| Grange
Supports the FFA by Passing a Resolution to Strengthen the Vocational-Technical
Education Act of 1998 Washington,
December 11, 2003 - The Grange passed a resolution at its 137th Annual Convention
in Burlington, Vermont that supports the federal government's continued investment
in career vocational-technical education by reauthorizing the Carl D. Perkins
Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998. "With
funding allocated through the Perkins Act, states are able to support programs
like the FFA that are instrumental in providing students at the secondary and
post-secondary levels with the required academic, technical and employability
skills necessary to be successful in the workforce," National Grange Master William
Steel said. "That's why it is important for the Grange to continue encouraging
the federal government to strengthen this legislation." The
Act provides funding for secondary and post-secondary vocational-technical education
programs. It defines vocational-technical education as organized educational programs
offering sequences of courses directly related to preparing individuals for paid
or unpaid employment in current or emerging occupations. The Act provides funding
from 1998 - 2003, covering program years from July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2004. The
total appropriation for the Act was $1.288 billion dollars in 2002. States received
these funds in the form of $1.18 billion for basic state grants and $108 million
for Tech Prep. All states received funds for secondary and postsecondary education.
Realizing
that vocational education provide future workforces with the necessary academic
and vocational skills needed to compete successfully in a world market, the FFA
encourages states to use the funding to provide programs that develop competent
and assertive agricultural leaders through activities that cultivate interpersonal
skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and social interaction. According
to the National Assessment of Vocational Education study, the most frequent uses
of funds allotted through the Act included: occupationally-relevant equipment,
vocational curriculum materials, materials for learning labs, curriculum development
or modification, staff development, career counseling and guidance activities,
efforts for academic-vocational integration, supplemental services for special
populations, hiring vocational staff, remedial classes and expansion of tech prep
programs. | 
