§2302 Definitions

Summary

Defines lots of key words used in the chapter so people know what they mean for career and technical education programs. It explains who can run programs, what kinds of schools and students are covered, how programs can connect to jobs and colleges, and what special rules apply for things like pay-for-success projects, professional training for teachers, and services for students with extra needs. Administration — running an eligible agency’s duties, not curriculum development, personnel development, or research. All aspects of an industry — deep, broad experience and understanding of that industry. Area career and technical education school — specialized public secondary or postsecondary schools or departments mainly used to provide CTE, including departments offering CTE in at least 3 fields. Articulation agreement — a written agreement between secondary and postsecondary institutions to give students a nonduplicative sequence of courses and transfer credit. Career and technical education — organized course sequences that teach academic and technical skills, may lead to credentials or degrees, include applied and work-based learning, coordinate secondary and postsecondary programs, and may start career exploration as early as middle grades. Career and technical student organization — student groups tied to CTE instruction, with state and national units. Career guidance and academic counseling — information and planning help about careers, schooling, financial aid, work-based learning, and support services, including help for special populations. Career pathways, charter school, dual or concurrent enrollment program, early college high school, educational service agency, evidence-based, high school, institution of higher education, local educational agency, recognized postsecondary credential, secondary school, specialized instructional support personnel/services, tribal organization, universal design for learning — meanings given in other listed laws. Cooperative education — planned, supervised alternating school and work that combines required academics and CTE. Credit transfer agreement — formal agreements (like articulation) that grant postsecondary credit, including dual credit and credit by assessment. CTE concentrator — secondary student who finished at least 2 courses in one CTE program; postsecondary student with at least 12 CTE credits or who finished a shorter program. CTE participant — someone who finished at least one CTE course. Director — Director of the Institute of Education Sciences. Eligible agency — the single State board in charge of administering or supervising CTE in the State. Eligible entity — a consortium that includes at least two types of educational entities (one serving as fiscal agent), plus business/industry partners and community stakeholders. Eligible institution — a public or nonprofit postsecondary school or consortium, local agency, area CTE school, Indian Tribe-related institutions (including tribally controlled colleges and certain BIE institutions), or educational service agency that will use funds for CTE leading to technical skill proficiency or a credential (for one part of the law, “recognized postsecondary credential” does not include a bachelor’s degree). Eligible recipient — local education agencies (including certain public charter schools), area CTE schools, educational service agencies, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, or eligible institutions or their consortia eligible for specific grants. English learner — a secondary student as defined elsewhere, or an adult/out-of-school youth with limited English who speaks a language other than English at home or in the community. Governor — the State’s chief executive officer. In-demand industry sector or occupation and industry or sector partnership — meanings given in another law. Indian and Indian Tribe — meanings given in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. Individual with a disability / individuals with disabilities — meanings given in another law. Local workforce development board — board established under federal workforce law. Non-traditional fields — jobs where one gender makes up less than 25 percent of workers. Outlying area — U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Out-of-school youth — meaning given in another law. Out-of-workforce individual — a displaced homemaker or someone who worked mostly unpaid to care for home/family and lost marketable skills, or a parent whose youngest dependent will lose eligibility for certain federal cash assistance within 2 years of applying, who is unemployed or underemployed and has trouble getting or improving employment. Paraprofessional — meaning given in another law. Pay for success initiative — a performance-based grant or contract where payment is tied to agreed outcomes, requires a feasibility study, a rigorous independent evaluation, annual public reports, and payment only when outcomes are met (payments to evaluators are allowed); it must not reduce a student’s special education services or legal rights under laws like IDEA, the Rehabilitation Act, or the ADA. Postsecondary educational institution — a school offering at least a 2-year program acceptable for bachelor’s credit, a tribally controlled college, or a nonprofit offering postsecondary certificates. Professional development — sustained, collaborative, job-embedded training for educators to improve academic and technical teaching, use data, support English learners and students with disabilities, include follow-up, and stay current with industry. Program of study — a coordinated, nonduplicative sequence of secondary and postsecondary courses aligned to state standards and employer needs, moving from broad industry knowledge to specific occupations, with multiple entry/exit points and ending in a recognized postsecondary credential. Qualified intermediary — a nonprofit that builds and measures partnerships, connects employers to classrooms, helps design CTE programs, provides professional development, links students to internships, and develops student supports. Special populations — includes individuals with disabilities; those from low-income families; those preparing for non-traditional fields; single parents (including pregnant women); out-of-workforce individuals; English learners; homeless youth; those in or aging out of foster care; and youth whose parent is on active duty in the armed forces. State — each State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the outlying areas listed above. Support services — help such as curriculum or equipment changes, classroom changes, extra staff like paraprofessionals, and instructional aids. Tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institution — a tribe-controlled school that offers technical degrees or certificates, is governed mostly by Indians, supports tribal economic self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship, has operated at least 3 years, is accredited or a candidate, and enrolls at least a 100 full-time equivalent students with a majority who are Indians. Work-based learning — sustained, real or simulated workplace experiences with industry or community professionals that match the curriculum.