SCSC: Carl Perkins Terms and Definitions

All Aspects of the Industry
Strong experience in, and understanding of, all aspects of the industry the students are preparing to enter, including planning, management, finances, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, and health and safety.

All Learners
As defined in the School-To-Work Opportunities Act, the term "all learners" means both male and female learners from a broad range of backgrounds and circumstances, including disadvantaged learners, learners with diverse racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, learners with disabilities, learners with limited-English proficiency, migrant children, school dropouts, and academically talented learners.

Articulation
A process for coordinating the linking to two or more educational systems within a community to help learners make a smooth transition from one level to another, without experiencing delays, duplication of courses or loss of credit. Horizontal articulation generally refers to learner transfer of credit from one program to another within one institution or from one institution to another; vertical articulation refers to the transfer of credit from a lower-level institution to a higher-level one. The term is used both in higher education and in a secondary/post-secondary connection. The secondary/post secondary version describes a high school/college connection; the higher education version of vertical articulation describes a junior college/senior college connection.

Articulation Agreement
A commitment to a program designed to provide students with a non-duplicative sequence of progressive achievement leading to competencies in a tech-prep education program [P.L. 101-392, Section 347(1)]

Career and Technical Education—See Vocational and Technical Education.

Career Assessment
The process of measuring vocational aptitude, career interest and academic and vocational achievement. It may also include such factors as work history, physical capacity, work values and temperament. Career assessment may be accomplished through formal, standardized instruments or through informal means such as interviews or observing work samples.

Career Guidance & Counseling
As defined in the School-To-Work Opportunities Act, the term "areer guidance and counseling"means programs -

1. that pertain to the body of subject matter and related techniques and methods organized for the development in individuals of career awareness; career planning; career decision-making; placement skills; and knowledge and understanding of local, State, and national occupational, educational, and ongoing market needs, trends and opportunities;

2.that assist individuals in making and implementing informed educational and occupational choices; and

3. that help learners develop career options with attention to gender, race, ethnicity, disability, language or socioeconomic impediments and encourage careers in nontraditional employment.

Coherent Sequence of Courses - a series of courses in which vocational and academic education are integrated and which directly relate to, and lead to, both academic and occupational competencies. The term includes competency-based education, academic education and adult training or retraining that meets these requirements. [Federal Register, Section 400.4(b)]

Collaboration - is a mutually beneficial and well-defined relationship entered into by two or more organizations to achieve common goals. The relationship includes a commitment to: a definition of mutual relationships and goals; a jointly developed structure and shared responsibility; mutual authority and accountability for success; and sharing of resources and rewards. (Amherst H. Wilder Foundation)

Completer (Vocational) —

Secondary —any concentrator who attains academic and technical knowledge and skills and graduates.

Postsecondary — students awarded a certificate, diploma, AAS or AS degree in a Perkins approved vocational technical education program.

Concentrator (Vocational) —

Secondary — any student successfully enrolled in a single CTE program for more than 90 hours (successfully defined as a passing grade).

Postsecondary — students with a declared major in a Perkins approved vocational technical education program and who have completed 35% of the program requirements.

Cooperative Education - the term "cooperative education" means a method of instruction of education for individuals who, through written cooperative arrangements between a school and employers, receive instruction, including required academic courses and related vocational and technical education instruction, by alternation of study in school with a job in any occupational field, which alternation shall be planned and supervised by the school and employer so that each contributes to the education and employability of the individual, and 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. (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

Community-Based Organization - a private, nonprofit organization of demonstrated effectiveness that is representative of communities or significant segments of communities and that provides job-training services. Examples include the National Urban League and the United Way of America.

Consortium
In reference to School-To Work, a consortium is a group of two or more agencies that enter into a cooperativeagreement to share information or provide services that benefit learners. Participating groups may pool their individual fiscal, human, and material resources to take advantage of economies of scale, or arrange to share staff technical expertise. Consortia may be formed within educational sectors, as when a number of secondary schools collaborate to offer advanced instructional services, or across educational sectors, as when a secondary and post-secondary institution arrange articulated programs. Employer and community organizations may also join educational consortia, or form their own consortia, to support School-To-Work system-building efforts.

