    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Public Law 115-224
    115th Congress

    An Act

    To reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of
    2006. <>

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
    United States of America in Congress assembled, <>
    SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening Career and Technical
    Education for the 21st Century Act''.
    SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

    Sec. 1. Short title.
    Sec. 2. Table of contents.
    Sec. 3. References.
    Sec. 4. Effective date.
    Sec. 5. Table of contents of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical
    Education Act of 2006.
    Sec. 6. Purpose.
    Sec. 7. Definitions.
    Sec. 8. Transition provisions.
    Sec. 9. Prohibitions.
    Sec. 10. Authorization of appropriations.

    TITLE I--CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ASSISTANCE TO THE STATES

    PART A--Allotment and Allocation

    Sec. 110. Reservations and State allotment.
    Sec. 111. Within State allocation.
    Sec. 112. Accountability.
    Sec. 113. National activities.
    Sec. 114. Assistance for the outlying areas.
    Sec. 115. Native American Programs.
    Sec. 116. Tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical
    institutions.
    Sec. 117. Occupational and employment information.

    PART B--State Provisions

    Sec. 121. State administration.
    Sec. 122. State plan.
    Sec. 123. Improvement plans.
    Sec. 124. State leadership activities.

    PART C--Local Provisions

    Sec. 131. Distribution of funds to secondary education programs.
    Sec. 132. Special rules for career and technical education.
    Sec. 133. Local application for career and technical education programs.
    Sec. 134. Local uses of funds.

    TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    Sec. 201. Federal and State administrative provisions.

    TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS

    Sec. 301. Amendments to the Wagner-Peyser Act.

    [[Page 1564]]

    Sec. 302. Amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
    1965.
    Sec. 303. Amendment to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

    SEC. 3. REFERENCES.

    Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an
    amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal
    of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to
    be made to a section or other provision of the Carl D. Perkins Career
    and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.).
    SEC. 4. <>  EFFECTIVE DATE.

    This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take effect
    beginning on July 1, 2019.
    SEC. 5. TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE CARL D. PERKINS CAREER AND
    TECHNICAL EDUCATION ACT OF 2006.

    Section 1(b) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
    follows:

    ``Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
    ``Sec. 2. Purpose.
    ``Sec. 3. Definitions.
    ``Sec. 4. Transition provisions.
    ``Sec. 5. Privacy.
    ``Sec. 6. Limitation.
    ``Sec. 7. Special rule.
    ``Sec. 8. Prohibitions.
    ``Sec. 9. Authorization of appropriations.

    ``TITLE I--CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ASSISTANCE TO THE STATES

    ``Part A--Allotment and Allocation

    ``Sec. 111. Reservations and State allotment.
    ``Sec. 112. Within State allocation.
    ``Sec. 113. Accountability.
    ``Sec. 114. National activities.
    ``Sec. 115. Assistance for the outlying areas.
    ``Sec. 116. Native American programs.
    ``Sec. 117. Tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical
    institutions.

    ``Part B--State Provisions

    ``Sec. 121. State administration.
    ``Sec. 122. State plan.
    ``Sec. 123. Improvement plans.
    ``Sec. 124. State leadership activities.

    ``Part C--Local Provisions

    ``Sec. 131. Distribution of funds to secondary education programs.
    ``Sec. 132. Distribution of funds for postsecondary education programs.
    ``Sec. 133. Special rules for career and technical education.
    ``Sec. 134. Local application for career and technical education
    programs.
    ``Sec. 135. Local uses of funds.

    ``TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    ``Part A--Federal Administrative Provisions

    ``Sec. 211. Fiscal requirements.
    ``Sec. 212. Authority to make payments.
    ``Sec. 213. Construction.
    ``Sec. 214. Voluntary selection and participation.
    ``Sec. 215. Limitation for certain students.
    ``Sec. 216. Federal laws guaranteeing civil rights.
    ``Sec. 217. Participation of private school personnel and children.
    ``Sec. 218. Limitation on Federal regulations.

    [[Page 1565]]

    ``Sec. 219. Study on programs of study aligned to high-skill, high-wage
    occupations.

    ``Part B--State Administrative Provisions

    ``Sec. 221. Joint funding.
    ``Sec. 222. Prohibition on use of funds to induce out-of-State
    relocation of businesses.
    ``Sec. 223. State administrative costs.
    ``Sec. 224. Student assistance and other Federal programs.''.

    SEC. 6. PURPOSE.

    Section 2 (20 U.S.C. 2301) is amended--
    (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
    (A) by striking ``academic and career and technical
    skills'' and inserting ``academic knowledge and
    technical and employability skills''; and
    (B) by inserting ``and programs of study'' after
    ``technical education programs'';
    (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``high demand
    occupations'' and inserting ``in-demand occupations'';
    (3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``, including tech prep
    education'';
    (4) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``and programs of study''
    after ``technical education programs'';
    (5) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'' after the
    semicolon;
    (6) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and
    inserting ``; and''; and
    (7) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(8) increasing the employment opportunities for
    populations who are chronically unemployed or underemployed,
    including individuals with disabilities, individuals from
    economically disadvantaged families, out-of-workforce
    individuals, youth who are in, or have aged out of, the foster
    care system, and homeless individuals.''.
    SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS.

    Section 3 (20 U.S.C. 2302) is amended--
    (1) by striking paragraphs (10), (16), (23), (24), (25),
    (26), and (32);
    (2) by redesignating paragraphs (8), (9), (11), (12), (13),
    (14), (15), (17), (18), (19), (20), (21), (22), (27), (28),
    (29), (30), (31), (33), and (34) as paragraphs (9), (10), (17),
    (18), (20), (21), (24), (28), (30), (31), (33), (34), (39),
    (44), (45), (48), (49), (50), (51), and (52), respectively;
    (3) in paragraph (2), by striking ``, including information
    as described in section 118''.
    (4) in paragraph (3)--
    (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``5 different
    occupational fields to individuals who are available for
    study in preparation for entering the labor market'' and
    inserting ``3 different fields that are available to all
    students, especially in high-skill, high-wage, or in-
    demand industry sectors or occupations''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``not fewer
    than 5 different occupational fields'' and inserting
    ``not fewer than 3 different occupational fields'';
    (5) in paragraph (5)--
    (A) in subparagraph (A)--
    (i) by amending clause (i) to read as follows:

    [[Page 1566]]

    ``(i) provides individuals with rigorous
    academic content and relevant technical knowledge
    and skills needed to prepare for further education
    and careers in current or emerging professions,
    which may include high-skill, high-wage, or in-
    demand industry sectors or occupations, which
    shall be, at the secondary level, aligned with the
    challenging State academic standards adopted by a
    State under section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary
    and Secondary Education Act of 1965;'';
    (ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``, an
    industry-recognized credential, a certificate, or
    an associate degree'' and inserting ``or a
    recognized postsecondary credential, which may
    include an industry-recognized credential, a
    certificate, or an associate degree''; and
    (iii) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at
    the end;
    (B) in subparagraph (B)--
    (i) by inserting ``, work-based, or other''
    after ``competency-based'';
    (ii) by striking ``contributes to the'' and
    inserting ``supports the development of'';
    (iii) by striking ``general''; and
    (iv) by striking the period at the end and
    inserting a semicolon; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(C) to the extent practicable, coordinate between
    secondary and postsecondary education programs through
    programs of study, which may include coordination
    through articulation agreements, early college high
    school programs, dual or concurrent enrollment program
    opportunities, or other credit transfer agreements that
    provide postsecondary credit or advanced standing; and
    ``(D) may include career exploration at the high
    school level or as early as the middle grades (as such
    term is defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and
    Secondary Education Act of 1965).'';
    (6) in paragraph (7)--
    (A) in subparagraph (A)--
    (i) by striking ``(and parents, as
    appropriate)'' and inserting ``(and, as
    appropriate, parents and out-of-school youth)'';
    (ii) by inserting ``exploration
    opportunities'' after ``regarding career
    awareness''; and
    (iii) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
    (B) in subparagraph (B)--
    (i) by inserting ``to students (and, as
    appropriate, parents and out-of-school youth)''
    after ``provides information''; and
    (ii) by striking ``financial aid,'' and all
    that follows through the end of the subparagraph
    and inserting ``financial aid, job training,
    secondary and postsecondary options (including
    associate and baccalaureate degree programs), dual
    or concurrent enrollment programs, work-based
    learning opportunities, early college high
    schools, financial literacy, and support services,
    as appropriate; and''; and
    (C) by adding at the end the following:

    [[Page 1567]]

    ``(C) may provide assistance for special populations
    with respect to direct support services that enable
    students to persist in and complete career and technical
    education, programs of study, or career pathways.'';
    (7) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
    ``(8) Career pathways.--The term `career pathways' has the
    meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation
    and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).'';
    (8) by inserting after paragraph (10) (as redesignated by
    paragraph (2)) the following:
    ``(11) Credit transfer agreement.--The term `credit transfer
    agreement' means a formal agreement, such as an articulation
    agreement, among and between secondary and postsecondary
    education institutions or systems that grant students
    transcripted postsecondary credit, which may include credit
    granted to students in dual or concurrent enrollment programs or
    early college high school, dual credit, articulated credit, and
    credit granted on the basis of performance on technical or
    academic assessments.
    ``(12) CTE concentrator.--The term `CTE concentrator'
    means--
    ``(A) at the secondary school level, a student
    served by an eligible recipient who has completed at
    least 2 courses in a single career and technical
    education program or program of study; and
    ``(B) at the postsecondary level, a student enrolled
    in an eligible recipient who has--
    ``(i) earned at least 12 credits within a
    career and technical education program or program
    of study; or
    ``(ii) completed such a program if the program
    encompasses fewer than 12 credits or the
    equivalent in total.
    ``(13) CTE participant.--The term `CTE participant' means an
    individual who completes not less than one course in a career
    and technical education program or program of study of an
    eligible recipient.
    ``(14) Director.--The term `Director' means the Director of
    the Institute of Education Sciences.
    ``(15) Dual or concurrent enrollment program.--The term
    `dual or concurrent enrollment program' has the meaning given
    the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965.
    ``(16) Early college high school.--The term `early college
    high school' has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of
    the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.'';
    (9) by inserting after paragraph (18) (as redesignated by
    paragraph (2)) the following:
    ``(19) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a
    consortium that includes the following:
    ``(A) Representatives of not less than 2 of the
    following categories of entities, 1 of which shall serve
    as the fiscal agent for the consortium:
    ``(i) A local educational agency or a
    consortium of such agencies.
    ``(ii) An educational service agency serving
    secondary school students.

    [[Page 1568]]

    ``(iii) An area career and technical education
    school or a consortium of such schools.
    ``(iv) An Indian Tribe, Tribal organization,
    or Tribal educational agency.
    ``(v) An institution of higher education whose
    most common degree awarded is an associate degree,
    or a consortium of such institutions.
    ``(vi) An institution of higher education
    whose most common degree awarded is a bachelor's
    or higher degree, or a consortium of such
    institutions.
    ``(vii) A State educational agency.
    ``(B) One or more business or industry
    representative partners, which may include
    representatives of local or regional businesses or
    industries, including industry or sector partnerships in
    the local area, local workforce development boards, or
    labor organizations.
    ``(C) One or more stakeholders, which may include--
    ``(i) parents and students;
    ``(ii) representatives of local agencies
    serving out-of-school youth, homeless children and
    youth, and at-risk youth (as defined in section
    1432 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
    of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6472));
    ``(iii) representatives of Indian tribes and
    Tribal organizations, where applicable;
    ``(iv) representatives of minority-serving
    institutions (as described in paragraphs (1)
    through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher
    Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)), where
    applicable;
    ``(v) representatives of special populations;
    ``(vi) representatives of adult career and
    technical education providers; or
    ``(vii) other relevant community
    stakeholders.'';
    (10) by amending paragraph (20) (as redesignated by
    paragraph (2)) to read as follows:
    ``(20) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible
    institution' means--
    ``(A) a consortium of 2 or more of the entities
    described in subparagraphs (B) through (F);
    ``(B) a public or nonprofit private institution of
    higher education that offers and will use funds provided
    under this title in support of career and technical
    education courses that lead to technical skill
    proficiency or a recognized postsecondary credential,
    including an industry-recognized credential, a
    certificate, or an associate degree;
    ``(C) a local educational agency providing education
    at the postsecondary level;
    ``(D) an area career and technical education school
    providing education at the postsecondary level;
    ``(E) an Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, or
    Tribal education agency that operates a school or may be
    present in the State;
    ``(F) a postsecondary educational institution
    controlled by the Bureau of Indian Education or operated
    by or on behalf of any Indian Tribe that is eligible to
    contract with the Secretary of the Interior for the
    administration of programs under the Indian Self-
    Determination and Education

