Vol. 42, No. 2
January 9, 2008
CONTACT: JIM MORRIS
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DESE Will Hold 6 Public Hearings on Career Education Plan
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Division of Career Education, will hold six public hearings across the state late this month (Jan 28-31). The hearings will be an opportunity for the public and stakeholders to offer comments and recommendations on Missouri’s draft five-year state plan for career and technical education.
The plan is required by federal law, the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, also known as “Perkins IV.” This law represents one of the largest federal investments in the nation’s high schools, and it is a key component of secondary and postsecondary education systems. Missouri receives about $26 million a year under the Perkins Act to support career and technical education programs.
Career and technical education prepares youth and adults for a wide range of careers. Local programs are offered in 443 high schools, 53 area career centers, a state technical college, 12 community college districts, 7 four-year institutions, and 2 state agencies.
Career and technical education helps students and adults learn new skills and prepare for an increasingly competitive workplace. By 2014, Missouri’s economy will need to fill more than 972,000 job openings due to economic growth and replacement of retiring workers. While nearly 20 percent of the jobs will require a bachelor’s degree or higher, the remaining 80 percent of the occupations will require at least some education or training after high school – an associate degree, technical training, or on-the-job training.
In addition to the availability on the Web, copies of the state plan draft will be available at the public hearings or can be requested by contacting DESE’s Division of Career Education.
Interested persons who wish to comment on the plan are encouraged to attend a public hearing. Oral comments offered at a hearing must be supported by a written statement. Written comments also may be submitted online from Feb. 1-15.
Six hearings will be held during the week of January 28. Here is the schedule:
January 28 9-11 a.m. |
Jefferson City Secretary of State’s Office State Information Center 600 W. Main |
January 29 8-10 a.m. |
Springfield Ozarks Technical Community College 1001 E. Chestnut Expressway OTC Lincoln Hall, Room 211 |
January 29 2-4 p.m. |
Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center 1080 S. Silver Springs Rd.
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January 30 9-11 a.m. |
St. Charles St. Charles Community College Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building – Auditorium 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, Cottleville
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January 30 1-3 p.m. |
Kansas City Metropolitan Community College MCC-Business & Technology Campus 1775 Universal Ave., Room 248/249 (use east entrance)
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January 31 9-11 a.m. |
Macon Macon Area Vocational School Commons Area 702 N. Missouri St. |
In the event a public hearing is cancelled due to inclement weather, it will be rescheduled the following week. Contact DESE at 573-751-3500 for more information or to arrange accommodations.
For more information, contact Dr. Dennis Harden or Michele Clark at 573-751-3500.