Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act

(Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 98-1129)

Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act - Amends the Vocational Education Act of 1963 (VEA) to extend and revise VEA programs and to establish programs emphasizing the acquisition of job skills through technical, as well as vocational, education. (The following titles and parts are of the VEA, as amended by this Act.)

Renames VEA as the "Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act."

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for: (1) vocational education assistance to the States (title I, other than provisions for State councils on vocational education); (2) basic State grants for vocational education (title II); (3) national programs (title IV, other than provisions for bilingual vocational training), with a specified reservation of funds for such purpose; (4) State assistance for vocational educational support programs by community-based organizations (part A of title III); (5) consumer and homemaking education (part B of title III); (6) adult training, retraining, and employment development (part C of title III), with a reservation of specified amounts for programs for single parents or homemakers; (7) career guidance and counseling (part D of title III); (8) industry-education partnerships for training in high-technology occupations (part E of title III); (9) State councils on vocational education (specified provisions under title I); and (10) bilingual vocational training programs (part E of title IV).

Title I: Vocational Education Assistance to the States - Part A: Allotment and Allocation - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to reserve specified portions of certain funds under this Act for: (1) national programs (title IV, other than provisions for bilingual vocational training); and (2) Indian and Hawaiian native programs (specified provisions of title I).

Directs the Secretary, from the remainder of such funds and subject to specified provisions, to allot to each State for each fiscal year an amount based on formulas using State allotment ratios and relative State populations of certain age groups. Allots the following percentages of such funds on the basis of population aged: (1) 15 through 19, 50 percent; (2) 20 through 24, 20 percent; and (3) 25 through 65, 15 percent. Allots the remaining 15 percent on the basis of the relative sums of such age group allotments. Sets forth a minimum State allotment amount, with specified exceptions, and minimum allotments for specified territories and possessions of the United States. Provides for reallotment among other States of any amount which the Secretary determines will not be required for carrying out a State's program for any fiscal year. Sets forth a formula for determining State allotment minimum limits on such ratios and sets ratios for specified territories and possessions of the United States.

Sets forth provisions for within-State allocation of the State allotment. Directs each State to allocate from its allotment in each fiscal year under title II basic grants for vocational education: (1) 57 percent for activities described in part A of title II (vocational education opportunities); and (2) 43 percent for activities described in part B of title II (vocational education program improvement, innovation, and expansion). Directs each State, from the portion of its allotment available for statewide activities under specified provisions of title I relating to State plans, to allocate up to seven percent of the allotment of the State for administrative expenses (with provision for certain excess costs of compliance with requirements relating to programs for the handicapped and for the disadvantaged, distribution of assistance, and participation of specified types of individuals with special needs).

Sets forth provisions for Indian and Hawaiian native programs.

Directs the Secretary, upon the request of an eligible Indian tribe, to contract with the tribal organization to plan, conduct, and administer vocational education programs with the funds reserved for such purpose. Subjects such contracts to specified terms and conditions under the Indian Self-Determination Act and other specified Federal laws. Authorizes the Secretary, from any remaining funds from such reserved funds, to enter into an agreement with the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs for the operation of vocational education programs authorized by this Act in institutions serving Indians eligible to receive educational benefits from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to receive such funds for such purposes.

Directs the BIA to expend a matching amount to pay a part of the costs of such programs. Requires the BIA to expend during each fiscal year no less than the amount expended during the prior fiscal year on vocational education programs, services, and activities. Directs the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs to prepare a joint plan for the expenditure of funds and the evaluation of such programs. Directs the Secretary to assume responsibility for the administration of the program, with the assistance and consultation of the BIA. Provides that such programs shall be in addition to such other programs, services, and activities as are made available to eligible Indians under basic State grants and other provisions of this Act.

Makes provisions of this Act applicable to the BIA as if it were a State board.

Directs the Secretary, upon the request of any eligible recipient or any nonprofit private organization which is engaged in furnishing educational services or activities to Hawaiian natives, to contract with such recipient or organization to plan, conduct, and administer vocational education programs for the benefit of Hawaiian natives with specified funds reserved for such purpose.

Part B: State Organizational and Planning Responsibilities - Requires any State desiring to participate in the program under this Act to establish or designate a State board of vocational education to be the sole State agency responsible for the administration or supervision of the State vocational education program. Includes among State board responsibilities: (1) coordination of State plan development, submission, and implementation, and the evaluation of the program, services, and activities assisted under this Act; (2) State plan development, in consultation with the State council on vocational education, and submission of such State plan to the Secretary; (3) consultation with the State council on vocational education and other appropriate State agencies, councils, and individuals involved in planning, administration, evaluation, and coordination of programs funded under this Act; (4) meeting at least four times annually; and (5) adoption of such procedures as the State board considers necessary to implement State level coordination with the State job training coordination council to encourage cooperation in the conduct of their respective programs. Allows the State board to delegate any of its responsibilities, other than those listed, to other State agencies.