    [[Page 1569]]

    Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) or the Act of
    April 16, 1934 (25 U.S.C. 5342 et seq.);
    ``(G) a tribally controlled college or university;
    or
    ``(H) an educational service agency.'';
    (11) in paragraph (21) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)),
    by inserting ``an Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, or Tribal
    educational agency'' after ``service agency,'';
    (12) by inserting after paragraph (21) (as redesignated by
    paragraph (2)) the following:
    ``(22) English learner.--The term `English learner' means--
    ``(A) a secondary school student who is an English
    learner, as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary
    and Secondary Education Act of 1965; or
    ``(B) an adult or an out-of-school youth who has
    limited ability in speaking, reading, writing, or
    understanding the English language and--
    ``(i) whose native language is a language
    other than English; or
    ``(ii) who lives in a family environment or
    community in which a language other than English
    is the dominant language.
    ``(23) Evidence-based.--The term `evidence-based' has the
    meaning given the term in section 8101(21)(A) of the Elementary
    and Secondary Education Act of 1965.'';
    (13) by inserting after paragraph (24) (as redesignated by
    paragraph (2)) the following:
    ``(25) High school.--The term `high school' has the meaning
    given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965.
    ``(26) In-demand industry sector or occupation.--The term
    `in-demand industry sector or occupation' has the meaning given
    the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
    Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
    ``(27) Indian; indian tribe.--The terms `Indian' and `Indian
    Tribe' have the meanings given the terms `Indian' and `Indian
    tribe', respectively, in section 4 of the Indian Self-
    Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).'';
    (14) by inserting after paragraph (28) (as redesignated by
    paragraph (2)) the following:
    ``(29) Industry or sector partnership.--The term `industry
    or sector partnership' has the meaning given the term in section
    3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
    3102).'';
    (15) by inserting after paragraph (31) (as redesignated by
    paragraph (2)) the following:
    ``(32) Local workforce development board.--The term `local
    workforce development board' means a local workforce development
    board established under section 107 of the Workforce Innovation
    and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3122).'';
    (16) in paragraph (33) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)),
    by striking ``including'' and inserting ``such as'';
    (17) by inserting after paragraph (34) (as redesignated by
    paragraph (2)) the following:
    ``(35) Out-of-school youth.--The term `out-of-school youth'
    has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce
    Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).

    [[Page 1570]]

    ``(36) Out-of-workforce individual.--The term `out-of-
    workforce individual' means--
    ``(A) an individual who is a displaced homemaker, as
    defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
    Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102); or
    ``(B) an individual who--
    ``(i)(I) has worked primarily without
    remuneration to care for a home and family, and
    for that reason has diminished marketable skills;
    or
    ``(II) is a parent whose youngest dependent
    child will become ineligible to receive assistance
    under part A of title IV of the Social Security
    Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) not later than 2 years
    after the date on which the parent applies for
    assistance under such title; and
    ``(ii) is unemployed or underemployed and is
    experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading
    employment.
    ``(37) Paraprofessional.--The term `paraprofessional' has
    the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and
    Secondary Education Act of 1965.
    ``(38) Pay for success initiative.--
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
    term `pay for success initiative' means a performance-
    based grant, contract, or cooperative agreement awarded
    by a State or local public entity (such as a local
    educational agency) to a public or private nonprofit
    entity--
    ``(i) in which a commitment is made to pay for
    improved outcomes that result in increased public
    value and social benefit to students and the
    public sector, such as improved student outcomes
    as evidenced by the indicators of performance
    described in section 113(b)(2) and direct cost
    savings or cost avoidance to the public sector;
    and
    ``(ii) that includes--
    ``(I) a feasibility study on the
    initiative describing how the proposed
    intervention is based on evidence of
    effectiveness;
    ``(II) a rigorous, third-party
    evaluation that uses experimental or
    quasi-experimental design or other
    research methodologies that allow for
    the strongest possible causal inferences
    to determine whether the initiative has
    met its proposed outcomes;
    ``(III) an annual, publicly
    available report on the progress of the
    initiative; and
    ``(IV) a requirement that payments
    are made to the recipient of a grant,
    contract, or cooperative agreement only
    when agreed upon outcomes are achieved,
    except that the entity may make payments
    to the third party conducting the
    evaluation described in subclause (II).
    ``(B) Exclusion.--The term `pay for success
    initiative' does not include any initiative that--
    ``(i) reduces the special education or related
    services that a student would otherwise receive
    under the Individuals with Disabilities Education
    Act; or

    [[Page 1571]]

    ``(ii) otherwise reduces the rights of a
    student or the obligations of an entity under the
    Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the
    Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et
    seq.), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
    (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), or any other law.''.
    (18) in paragraph (39)(C) (as redesignated by paragraph
    (2)), by striking ``apprenticeship'' and inserting ``other
    skilled training'';
    (19) by inserting after paragraph (39) (as redesignated by
    paragraph (2)) the following:
    ``(40) Professional development.--The term `professional
    development' means activities that--
    ``(A) are an integral part of eligible agency,
    eligible recipient, institution, or school strategies
    for providing educators (including teachers, principals,
    other school leaders, administrators, specialized
    instructional support personnel, career guidance and
    academic counselors, and paraprofessionals) with the
    knowledge and skills necessary to enable students to
    succeed in career and technical education, to meet
    challenging State academic standards under section
    1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education
    Act, or to achieve academic skills at the postsecondary
    level; and
    ``(B) are sustained (not stand-alone, 1-day, or
    short-term workshops), intensive, collaborative, job-
    embedded, data-driven, and classroom-focused, to the
    extent practicable evidence-based, and may include
    activities that--
    ``(i) improve and increase educators'--
    ``(I) knowledge of the academic and
    technical subjects;
    ``(II) understanding of how students
    learn; and
    ``(III) ability to analyze student
    work and achievement from multiple
    sources, including how to adjust
    instructional strategies, assessments,
    and materials based on such analysis;
    ``(ii) are an integral part of eligible
    recipients' improvement plans;
    ``(iii) allow personalized plans for each
    educator to address the educator's specific needs
    identified in observation or other feedback;
    ``(iv) support the recruitment, hiring, and
    training of effective educators, including
    educators who became certified through State and
    local alternative routes to certification;
    ``(v) advance educator understanding of--
    ``(I) effective instructional
    strategies that are evidence-based; and
    ``(II) strategies for improving
    student academic and technical
    achievement or substantially increasing
    the knowledge and teaching skills of
    educators;
    ``(vi) are developed with extensive
    participation of educators, parents, students, and
    representatives of Indian Tribes (as applicable),
    of schools and institutions served under this Act;

    [[Page 1572]]

    ``(vii) are designed to give educators of
    students who are English learners in career and
    technical education programs or programs of study
    the knowledge and skills to provide instruction
    and appropriate language and academic support
    services to those students, including the
    appropriate use of curricula and assessments;
    ``(viii) as a whole, are regularly evaluated
    for their impact on increased educator
    effectiveness and improved student academic and
    technical achievement, with the findings of the
    evaluations used to improve the quality of
    professional development;
    ``(ix) are designed to give educators of
    individuals with disabilities in career and
    technical education programs or programs of study
    the knowledge and skills to provide instruction
    and academic support services to those
    individuals, including positive behavioral
    interventions and supports, multi-tier system of
    supports, and use of accommodations;
    ``(x) include instruction in the use of data
    and assessments to inform and instruct classroom
    practice;
    ``(xi) include instruction in ways that
    educators may work more effectively with parents
    and families;
    ``(xii) provide follow-up training to
    educators who have participated in activities
    described in this paragraph that are designed to
    ensure that the knowledge and skills learned by
    the educators are implemented in the classroom;
    ``(xiii) promote the integration of academic
    knowledge and skills and relevant technical
    knowledge and skills, including programming
    jointly delivered to academic and career and
    technical education teachers; or
    ``(xiv) increase the ability of educators
    providing career and technical education
    instruction to stay current with industry
    standards.
    ``(41) Program of study.--The term `program of study' means
    a coordinated, nonduplicative sequence of academic and technical
    content at the secondary and postsecondary level that--
    ``(A) incorporates challenging State academic
    standards, including those adopted by a State under
    section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965;
    ``(B) addresses both academic and technical
    knowledge and skills, including employability skills;
    ``(C) is aligned with the needs of industries in the
    economy of the State, region, Tribal community, or local
    area;
    ``(D) progresses in specificity (beginning with all
    aspects of an industry or career cluster and leading to
    more occupation-specific instruction);
    ``(E) has multiple entry and exit points that
    incorporate credentialing; and
    ``(F) culminates in the attainment of a recognized
    postsecondary credential.

    [[Page 1573]]

    ``(42) Qualified intermediary.--The term `qualified
    intermediary' means a nonprofit entity, which may be part of an
    industry or sector partnership, that demonstrates expertise in
    building, connecting, sustaining, and measuring partnerships
    with entities such as employers, schools, community-based
    organizations, postsecondary institutions, social service
    organizations, economic development organizations, Indian tribes
    or Tribal organizations, and workforce systems to broker
    services, resources, and supports to youth and the organizations
    and systems that are designed to serve youth, including--
    ``(A) connecting employers to classrooms;
    ``(B) assisting in the design and implementation of
    career and technical education programs and programs of
    study;
    ``(C) delivering professional development;
    ``(D) connecting students to internships and other
    work-based learning opportunities; and
    ``(E) developing personalized student supports.
    ``(43) Recognized postsecondary credential.--The term
    `recognized postsecondary credential' has the meaning given the
    term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
    Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).'';
    (20) by inserting after paragraph (45) (as redesignated by
    paragraph (2)) the following:
    ``(46) Specialized instructional support personnel.--The
    term `specialized instructional support personnel' has the
    meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and
    Secondary Education Act of 1965.
    ``(47) Specialized instructional support services.--The term
    `specialized instructional support services' has the meaning
    given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965.'';
    (21) in paragraph (48) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))--
    (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``foster
    children'' and inserting ``low-income youth and
    adults'';
    (B) by striking subparagraph (E) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(E) out-of-workforce individuals;'';
    (C) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``individuals
    with limited English proficiency.'' and inserting
    ``English learners;''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(G) homeless individuals described in section 725
    of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
    11434a);
    ``(H) youth who are in, or have aged out of, the
    foster care system; and
    ``(I) youth with a parent who--
    ``(i) is a member of the armed forces (as such
    term is defined in section 101(a)(4) of title 10,
    United States Code); and
    ``(ii) is on active duty (as such term is
    defined in section 101(d)(1) of such title).'';
    (22) in paragraph (50) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)),
    by inserting ``(including paraprofessionals and specialized
    instructional support personnel)'' after ``supportive
    personnel'';
    (23) in paragraph (52) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))--

    [[Page 1574]]

    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``Indian tribe
    or Indian tribes'' and inserting ``Indian Tribe or
    Indian Tribes''; and
    (B) in subparagraph (D)--
    (i) by striking ``tribal'' and inserting
    ``Tribal''; and
    (ii) by inserting ``or tribal lands'' after
    ``reservations''; and
    (24) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(53) Tribal organization.--The term `Tribal organization'
    has the meaning given the term `tribal organization' in section
    4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
    (25 U.S.C. 5304).
    ``(54) Universal design for learning.--The term `universal
    design for learning' has the meaning given the term in section
    8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
    ``(55) Work-based learning.--The term `work-based learning'
    means sustained interactions with industry or community
    professionals in real workplace settings, to the extent
    practicable, or simulated environments at an educational
    institution that foster in-depth, firsthand engagement with the
    tasks required in a given career field, that are aligned to
    curriculum and instruction.''.
    SEC. 8. TRANSITION PROVISIONS.

    Section 4 (20 U.S.C. 2303) is amended--
    (1) by striking ``the Secretary determines to be
    appropriate'' and inserting ``are necessary'';
    (2) by striking ``Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical
    Education Improvement Act of 2006'' each place it appears and
    inserting ``Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the
    21st Century Act''; and
    (3) by striking ``1998'' and inserting ``2006''.
    SEC. 9. PROHIBITIONS.

