
                progress on State performance measures[.]; and
                  (I) provide, on an annual and timely basis to 
                each eligible agency (defined in section 3 of 
                the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 
                Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302)), the 
                data and information described in subparagraphs 
                (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(1).
          (3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section 
        shall be construed as limiting the ability of a State 
        agency to conduct additional data collection, analysis, 
        and dissemination activities with State funds or with 
        Federal funds from sources other than this section.
  (f) Nonduplication Requirement.--None of the functions and 
activities carried out pursuant to this section shall duplicate 
the functions and activities carried out under the Carl D. 
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 
2301 et seq.).
  (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be 
necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 through 2004.
  (h) Definition.--In this section, the term ``local area'' 
means the smallest geographical area for which data can be 
produced with statistical reliability.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                            ADDITIONAL VIEWS

    While this bipartisan bill makes many needed improvements 
over current law, we wish to highlight one important aspect of 
this compromise legislation that we believe is still in need of 
improvement as comprehensive reauthorization of the Carl D. 
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 advances 
through the legislative process.
    H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education 
for the 21st Century Act, would remove an accountability 
provision in current law (Section 123(a)(3); 20 USC 2301). That 
provision authorizes the Secretary of Education to sanction a 
state, through withholding of federal funds, in the event that 
such State (1) fails to implement an improvement plan; (2) 
fails to make any improvement in meeting the State's adjusted 
levels of performance within the first program year of 
improvement plan implementation; or (3) does not achieve at 
least 90 percent of its revised performance levels for any of 
the law's core indicators of performance for three consecutive 
years.
    If H.R. 2353 were to be enacted without further improvement 
to the bill, the following would hold true concerning the 
sanctioning authority outlined in section 123(a)(3) of current 
law:
    (1): Because both current law (section 123(a)(1)) and H.R. 
2353 (section 122(1)(A)) clearly require states to develop and 
implement improvement plans upon satisfying certain conditions, 
the Secretary would maintain the authority to withhold federal 
funds for a State's failure to implement an improvement plan, 
despite the amendments to Section 123 of current law made by 
H.R. 2353 during Committee markup. This is because the 
Secretary's enforcement authority authorized by the General 
Education Provisions Act (20 USC 1221 et seq.), specifically 
sections 410 and part D of such Act, allows the Secretary to 
withhold funding from recipients of federal funds for failure 
to comply with statutory requirements.
    (2): Upon enactment of H.R. 2353, as adopted by Committee, 
the Secretary would no longer be authorized to sanction a 
State, through the withholding of federal funds, for failing to 
make any improvement in meeting the State's adjusted levels of 
performance within the first program year of improvement plan 
implementation. Removing this authority has the potential to 
weaken accountability provisions.
    (3): The authority to sanction a State for failing to 
achieve at least 90 percent of its revised performance levels 
for any of the law's core indicators for three consecutive 
years would become irrelevant upon enactment because H.R. 2353 
shortens the Perkins CTE grant term from six years to four 
years (Sec. 121(1)(A)(i) of H.R. 2353). Committee Democrats 
believe that, should H.R. 2353 be amended to include a grant 
term longer than 4 years, Congress must maintain this 
sanctioning authority to avoid successive years of state 
inaction to improve program quality.
    While H.R. 2353 replaces the sanctioning authority with a 
requirement that the Secretary provide additional technical 
assistance, oversight, and monitoring to States that are 
required by statute to implement revised program improvement 
plans, Committee Democrats worry that these actions are 
insufficient oversight mechanisms to ensure meaningful program 
improvement when a state has previously failed to make any 
improvement. Without the backstop of the authority under 
current law to sanction through withholding federal funds for 
failure to improve, States would continue to enroll students in 
low-quality programs and receive federal funding for the fourth 
year of their grant with no expectation that they take 
corrective action to improve performance outcomes.
    History tells us that without federal involvement States 
and school districts often fail to adequately serve the most 
vulnerable students. Thus, the Secretary has an important role 
in protecting and promoting the civil rights and equity of 
educational opportunity for all students. Of particular 
concern, our nation's career and technical education system has 
a history of inadequately serving vulnerable students. For 
these reasons, we believe that robust program accountability, 
including the Secretary's authority to sanction for failure to 
improve program quality, is of the utmost importance as 
Congress works to improve current law. Additionally, amending 
this legislation to preserve the Secretary's authority to hold 
States accountable through performance-based sanctions would 
continue to improve alignment of state CTE programs with 
programs funded through the Workforce Innovation and 
Opportunity Act (WIOA). Committee Democrats note that WIOA 
includes federal authority to sanction states as a valuable 
tool for holding programs accountable for program improvement. 
Alignment with WIOA has been a bipartisan goal throughout the 
reauthorization process.
    To address these concerns, Committee Democrats offered an 
amendment during Committee consideration of H.R. 2353 to strike 
Section 122 of H.R. 2353 to retain Secretarial authority to 
sanction state agencies in current law. In addition to 
Representatives Bonamici and Polis, Ranking Member Scott spoke 
in favor of the amendment, which was ultimately withdrawn. As 
the bill moves through Congress, Committee Democrats hope that 
the Bonamici-Polis amendment will be reconsidered. Congress 
should insist on maintaining critical accountability in CTE 
programs to ensure equity of opportunity, so that all students, 
regardless of background, can access and benefit from high-
quality career and technical education programs that receive 
federal funding.