Requires States to assign at least one individual to work full time to assist the State board to fulfill the purposes of this Act with respect to sex equity in vocational education programs. Requires each State to expend a specified minimum amount for such purposes.

Requires the State board to make available to each private industry council established under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) within the State a listing of all programs assisted under this Act.

Requires each State board, in consultation with the State council, to establish a limited number of technical committees to advise the council and the board on the development of model curricula to address State labor market needs. Requires such committees to develop an inventory of the type and level of knowledge and skills needed for entry, retention, and advancement in occupational areas taught in the State. Requires that the membership of such committees be representatives of: (1) employers from any relevant industry or occupation for which the committee is established; (2) trade or professional organizations representing any relevant occupations; and (3) organized labor, where appropriate.

Requires States desiring to participate in programs under this Act to establish a State council on vocational education. Sets forth requirements relating to council membership. Requires that a majority (seven) be representative of the private sector as follows: (1) five representing business, industry, and agriculture, including one representative of small business concerns and one who is a private sector member of the State job training coordinating council; and (2) two representatives of labor organizations. Requires that the other six council members be representative of secondary and postsecondary vocational institutions, career guidance and counseling organizations, individuals who have special knowledge and qualifications with respect to the special educational and career development needs of special populations (including women, the disadvantaged, the handicapped, those with limited English proficiency, and minorities), and of whom one member is representative of special education. Includes among State council duties biennial evaluation of the vocational education program delivery systems assisted under this Act and under JTPA. Sets forth requirements relating to allotment of grants to State councils on vocational education.

Sets forth requirements for State plans under this Act. Requires that State plans be submitted to the Secretary and cover a three-year period in the case of the initial plan and a two-year period thereafter, with such annual provisions as the State board determines to be necessary. Requires that such planning periods be coterminous with those under JTPA.

Sets forth requirements relating to State plan development.

Includes among required provisions of State plans: (1) compliance with criteria for programs for the handicapped and for the disadvantaged; (2) relevant training for men and women desiring to enter occupations not traditionally associated with their sex; (3) program evaluation using measurements such as labor market needs; and (4) assessment and addressing of the vocational education needs of those identifiable segments of the State population that have the highest unemployment rates. Requires State plans to provide specified assurances relating to the use of funds: (1) for the disadvantaged and handicapped; (2) for single parents and homemakers (with special emphasis on those with the greatest financial need and on displaced homemakers); and (3) for economically depressed or high unemployment areas.

Sets forth procedures and other requirements for State plan approval.

Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance and guidance to assist States to fulfill specified requirements for State plans.

Sets forth requirements for local plans by eligible recipients to be submitted to the State board. Provides for exemptions from such requirements under specified circumstances.

Title II: Basic State Grants for Vocational Education - Part A: Vocational Education Opportunities - Requires each State, from the portion of its allotment available for this part, to provide vocational education services and activities to meet the special needs, and enhance the participation, of: (1) handicapped individuals; (2) disadvantaged individuals; (3) adults who need training or retraining; (4) single working parents or homemakers; (5) participants in programs to eliminate sex bias and stereotyping in vocational education; and (6) criminal offenders who are serving in a correctional institution.

Limits the use of funds under this part for handicapped individuals to supplemental or additional staff, equipment, materials, and services not provided to other individuals in vocational education that are essential for handicapped individuals to participate in vocational education, but allows each State to use such funds for separate vocational programs for handicapped individuals if the handicapping conditions of the students require a separate program.

Permits the use of funds under this part for the improvement of vocational education programs designed to provide equal access to quality vocational education to disadvantaged individuals, including the acquisition of modern machinery and tools and the costs of services and activities which apply the latest technological advances to the course of instruction. Provides that such funds may be expended for the acquisition of modern machinery and tools only in schools at which at least 75 percent of the students are economically disadvantaged.