    Section 8 (20 U.S.C. 2306a) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Federal Government to
    mandate,'' and all that follows through the period at the end
    and inserting ``Federal Government--
    ``(1) to condition or incentivize the receipt of any grant,
    contract, or cooperative agreement, or the receipt of any
    priority or preference under such grant, contract, or
    cooperative agreement, upon a State, local educational agency,
    eligible agency, eligible recipient, eligible entity, or
    school's adoption or implementation of specific instructional
    content, academic standards and assessments, curricula, or
    program of instruction (including any condition, priority, or
    preference to adopt the Common Core State Standards developed
    under the Common Core State Standards Initiative, any other
    academic standards common to a significant number of States, or
    any assessment, instructional content, or curriculum aligned to
    such standards);
    ``(2) through grants, contracts, or other cooperative
    agreements, to mandate, direct, or control a State, local
    educational agency, eligible agency, eligible recipient,
    eligible entity, or school's specific instructional content,
    academic standards and assessments, curricula, or program of
    instruction (including any requirement, direction, or mandate to
    adopt the Common Core State Standards developed under the Common
    Core State

    [[Page 1575]]

    Standards Initiative, any other academic standards common to a
    significant number of States, or any assessment, instructional
    content, or curriculum aligned to such standards); or
    ``(3) except as required under sections 112(b), 211(b), and
    223--
    ``(A) to mandate, direct, or control the allocation
    of State or local resources; or
    ``(B) to mandate that a State or a political
    subdivision of a State spend any funds or incur any
    costs not paid for under this Act.'';
    (2) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:

    ``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section affects the
    applicability of subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5,
    United States Code, (commonly known as the ``Administrative Procedure
    Act'') or chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, commonly known as
    the ``Congressional Review Act'').''; and
    (3) by adding at the end the following:

    ``(f) Congressional Notice and Comment.--
    ``(1) <>  Notice to congress.--Not less than 15
    business days prior to issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking
    related to this Act in the Federal Register, the Secretary shall
    provide to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
    Pensions of the Senate, the Committee on Education and the
    Workforce of the House of Representatives, and other relevant
    congressional committees, notice of the Secretary's intent to
    issue a notice of proposed rulemaking that shall include--
    ``(A) a copy of the proposed regulation;
    ``(B) the need to issue the regulation;
    ``(C) a description of how the regulation is
    consistent with the scope of this Act;
    ``(D) the anticipated burden (including the time,
    cost, and paperwork burden) the regulation will impose
    on an eligible agency, institution, or recipient that
    may be impacted by the regulation, including the
    potential impact on rural areas;
    ``(E) the anticipated benefits to an eligible
    agency, institution, or recipient that may be impacted
    by the regulation, including in rural areas; and
    ``(F) any regulations that will be repealed when the
    new regulation is issued.
    ``(2) Comment period for congress.--The Secretary shall--
    ``(A) before issuing any notice of proposed
    rulemaking under this subsection, provide Congress with
    a comment period of 15 business days to make comments on
    the proposed regulation, beginning on the date that the
    Secretary provides the notice of intent to the
    appropriate committees of Congress under paragraph (1);
    and
    ``(B) include and seek to address all comments
    submitted by members of Congress in the public
    rulemaking record for the regulation published in the
    Federal Register.
    ``(3) <>  Comment and review period;
    emergency situations.--The comment and review period for any
    proposed regulation shall be not less than 60 days unless an
    emergency requires a shorter period, in which case the Secretary
    shall--

    [[Page 1576]]

    ``(A) designate the proposed regulation as an
    emergency with an explanation of the emergency in the
    notice to Congress under paragraph (1);
    ``(B) <>
    publish the length of the comment and review period in
    such notice and in the Federal Register; and
    ``(C) conduct immediately thereafter regional
    meetings to review such proposed regulation before
    issuing any final regulation.''.
    SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 9 (20 U.S.C. 2307) is amended to read as follows:
    ``SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    ``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act
    (other than sections 114 and 117)--
    ``(1) $1,229,568,538 for fiscal year 2019;
    ``(2) $1,246,782,498 for fiscal year 2020;
    ``(3) $1,264,237,452 for fiscal year 2021;
    ``(4) $1,281,936,777 for fiscal year 2022;
    ``(5) $1,299,883,892 for fiscal year 2023; and
    ``(6) $1,318,082,266 for fiscal year 2024.''.

    TITLE I--CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ASSISTANCE TO THE STATES

    PART A--ALLOTMENT AND ALLOCATION

    SEC. 110. RESERVATIONS AND STATE ALLOTMENT.

    Section 111 (20 U.S.C. 2321) is amended to read as follows:
    ``SEC. 111. RESERVATIONS AND STATE ALLOTMENT.

    ``(a) Reservations and State Allotment.--
    ``(1) Reservations.--From the amount appropriated under
    section 9 for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve--
    ``(A) 0.13 percent to carry out section 115; and
    ``(B) 1.50 percent to carry out section 116, of
    which--
    ``(i) 1.25 percent of the sum shall be
    available to carry out section 116(b); and
    ``(ii) 0.25 percent of the sum shall be
    available to carry out section 116(h).
    ``(2) Foundational grant.--
    ``(A) In general.--From the remainder of the amount
    appropriated under section 9 and not reserved under
    paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall
    allot to a State for the fiscal year an amount equal to
    the amount the State received in fiscal year 2018.
    ``(B) Ratable reduction.--If for any fiscal year the
    amount appropriated for allotments under this section is
    insufficient to satisfy the provisions of subparagraph
    (A), the payments to all States under such subparagraph
    shall be ratably reduced.
    ``(3) Additional funds.--Subject to paragraph (4), from the
    additional funds remaining from the amount appropriated under
    section 9 and not expended under paragraphs (1) and (2) for a
    fiscal year, the Secretary shall allot to a State for the fiscal
    year--

    [[Page 1577]]

    ``(A) an amount that bears the same ratio to 50
    percent of the sum being allotted as the product of the
    population aged 15 to 19, inclusive, in the State in the
    fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the
    determination is made and the State's allotment ratio
    bears to the sum of the corresponding products for all
    the States;
    ``(B) an amount that bears the same ratio to 20
    percent of the sum being allotted as the product of the
    population aged 20 to 24, inclusive, in the State in the
    fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the
    determination is made and the State's allotment ratio
    bears to the sum of the corresponding products for all
    the States;
    ``(C) an amount that bears the same ratio to 15
    percent of the sum being allotted as the product of the
    population aged 25 to 65, inclusive, in the State in the
    fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the
    determination is made and the State's allotment ratio
    bears to the sum of the corresponding products for all
    the States; and
    ``(D) an amount that bears the same ratio to 15
    percent of the sum being allotted as the amounts
    allotted to the State under subparagraphs (A), (B), and
    (C) for such years bears to the sum of the amounts
    allotted to all the States under subparagraphs (A), (B),
    and (C) for such year.
    ``(4) Minimum allotment for years with additional funds.--
    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), for
    a fiscal year for which there are additional funds
    described in paragraph (3), no State shall receive for
    such fiscal year under paragraph (3) less than 1/2 of 1
    percent of the additional funds available for such
    fiscal year. Amounts necessary for increasing such
    payments to States to comply with the preceding sentence
    shall be obtained by ratably reducing the amounts to be
    paid to other States.
    ``(B) Special rule.--In the case of a qualifying
    State, the minimum allotment under subparagraph (A) for
    a fiscal year for the qualifying State shall be the
    lesser of--
    ``(i) 1/2 of 1 percent of the additional funds
    available for such fiscal year; and
    ``(ii) the product of--
    ``(I) 1/3 of the additional funds;
    multiplied by
    ``(II) the quotient of--
    ``(aa) the qualifying
    State's ratio described in
    subparagraph (C) for the fiscal
    year for which the determination
    is made; divided by
    ``(bb) the sum of all such
    ratios for all qualifying States
    for the fiscal year for which
    the determination is made.
    ``(C) Ratio.--For purposes of subparagraph
    (B)(ii)(II)(aa), the ratio for a qualifying State for a
    fiscal year shall be 1.00 less the quotient of--
    ``(i) the amount the qualifying State is
    allotted under paragraph (3) for the fiscal year;
    divided by
    ``(ii) 1/2 of 1 percent of the amount
    appropriated under paragraph (3) for the fiscal
    year for which the determination is made.
    ``(D) Definitions.--In this paragraph,
    the <>  term `qualifying State'
    means a State (except the United States Virgin

    [[Page 1578]]

    Islands) that, for the fiscal year for which a
    determination under this paragraph is made, would
    receive, under the allotment formula under paragraph (3)
    (without the application of this paragraph), an amount
    that would be less than the amount the State would
    receive under subparagraph (A) for such fiscal year.

    ``(b) <>  Reallotment.--If the Secretary
    determines that any amount of any State's allotment under subsection (a)
    for any fiscal year will not be required for such fiscal year for
    carrying out the activities for which such amount has been allotted, the
    Secretary shall make such amount available for
    reallotment. <>  Any such reallotment
    among other States shall occur on such dates during the same year as the
    Secretary shall fix, and shall be made on the basis of criteria
    established by regulation. No funds may be reallotted for any use other
    than the use for which the funds were appropriated. Any amount
    reallotted to a State under this subsection for any fiscal year shall
    remain available for obligation during the succeeding fiscal year and
    shall be deemed to be part of the State's allotment for the year in
    which the amount is obligated.

    ``(c) Allotment Ratio.--
    ``(1) In general.--The allotment ratio for any State shall
    be 1.00 less the product of--
    ``(A) 0.50; and
    ``(B) the quotient obtained by dividing the per
    capita income for the State by the per capita income for
    all the States (exclusive of the Commonwealth of Puerto
    Rico and the United States Virgin Islands), except
    that--
    ``(i) the allotment ratio in no case shall be
    more than 0.60 or less than 0.40; and
    ``(ii) the allotment ratio for the
    Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United States
    Virgin Islands shall be 0.60.
    ``(2) <>  Promulgation.--The allotment
    ratios shall be promulgated by the Secretary for each fiscal
    year between October 1 and December 31 of the fiscal year
    preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made.
    Allotment ratios shall be computed on the basis of the average
    of the appropriate per capita incomes for the 3 most recent
    consecutive fiscal years for which satisfactory data are
    available.
    ``(3) Definition of per capita income.--For the purpose of
    this section, the term `per capita income' means, with respect
    to a fiscal year, the total personal income in the calendar year
    ending in such year, divided by the population of the area
    concerned in such year.
    ``(4) Population determination.--For the purposes of this
    section, population shall be determined by the Secretary on the
    basis of the latest estimates available to the Department of
    Education.

    ``(d) Definition of State.--For the purpose of this section, the
    term `State' means each of the several States of the United States, the
    District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United
    States Virgin Islands.''.
    SEC. 111. WITHIN STATE ALLOCATION.

    Section 112 (20 U.S.C. 2322) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--

    [[Page 1579]]

    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``10 percent'' and
    inserting ``15 percent'';
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) in subparagraph (A)--
    (I) by striking ``1 percent'' and
    inserting ``2 percent'';
    (II) by striking ``State
    correctional institutions and
    institutions'' and inserting ``State
    correctional institutions, juvenile
    justice facilities, and educational
    institutions''; and
    (III) by striking ``and'' after the
    semicolon; and
    (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the
    following:
    ``(C) an amount shall be made available for the
    recruitment of special populations to enroll in career
    and technical education programs, which shall be not
    less than the lesser of--
    ``(i) an amount equal to 0.1 percent; or
    ``(ii) $50,000; and'';
    (C) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking ``a local
    plan;'' and inserting ``local applications;''; and
    (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``section 135'' and all
    that follows through the end and inserting ``section 135--
    ``(1) in--
    ``(A) rural areas;
    ``(B) areas with high percentages of CTE
    concentrators or CTE participants;
    ``(C) areas with high numbers of CTE concentrators
    or CTE participants; and
    ``(D) areas with disparities or gaps in performance
    as described in section 113(b)(3)(C)(ii)(II); and
    ``(2) in order to--
    ``(A) foster innovation through the identification
    and promotion of promising and proven career and
    technical education programs, practices, and strategies,
    which may include programs, practices, and strategies
    that prepare individuals for nontraditional fields; or
    ``(B) promote the development, implementation, and
    adoption of programs of study or career pathways aligned
    with State-identified high-skill, high-wage, or in-
    demand occupations or industries.''.
    SEC. 112. ACCOUNTABILITY.

