The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) represents an important opportunity to expand opportunities for every student to explore, choose, and follow career and technical education programs of study and career pathways to earn credentials of value.
Perkins V includes specific supports for unique demographic groups, referred to in the law as special populations, intended for recruiting and retaining these groups in high-quality CTE programs and improving their overall academic performance, including individuals with disabilities.
Perkins V requires states to report on equity and access to CTE coursework on specific special populations including students with disabilities.
Some Key Definitions in Perkins V
Special Populations:
The definition of special populations in Perkins V includes the following groups:
- individuals with disabilities;
- low-income youth and adults;
- individuals preparing for nontraditional fields;1
- single parents, including single pregnant women;
- out-of-workforce individuals;
- English learners;
- homeless individuals;
- youth who are in, or have aged out of, the foster care system; and
- youth with a parent who is an active-duty member of the armed forces.
Program of study:
A coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and technical content at the secondary and postsecondary level.
CTE concentrator:
At the secondary school level, a student who has completed at least 2 courses in a single career and technical education program or program of study.