Perkins Act
Dara McAllister
March 7, 2017
2
Carl D. Perkins Act
Introduction
The Perkins Act is an act that has been around since 1984. The Perkins Act also known
as the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act. It was named after Carl D. Perkins, a man
from Kentucky (Gordon, 2014, pg.104). He was an advocate for vocational education, by
writing, introducing, and supporting legislation for vocational education. Besides the Perkins
Act, Carl D Perkins also helped with the Vocational Education Act of 1963 (Gordon, 2014,
pg.104). The Perkins Act has been amended or recreated many times over the years to
better realize the many purpose and have a lasting impact on the teachers.
History/Purpose
The Perkins Act has been amended many times. It was first written in 1984. The first
changes to the Perkins Act came in 1990. This act was called, “The Carl D. Perkins vocational
and Applied Technology Education act or Perkins II” (cte.unt.edu, para 9). The third and fourth
amendments to the Perkins Act are in 1998 and 2006. The last two amendments kept the same
name as the original act. Even though the acts have changed over time, they changed to better
suit the times. However, the purpose of the act was still in tacked.
The main purpose of the first Perkins Act in 1984 is to improve upon and modernize the
vocational education programs so that the programs meet the workforce needs, promote
economic growth, and meet the specific needs of the population. This includes people with
disabilities or handicaps (cte.unt.edu, para 8). Though the different amendments, this purpose
has stayed the same, but has been approved to fit the changing world. For example, in Carl D.
Perkins Act 2006 (Perkins IV), focused on academic achievement of the students by
strengthening the connections between secondary and postsecondary education (cte.unt.edu, para
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Carl D. Perkins Act
11). In an article from the National Association of Special Education Teachers, it shines some
provided for students with disabilities. The law states that individuals who are members
In addition, these individuals must be provided with equal access to the full range of
para.1-2)
This means that all vocational education educators will be teaching people with disabilities and
handicaps.
Effect
Vocational education educators already cater to a large range of kids. The Carl D.
Perkins Act helps the educators better cater to those students with disabilities and handicaps.
Teachers have two goals to fulfill. The first is to improve skills and prepare adults for jobs and
the second is to provide equal opportunities for adults in vocational education (Gordon, 2014,
pg.113). This is also included in secondary education. The help to teach such a variety of
people has come in the form of funding, technology, changing the curriculum, increasing the
connection between the secondary and the postsecondary schools (cte.unt.edu, para.8-11). This
help has been useful to teachers as they change their curriculum to better help those with
Overall, the Carl D. Perkins Act is a very important act for those going into vocational
education. It will help the educator cater to the needs of the students and provide funding for
new technology. The purpose of the act is to help keep vocational education up with the times in
order to help those with disabilities and handicaps as well as other adults progress in education.
This education will provide the skills necessary for them obtaining a job in the work field. Due to
the fact that the act wants to be modernized, it has been amended three times since the first act
Career and Technical Education. (2017, February 26). Retrieved March 04, 2017, from
http://cte.unt.edu/about/cte-history-of-legislation
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42863.pdf
Gordon, H. R. (2014). The history and growth of career and technical education in America.
Legislation - Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998. (n.d.). Retrieved
NASET.org Home Page. (2006, August 11). Retrieved March 06, 2017, from
https://www.naset.org/perkinsvocational2.0.html
The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act. (n.d.). Retrieved March
Summary 10 points