    Section 113 (20 U.S.C. 2323) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in the subsection heading, by inserting
    ``Determined'' after ``State'';
    (B) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
    by inserting ``State determined'' before
    ``performance'';
    (ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and
    redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph
    (B);
    (iii) in subparagraph (A), by inserting
    ``and'' after the semicolon; and
    (iv) in subparagraph (B), as so redesignated--

    [[Page 1580]]

    (I) by striking ``a State adjusted
    level of performance'' and inserting ``a
    State determined level of performance'';
    and
    (II) by striking ``, and State
    levels of performance described in
    paragraph (3)(B) for each additional
    indicator of performance''; and
    (C) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(2) Indicators of performance.--
    ``(A) Core indicators of performance for cte
    concentrators at the secondary level.--Each eligible
    agency shall identify in the State plan core indicators
    of performance for CTE concentrators at the secondary
    level that are valid and reliable, and that include, at
    a minimum, measures of each of the following:
    ``(i) The percentage of CTE concentrators who
    graduate high school, as measured by--
    ``(I) the four-year adjusted cohort
    graduation rate (defined in section 8101
    of the Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965); and
    ``(II) at the State's discretion,
    the extended-year adjusted cohort
    graduation rate defined in such section
    8101.
    ``(ii) CTE concentrator proficiency in the
    challenging State academic standards adopted by
    the State under section 1111(b)(1) of the
    Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as
    measured by the academic assessments described in
    section 1111(b)(2) of such Act.
    ``(iii) The percentage of CTE concentrators
    who, in the second quarter after exiting from
    secondary education, are in postsecondary
    education or advanced training, military service
    or a service program that receives assistance
    under title I of the National and Community
    Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511 et seq.), are
    volunteers as described in section 5(a) of the
    Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2504(a)), or are
    employed.
    ``(iv) Indicators of career and technical
    education program quality as follows:
    ``(I) That shall include at least 1
    of the following:
    ``(aa) The percentage of CTE
    concentrators graduating from
    high school having attained a
    recognized postsecondary
    credential.
    ``(bb) The percentage of CTE
    concentrators graduating from
    high school having attained
    postsecondary credits in the
    relevant career and technical
    education program or program of
    study earned through a dual or
    concurrent enrollment program or
    another credit transfer
    agreement.
    ``(cc) The percentage of CTE
    concentrators graduating from
    high school having participated
    in work-based learning.
    ``(II) That may include any other
    measure of student success in career and
    technical education

    [[Page 1581]]

    that is statewide, valid, and reliable,
    and comparable across the State.
    ``(v) The percentage of CTE concentrators in
    career and technical education programs and
    programs of study that lead to non-traditional
    fields.
    ``(B) Core indicators of performance for cte
    concentrators at the postsecondary level.--Each eligible
    agency shall identify in the State plan core indicators
    of performance for CTE concentrators at the
    postsecondary level that are valid and reliable, and
    that include, at a minimum, measures of each of the
    following:
    ``(i) The percentage of CTE concentrators who,
    during the second quarter after program
    completion, remain enrolled in postsecondary
    education, are in advanced training, military
    service, or a service program that receives
    assistance under title I of the National and
    Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511 et
    seq.), are volunteers as described in section 5(a)
    of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2504(a)), or are
    placed or retained in employment.
    ``(ii) The percentage of CTE concentrators who
    receive a recognized postsecondary credential
    during participation in or within 1 year of
    program completion.
    ``(iii) The percentage of CTE concentrators in
    career and technical education programs and
    programs of study that lead to non-traditional
    fields.
    ``(C) Alignment of performance indicators.--In
    developing core indicators of performance under
    subparagraphs (A) and (B), an eligible agency shall, to
    the greatest extent possible, align the indicators so
    that substantially similar information gathered for
    other State and Federal programs, or for any other
    purpose, may be used to meet the requirements of this
    section.'';
    (D) in paragraph (3)--
    (i) in the paragraph heading, by inserting
    ``determined'' after ``State'';
    (ii) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as
    follows:
    ``(A) State determined levels of performance for
    core indicators of performance.--
    ``(i) In general.--
    ``(I) Levels determined by the
    eligible agency.--Each eligible agency,
    with input from eligible recipients,
    shall establish in the State plan
    submitted under section 122, for each
    year covered by the State plan, State
    determined levels of performance for
    each of the core indicators described
    under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
    paragraph (2) for career and technical
    education activities authorized under
    this title. The level of performance for
    a core indicator shall be the same for
    all CTE concentrators in the State.
    ``(II) Technical assistance.--The
    Secretary may assist an eligible agency
    in establishing the State determined
    levels of performance under this
    subparagraph only at the request of that
    eligible agency.

    [[Page 1582]]

    ``(III) Requirements.--Such State
    determined levels of performance shall,
    at a minimum--
    ``(aa) be expressed in a
    percentage or numerical form, so
    as to be objective,
    quantifiable, and measurable;
    ``(bb) require the State to
    continually make meaningful
    progress toward improving the
    performance of all career and
    technical education students,
    including the subgroups of
    students described in section
    1111(h)(1)(C)(ii) of the
    Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965, and
    special populations, as
    described in section 3(48); and
    ``(cc) have been subject to
    the public comment process
    described in subparagraph (B),
    and the eligible agency has
    provided a written response;
    ``(dd) when being adjusted
    pursuant to clause (ii), take
    into account how the levels of
    performance involved compare
    with the State levels of
    performance established for
    other States, considering
    factors including the
    characteristics of actual (as
    opposed to anticipated) CTE
    concentrators when the CTE
    concentrators entered the
    program, and the services or
    instruction to be provided;
    ``(ee) when being adjusted
    pursuant to clause (ii), be
    higher than the average actual
    performance of the 2 most
    recently completed program
    years, except in the case of
    unanticipated circumstances that
    require revisions in accordance
    with clause (iii); and
    ``(ff) take into account the
    extent to which the State
    determined levels of performance
    advance the eligible agency's
    goals, as set forth in the State
    plan.
    ``(ii) Allowable adjustment of state
    determined levels of performance for subsequent
    years.--Prior to the third program year covered by
    the State plan, each eligible agency may revise
    the State determined levels of performance for any
    of the core indicators of performance for the
    subsequent program years covered by the State
    plan, and submit the revised State determined
    levels of performance to the Secretary. If the
    eligible agency adjusts any levels of performance,
    the eligible agency shall adjust those levels in
    accordance with clause (i), and address written
    comments of stakeholders as described in
    subparagraph (B). The Secretary shall approve
    those revised levels of performance if those
    levels meet the requirements described in
    subclause (III) of clause (i). The State
    determined adjusted levels of performance
    identified under this clause shall be considered
    to be the State determined levels of performance
    for the State for such years and shall be
    incorporated into the State plan.

    [[Page 1583]]

    ``(iii) Unanticipated circumstances.--If
    unanticipated circumstances arise in a State or
    changes occur related to improvements in data or
    measurement approaches, the eligible agency, at
    the end of the program year, may revise the State
    determined levels of performance required under
    this subparagraph. After public comment, as
    described in subparagraph (B), the eligible agency
    shall submit such revised levels of performance to
    the Secretary with evidence supporting the
    revision. The Secretary shall approve any such
    revision if that revision meets the requirements
    of clause (ii).'';
    (iii) by striking subparagraph (B) and
    inserting the following:
    ``(B) Public comment.--
    ``(i) <>  In general.--
    Each eligible agency shall develop the levels of
    performance under subparagraph (A) in consultation
    with the stakeholders identified in section
    122(c)(1)(A).
    ``(ii) <>  Written
    comments.--Not less than 60 days prior to
    submission of the State plan, the eligible agency
    shall provide such stakeholders with the
    opportunity to provide written comments to the
    eligible agency, which shall be included in the
    State plan, regarding how the levels of
    performance described under subparagraph (A)--
    ``(I) meet the requirements of the
    law;
    ``(II) support the improvement of
    performance of all CTE concentrators,
    including subgroups of students, as
    described in section 1111(h)(1)(C)(ii)
    of the Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965, and special
    populations, as described in section
    3(48); and
    ``(III) support the needs of the
    local education and business community.
    ``(iii) Eligible agency response.--Each
    eligible agency shall provide, in the State plan,
    a written response to the comments provided by
    stakeholders under clause (ii).''; and
    (iv) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(C)  State report.--
    ``(i) In general.--Each eligible agency that
    receives an allotment under section 111 shall
    annually prepare and submit to the Secretary a
    report regarding--
    ``(I) the progress of the State in
    achieving the State determined levels of
    performance on the core indicators of
    performance; and
    ``(II) the actual levels of
    performance for all CTE concentrators,
    and for each of the subgroups of
    students, as described in section
    1111(h)(1)(C)(ii) of the Elementary and
    Secondary Education Act of 1965, and
    special populations, as described in
    section 3(48).
    ``(ii) Data.--Except as provided in
    subparagraph (E), each eligible agency that
    receives an allotment under section 111 shall--

    [[Page 1584]]

    ``(I) disaggregate data for each of
    the indicators of performance under
    paragraph (2)--
    ``(aa) for subgroups of
    students, as described in
    section 1111(h)(1)(C)(ii) of the
    Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965, and
    special populations, as
    described in section 3(48), that
    are served under this Act; and
    ``(bb) by the career and
    technical education programs or
    programs of study of the CTE
    concentrators, except that in a
    case in which reporting by such
    program or program of study is
    impractical, the data may be
    disaggregated by the career
    clusters of the CTE
    concentrators, if appropriate;
    ``(II) identify and quantify any
    disparities or gaps in performance on
    the State determined levels of
    performance under subparagraph (A)
    between any such subgroup or special
    population and the performance of all
    CTE concentrators served by the eligible
    agency under this Act, which shall
    include a quantifiable description of
    the progress each such subgroup or
    special population of students served by
    the eligible agency under this Act has
    made in meeting the State determined
    levels of performance; and
    ``(III) for CTE concentrators
    described in paragraph (2)(A)(iii) and
    paragraph (2)(B)(i), disaggregate data,
    to the extent such data is available, by
    each of the following:
    ``(aa) Individuals enrolled
    in postsecondary education
    (disaggregated by postsecondary
    award level, including
    certificate, associate, or
    baccalaureate degree).
    ``(bb) Individuals in
    advanced training.
    ``(cc) Individuals in
    military service or a service
    program that receives assistance
    under title I of the National
    and Community Service Act of
    1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511 et seq.)
    or volunteers as described in
    section 5(a) of the Peace Corps
    Act (22 U.S.C. 2504(a)).
    ``(dd) Individuals in
    employment (including those
    individuals who are employed in
    a high-skill, high-wage, or in-
    demand sector or occupation).
    ``(iii) Nonduplication.--The Secretary shall
    ensure that each eligible agency does not report
    duplicative information under this section.
    ``(iv) <>
    Information dissemination.--The Secretary shall--
    ``(I) make the information contained
    in such reports available to the general
    public through a variety of formats,
    including electronically through the
    Internet;
    ``(II) disseminate State-by-State
    comparisons of the information contained
    in such reports; and

    [[Page 1585]]

    ``(III) provide the appropriate
    committees of Congress with copies of
    such reports.
    ``(D) State dissemination of actual levels of
    performance.--At the end of each program year, the
    eligible agency shall disseminate the actual levels of
    performance described in subparagraph (C)(i)(II)--
    ``(i) widely, including to students, parents,
    and educators;
    ``(ii) through a variety of formats, including
    electronically through the Internet; and
    ``(iii) in user-friendly formats and languages
    that are easily accessible, as determined by the
    eligible agency.
    ``(E) Rules for reporting data.--The disaggregation
    of data under this paragraph shall not be required when
    the number of students in a category is insufficient to
    yield statistically reliable information or when the
    results would reveal personally identifiable information
    about an individual student.''; and
    (E) in paragraph (4)--
    (i) in subparagraph (A)--
    (I) in the subparagraph heading, by
    striking ``adjusted'';
    (II) by striking clauses (iii) and
    (v), and redesignating clauses (iv) and
    (vi) as clauses (iii) and (v),
    respectively;
    (III) in clause (i)--
    (aa) in the matter preceding
    subclause (I)--
    (AA) by striking ``State
    adjusted levels of
    performance'' and inserting
    ``State determined levels of
    performance for each year of
    the plan''; and
    (BB) by striking ``local
    adjusted levels'' and
    inserting ``local levels''
    each place the term appears;
    (bb) in subclause (I)--
    (AA) by striking
    ``consistent with the State
    levels of performance
    established under paragraph
    (3), so as'' and inserting
    ``consistent with the form
    expressed in the State
    determined levels, so as'';
    and
    (BB) by striking ``and''
    after the semicolon; and
    (cc) in subclause (II), by
    striking ``continually make
    progress toward improving the
    performance of career and
    technical education students.''
    and inserting ``continually make
    meaningful progress toward
    improving the performance of all
    CTE concentrators, including
    subgroups of students described
    in section 1111(h)(1)(C)(ii) of
    the Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965 and
    special populations, as
    described in section 3(48);'';
    and
    (dd) by adding at the end
    the following:

    [[Page 1586]]

    ``(III) when being adjusted as
    described in clause (iii), be higher
    than the average actual performance
    levels of the previous 2 program years,
    except in a case in which unanticipated
    circumstances arise with respect to the
    eligible recipient and that eligible
    recipient meets the requirements for
    revisions under clause (iv);
    ``(IV) when being adjusted as
    described in clause (iii), take into
    account how the local levels of
    performance compare with the local
    levels of performance established for
    other eligible recipients, considering
    factors including the characteristics of
    actual (as opposed to anticipated) CTE
    concentrators at the time those CTE
    concentrators entered the program, and
    the services or instruction to be
    provided; and
    ``(V) set the local levels of
    performance using valid and reliable
    data that measures--
    ``(aa) the differences
    within the State in actual
    economic conditions (including
    differences in unemployment
    rates and job losses or gains in
    particular industries); and
    ``(bb) the abilities of the
    State and the eligible recipient
    to collect and access valid,
    reliable, and cost-effective
    data.'';
    (IV) in clause (ii)--
    (aa) in the clause heading,
    by striking ``plan'' and
    inserting ``application'';
    (bb) by striking ``plan''
    and inserting ``application'';
    and
    (cc) by striking ``the first
    2'' and inserting ``each of
    the'';
    (V) by amending clause (iii), as
    redesignated by subclause (II), to read
    as follows:
    ``(iii) Allowable adjustments of local levels
    of performance for subsequent years.--Prior to the
    third program year covered by the local
    application, the eligible recipient may, if the
    eligible recipient reaches an agreement with the
    eligible agency, adjust the local levels of
    performance for any of the core indicators of
    performance for the subsequent program years
    covered by the local application, in accordance
    with that agreement and with this subparagraph.
    The local adjusted levels of performance agreed to
    under this clause shall be considered to be the
    local levels of performance for the eligible
    recipient for such years and shall be incorporated
    into the local application.''; and
    (VI) in clause (v), as redesignated
    by subclause (II), by striking ``If
    unanticipated circumstances arise with
    respect to an eligible recipient
    resulting in a significant change in the
    factors described in clause (v), the
    eligible recipient may request that the
    local adjusted levels of performance
    agreed to under clause (iii) or (iv) be
    revised.'' and inserting ``If
    unanticipated circumstances arise, or
    changes occur related to improvements

    [[Page 1587]]

    in data or measurement approaches, the
    eligible recipient may request that the
    local levels of performance agreed to
    under clauses (i) and (iii) be
    revised.'';
    (ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and
    redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph
    (B); and
    (iii) in subparagraph (B), as redesignated by
    clause (ii)--
    (I) in clause (i), by striking ``the
    data described in clause (ii)(I),
    regarding the progress of such recipient
    in achieving the local adjusted levels
    of performance'' and inserting ``the
    data on the actual performance levels
    described in clause (ii), including the
    progress of such recipient in achieving
    the local levels of performance'';
    (II) in clause (ii)--
    (aa) in subclause (I)--
    (AA) by striking
    ``section 1111(h)(1)(C)(i)''
    and inserting ``section
    1111(h)(1)(C)(ii)'';
    (BB) by striking
    ``section 3(29)'' and
    inserting ``section 3(48)'';
    and
    (CC) by striking ``and''
    after the semicolon; and
    (bb) in subclause (II)--
    (AA) by inserting ``, as
    described in paragraph
    3(C)(ii)(II),'' after ``gaps
    in performance'';
    (BB) by inserting ``as
    described in subclause (I)
    (including special
    populations)'' after
    ``category of students'';
    (CC) by striking ``all
    students'' and inserting
    ``all CTE concentrators'';
    and
    (DD) by adding at the
    end the following:
    ``(III) disaggregate data by the
    career and technical education programs
    or programs of study of the CTE
    concentrators, except that in a case in
    which reporting by such program or
    program of study is impractical, the
    data may be disaggregated by the career
    clusters of the CTE concentrators, if
    appropriate; and
    ``(IV) for CTE concentrators
    described in paragraph (2)(A)(iii) and
    paragraph (2)(B)(i), disaggregate data,
    to the extent such data is available, by
    each of the following:
    ``(aa) Individuals enrolled
    in postsecondary education
    (disaggregated by postsecondary
    award level, including
    certificate, associate, or
    baccalaureate degree).
    ``(bb) Individuals in
    advanced training.
    ``(cc) Individuals in
    military service or a service
    program that receives assistance
    under title I of the National
    and Community Service Act of
    1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511 et seq.)
    or volunteers as described in
    section 5(a) of the Peace Corps
    Act (22 U.S.C. 2504(a)).

    [[Page 1588]]

    ``(dd) Individuals in
    employment (including those
    individuals who are employed in
    a high-skill, high-wage, or in-
    demand sector or occupation).'';
    (III) in clause (iii), by striking
    ``subsection (c)(3)'' and inserting
    ``paragraph (3)(C)(iii)'';
    (IV) in clause (iv), by striking
    ``clause (ii)'' and inserting ``this
    paragraph''; and
    (V) by striking clause (v) and
    inserting the following:
    ``(v) <>
    Availability.--The report described in clause (i)
    shall be made available by the eligible recipient
    through a variety of formats, including
    electronically through the Internet, to students,
    parents, educators, and the public, and the
    information contained in such report shall be in a
    format that is understandable and uniform, and to
    the extent practicable, provided in a language
    that students, parents, and educators can
    understand.''; and
    (2) by striking subsection (c).
    SEC. 113. NATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

    Section 114 (20 U.S.C. 2324) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
    (A) <>  by striking ``The
    Secretary shall'' the first place it appears and
    inserting ``The Secretary shall, in consultation with
    the Director,''; and
    (B) by inserting ``from eligible agencies under
    section 113(b)(3)(C)'' after ``pursuant to this title'';
    (2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

    ``(b) Reasonable Cost.--The Secretary shall take such action as may
    be necessary to secure at reasonable cost the information required by
    this title. <>  To ensure reasonable
    cost, the Secretary, in consultation with the National Center for
    Education Statistics and the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult
    Education shall determine the methodology to be used and the frequency
    with which such information is to be collected.'';
    (3) in subsection (c)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Secretary may''
    and inserting ``Secretary shall'';
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``,
    acting through the Director,'' after ``describe
    how the Secretary''; and
    (ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``, in
    consultation with the Director,'' after
    ``Secretary'';
    (4) in subsection (d)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) in subparagraph (A)--
    (I) by inserting ``, acting through
    the Director,'' after ``The Secretary'';
    (II) by inserting ``and the plan
    developed under subsection (c)'' after
    ``described in paragraph (2)''; and
    (III) by striking ``assessment''
    each place such term appears and
    inserting ``evaluation'';
    (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

    [[Page 1589]]

    (I) in clause (v), by striking ``;
    and'' and inserting a semicolon;
    (II) in clause (vi)--
    (aa) by inserting
    ``qualified'' before
    ``intermediaries''; and
    (bb) by striking the period
    at the end and inserting ``,
    which may include individuals
    with expertise in addressing
    inequities in access to, and in
    opportunities for, academic and
    technical skill attainment;'';
    and
    (III) by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(vii) representatives of Indian Tribes and
    Tribal organizations; and
    ``(viii) representatives of special
    populations.''; and
    (iii) in subparagraph (C)--
    (I) by inserting ``the Director,''
    after ``the Secretary,''; and
    (II) by striking ``assessment'' and
    inserting ``evaluation'';
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) in the heading, by striking ``and
    assessment'';
    (ii) in subparagraph (A)--
    (I) by striking ``subsection (e),
    the Secretary'' and inserting
    ``subsection (f), the Secretary, acting
    through the Director,'';
    (II) by striking ``an independent
    evaluation and assessment'' and
    inserting ``a series of research and
    evaluation initiatives for each year for
    which funds are appropriated to carry
    out this Act, which are aligned with the
    plan in subsection (c)(2),'';
    (III) by striking ``Carl D. Perkins
    Career and Technical Education
    Improvement Act of 2006'' and inserting
    ``Strengthening Career and Technical
    Education for the 21st Century Act'';
    and
    (IV) by adding at the end the
    following: ``Whenever possible, data
    used for the evaluation for a fiscal
    year shall be data from the most recent
    fiscal year for which such data are
    available, and from the 5-year period
    preceding that fiscal year.''; and
    (iii) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as
    follows:
    ``(B) Contents.--The evaluation required under
    subparagraph (A) shall include descriptions and
    evaluations of--
    ``(i) <>  the extent and
    success of the integration of challenging State
    academic standards adopted under section
    1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965 and career and technical
    education for students participating in career and
    technical education programs, including a review
    of the effect of such integration on the academic
    and technical proficiency achievement of such
    students, including--
    ``(I) the number of such students
    that receive a regular high school
    diploma, as such term is defined under
    section 8101 of the Elementary and
    Secondary Education Act of 1965 or a
    State-defined

    [[Page 1590]]

    alternative diploma described in section
    8101(25)(A)(ii)(I)(bb) of such Act;
    ``(II) the number of such students
    that are high school students that
    receive a recognized postsecondary
    credential; and
    ``(III) the number of such students
    that are high school students that earn
    credit toward a recognized postsecondary
    credential;
    ``(ii) the extent to which career and
    technical education programs and programs of study
    prepare students, including special populations,
    for subsequent employment in high-skill, high-wage
    occupations (including those in which mathematics
    and science skills are critical, which may include
    computer science), or for participation in
    postsecondary education;
    ``(iii) employer involvement in, benefit from,
    and satisfaction with, career and technical
    education programs and programs of study and
    career and technical education students'
    preparation for employment;
    ``(iv) efforts to expand access to career and
    technical education programs of study for all
    students;
    ``(v) innovative approaches to work-based
    learning programs that increase participation and
    alignment with employment in high-growth
    industries, including in rural and low-income
    areas;
    ``(vi) the effectiveness of different delivery
    systems and approaches for career and technical
    education, including comprehensive high schools,
    technical high schools, area technical centers,
    career academies, community and technical
    colleges, early college high schools, pre-
    apprenticeship programs, voluntary after-school
    programs, and individual course offerings,
    including dual or concurrent enrollment program
    courses, as well as communication strategies for
    promoting career and technical education
    opportunities involving teachers, school
    counselors, and parents or other guardians;
    ``(vii) the extent to which career and
    technical education programs supported by this Act
    are grounded on evidence-based research;
    ``(viii) the impact of the amendments to this
    Act made under the Strengthening Career and
    Technical Education for the 21st Century Act,
    including comparisons, where appropriate, of--
    ``(I) the use of the comprehensive
    needs assessment under section 134(c);
    ``(II) the implementation of
    programs of study; and
    ``(III) coordination of planning and
    program delivery with other relevant
    laws, including the Workforce Innovation
    and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et
    seq.) and the Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965;
    ``(ix) changes in career and technical
    education program accountability as described in
    section 113 and any effects of such changes on
    program delivery and program quality;

    [[Page 1591]]

    ``(x) changes in student enrollment patterns;
    and
    ``(xi) efforts to reduce disparities or
    performance gaps described in section
    113(b)(3)(C)(ii)(II).''; and
    (iv) in subparagraph (C)--
    (I) in clause (i)--