Requires each State to use the portion of its allotment available for this part to provide, improve, and expand adult and postsecondary vocational education services and activities to train and retrain adults. Permits funds used for such purpose to be used for services and activities developed in coordination with the State agency administering title III of JTPA. Permits such funds to be used for: (1) additional training under title III of JTPA; (2) vocational education programs for training or retraining adults, including programs for older individuals and displaced homemakers; (3) the costs of serving adults in other vocational education programs, including paying the costs of instruction or the costs of keeping school facilities open longer; (4) individuals who have completed or left high school and are enrolled in associate degree programs, or other degree programs not designed as baccalaureate or higher degree programs; and (5) individuals who have already entered the labor market, or have completed or left high school, and who are not described in clause (4).

Permits the use of funds under this title to make grants to eligible recipients for expanding vocational education services when this expansion directly increases the eligible recipients' capacity for providing single working parents and homemakers with marketable skills.

Permits the use of funds under this title to make grants to community-based organizations of demonstrated effectiveness for the provision of vocational education services to single parents and homemakers.

Permits the use of funds under this title for programs for single parents and homemakers, including basic literacy instruction, educational materials for marketable skills, assistance with child care, transportation, or scheduling to make such programs more accessible, and information services.

Provides that a specified portion of the State allotment be available for programs, services, and activities: (1) to eliminate sex bias and stereotyping in secondary and postsecondary vocational education; (2) for girls and women aged 14 through 25 (with waivers of such age limitations where necessary), designed to enable the participants to support themselves and their families; and (3) support services, including dependent-care services and transportation, for participants in activities described in clauses (1) and (2).

Permits the use of funds under this title for basic skills instruction for specified groups with special needs.

Allows States to use funds under this title to arrange with private vocational training institutions for educational training, equipment, or services under specified circumstances.

Requires that services and activities for groups with special needs under this title include, to the extent practicable, worksite programs such as cooperative vocational education, work study, and apprenticeship programs. Permits such services and activities to include placement services for students who have successfully completed vocational education programs.

Distributes assistance under this part as follows: (1) ten percent for handicapped individuals; (2) 22 percent for disadvantaged individuals; (3) 12 percent for adults who need training and retraining; (4) eight and one-half percent for single parents and homemakers; (5) three and one-half percent for participants in programs to eliminate sex bias and stereotyping in vocational education; and (6) one percent for criminal offenders in correctional institutions.

Allocates specified percentages of funds under this part which are available for the handicapped and disadvantaged among eligible recipients on the basis of formulas which take into account relative numbers of economically disadvantaged individuals enrolled, relative numbers of disadvantaged and handicapped students served, and increases in the numbers of percentages of handicapped and disadvantaged students proposed to be served. Provides for reductions and reallocations of such payments to eligible recipients under specified conditions.

Requires each local educational agency (LEA) to use community-based organizations of demonstrated effectiveness, in addition to other eligible recipients, for the use of funds under this part in areas of the State in which: (1) vocational education facilities are insufficient; (2) vocational education programs do not adequately address the needs of disadvantaged students; or (3) the LEA determines that the community-based organization can better serve disadvantaged students. Authorizes each LEA to use specified funds under this part for the handicpped and disadvantaged for joint projects with other LEAs.

Authorizes the State board to encourage any eligible recipient within the State which is eligible to receive a grant under this part which is $1,000 or less in any fiscal year to operate programs jointly with another eligible recipient.

Directs the State board to establish criteria for distribution of the remaining amount of the State allotment available for this part to eligible recipients and community-based organizations for programs for adult training and retraining, single parents and homemakers, elimination of sex bias and stereotyping, and criminal offenders in correctional institutions.

Sets forth criteria for services and activities for the handicapped and the disadvantaged.

Part B: Vocational Education Program Improvement, Innovation, and Expansion - Permits each State to use funds from the portion of its allotment available for this part for: (1) improvement of programs within the State, including high-technology industry-education partnership programs under part D of title III, apprenticeship training, and technical assistance; (2) expansion of activities to meet student needs, particularly in economically depressed areas where there are inadequate vocational education programs; (3) introduction of new programs, particularly in economically depressed areas; (4) creation or expansion of programs to train workers in skilled occupations needed to revitalize businesses and industries or to promote the entry of new businesses and industries into a State or community; (5) exemplary and innovative programs stressing new and emerging technologies and designed to strengthen vocational education services and activities; (6) postsecondary and adult vocational education and related services for out-of-school youth and adults, including upgrading skills of employed workers, dislocated workers, workers with limited English proficiency, and displaced homemakers and single heads of households; (7) career counseling and guidance authorized under part D of title III; (8) curriculum development, including basic skills training; (9) expansion and improvement of programs at area vocational schools; (10) equipment acquisition and facilities renovation to improve or expand programs within the State; (11) teaching mathematics and science through practical applications related to occupational goals; (12) assigning personnel to coordinate responsiveness to the labor market; (13) vocational student organizational activities; (14) prevocational programs; (15) modern industrial and agricultural arts; (16) support for full-time personnel to carry out specified provisions relating to sex equity in vocational education programs; (17) stipends for vocational education students with acute economic needs which cannot be met under work-study programs; (18) placement services; (19) day care services; (20) construction of area vocational-technical school facilities; (21) high technology equipment; (22) vocational education through arrangements with private vocational or postsecondary institutions and employers; (23) communications and telecommunications equipment; and (24) improvement or expansion of any other vocational education activities authorized under part A of this title.

