Vocational Education Act of 1984

(Measure indefinitely postponed in Senate, H.R. 4164 passed in lieu)

Carl Perkins Vocational Education Act of 1984 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 to carry out the provisions of titles I, II (other than consumer and homemaking education programs), III, and IV (other than bilingual vocational training provisions) of this Act, relating to State programs. Makes two percent of such appropriations for each fiscal year available to carry out the provisions of title IV (other than bilingual vocational training provisions) relating to national programs.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 to assist States to carry out programs and services designed to enroll severely economically and educationally disadvantaged youth in vocational education programs or other education and training or for employment, using joint efforts between eligible recipients and community-based organizations (under part C of title I of this Act).

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for title II provisions for consumer and homemaking education programs.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for title IV part E bilingual vocational training programs.

Title I: Vocational Education Assistance to the States Part A: Allotment and Allocation - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to reserve from sums appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under this Act: (1) two percent for the activities described in title IV (National Programs); and (2) two percent for the purpose of carrying out provisions for Indian and Hawaiian native programs.

Directs the Secretary, from the remainder of such sums 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 for ratios based on relative State per capita income. Sets maximum and 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 (other than amounts for specified community-based programs for disadvantaged youth) in each fiscal year: (1) up to six percent for administrative expenses; and (2) one percent for expenses of the State Council on Vocational Education, within minimum and maximum dollar amounts. Requires that of the remainder of the State allotment: (1) 50 percent shall be available for activities described in title II (Programs for Vocational Education Opportunities); and (2) 50 percent shall be available for activities described in title III (Vocational Education Program Improvement, Innovation, and Expansion).

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. Authorizes the Secretary, from any remaining funds from such reserved funds, to enter into an agreement with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for the operation of vocational education programs in institutions serving eligible Indians aged 15 through 24. 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 educational programs for the benefit of Hawaiian natives with the 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 programs policy development; (2) coordination of State plan development, approval procedures, and submission; (3) consultation with the State council on vocational education and other appropriate State agencies, councils, and individuals involved in program planning and approval; and (4) 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 State administration of vocational education programs under this Act.

Requires the State board to make available to each private industry council established under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) within the State a description of all programs assisted under this Act to be operated by eligible recipients in service delivery areas designated under JTPA.

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, a majority of whom must be representative of business and industry. Requires that one member be representative of special education, and at least one member be representative of labor organizations in the State. Requires that other members be representative of the State job training coordinating council (one), the State legislature (two), and secondary and postsecondary vocational education.

Directs the State council to obtain the advice of experts on the special education needs of the groups of individuals to be served under this Act, including handicapped, disadvantaged, women, adults, and the incarcerated.

Requires the State council to make recommendations for State plan development and to review the State plan.

Requires the State council to: (1) make recommendations to the State board for coordination of programs assisted under this Act with those under JTPA; and (2) assess, at least once every two years, the adequacy and effectiveness of such coordination and the extent that the objectives of this Act are compatible with those of JTPA.

Requires each State to make available a specified minimum amount for the expenses of the State council.

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 revisions 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) participation of private elementary and secondary school children. Requires State plans to provide specified assurances relating to 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). Requires the State to set forth procedures to be used in approving applications for funds. Requires eligible recipients to equitably serve the special needs of individuals with limited English proficiency. Requires that the amount expended from State and local sources for vocational education for handicapped individuals in a State in each fiscal year will be at least equal to the amount expended in FY 1984.

Sets forth requirements for State plan approval.

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

Part C: 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.

Title II: Program for Vocational Education Opportunities - Requires each State, from the portion of its allotment available for this title, to provide vocational education services and activities to meet the special needs, and enhance the participation, of: (1) handicapped individuals; (2) disadvantaged individuals; (3) single working parents or individuals who have been primarily homemakers as adults; and (4) criminal offenders who are serving in a correctional institution.

Limits the use of funds under this title 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 title 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.

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

Permits 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 title II assistance as follows: (1) 25 percent for handicapped individuals; (2) 50 percent for disadvantaged individuals; (3) 23 percent for single parents and homemakers; and (4) two percent for criminal offenders in correctional institutions.

Allocates the 75 percent of title II funds which shall be available for the handicapped and disadvantaged among eligible recipients on the basis of a formula which takes into account relative numbers of economically disadvantaged individuals enrolled, relative numbers of disadvantaged and handicapped students served, and increases in the numbers or 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 title II funds 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 title II funds for the handicapped and disadvantaged for joint projects with other LEAs.

Permits the State board to adopt a de minimis rule under which funds are: (1) not allocated to an eligible recipient which is eligible to receive $1,000 or less in any fiscal year; and (2) reallocated among other eligible recipients within the State. Permits such a rule whenever the State board determines that the required distribution of funds will result, with respect to such an eligible recipient, in ineffective programming and use of funds.

Directs the State board to establish criteria for the distribution of the remaining 25 percent of title II funds to eligible recipients and community-based organizations of demonstrated effectiveness for purposes of the programs for single parents and homemakers and for criminal offenders in correctional institutions.

Provides that nothing in this title shall be construed to require the State board to identify, separately, expenditures for disadvantaged individuals and for handicapped individuals with respect to eligible recipients within the State.

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

Permits vocational education services and activities for handicapped individuals and disadvantaged individuals to be furnished jointly or in common, whenever the State board determines that it is appropriate.

Title III: Vocational Education Program Improvement, Innovation, and Expansion - Permits each State, from the portion of its allotment available for this title, to use grants for: (1) improvement of programs within the State; (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) guidance, counseling, and career development activities conducted by professionally trained counselors in the improvement of programs; (7) curriculum development, including basic skills training; (8) expansion and improvement of programs at area vocational schools; and (9) equipment acquisition and facilities renovation to improve or expand programs within the State.