    (aa) <>  in
    the matter preceding subclause
    (I), by inserting ``, in
    consultation with the
    Director,'' after ``The
    Secretary''; and
    (bb) by striking subclauses
    (I) and (II) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(I) <>
    not later than 2 years after the date of
    enactment of the Strengthening Career
    and Technical Education for the 21st
    Century Act, an interim report regarding
    the evaluation and summary of research
    activities carried out under this
    section that builds on studies and
    analyses existing as of such date of
    enactment;
    ``(II) <>
    not later than 4 years after the date of
    enactment of the Strengthening Career
    and Technical Education for the 21st
    Century Act, a final report summarizing
    the studies and analyses that relate to
    the evaluation and summary of research
    activities carried out under this
    section; and
    ``(III) <>  a biennial update to
    such final report for succeeding
    years.'';
    (II) in clause (ii), by inserting
    ``the Director,'' after ``the President,
    the Secretary,'' each place the term
    appears; and
    (III) by adding after clause (ii)
    the following:
    ``(iii) <>  Dissemination.--In
    addition to submitting the reports required under
    clause (i), the Secretary shall disseminate the
    results of the evaluation widely and on a timely
    basis in order to increase the understanding among
    State and local officials and educators of the
    effectiveness of programs and activities supported
    under the Act and of the career and technical
    education programs and programs of study that are
    most likely to produce positive educational and
    employment outcomes.'';
    (C) in subparagraph (3)(A), by striking ``State
    adjusted levels of performance described in section
    113(b)'' and inserting ``State determined levels of
    performance described in section 113(b), as long as such
    information does not reveal any personally identifiable
    information''; and
    (D) by striking paragraphs (4) and (5) and inserting
    the following:
    ``(4) Research.--
    ``(A) <>  In general.--From
    amounts made available under subsection (f), the
    Secretary, after consultation with the Director, the
    Commissioner for Education Research, and the States, and
    with input from the independent advisory panel
    established under subsection (d)(1)(A), shall award a
    grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, on a
    competitive basis, to an institution of higher education
    or to a consortium of one or more institutions of higher
    education and one or more private nonprofit
    organizations

    [[Page 1592]]

    or agencies, to carry out one or more of the activities
    described in subparagraph (B).
    ``(B) Grant activities.--An institution or
    consortium receiving a grant under this paragraph shall
    use grant funds to carry out one or more of the
    following activities:
    ``(i) Evidence-based research and evaluation
    for the purpose of developing, improving, and
    identifying the most successful methods for--
    ``(I) eliminating inequities in
    access to, and in opportunities for,
    learning, skill development, or
    effective teaching in career and
    technical education programs; and
    ``(II) addressing the education,
    employment, and training needs of CTE
    participants, including special
    populations, in career and technical
    education programs or programs of study.
    ``(ii) Research on, and evaluation of, the
    impact of changes made by the Strengthening Career
    and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act,
    including State-by-State comparisons, where
    appropriate, of--
    ``(I) the use of the needs
    assessment under section 134(c);
    ``(II) the implementation of
    programs of study;
    ``(III) how States have implemented
    provisions of the Act, including both
    fiscal and programmatic elements;
    ``(IV) career and technical
    education funding and finance models;
    and
    ``(V) coordination with other
    relevant laws, including the Workforce
    Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
    U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), the Elementary and
    Secondary Education Act of 1965, and the
    Higher Education Act of 1965.
    ``(iii) Evidence-based research and analyses
    that provide longitudinal information with respect
    to career and technical education programs and
    programs of study and student achievement.
    ``(iv) The implementation of, evaluation of,
    or evidence-based research of, innovative methods
    that support high-quality implementation of career
    and technical education programs and programs of
    study and student achievement related to career
    and technical education, including--
    ``(I) creating or expanding dual or
    concurrent enrollment program activities
    and early college high schools;
    ``(II) awarding of academic credit
    or academic alignment for industry
    recognized credentials, competency-based
    education, or work-based learning;
    ``(III) making available open,
    searchable, and comparable information
    on the quality of industry recognized
    credentials, including the related
    skills or competencies, attainment by
    CTE concentrators, related employment
    and earnings outcomes, labor market
    value, and use by employers; or

    [[Page 1593]]

    ``(IV) initiatives to facilitate the
    transition of sub-baccalaureate career
    and technical education students into
    baccalaureate degree programs, including
    barriers affecting rural students and
    special populations.
    ``(C) Report.--The institution or consortium
    receiving a grant under this paragraph shall annually
    prepare a report containing information about the key
    research findings of such entity under this paragraph
    and shall submit copies of the report to the Secretary
    and the Director. The Secretary shall submit copies of
    the report to the relevant committees of Congress, the
    Library of Congress, and each eligible agency.
    ``(D) Dissemination.--The institution or consortium
    receiving a grant under this paragraph shall conduct
    dissemination and training activities based on the
    research carried out under this paragraph on a timely
    basis, including through dissemination networks and, as
    appropriate and relevant, technical assistance providers
    within the Department.'';
    (5) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f);
    (6) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:

    ``(e) Innovation and Modernization.--
    ``(1) Grant program.--To identify, support, and rigorously
    evaluate evidence-based and innovative strategies and activities
    to improve and modernize career and technical education and
    align workforce skills with labor market needs as part of the
    State plan under section 122 and local application under section
    134 and the requirements of this subsection, the Secretary may
    use not more than 20 percent of the amounts appropriated under
    subsection (f) to award grants to eligible entities, eligible
    institutions, or eligible recipients to carry out the activities
    described in paragraph (7).
    ``(2) Non-federal match.--
    ``(A) Matching funds required.--Except as provided
    under subparagraph (B), to receive a grant under this
    subsection, an eligible entity, eligible institution, or
    eligible recipient shall, through cash or in-kind
    contributions, provide matching funds from non-Federal
    sources in an amount equal to not less than 50 percent
    of the funds provided under such grant.
    ``(B) <>  Exception.--The
    Secretary may waive the matching fund requirement under
    subparagraph (A) if the eligible entity, eligible
    institution, or eligible recipient demonstrates
    exceptional circumstances.
    ``(3) Application.--To receive a grant under this
    subsection, an eligible entity, eligible institution, or
    eligible recipient shall submit an application to the Secretary
    at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as
    the Secretary may require, including, at a minimum--
    ``(A) an identification and designation of the
    agency, institution, or school responsible for the
    administration and supervision of the program assisted
    under this paragraph;
    ``(B) a description of the budget for the project,
    the source and amount of the matching funds required
    under

    [[Page 1594]]

    paragraph (2)(A), and how the applicant will continue
    the project after the grant period ends, if applicable;
    ``(C) a description of how the applicant will use
    the grant funds, including how such funds will directly
    benefit students, including special populations, served
    by the applicant;
    ``(D) a description of how the program assisted
    under this subsection will be coordinated with the
    activities carried out under section 124 or 135;
    ``(E) a description of how the career and technical
    education programs or programs of study to be
    implemented with grant funds reflect the needs of
    regional, State, or local employers, as demonstrated by
    the comprehensive needs assessment under section 134(c);
    ``(F) a description of how the program assisted
    under this subsection will be evaluated and how that
    evaluation may inform the report described in subsection
    (d)(2)(C); and
    ``(G) an assurance that the applicant will--
    ``(i) provide information to the Secretary, as
    requested, for evaluations that the Secretary may
    carry out; and
    ``(ii) make data available to third parties
    for validation, in accordance with applicable data
    privacy laws, including section 444 of the General
    Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g,
    commonly known as the `Family Educational Rights
    and Privacy Act of 1974').
    ``(4) Priority.--In awarding grants under this subsection,
    the Secretary shall give priority to applications from eligible
    entities, eligible institutions, or eligible recipients that
    will predominantly serve students from low-income families.
    ``(5) Geographic diversity.--
    ``(A) In general.--In awarding grants under this
    subsection, the Secretary shall award no less than 25
    percent of the total available funds for any fiscal year
    to eligible entities, eligible institutions, or eligible
    recipients proposing to fund career and technical
    education activities that serve--
    ``(i) a local educational agency with an
    urban-centric district locale code of 32, 33, 41,
    42, or 43, as determined by the Secretary;
    ``(ii) an institution of higher education
    primarily serving the one or more areas served by
    such a local educational agency;
    ``(iii) a consortium of such local educational
    agencies or such institutions of higher education;
    ``(iv) a partnership between--
    ``(I) an educational service agency
    or a nonprofit organization; and
    ``(II) such a local educational
    agency or such an institution of higher
    education; or
    ``(v) a partnership between--
    ``(I) a grant recipient described in
    clause (i) or (ii); and
    ``(II) a State educational agency.

    [[Page 1595]]

    ``(B) Exception.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A),
    the Secretary shall reduce the amount of funds made
    available under such clause if the Secretary does not
    receive a sufficient number of applications of
    sufficient quality.
    ``(6) Duration.--
    ``(A) In general.--Grants awarded under this
    subsection shall be for a period of not more than 3
    years.
    ``(B) Extension.--The Secretary may extend such
    grants for not more than 1 additional 2-year period if
    the grantee demonstrates to the Secretary that the
    grantee is achieving the grantee's program objectives
    and, as applicable, has improved education outcomes for
    career and technical education students, including
    special populations.
    ``(7) Uses of funds.--An eligible entity, eligible
    institution, or eligible recipient that is awarded a grant under
    this subsection shall use the grant funds to create, develop,
    implement, replicate, or take to scale evidence-based, field-
    initiated innovations to modernize and improve effectiveness and
    alignment of career and technical education and to improve
    student outcomes in career and technical education, and
    rigorously evaluate such innovations, through one or more of the
    following activities:
    ``(A) Designing and implementing courses or programs
    of study aligned to labor market needs in new or
    emerging fields and working with industry to upgrade
    equipment, technology, and related curriculum used in
    career and technical education programs, which is needed
    for the development, expansion, and implementation of
    State-approved career and technical education programs
    of study, including--
    ``(i) the development or acquisition of
    instructional materials associated with the
    equipment and technology purchased by an eligible
    entity, eligible institution, or eligible
    recipient through the grant; or
    ``(ii) efforts to expand, develop, or
    implement programs designed to increase
    opportunities for students to take rigorous
    courses in coding or computer science subject
    areas, and support for statewide efforts to
    increase access and implementation of coding or
    computer science courses in order to meet local
    labor market needs in occupations that require
    skills in those subject areas.
    ``(B) Improving career and technical education
    outcomes of students served by eligible entities,
    eligible institutions, or eligible recipients through
    activities such as--
    ``(i) supporting the development and
    enhancement of innovative delivery models for
    career and technical education related work-based
    learning, including school-based simulated work
    sites, mentoring, work site visits, job shadowing,
    project-based learning, and skills-based and paid
    internships;
    ``(ii) increasing the effective use of
    technology within career and technical education
    programs and programs of study;

    [[Page 1596]]

    ``(iii) supporting new models for integrating
    academic content at the secondary and
    postsecondary level in career and technical
    education; or
    ``(iv) integrating science, technology,
    engineering, and mathematics fields, including
    computer science education, with career and
    technical education.
    ``(C) Improving the transition of students--
    ``(i) from secondary education to
    postsecondary education or employment through
    programs, activities, or services that may include
    the creation, development, or expansion of dual or
    concurrent enrollment programs, articulation
    agreements, credit transfer agreements, and
    competency-based education; or
    ``(ii) from the completion of one
    postsecondary program to another postsecondary
    program that awards a recognized postsecondary
    credential.
    ``(D) Supporting the development and enhancement of
    innovative delivery models for career and technical
    education.
    ``(E) Working with industry to design and implement
    courses or programs of study aligned to labor market
    needs in new or emerging fields.
    ``(F) Supporting innovative approaches to career and
    technical education by redesigning the high school
    experience for students, which may include evidence-
    based transitional support strategies for students who
    have not met postsecondary education eligibility
    requirements.
    ``(G) Creating or expanding recruitment, retention,
    or professional development activities for career and
    technical education teachers, faculty, school leaders,
    administrators, specialized instructional support
    personnel, career guidance and academic counselors, and
    paraprofessionals, which may include--
    ``(i) providing resources and training to
    improve instruction for, and provide appropriate
    accommodations to, special populations;
    ``(ii) externships or site visits with
    business and industry;
    ``(iii) the integration of coherent and
    rigorous academic content standards and career and
    technical education curricula, including through
    opportunities for appropriate academic and career
    and technical education teachers to jointly
    develop and implement curricula and pedagogical
    strategies;
    ``(iv) mentoring by experienced teachers;
    ``(v) providing resources or assistance with
    meeting State teacher licensure and credential
    requirements; or
    ``(vi) training for career guidance and
    academic counselors at the secondary level to
    improve awareness of postsecondary education and
    postsecondary career options, and improve the
    ability of such counselors to communicate to
    students the career opportunities and employment
    trends.
    ``(H) Improving CTE concentrator employment outcomes
    in non-traditional fields.