Directs each State to use specified funds available for this part for inservice and preservice training to improve the competence of vocational education teachers, counselors, and administrators, including special emphasis on the integration of handicapped and disadvantaged students in regular courses of vocational education.

Sets forth criteria for program improvement, innovation, and expansion.

Title III: Special Programs - Part A: State Assistance for Vocational Education Support Programs by Community-Based Organizations - Requires each community-based organization which desires to receive assistance under this part to prepare jointly with the appropriate eligible recipient and submit an application to the State board. Sets forth application requirements.

Requires each State, from the portion of its allotment available under this part, to provide financial assistance to joint programs of eligible recipients and community-based organizations within the State to conduct special vocational services and activities. Authorizes the use of such funds for: (1) outreach programs; (2) transitional services; (3) prevocational educational preparation and basic skills development, in cooperation with businesses; (4) special prevocational preparation programs targeted for inner-city youth, non-English speaking youth, Appalachian youth, and the youth of other urban and rural areas having a high density of poverty; (5) career intern programs; (6) student needs assessment; and (7) guidance and counseling.

Part B: Consumer and Homemaking Education - Authorizes the Secretary, from State allotments, to make grants to assist State consumer and homemaking education programs, including: (1) instructional programs, services, and activities to prepare youth and adults for the homemaking occupation; and (2) instruction in the areas of food and nutrition, consumer education, family living and parenthood education, child development and guidance, housing, home and resource management, and clothing and textiles.

Permits such grants to be used, in accordance with approved State plans, to: (1) conduct programs in economically depressed areas; (2) encourage participaton of traditionally underserved populations; (3) encourage elimination of sex bias and sex stereotyping; (4) improve, expand, and update programs; and (5) address priorities and emerging concerns at the local, State, and national levels. Permits such grants to be used for specified program development and improvement and for specified support services and activities. Requires that at least one-third of the Federal funds made available to any State for such purposes shall be expended in economically depressed areas or areas with high rates of unemployment for programs designed to assist consumers and to help improve home environments and the quality of family life.

Sets forth provisions for information dissemination and leadership. Directs the State board to ensure that experience and information gained through carrying out such programs is shared with administrators for the purpose of program planning. Requires that funds available under this part be used to assist in providing State leadership qualified by experience and preparation in home economics education. Limits such funds for leadership activities to no more than six percent of the funds available to carry out this part.

Part C: Adult Training, Retraining, and Employment Development - Authorizes the Secretary, from State allotments, to make grants to States for funding programs, services, and activities under this part.

Permits such grants to be used, in accordance with approved State plans, for vocational education and employment development authorized under basic State grant provisions and designed to meet the needs of: (1) individuals who have graduated from or left high school and who need additional vocational education to enter the labor force; (2) unemployed individuals who need training to obtain employment or increase employability; (3) employed individuals who need retraining to retain their jobs or training to upgrade skills to qualify for higher-paid or more dependable jobs; (4) displaced homemakers and single heads of households entering or reentering the labor force; (5) employers who need assistance in training individuals in new employment opportunities or retraining employees in new skills; and (6) workers age 55 and older. Permits such grants also to be used for: (1) short-term retraining; (2) cooperative institutional and worksite (including apprenticeship training) programs and quick-start customized training; (3) linkages between public and private sectors, eligible individuals, and training, employment, and economic development agencies; (4) cooperative education to improve management and increase productivity; (5) training for small business entrepreneurship; (6) recruitment, job search, counseling, remedial services, information and outreach to help individuals take advantage of vocational educational programs and services, with particular attention to reaching women, older workers, individuals with limited English proficiency, the handicapped, and the disadvantaged; (7) curriculum development, equipment and material acquisition, personnel training, pilot projects, and related and additional services and activities; (8) costs of serving adults in other vocational education programs, including instruction costs or costs of keeping school facilities open longer; and (9) related instruction for apprentices in apprenticeship training programs. Requires specified State assurances with regard to programs under this part.