Contextual Learning
Contextual knowledge is learning that occurs in close relationship with actual experience. Contextual learning enables students to test academic theories via tangible, real world applications. Stressing the development of "authentic" problem-solving skills, contextual learning is designed to blend teaching methods, content, situation, and timing.

Core Indicators — OVAE
1.     Academic attainment (1S1 or 1P1) and Vocational Skill Attainment (1S2 or 1P2)
2.     Program Completion (2S1 or 2P1)
3.     Placement (3S1 or 3P1) and Retention (3P2)
4.     Non-Traditional Participation (4S1 or 4P1) and Completion (4S2 or 4P2)

Correctional Institution - refers to any:
1.prison
2. jail
3.reformatory
4. work farm
5. detention center, or
6.halfway house, community-based rehabilitation center, or any other similar institution designed for the confinement or rehabilitation of criminal offenders. [P.L. 101-392, Section 521 (10)]

Curriculum Alignment
Curriculum alignment occurs when academic and vocational curricula are linked so that course content and instruction dovetail across and/or within subject areas. Curriculum alignment may take two forms: horizontal alignment, when teachers within a specific grade level coordinate instruction across disciplines; and vertical alignment, when subjects are connected across grade levels, in a cumulative manner, to build comprehensive, increasingly complex instructional programs.

Disadvantaged — as referenced to individuals (other than individuals with disabilities) who have economic or academic disadvantages and who require special services and assistance in order to enable these individuals to succeed in vocational education programs. This term includes individuals who are members of economically disadvantaged families, migrants, individuals of limited English proficiency and individuals who are dropouts from, or who are identified as potential dropouts from, secondary school. For the purpose of this definition, an individual who scores at or below the 25^th percentile on a standardized achievement or aptitude test, whose secondary school grades are below 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (on which the grade "A" equals 4.0), or who fails to attain minimum academic competencies may be considered "academically disadvantaged". The definition does not include individuals with learning disabilities [Federal Register, Section 400.4(b)]

Disability - the 1990 American with Disabilities Act defines individuals with disabilities as including any individual who:

1. has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of that individual;

2. has a record of an impairment described in paragraph (1); or

3. is regarded as having an impairment described in paragraph (1). This definition includes any individual who has been evaluated under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and determined to be an individual with a disability who is in need of special education and related services; and any individual who is considered disabled under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. At the secondary level, counts of disabled learners are typically based on whether a learner has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). At the post-secondary level, counts of disabled learners are typically based on learner self-reports of disabling conditions.

Displaced Homemaker - means an individual who:

1. has worked primarily without remuneration to care for a home and family, and for that reason has diminished marketable skills; and

2. a. has been dependent on the income of other family member but is no longer supported by that income; or

1. 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 this title; and

2. is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment. (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

Dropout (School)

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. (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

Economically Disadvantaged Family or Individual - a family or individual that is -

1. Eligible for any of the following:

a. The program for Aid to Families with Dependent Children under Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601).

b. Benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2011)

c. To be counted for purposes of sectional 1005 of Chapter 1 of Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (Chapter 1)

(20 U.S.C. 2701).

d. The free or reduced-price meals program under the National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751)

2. Determined by the Secretary to be low-income according to the latest available data from the Department of Commerce.

3. Identified as low income according to other indices of economic status, including estimates of those indices, if a grantee demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that those indices are more representative of the number of economically disadvantaged students attending vocational education programs. The Secretary determines, on a case-by-case basis, whether other indices of economic status are more representative of the number of economically disadvantaged students attending vocational education programs, taking into consideration, for example, the statistical reliability of any data submitted by a grantee as well as the general acceptance of the indices by other agencies in the State or local area (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 2341(d)(3).[Federal Register, Section 400.4(b)]

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 vocational and technical education or for supervision of the administration of vocational and technical education in the State. (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

Eligible Institution - the term "eligible institution" means -

1. an institution of higher education;

2. a local educational agency providing education at the postsecondary level;

3. an area vocational and technical education school providing education at the postsecondary level;

4. a postsecondary educational institution controlled by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or operated by or on

behalf of an y Indian tribe that is eligible to contract with the Secretary of the Interior for the

administration of programs under the Indian Self-Determination Act or the Act of April 16, 1934

(48 Stat. 596; 25 U.S.C. 452 et seq.);

5. an educational service agency; or

6. a consortium of 2 or more of the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (E).

(Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

Eligible Recipient - the term "eligible recipient" - means -

1. a local educational agency, an area vocational and technical education school, an educational service agency, or a consortium, eligible to receive assistance under section 131; or

2. an eligible institution or consortium of eligible institutions eligible to receive assistance under section 132. (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

English as a Second Language (ESL) - see Limited English Proficiency (LEP).

English Language Learner (ELL) - see Limited English Proficiency (LEP).

Equality - A state of being equal, usually used in reference to equal treatment without regard to gender or ethnicity.

Equipment (postsecondary) - Equipment is based on the State University Fixed Assets System (SUFAS). Fixed assets include both enterprise fund and non-enterprise fund assets recorded within the object code 4000. They should have a value of more than $2,000.00, retain their identity in life, and have a life expectancy of more than two years.

Equipment (secondary) — Anything that is non-consumable and has a purchase cost of over $500.00. Prior written approval must be obtained from MDE for all equipment purchases.

Equitable Participation - Section 403.111(c)(3) has been changed to clarify that "equitable participation" means providing members of special populations with an opportunity to enter vocational education that is equal to that afforded to the general student population.

Equity - A state beyond discrimination that is characterized by fair and just treatment rather than equal treatment.

Full Participation - providing the supplementary and other services necessary for special populations to succeed in vocational education.

FYE - Full Year Equivalent, which constitutes 30 semester credits.

General Occupational Skills - experience in and understanding of all aspects of the industry the student is preparing to enter, including planning, management, finances, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor and community issues, and health, safety, and environmental issues. [P.L. 101-392, Section 521(17)]

Individualized Education Program (IEP) - a written statement for a disabled individual developed in accordance with sections 612(4) and 614(a)(5)] the IDEA [20 U.S.C. 1412(4) and 1414(a)(5)] [Federal Register, Section 400.4(b)]

Labor Market Area
As defined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a labor market area is "an economically integrated geographic area within which individuals can reside and find employment within a reasonable distance, or can readily change employment without changing their place of residence." Labor markets are classified as either metropolitan on non-metropolitan (small labor market) areas.

Limited-English Proficiency (LEP) (Individual with) -

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

1. whose native language is a language other than English; or

2. who lives in a family or community environment in which a language other than English is the dominant language. (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

Local Educational Agency
The term "local educational agency" has the meaning given the term in section 14101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801) (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

Local Partnership
As defined by the School-To-Work Opportunities Act "the term "local partnership" is a local entity that is responsible for local STW collaboratives whose memberships consist of:

1. business/Industry (51% or more), representatives of local educational agencies and local post-secondary educational institutions (including representatives of area vocational schools, where applicable), local educators (ex: teachers, counselors, administrators), representatives of labor organizations or non-managerial employee representatives, and learners; and

2. may include other entities, such as employer organizations; community-based organizations; national trade associations working at local levels; industrial extension centers; rehabilitation agencies and organizations; registered apprenticeship agencies; local vocational educational entities; proprietary institutions or higher education; local government agencies; parent or teacher organizations; vocational learner organizations; private industry councils; federally recognized Indian tribes, Indian organizations, Alaska Native villages, and Native Hawaiian entities."

Maintenance of Effort
Specific language contained in the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 (Section 311. Fiscal Requirements) to ensure that states continue to provide funding for vocational and technical education programs at least at the level of support of the previous year. The U.S. Secretary of Education may grant a waiver of up to 5% for exceptional or uncontrollable circumstance (such as a natural disaster or a dramatic financial decline) that affect the state"s ability to continue funding at the prior year"s levels.