    [[Page 1597]]

    ``(I) Supporting the use of career and technical
    education programs and programs of study in a
    coordinated strategy to address identified employer
    needs and workforce shortages, such as shortages in the
    early childhood, elementary school, and secondary school
    education workforce.
    ``(J) Providing integrated student support that
    addresses the comprehensive needs of students, such as
    incorporating accelerated and differentiated learning
    opportunities supported by evidence-based strategies for
    special populations.
    ``(K) Establishing an online portal for career and
    technical education students, including special
    populations, preparing for postsecondary career and
    technical education, which may include opportunities for
    mentoring, gaining financial literacy skills, and
    identifying career opportunities and interests, and a
    platform to establish online savings accounts to be used
    exclusively for postsecondary career and technical
    education programs and programs of study.
    ``(L) Developing and implementing a pay for success
    initiative.
    ``(8) Evaluation.--Each eligible entity, eligible
    institution, or eligible recipient receiving a grant under this
    subsection shall provide for an independent evaluation of the
    activities carried out using such grant and submit to the
    Secretary an annual report that includes--
    ``(A) a description of how funds received under this
    paragraph were used;
    ``(B) the performance of the eligible entity,
    eligible institution, or eligible recipient with respect
    to, at a minimum, the performance indicators described
    under section 113, as applicable, and disaggregated by--
    ``(i) subgroups of students described in
    section 1111(c)(2)(B) of the Elementary and
    Secondary Education Act of 1965;
    ``(ii) special populations; and
    ``(iii) as appropriate, each career and
    technical education program and program of study;
    and
    ``(C) a quantitative analysis of the effectiveness
    of the project carried out under this paragraph.''; and
    (7) by amending subsection (f), as redesignated by paragraph
    (5), to read as follows:

    ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section--
    ``(1) $7,651,051 for fiscal year 2019;
    ``(2) $7,758,166 for fiscal year 2020;
    ``(3) $7,866,780 for fiscal year 2021;
    ``(4) $7,976,915 for fiscal year 2022;
    ``(5) $8,088,592 for fiscal year 2023; and
    ``(6) $8,201,832 for fiscal year 2024.''.
    SEC. 114. ASSISTANCE FOR THE OUTLYING AREAS.

    Section 115 (20 U.S.C. 2325) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``subject to
    subsection (d)'' and inserting ``subject to subsection (b)'';
    (2) by striking subsections (b) and (c); and
    (3) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (b).

    [[Page 1598]]

    SEC. 115. NATIVE AMERICAN PROGRAMS.

    Section 116 (20 U.S.C. 2326) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) in paragraph (1), in the paragraph heading, by
    striking ``native'' and inserting ``Native'';
    (B) by striking paragraph (3);
    (C) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as
    paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively;
    (D) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by
    subparagraph (C)), in the paragraph heading, by striking
    ``hawaiian'' and inserting ``Hawaiian''; and
    (E) in paragraph (4) (as redesignated by
    subparagraph (C))--
    (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking
    ``hawaiian'' and inserting ``Hawaiian''; and
    (ii) by inserting ``(20 U.S.C. 7517)'' after
    ``Act'';
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) by striking ``tribes'' and inserting
    ``Tribes''; and
    (ii) by striking ``tribal'' and inserting
    ``Tribal'';
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) by striking the paragraph heading and
    inserting ``Indian tribes and tribal
    organizations.--'';
    (ii) by striking ``Indian tribe or tribal
    organization'' and inserting ``Indian Tribe or
    Tribal organization'';
    (iii) by striking ``450f'' and inserting
    ``5321''; and
    (iv) by striking ``455-457'' and inserting
    ``5345-5347'';
    (C) in paragraph (3)--
    (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking
    ``bureau of indian affairs'' and inserting
    ``Bureau of indian education'';
    (ii) by striking ``tribe'' and inserting
    ``Tribe'';
    (iii) by striking ``tribal'' and inserting
    ``Tribal''; and
    (iv) by striking ``Bureau of Indian Affairs''
    and inserting ``Bureau of Indian Education'';
    (D) in paragraph (4)--
    (i) by striking ``Bureau of Indian Affairs''
    each place the term appears and inserting ``Bureau
    of Indian Education''; and
    (ii) by striking ``Assistant Secretary of the
    Interior for Indian Affairs'' and inserting
    ``Director of the Bureau of Indian Education'';
    (E) in paragraph (5)(A), by striking ``Indian
    tribes, tribal organizations, and individual tribal
    members'' and inserting ``Indian Tribes, Tribal
    organizations, and individual Tribal members''; and
    (F) in paragraph (6)--
    (i) by striking ``tribe'' each place the term
    appears and inserting ``Tribe''; and
    (ii) by striking ``tribal'' each place the
    term appears and inserting ``Tribal'';
    (3) in subsection (c)--
    (A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
    and
    (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:

    [[Page 1599]]

    ``(2) Special rule.--Notwithstanding section 3(5)(A)(iii),
    funds made available under this section may be used to provide
    preparatory, refresher, and remedial education services that are
    designed to enable students to achieve success in career and
    technical education programs or programs of study.'';
    (4) in subsection (d), by striking ``tribe'' each place the
    term appears and inserting ``Tribe'';
    (5) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``tribal'' and
    inserting ``Tribal'';
    (6) in subsection (f), by striking ``tribe'' and inserting
    ``Tribe''; and
    (7) in subsection (g), by striking ``tribe'' each place the
    term appears and inserting ``Tribe''.
    SEC. 116. TRIBALLY CONTROLLED POSTSECONDARY CAREER AND TECHNICAL
    INSTITUTIONS.

    Section 117 (20 U.S.C. 2327) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``(25 U.S.C. 640a et
    seq.)'' and inserting ``(Public Law 92-189; 85 Stat. 646)'';
    (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``(25 U.S.C. 640a et
    seq.)'' and inserting ``(Public Law 92-189; 85 Stat. 646)'';
    (3) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``tribe'' each place
    the term appears and inserting ``Tribe'';
    (4) in subsection (h)--
    (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``indian
    tribe'' and inserting ``Indian tribe''; and
    (B) by striking ``terms `Indian' and `Indian tribe'
    have the meanings given the terms in'' and inserting
    ``terms `Indian' and `Indian Tribe' have the meanings
    given the terms `Indian' and `Indian tribe',
    respectively, in''; and
    (5) by striking subsection (i) and inserting the following:

    ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section--
    ``(1) $9,762,539 for fiscal year 2019;
    ``(2) $9,899,215 for fiscal year 2020;
    ``(3) $10,037,804 for fiscal year 2021;
    ``(4) $10,178,333 for fiscal year 2022;
    ``(5) $10,320,829 for fiscal year 2023; and
    ``(6) $10,465,321 for fiscal year 2024.''.
    SEC. 117. OCCUPATIONAL AND EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION.

    Section 118 (20 U.S.C. 2328) <>  is repealed.

    PART B--STATE PROVISIONS

    SEC. 121. STATE ADMINISTRATION.

    Section 121(a)(2) (20 U.S.C. 2341(a)(2)) is amended by striking
    ``parents'' and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and
    inserting ``teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support
    personnel, paraprofessionals, school leaders, authorized public
    chartering agencies and charter school leaders (consistent with State
    law), employers, representatives of business (including small
    businesses), labor organizations, eligible recipients, local program
    administrators, State and local officials, Indian Tribes or Tribal
    organizations present in the State, parents, students, and community
    organizations;''.

    [[Page 1600]]

    SEC. 122. STATE PLAN.

    Section 122 (20 U.S.C. 2342) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) by striking ``6-year period,'' and
    inserting ``4-year period, consistent with
    subsection (b) and paragraph (5),''; and
    (ii) by striking ``Carl D. Perkins Career and
    Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006'' and
    inserting ``Strengthening Career and Technical
    Education for the 21st Century Act'';
    (B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``6-year
    period'' and inserting ``4-year period'';
    (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``(including
    charter school'' and all that follows through ``and
    community organizations)'' and inserting ``(including
    teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support
    personnel, paraprofessionals, school leaders, authorized
    public chartering agencies and charter school leaders
    (consistent with State law), employers, labor
    organizations, parents, students, Indian Tribes and
    Tribal organizations that may be present in the State,
    and community organizations)''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) <>  Public comment.--Each eligible
    agency shall make the State plan publicly available for public
    comment for a period of not less than 30 days, by electronic
    means and in an easily accessible format, prior to submission to
    the Secretary for approval under this subsection. In the plan
    the eligible agency files under this subsection, the eligible
    agency shall provide an assurance that public comments were
    taken into account in the development of the State plan.
    ``(5) <>  Optional submission of subsequent
    plans.--An eligible agency may, after the first 4-year State
    plan is submitted under this section, submit subsequent 4-year
    plans not later than 120 days prior to the end of the 4-year
    period covered by the preceding State plan or, if an eligible
    agency chooses not to submit a State plan for a subsequent 4-
    year period, the eligible agency shall submit, and the Secretary
    shall approve, annual revisions to the State determined levels
    of performance in the same manner as revisions submitted and
    approved under section 113(b)(3)(A)(ii).''; and
    (2) by striking subsections (b) through (e) and inserting
    the following:

    ``(b) Options for Submission of State Plan.--
    ``(1) Combined plan.--The eligible agency may submit a
    combined plan that meets the requirements of this section and
    the requirements of section 103 of the Workforce Innovation and
    Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3113).
    ``(2) Notice to secretary.--The eligible agency shall inform
    the Secretary of whether the eligible agency intends to submit a
    combined plan described in paragraph (1) or a single plan.

    ``(c) Plan Development.--
    ``(1) In general.--The eligible agency shall--
    ``(A) <>  develop the State
    plan in consultation with--
    ``(i) representatives of secondary and
    postsecondary career and technical education
    programs, including

    [[Page 1601]]

    eligible recipients and representatives of 2-year
    minority-serving institutions and historically
    Black colleges and universities and tribally
    controlled colleges or universities in States
    where such institutions are in existence, adult
    career and technical education providers, and
    charter school representatives in States where
    such schools are in existence, which shall include
    teachers, faculty, school leaders, specialized
    instructional support personnel, career and
    academic guidance counselors, and
    paraprofessionals;
    ``(ii) interested community representatives,
    including parents, students, and community
    organizations;
    ``(iii) representatives of the State workforce
    development board established under section 101 of
    the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
    U.S.C. 3111) (referred to in this section as the
    `State board');
    ``(iv) members and representatives of special
    populations;
    ``(v) representatives of business and industry
    (including representatives of small business),
    which shall include representatives of industry
    and sector partnerships in the State, as
    appropriate, and representatives of labor
    organizations in the State;
    ``(vi) representatives of agencies serving
    out-of-school youth, homeless children and youth,
    and at-risk youth, including the State Coordinator
    for Education of Homeless Children and Youths
    established or designated under section 722(d)(3)
    of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42
    U.S.C. 11432(d)(3));
    ``(vii) representatives of Indian Tribes and
    Tribal organizations located in, or providing
    services in, the State; and
    ``(viii) individuals with disabilities; and
    ``(B) <>  consult the Governor
    of the State, and the heads of other State agencies with
    authority for career and technical education programs
    that are not the eligible agency, with respect to the
    development of the State plan.
    ``(2) Activities and procedures.--The eligible agency shall
    develop effective activities and procedures, including access to
    information needed to use such procedures, to allow the
    individuals and entities described in paragraph (1) to
    participate in State and local decisions that relate to
    development of the State plan.
    ``(3) Consultation with the governor.--The consultation
    described in paragraph (1)(B) shall include meetings of
    officials from the eligible agency and the Governor's office and
    shall occur--
    ``(A) during the development of such plan; and
    ``(B) prior to submission of the plan to the
    Secretary.