Requires coordination of programs under this part with programs for dislocated workers under title III (Training and Assistance for Dislocated Workers) of JPTA.

Directs the State board to consult with the State job training coordinating council in order that programs under this part may be taken into account in recommendations for the Governor's coordination and special services plan under JTPA.

Directs the State board to encourage program coordination between eligible recipients of funds under this part and the appropriate private industry council established under JTPA.

Part D: Comprehensive Career Guidance and Counseling Programs - Authorizes the Secretary, from State allotments, to make grants to assist State career guidance and counseling programs.

Requires that such grants be used, in accordance with approved State plans, for comprehensive programs, to meet career development, vocational education, and employment needs of students and potential students, including assistance in: (1) self-assessment, career planning and decisionmaking, and employability skills; (2) transition and placement activities; (3) maintaining themselves in established occupations; (4) developing new skills in high-technology and skill-shortage areas; (5) developing midcareer job seeking skills clarifying career goals; and (6) obtaining and using information on financial assistance for postsecondary and vocational education and job training.

Requires that such programs: (1) encourage the elimination of sex, age, handicapping condition, and race bias and stereotyping; (2) provide for community outreach; (3) seek collaboration of family, community, business, industry and labor; and (4) be accessible to all segments of the population, including women, minorities, handicapped, and economically disadvantaged. Requires that such programs consist of: (1) instructional activities and services to help students develop specified skills; (2) counselor education (including education of counselors working with individuals with limited English proficiency), support personnel training, curriculum and instructional materials development, research, demonstration, and experimental projects, equipment acquisition, and State and local leadership and supervision; and (3) opportunities for counselors to obtain firsthand experience in business and industry and for students to become acquainted with business, industry, labor market, and training possibilities, including apprenticeable occupations. Requires that at least 20 percent of the sums made available to a State under this part shall be used for programs designed to eliminate sex, age, and race bias and stereotyping and for activities to ensure that programs under this part are accessible to all segments of the population, including women, the disadvantaged, the handicapped, individuals with limited English proficiency, and minorities.

Sets forth information dissemination and leadership provisions. Limits the portion of funds under this part which may be used for leadership activities to not more than six percent.

Part E: Industry-Education Partnership for Training in High-Technology Occupations - Authorizes the Secretary, from State allotments, to make grants to States for industry-education partnership training programs in high-technology occupations.

Requires that such grants be used in accordance with approved State plans which contain specified assurances.

Requires that funds received under this part will be used solely for vocational education programs designed to train skilled workers and technicians in high-technology occupations (including related apprenticeship training) and projects to train skilled workers needed to produce, install, operate, and maintain high technology equipment, systems, and processes.

Requires that at least 50 percent of the funds for such programs be from non-Federal sources, and that at least 50 percent of such non-Federal funds be provided by participating business and industrial firms in cash or in-kind contributions. Requires coordination of such programs with title II programs, and with programs under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Requires active participation of the State Council in the development of such programs.

Provides that the Federal share of program costs under this part shall be available equally from funds available to the States under this part and from funds allotted to States under title II.

Permits States to designate funds available under part B or from State sources in lieu of a non-Federal portion for program costs under this part, if an eligible recipient demonstrates that it is incapable of providing all or part of such non-Federal portion.

Permits such grants to be used for: (1) administrative costs; (2) training and retraining of instrumental and guidance personnel; (3) curriculum, equipment, and materials development and acquisition; (4) acquisition and operation of communications and telecommunications equipment and other high-technology equipment; and (5) such other activities authorized by this title as may be essential to programs under this part, including ensuring program access for women, minorities, the handicapped, and the economically disadvantaged.

Directs the State board, in approving such programs, to give special consideration to specified factors.

Limits administrative cost expenditures to ten percent of the State's allotment for this part in the first year and five percent of such allotment in each subsequent year.