Minnesota Graduation Standards
Minnesota Rules 3501.0100 to 3501.0469. The Graduation Standards Rules provide a results oriented, standards based system of requirements for a high school diploma in all public schools in Minnesota.

The student must pass a state test in reading, mathematics and written composition and; in addition, the student must complete 24 high school standards to graduate. The standards specify what a student must know and be able to do in nine required learning areas.

1.     Read, Listen & View

2.     Write & Speak

3.     Arts & Literature

4.     Mathematical Concepts & Applications

5.     Inquiry & Research

6.     Scientific Concepts & Applications

7.     Social Studies

8.     Physical Education & Lifetime Fitness

9.     Economics and Business

10.   World Languages (optional)

11.   Technical & Vocational

Beginning with students entering 9^th grade in 1998, the 24 high school standards replace required courses and required numbers of credits.

Measurable Objectives - a specific statement of intended results. Characteristics of a measurable objective include the following: a definite time frame, who the audience is, degree of measurement, and resources needed.

Measure - a description of an outcome. [Federal Register, Section 400.4(b)]

Nontraditional Training and Employment - the term "nontraditional training and employment" means occupations or fields of work, including careers in computer science, technology, and other 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 work. (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

Occupational Skill Standards
Performance specifications that are business or industry based, that identify knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for individuals to succeed in the respective business or industry.

Participant —

Secondary — any student enrolled in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) approved program.

Postsecondary — students enrolled in one or more courses within a Perkins approved vocational technical education program and/or students with a declared major in a Perkins approved vocational technical education program.

Personnel Activity Report (PAR)
As specified in USOE Circular A-87 all eligible recipients receiving Federal Perkins resources must maintain Personnel Activity Reports (PARs) as an approved method of reporting Perkins funded employee"s time. State and federal agencies monitor time distribution procedures.

Preparatory Services - services, programs, or activities designed to assist individuals who are enrolled in vocational education programs in the selection of, or preparation for participation in, an appropriate vocational education training program. Preparatory services include, but are not limited to:

1. services, programs, or activities related to outreach to, or recruitment of potential vocational education students;

2. career counseling and personal counseling;

3. vocational assessment and testing; and

4. other appropriate services, programs, or activities. [Federal Register, Section 400.4(b)]

Postsecondary Educational Institution - the term "postsecondary educational institution" means

1. an institution of higher educational that provides not less than a 2-year program of instruction that is acceptable for credit toward a bachelor"s degree;

2. a tribally controlled college or university; or

3. a nonprofit educational institution offering certificate or apprenticeship programs at the postsecondary level. (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

SCANS (Secretary Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills)

The Secretary"s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) was convened in February 1990 to examine the demands of the workplace and to determine whether the current and future workforce is capable of meeting those demands. The Commission was directed to:

1.         define the skills needed for employment;
2.         propose acceptable levels in those skills;
3.         suggest effective ways to assess proficiency; and
4.      develop a strategy to disseminate the findings to the nation"s schools, businesses, and homes. The Commission identified five competencies (i.e. skills necessary for workplace success) and three foundations (i.e., skills and qualities that underlie competencies).

Competencies - effective workers can productively use:

1. Resources - allocating time, money, materials, space, and staff;

2. Interpersonal Skills - working on teams, teaching others, serving customers, leading, negotiating and working well with people from culturally diverse backgrounds;

3. Information - acquiring and evaluating data, organizing and maintaining files, interpreting and communicating, and using computers to process information;

4. System - understanding social, organizational, and technological systems, monitoring and correcting performance, and designing or improving systems;

5. Technology - selecting equipment and tools, applying technology to specific tasks, and maintaining and trouble-shooting technologies.