Directs each State to conduct consumer and homemaking education programs from specified amounts available for such purpose.

Directs each State, from specified amounts available for title III, to use grants for the provision of inservice and preservice training designed to increase 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.

Directs the State board to establish criteria for the distribution of title III assistance among eligible recipients, giving special emphasis to economically depressed urban and rural areas and to area vocational schools serving such areas.

Requires that at least 30 percent of the title III assistance for each State in each fiscal year be available only for vocational education services and activities at the secondary and postsecondary school level to train and retrain adults. Permits such set-aside to be used by the State to comply with the set-aside requirement in the following sentence. Requires that at least ten percent of title III assistance for each State in each fiscal year be available only for conducting industry education partnership training programs in high technology occupations.

Sets forth criteria for: (1) program improvement, innovation and expansion; (2) industry education partnership training programs in high technology occupations; and (3) adult programs and postsecondary programs for adults.

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; and (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) operate an information clearinghouse on activities conducted by States under titles II and III, and on research contracts made by the Secretary under this part; (2) compile an annotated bibliography of research, exemplary and innovative program projects, and curriculum development projects assisted with funds under this Act; (3) initiate leadership development and inservice education activities for State and local vocational education instructors and administrators; and (4) support meritorious, unsolicited research proposals from State and local educators relating to the goals of this Act.

Directs the Secretary to give preference in carrying out this part to public and private postsecondary institutions which have demonstrated competencies in conducting vocational education research.

Limits an award to any single recipient to no more than 20 percent of the amount made available under this part in any fiscal year.

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. 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 for a national comparison assessment. Directs the Secretary, through the NIE, as part of the National Assessment of Educational Progress required under the General Education Provisions Act, to identify vocational education students among the national sample of students who have attained 17 years of age, to enable a comparison to be made over time of the achievements in reading, writing, and arithmetic of vocational education students and other students (by region and by socioeconomic level).

Part B: Cooperative Employer 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. Requires that all programs funded under this part 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.

Part C: Vocational Education and Occupational Information Data Systems - Directs the Secretary to develop, within the National Center for Educational 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 and other information systems involving data on programs 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.

Requires that one-third of the funds available for this part be used for the vocational education data reporting and accounting system, and that the remaining two-thirds of funds for this part be used for an occupational information system.

Establishes a National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee consisting of specified Federal officials. Directs the Committee, with specified funds, 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 Employers Council on Vocational Education - Establishes the National Employers Council on Vocational Education, consisting of 21 members appointed by the President. Requires that most of the members be owners or executives of private for-profit business, including health and educational institutions. 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 not more than three members be respresentatives of labor organizations. 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 annually conduct a survey and report to the President, the Secretary, and the Congress on how the competency statements have been used by the States.

Part E: Bilingual Vocational Training - Provides for programs to teach vocational skills to limited English proficient adults and out-of-school youth to enable them to obtain the full benefits of the vocational education programs offered while they develop competency in the English language. Directs the Secretary, from amounts appropriated for such purpose, to carry out authorized programs of bilingual education, directly or through grants to or contracts with State and local educational agencies, postsecondary vocational institutions, institutions of higher education, and other public and private agencies, organizations, and institutions. Provides that payments for bilingual vocational training may be used for: (1) training allowances for out- of-school youth or adults who are unemployed or underemployed and who desire training or retraining to achieve year-round employment; (2) bilingual vocational instructor training, preservice training for instructors and related personnel, and developmental programs to continue or improve the qualifications of bilingual vocational instructors, including fellowships and traineeships; (3) development of instructional materials, methods, and techniques for bilingual vocational education; and (4) programs to familiarize appropriate State agencies and training institutions with successful programs assisted under this part.

Part F: General Provisions - Distributes title IV assistance as follows: (1) 30 percent for part A (research); (2) 33 percent for part B (Cooperative Employer Education Programs); (3) 30 percent for part C (Vocational Education and Occupational Information Data Systems); and (4) seven percent for part D (National Employers Council on Vocational Education).

Title V: General Provisions - Part A: Federal Administrative Provisions - Directs the Secretary to pay from the State allotment the Federal share of the costs of carrying out the approved State plan. Sets the Federal share at: (1) 50 percent of the costs of administration of the State plan; (2) 100 percent of the costs of vocational services and activities under title II for handicapped individuals and for disadvantaged individuals, but 50 percent of such costs whenever separate vocational education programs are furnished for such individuals; (3) 100 percent of the costs of vocational education services and activities under title II for single parents or homemakers and for criminal offenders who are serving in a correctional institution; and (4) vocational education improvement, innovation, and expansion programs under title III.

Permits the non-Federal contribution to be in cash or in kind, including planning expenses, plant, equipment, services, and other items.

Sets forth maintenance of effort provisions.

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

Sets forth provisions for audits.

Part B: Transitional and Conforming Provisions - Makes the effective date of this Act October 1, 1984, but directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations 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, to expend funds received under such Act 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 the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee established under the Vocational Education Act of 1963 to the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee established under this Act.

Repeals the Vocational Education Act of 1963.

Makes conforming amendments 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.

Title VI: National Summit Conference on Education - 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.

Directs the Conference to transmit its recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the States by October 15, 1985.

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

Title VII: Women's Educational Equity - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for the women's educational equity program.

Extends reporting requirements to direct the Secretary to continue to submit reports on such program to the President, the Congress, and the National Advisory Council on Women's Educational Programs not later than September 30 of every other year after the report which is currently due by September 30, 1984.

Title VIII: Job Training Regulations - Revises specified performance standard regulations under the Job Training Partnership Act, until the Secretary of Labor modifies such regulations, to provide for the consideration of attainment of youth competencies in the evaluation of fixed-contract performance.