Title IV: National Programs - Part A: Research - Directs the Secretary, in order to carry out specified research objectives, to conduct applied research on aspects of vocational education specifically related to this Act. Allows such research to be conducted through the National Institute of Education (NIE) or any other division of the Department of Education which the Secretary determines to be appropriate. Includes in such research: (1) methods for providing quality vocational education to handicapped individuals, disadvantaged individuals, men and women in nontraditional fields, adults, single working parents or individuals who have been primarily homemakers as adults, individuals with limited English-speaking proficiency, and individuals incarcerated in correctional institutions; (2) strategies for coordinating local, State, and Federal vocational education, manpower training, and economic development programs; (3) private sector involvement in public vocational education; (4) methods of reinforcing and enhancing basic academic skills in vocational settings; (5) curriculum and instructional methods development relating to new and emerging technologies, and assessments of the nature of change in the workplace and its effect on individual jobs; (6) identification of institutional characteristics which improve the preparation of youth and adults for employment; and (7) development of effective methods for providing quality vocational education to individuals of limited English proficiency, including research related to bilingual vocational training.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) initiate leadership development and inservice education activities for State and local vocational education instructors and administrators; and (2) support meritorious, unsolicited research proposals from State and local educators relating to the goals of this Act.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) give preference in carrying out this part to public and private postsecondary institutions which have demonstrated competencies in conducting vocational education research; and (2) include in the annual report of the Secretary a summary of activities funded under such provisions for research activities, together with an appraisal of their contributions to the improvement and expansion of vocational education.

Directs the Secretary to conduct a national assessment of vocational education assisted under this Act, through independent studies and analysis by the NIE. Requires that descriptions and evaluations of specified aspects of such programs be included in such assessment. Directs the NIE to: (1) consult with specified congressional committees in the design and implementation of such assessment; (2) report preliminary results to Congress in January and July of 1988; and (3) submit a final report to Congress by January 1, 1989. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct an analysis of State plans and of the findings of evaluations under State plan requirements; and (2) make suggestions to State boards for improvements in planning or program operation. Prohibits any review of such reports outside the Department of Education before transmittal to Congress, but allows the President and the Secretary to make additional recommendations with respect to the assessment. Limits expenditures for such assessment to no more than 20 percent of the amounts available under this part in any fiscal year.

Provides that the National Center for Research in Vocational Education established under the VEA shall continue to be operated with funds made available under the VEA as amended by this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make an annual grant for the Center's operation; and (2) on the basis of solicited applications and the advice of non-Federal experts in vocational education administration and research, designate the entity to be the Center once every five years. Requires that the Center: (1) be a nonprofit entity associated with a public or private nonprofit university which is prepared to make a substantial financial contribution towards its establishment; and (2) have a Director, appointed by such university and assisted by the advisory committee on research and program development. Declares that the Center shall have as its primary purposes the design and conduct of research and developmental projects and programs. Sets forth requirements relating to the conduct and content of such projects and programs. Directs the Center to: (1) provide leadership training; (2) disseminate results; (3) facilitate national planning; (4) provide technical assistance; (5) act as a clearinghouse; (6) develop methods of planning and development; and (7) report annually to the Congress, the Secretary, and the Secretary of Labor. Directs the Secretary to appoint an advisory committee, including specified types of members, to advise the Secretary and the Director with respect to the administrative policy and conduct of research at the Center.

Part B: Demonstration Programs-Subpart 1: Cooperative Demonstration Education Programs - Authorizes the Secretary, from the amounts available for this part, to carry out, directly or through grants or contracts with public and private entities, programs and projects which support: (1) model programs providing improved access to quality vocational education programs for specified groups of individuals with special needs and for men and women seeking nontraditional occupations; (2) examples of successful cooperation between the private sector and public agencies in vocational education, including work experience and apprenticeship programs and programs assisting in the transition from school to work; (3) programs to overcome national skill shortages, as designated by the Secretary in cooperation with the Secretaries of Labor, Defense, and Commerce; and (4) other activities designated by the Secretary and related to the purposes of this Act. Permits funds for such cooperative demonstration programs to be used for institutional and on-the-job training, supportive services, and technical and other assistance. Requires that at least 25 percent of the cost of such cooperative demonstration programs be provided in cash or in-kind by the recipient of the grant or contract. Requires that all programs funded under this subpart be: (1) of direct service to individuals enrolled; and (2) capable of wide replication by service providers. Directs the Secretary to disseminate the results of programs and projects assisted under this part in a manner designed to improve the training of teachers, other instructional personnel, counselors, and administrators.

Subpart 2: State Equipment Pools - Authorizes the Secretary, from specified funds, to develop and implement a program of competitive grants to State boards for the operation of State programs involving the loan of high-technology, state-of-the-art equipment to eligible recipients for use in local vocational education programs. Directs the Secretary to determine the appropriate amount of any such grant. Provides that no State may qualify for more than two consecutive years for such a grant.

Subpart 3: Demonstration Centers for the Retraining of Dislocated Workers - Directs the Secretary to establish one or more demonstration centers for the retraining of dislocated workers in order to demonstrate the application of general theories of vocational education to the specific problems of retraining displaced workers.