Foundations - competence requires:

1. Basic Skills - reading, writing, arithmetic and mathematics, speaking, and listening;

2. Thinking Skills - thinking creatively, making decisions, solving problems, seeing things in the mind"s eye, knowing how to learn, and reasoning;

3. Personal Qualities - individual responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, and integrity.

School-To-Work System

A system that helps young people progress smoothly from School-To-Work by making connections between their education and career. The system is a cooperative effort of elementary and secondary education, vocational-technical education, higher education, and business and industry to engage all youth in the lifelong acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to pursue meaningful, challenging, and productive career pathways into high-skill, high-wage jobs.

Sequential Course of Study - an integrated series of courses that are directly related to the educational and occupational skills preparation for individuals for jobs or preparation for postsecondary education. [Federal Register, Section 400.4(b)]

Single Parent - an individual student who:

Is unmarried or legally separated from a spouse; and

1. has a minor child or children for which the parent has either custody or joint custody; or

2. is pregnant. [P.101-392, Section 521 (301)]

Special Populations - the term "special populations" means -

1. individuals with disabilities;

2. economically disadvantaged individuals, including foster children;

3. individuals preparing for nontraditional training and employment

4. single parents, including single pregnant women;

5. displaced homemakers; and

6. individuals* with other barriers to educational achievement, including individuals with limited English proficiency. (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

* In Minnesota this includes disadvantaged persons and persons with 504 plans.

Standard - the level or rate of an outcome. [Federal Register, Section 400.4(b)]

Supplemental Not Supplant — Specific provisions in the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 (Section 311. Fiscal Requirements) which prohibit states from using federal funds to replace state and local funds for vocational and technical education and tech-prep activities.

Support Services - the term "support services" means services related to curriculum modification, equipment modification, classroom modification, supportive personnel, and instructional aids and devices. (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

Tech-Prep Program - the term "tech-prep. Program" means a program of study that:

1. combines at least 2 years of secondary education (as determined under State law) and 2 years of postsecondary education in a nonduplicative sequential course of study;

2. strengthens the applied academic component of vocational and technical education through the integration of academic, and vocational and technical, instruction;

3. provides technical preparation in an areas such as engineering technology, applied science, a mechanical, industrial, or practical art or trade, agriculture, a health occupation, business, or applied economics;

4. builds student competence in mathematics, science and communications (including through applied academics) in a specific career field, and to high skill, high wage employment, or further education.

5. leads to an associate degree or a certificate in a specific career field and to high skill, high wage employment, or further education. (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

Targeted Reserve — Of the 85% of funds that must flow to the local level, up to 10% (or 8.5% of the total state allotment) may be distributed to local eligible recipients in a manner determined by the eligible agency for uses described in section 135, Local uses of Funds.

Tribally Controlled College or University - The term "tribally controlled college or university" has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801 (a) (4). (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

Tribally Controlled Postsecondary Vocational and Technical Institution - The term "tribally controlled postsecondary vocational and technical institution" means an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, except that paragraph (2) of such section shall not be applicable and the reference to Secretary in paragraph (5) (A) of such section shall be deemed to refer to the Secretary of the Interior) that:

1. is formally controlled, or has been formally sanctioned or chartered, by the governing body of an Indian tribe or Indian tribes;

2. offers a technical degree or certificate granting program;

3. is governed by a board of directors or trustees, a majority of whom are Indians;

4. 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 entrepreneur ships and self-sustaining economic infrastructures on reservations;

5. has been in operation for at least 3 years;

6. hold accreditation with or is a candidate for accreditation by a nationally recognized accrediting authority for postsecondary vocational and technical education; and

7. enrolls the full-time equivalent of not less than 100 students, of who a majority is Indians. (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

Vocational and Technical Education - the term "vocational and technical education" means organized educational activities that:

1. offer a sequence of courses that provides individuals with the academic and technical knowledge and skills the individuals need to prepare for further educational and for careers (other than careers requiring a baccalaureate, master"s, or doctoral degree) in current or emerging employment sectors; and

2. include competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, of an individual. (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).

VSO - Vocational Student Organization - In general - the term "vocational and technical student organization" means an organization of individuals enrolled in a vocational and technical education program that engages in vocational and technical activities as an integral part of the instructional program. (Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998).