                                   Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott,
                                           Ranking Member.
                                   Jared Polis.
                                   Raul M. Grijalva.
                                   Marcia L. Fudge.
                                   Frederica S. Wilson.
                                   Alma S. Adams.
                                   Donald Norcross.
                                   Raja Krishnamoorthi.
                                   Adriano Espaillat.
                                   Suzanne Bonamici.
                                   Susan A. Davis.
                                   Joe Courtney.
                                   Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan.
                                   Mark Takano.
                                   Mark DeSaulnier.
                                   Lisa Blunt Rochester.
                                   Carol Shea Porter.

                            ADDITIONAL VIEWS

    During the mark-up of H.R. 2353, The Strengthening Career 
and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, I offered an 
amendment to define special populations to include individuals 
who are ex-offenders. My amendment would have further aligned 
the definition of special populations with the definition of an 
``individual with a barrier to employment,'' in the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act.
    Ex-offenders, who are disproportionately young men of color 
due to the bias in the criminal justice system, face numerous 
hurdles when they try to reintegrate into society after serving 
their time. Finding a decent job is a necessary first-step 
towards developing self-esteem and self- sufficiency. 
Unfortunately, and too often, a prior criminal history is a 
barrier to ex-offenders seeking employment. Sadly, some 
employers use this as an excuse to force them to continue 
paying for their crimes long after they have served their time. 
In addition, in some states, one mistake can lead to the loss 
of basic civil rights, like the right to vote, the right to 
certain licenses, and the right to work in certain careers.
    Formerly incarcerated persons live not only with the stigma 
of being an ex-offender, but are also prevented from 
opportunities to develop the skills, training or work history 
that can help them secure good jobs. This disproportionately 
impacts young men of color who are already burdened by 
institutional racism and a criminal record.
    While this bipartisan bill makes needed improvements to the 
current law, my amendment would have provided more federal 
support for the skill development and training programs that 
ex-offenders need. I withdrew the amendment because of the 
important work that H.R. 2353 tackles. Nevertheless, it is my 
view that my amendment be considered as the bill moves forward 
in the House and hopefully will be considered during a future 
conference consideration.
    Members of Congress should ensure that ex-offenders are 
afforded every opportunity to reintegrate fully into community 
life and become contributing and tax paying members of our 
society. Doing so would ensure that young people with non-
violent criminal pasts have access to the technical and 
educational programs that will put them on the path of 
employment and out of poverty.

                                   Frederica S. Wilson.
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