Subpart 4: Model Centers for Vocational Education for Older Individuals - Directs the Secretary to establish a grant program to establish and operate model centers for vocational education and retraining for older persons, and for promotion of employment opportunities for older persons (i.e. individuals 55 years of age or older). Sets forth required functions of such centers. Directs the Secretary to establish and operate a national clearinghouse within the Department of Education to provide information concerning such centers and their programs.

Part C: Vocational Education and Occupational Information Data Systems - Directs the Secretary to develop, within the National Center for Education Statistics, a national vocational education data reporting and accounting system including specified information. Requires that such system be as compatible as possible with the occupational information data system developed under this Act, with the vocational education data system authorized under VEA, and with other systems developed or assisted under the JTPA, and with information collected pursuant to the Education of the Handicapped Act. Requires States receiving assistance under this Act to cooperate with such system. Provides for biennial updates and data acquisition plans for such system, with specified information- gathering methods to be used for such purpose. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct special studies on enrollment of disadvantaged students in vocational education programs, the participation of handicapped students in such programs, and similar subjects. Directs the Secretary, in carrying out responsibilities under these data system provisions of this Act, to cooperate with the Secretary of Labor in implementing specified provisions of JTPA to ensure that the data system operated under provisions of this Act is compatible with and complementary to other occupational supply and demand information systems developed or maintained with Federal assistance.

Establishes a National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee consisting of specified Federal officials. Directs the Committee, with specified funds, to provide funds, on an annual basis, to State occupational information coordinating committees and eligible recipients and to: (1) improve coordination and communication among administrators and planners of programs authorized by this Act and by the JTPA, employment security agency administrators, research personnel, and employment and training planning and administering agencies at Federal, State, and local levels; (2) develop and implement an occupational information system to meet the common needs of vocational education and employment and training programs at all levels; (3) conduct studies on the effect of technological change on existing or emerging occupations and on the knowledge and job skills which will be required by workers; and (4) assist State occupational information coordinating committees established under this Act.

Requires each State receiving assistance under this Act to establish a State occupational information coordinating committee composed of representatives of specified State agencies. Directs the State committee, with funds from the National Coordinating Committee, to: (1) implement an occupational information system in the State to meet the common needs of programs of the State board under this Act and of the administering agencies under the JTPA; and (2) use the occupational information system to develop a career information delivery system.

Sets forth requirements relating to the information base for the biennial survey and for the national vocational education data system's inclusion of information on the access to vocational education programs by handicapped secondary students.

Part D: National Council on Vocational Education - Establishes the National Council on Vocational Education, consisting of 17 members appointed by the President, nine of whom must be representative of the private sector. Requires that members be individuals who are owners, chief executives, or chief operating officers of private businesses, private for-profit and nonprofit health and educational institutions, and executives of businesses and business associations who have substantial management and policy responsibility, including agriculture, small business, and organized labor. Requires that at least one member be a nonpublic member appointed from among members of the National Commission for Employment Policy established under JTPA. Requires that at least three members have broad experience in education and human resources development. Sets forth the topics on which the Council shall advise the President, the Congress, and the Secretary.

Authorizes the Council, with the advice of national trade and professional associations and labor organizations, to establish working groups on occupational competencies to provide information to the Secretary, the President, the Congress, and the States. Directs the Council to biennially conduct a survey and report to the President, the Secretary, and the Congress on how the competency statements have been used by the States. Authorizes the Council to make interim reports and recommendations, and to include in both interim and required biennial reports its evaluation of the status, progress, and needs of vocational education, including recommendations for Federal legislation and appropriations. Requires that each such report include any minority, dissenting, or supplementary view submitted by any member of the Council.

Part E: Bilingual Vocational Training - Authorizes the Secretary, from specified funds, to make grants and contracts with specified public and private nonprofit entities for bilingual vocational education and training programs for individuals with limited English proficiency. Requires that such training include instruction in the English language to equip participants to pursue recognized and new and emerging occupations in an English-language environment. Authorizes the Secretary to also enter into contracts for such programs with private for-profit agencies and organizations. Sets forth application requirements and authorized uses of such grants and contracts. Directs the Secretary to administer such programs in consultation with the Secretary of Labor. Allows such programs in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to provide for the needs of students of limited Spanish proficiency. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to gather and disseminate information on, and evaluate the impact of, bilingual vocational education. Directs the Secretaries to annually report their findings to the President and the Congress. Provides that specified portions of the appropriations for such programs be used for specified purposes.

