It is the purpose of this Act to make the United States more competitive in the world economy by developing more fully the academic and occupational skills of all segments of the population. This purpose will principally be achieved through concentrating resources on improving educational programs leading to academic and occupational skill competencies needed to work in a technologically advanced society. The reauthorized Perkins directs vocational educators to achieve tremendous changes in the next four years.
Time is short, the task is great, and the costs of failure are high.
America cannot afford another failed round of educational reforms. Vocational education cannot afford to ignore the intent of Congress in the new Perkins. Future support may hinge on the field's ability to respond to its challenges. The 1990 Perkins redirects educational reform efforts by targeting the non-college bound as well as the college bound. By targeting special populations, the law responds to the needs of the increasingly diverse populations in today's classrooms.