Part F: General Provisions - Distributes title IV assistance as follows: (1) 35 percent for Part A (research); (2) 35 percent for part B (demonstration programs); and (3) 30 percent for part C (vocational education and occupational information data systems). Provides that, notwithstanding such distribution provisions, specified amounts shall be available in each fiscal year to carry out specified provisions relating to: (1) the National Center for Research in Vocational Education; (2) the occupational information system; and (3) the National Council on Vocational Education.

Title V: General Provisions - Part A: Federal Administrative Provisions - Directs the Secretary to pay from the State allotment: (1) the Federal share of the costs of carrying out the approved State plan; and (2) an amount equal to the reasonable amounts expended by the State council in carrying out its functions. Sets the Federal share at: (1) 50 percent of the costs of administration of the State plan; (2) up to 50 percent of the costs of administration of vocational education services and reasonable activities of eligible recipients; (3) 50 percent of the costs of vocational services and activities under part A of title II for handicapped individuals, disadvantaged individuals, and adults who need training and retraining; (4) 100 percent of the costs of vocational education services and activities under part A of title II for single parents or homemakers, participants in programs to eliminate sex bias and stereotyping, and criminal offenders who are serving in a correctional institution; (5) 50 percent of the costs of vocational education improvement, innovation, and expansion programs under part B of title II; (6) 100 percent of the costs of the State council under specified provisions; (7) 100 percent of the costs of the assignment of one full-time State employee to assist the State board by carrying out specified functions relating to sex equity in vocational education programs; and (8) except as otherwise provided, 100 percent of the costs of carrying out programs under title III. Requires that the non-Federal contribution for the costs of vocational education programs, services, and activities for the handicapped and the disadvantaged under part A of title II be furnished: (1) equitably by the State from State and local sources; or (2) by the State from State sources if the State board determines that an eligible recipient cannot be expected to provide such costs from local sources.

Sets forth maintenance of effort provisions.

Sets forth provisions for withholding of funds from States and for judicial review of such withholdings.

Sets forth provisions for audits.

Provides that the authority to make payments or enter into contracts under this Act shall be available only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in advance by appropriation Acts.

Part B: Definitions - Sets forth definitions for purposes of this Act.

Provides that this Act shall take effect for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 1984, except that the authority of the Secretary to prescribe regulations under this Act and the responsibility of the Secretary to submit State plans are effective upon the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations for carrying out this Act within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

Sets forth transition provisions. Authorizes each State and eligible recipient of financial assistance under this Act, or under the Vocational Education Act of 1963 (VEA), to expend funds received under such Acts to conduct: (1) planning for any program or activity under this Act; and (2) any other activity deemed necessary by the recipient to provide for an orderly transition to the operation of programs under this Act. Transfers, on October 1, 1984, the personnel, property, and records of: (1) the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee established under VEA to the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee established under this Act; and (2) the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education to the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education established under this Act.

Makes conforming amendments (which replace references to VEA with references to this Act) to: (1) the JTPA; (2) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (3) the Higher Education Act of 1965; (4) the Adult Education Act; (5) the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965; (6) the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and (7) the Vocational Education Amendments of 1968.

Sets forth the following provisions which may be cited as the "National Summit Conference on Education Act of 1984."

Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Education for conducting a National Summit Conference on Education.

Sets forth provisions for selection of participants to the Conference.

Provides for an Executive Committee of the Conference.

Directs the Executive Committee to select: (1) no more than 200 Conference participants from a list of nominees supplied by at least 30 organizations representing specified groups; and (2) the presiding officer for the Conference.

Provides for Executive Committee staff, administrative support, and reports to the Congress.

Directs the Executive Committee to select the site for the Conference. Limits the duration of the Conference to no more than six days. Prohibits the regional meetings or the Conference from meeting before January 1, 1985.

Directs the Conference to transmit its recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the States not later than four months after the last meeting of the Conference.

Directs the Executive Committee to develop an agenda for the Conference to facilitate development of recommendations on issues raised by recently issued education reports.

Sets forth other provisions relating to vocational education policy. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) effective vocational education programs are essential to our future as a free and democratic society and are best administered by local communities, school boards, and community colleges where the primacy of parental control can be emphasized with a minimum of Federal interference; and (2) nongovernmental alternatives prompting links between public school needs and private sector sources of support should be encouraged and implemented as a means of strengthening vocational education and training programs.

Sets forth provisions relating to job training regulations. Provides that payment for training packages purchased competitively pursuant to certain JTPA provisions shall include payment for the full unit price if the training results in either placement in unsubsidized employment or the attainment of an outcome specified under certain provisions of JTPA.