    ``(d) Plan Contents.--The State plan shall include--
    ``(1) <>  a summary of State-supported
    workforce development activities (including education and
    training) in the State, including the degree to which the
    State's career and technical education programs and programs of
    study are aligned with

    [[Page 1602]]

    and address the education and skill needs of the employers in
    the State identified by the State board;
    ``(2) the State's strategic vision and set of goals for
    preparing an educated and skilled workforce (including special
    populations) and for meeting the skilled workforce needs of
    employers, including in existing and emerging in-demand industry
    sectors and occupations as identified by the State, and how the
    State's career and technical education programs will help to
    meet these goals;
    ``(3) <>  a strategy for any joint
    planning, alignment, coordination, and leveraging of funds--
    ``(A) between the State's career and technical
    education programs and programs of study with the
    State's workforce development system, to achieve the
    strategic vision and goals described in paragraph (2),
    including the core programs defined in section 3 of the
    Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
    3102) and the elements related to system alignment under
    section 102(b)(2)(B) of such Act (29 U.S.C.
    3112(b)(2)(B)); and
    ``(B) for programs carried out under this title with
    other Federal programs, which may include programs
    funded under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
    of 1965 and the Higher Education Act of 1965;
    ``(4) a description of the career and technical education
    programs or programs of study that will be supported, developed,
    or improved at the State level, including descriptions of--
    ``(A) the programs of study to be developed at the
    State level and made available for adoption by eligible
    recipients;
    ``(B) the process and criteria to be used for
    approving locally developed programs of study or career
    pathways, including how such programs address State
    workforce development and education needs and the
    criteria to assess the extent to which the local
    application under section 132 will--
    ``(i) promote continuous improvement in
    academic achievement and technical skill
    attainment;
    ``(ii) expand access to career and technical
    education for special populations; and
    ``(iii) support the inclusion of employability
    skills in programs of study and career pathways;
    ``(C) how the eligible agency will--
    ``(i) make information on approved programs of
    study and career pathways (including career
    exploration, work-based learning opportunities,
    early college high schools, and dual or concurrent
    enrollment program opportunities) and guidance and
    advisement resources, available to students (and
    parents, as appropriate), representatives of
    secondary and postsecondary education, and special
    populations, and to the extent practicable,
    provide that information and those resources in a
    language students, parents, and educators can
    understand;
    ``(ii) facilitate collaboration among eligible
    recipients in the development and coordination of
    career and technical education programs and
    programs of

    [[Page 1603]]

    study and career pathways that include multiple
    entry and exit points;
    ``(iii) use State, regional, or local labor
    market data to determine alignment of eligible
    recipients' programs of study to the needs of the
    State, regional, or local economy, including in-
    demand industry sectors and occupations identified
    by the State board, and to align career and
    technical education with such needs, as
    appropriate;
    ``(iv) ensure equal access to approved career
    and technical education programs of study and
    activities assisted under this Act for special
    populations;
    ``(v) coordinate with the State board to
    support the local development of career pathways
    and articulate processes by which career pathways
    will be developed by local workforce development
    boards, as appropriate;
    ``(vi) support effective and meaningful
    collaboration between secondary schools,
    postsecondary institutions, and employers to
    provide students with experience in, and
    understanding of, all aspects of an industry,
    which may include work-based learning such as
    internships, mentorships, simulated work
    environments, and other hands-on or inquiry-based
    learning activities; and
    ``(vii) improve outcomes and reduce
    performance gaps for CTE concentrators, including
    those who are members of special populations; and
    ``(D) how the eligible agency may include the
    opportunity for secondary school students to participate
    in dual or concurrent enrollment programs, early college
    high school, or competency-based education;
    ``(5) a description of the criteria and process for how the
    eligible agency will approve eligible recipients for funds under
    this Act, including how--
    ``(A) each eligible recipient will promote academic
    achievement;
    ``(B) each eligible recipient will promote skill
    attainment, including skill attainment that leads to a
    recognized postsecondary credential; and
    ``(C) each eligible recipient will ensure the
    comprehensive needs assessment under section 134(c)
    takes into consideration local economic and education
    needs, including, where appropriate, in-demand industry
    sectors and occupations;
    ``(6) a description of how the eligible agency will support
    the recruitment and preparation of teachers, including special
    education teachers, faculty, school principals, administrators,
    specialized instructional support personnel, and
    paraprofessionals to provide career and technical education
    instruction, leadership, and support, including professional
    development that provides the knowledge and skills needed to
    work with and improve instruction for special populations;
    ``(7) a description of how the eligible agency will use
    State leadership funds under section 124;
    ``(8) a description of how funds received by the eligible
    agency through the allotment made under section 111 will be
    distributed--

    [[Page 1604]]

    ``(A) among career and technical education at the
    secondary level, or career and technical education at
    the postsecondary and adult level, or both, including
    how such distribution will most effectively provide
    students with the skills needed to succeed in the
    workplace; and
    ``(B) among any consortia that may be formed among
    secondary schools and eligible institutions, and how
    funds will be distributed among the members of the
    consortia, including the rationale for such distribution
    and how it will most effectively provide students with
    the skills needed to succeed in the workplace;
    ``(9) a description of the eligible agency's program
    strategies for special populations, including a description of
    how individuals who are members of special populations--
    ``(A) will be provided with equal access to
    activities assisted under this Act;
    ``(B) will not be discriminated against on the basis
    of status as a member of a special population;
    ``(C) will be provided with programs designed to
    enable individuals who are members of special
    populations to meet or exceed State determined levels of
    performance described in section 113, and prepare
    special populations for further learning and for high-
    skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or
    occupations;
    ``(D) will be provided with appropriate
    accommodations; and
    ``(E) will be provided instruction and work-based
    learning opportunities in integrated settings that
    support competitive, integrated employment;
    ``(10) a description of the procedure the eligible agency
    will adopt for determining State determined levels of
    performance described in section 113, which, at a minimum, shall
    include--
    ``(A) a description of the process for public
    comment under section 113(b)(3)(B) as part of the
    development of the State determined levels of
    performance under section 113(b);
    ``(B) an explanation of the State determined levels
    of performance; and
    ``(C) a description of how the State determined
    levels of performance set by the eligible agency align
    with the levels, goals, and objectives of other Federal
    and State laws;
    ``(11) a description of how the eligible agency will address
    disparities or gaps in performance, as described in section
    113(b)(3)(C)(ii)(II), in each of the plan years, and if no
    meaningful progress has been achieved prior to the third program
    year, a description of the additional actions the eligible
    agency will take to eliminate these disparities or gaps;
    ``(12) describes how the eligible agency will involve
    parents, academic and career and technical education teachers,
    administrators, faculty, career guidance and academic
    counselors, local business (including small businesses), labor
    organizations, and representatives of Indian Tribes and Tribal
    organizations, as appropriate, in the planning, development,
    implementation, and evaluation of such career and technical
    education programs; and

    [[Page 1605]]

    ``(13) assurances that--
    ``(A) <>  the eligible agency
    will comply with the requirements of this Act and the
    provisions of the State plan, including the provision of
    a financial audit of funds received under this Act,
    which may be included as part of an audit of other
    Federal or State programs;
    ``(B) none of the funds expended under this Act will
    be used to acquire equipment (including computer
    software) in any instance in which such acquisition
    results in a direct financial benefit to any
    organization representing the interests of the acquiring
    entity or the employees of the acquiring entity, or any
    affiliate of such an organization;
    ``(C) the eligible agency will use the funds to
    promote preparation for high-skill, high-wage, or in-
    demand industry sectors or occupations and non-
    traditional fields, as identified by the eligible
    agency;
    ``(D) the eligible agency will use the funds
    provided under this Act to implement career and
    technical education programs and programs of study for
    individuals in State correctional institutions,
    including juvenile justice facilities; and
    ``(E) the eligible agency will provide local
    educational agencies, area career and technical
    education schools, and eligible institutions in the
    State with technical assistance, including technical
    assistance on how to close gaps in student participation
    and performance in career and technical education
    programs; and
    ``(14) a description of the opportunities for the public to
    comment in person and in writing on the State plan under this
    subsection.

    ``(e) Consultation.--
    ``(1) In general.--The eligible agency shall develop the
    portion of each State plan relating to the amount and uses of
    any funds proposed to be reserved for adult career and technical
    education, postsecondary career and technical education, and
    secondary career and technical education after consultation
    with--
    ``(A) the State agency responsible for supervision
    of community colleges, technical institutes, other 2-
    year postsecondary institutions primarily engaged in
    providing postsecondary career and technical education,
    or, where applicable, institutions of higher education
    that are engaged in providing postsecondary career and
    technical education as part of their mission;
    ``(B) the State agency responsible for secondary
    education; and
    ``(C) the State agency responsible for adult
    education.
    ``(2) Objections of state agencies.--If a State agency other
    than the eligible agency finds that a portion of the final State
    plan is objectionable, that objection shall be filed together
    with the State plan. The eligible agency shall respond to any
    objections of such State agency in the State plan submitted to
    the Secretary.
    ``(3) <>  Joint signature authority.--A
    Governor shall have 30 days prior to the eligible agency
    submitting the State plan to the Secretary to sign such plan. If
    the Governor has not

    [[Page 1606]]

    signed the plan within 30 days of delivery by the eligible
    agency to the Governor, the eligible agency shall submit the
    plan to the Secretary without such signature.

    ``(f) Plan Approval.--
    ``(1) <>  In general.--Not
    later than 120 days after the eligible agency submits its State
    plan, the Secretary shall approve such State plan, or a revision
    of the plan under subsection (a)(2) (including a revision of
    State determined levels of performance in accordance with
    section 113(b)(3)(A)(iii)), if the Secretary determines that the
    State has submitted in its State plan State determined levels of
    performance that meet the criteria established in section
    113(b)(3), including the minimum requirements described in
    section 113(b)(3)(A)(i)(III), unless the Secretary--
    ``(A) determines that the State plan does not meet
    the requirements of this Act, including the minimum
    requirements as described in section
    113(b)(3)(A)(i)(III); and
    ``(B) meets the requirements of paragraph (2) with
    respect to such plan.
    ``(2) Disapproval.--The Secretary--
    ``(A) shall have the authority to disapprove a State
    plan only if the Secretary--
    ``(i) determines how the State plan fails to
    meet the requirements of this Act; and
    ``(ii) provides to the eligible agency, in
    writing, notice of such determination and the
    supporting information and rationale to
    substantiate such determination; and
    ``(B) shall not finally disapprove a State plan,
    except after making the determination and providing the
    information described in subparagraph (A), and giving
    the eligible agency notice and an opportunity for a
    hearing.''.
    SEC. 123. IMPROVEMENT PLANS.

    Section 123 (20 U.S.C. 2343) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) by striking ``percent of an agreed upon''
    and inserting ``percent of the'';
    (ii) by striking ``State adjusted level of
    performance'' and inserting ``State determined
    level of performance'' each place the term
    appears;
    (iii) by striking ``section 113(b)(3)'' and
    inserting ``113(b)(2) for all CTE concentrators'';
    (iv) by striking ``(with special consideration
    to performance gaps identified under section
    113(c)(2))'' and inserting ``(that includes an
    analysis of the performance disparities or gaps
    identified under section 113(b)(3)(C)(ii)(II), and
    actions that will be taken to address such
    gaps)'';
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) by striking ``State's adjusted levels of
    performance'' and inserting ``State determined
    levels of performance''; and

    [[Page 1607]]

    (ii) by striking ``purposes of this Act'' and
    inserting ``purposes of this section, including
    after implementation of the improvement plan
    described in paragraph (1),'';
    (C) in paragraph (3)(A)--
    (i) in clause (i), by inserting ``or'' after
    the semicolon; and
    (ii) by striking clauses (ii) and (iii) and
    inserting the following:
    ``(ii) with respect to any specific core
    indicator of performance that was identified in a
    program improvement plan under paragraph (1),
    fails to meet at least 90 percent of a State
    determined level of performance for such core
    indicator for 2 consecutive years after the
    eligible agency has been identified for
    improvement under such paragraph.''; and
    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(5) Adjustments prohibited.--An eligible agency shall not
    be eligible to adjust performance levels while executing an
    improvement plan under this section.''; and
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) by striking ``adjusted'' each place the term
    appears;
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) by inserting ``for all CTE concentrators''
    after ``section 113(b)(4)''; and
    (ii) by striking ``(with special consideration
    to performance gaps identified under section
    113(b)(4)(C)(ii)(II) in consultation with the
    eligible agency,'' and inserting ``(that includes
    an analysis of the performance disparities or gaps
    identified under section 113(b)(3)(C)(ii)(II), and
    actions that will be taken to address such gaps)
    in consultation with local stakeholders described
    in section 134(d)(1), the eligible agency, and'';
    (C) in paragraph (4)--
    (i) in subparagraph (A)--
    (I) in clause (i), by inserting
    ``or'' after the semicolon; and
    (II) by striking clauses (ii) and
    (iii) and inserting the following:
    ``(ii) with respect to any specific core
    indicator of performance that was identified in a
    program improvement plan under paragraph (2),
    fails to meet at least 90 percent of the local
    level of performance for such core indicator for 2
    consecutive years after the eligible recipient has
    been identified for improvement under such
    paragraph.''; and
    (ii) in subparagraph (B)--
    (I) in clause (i), by striking
    ``or'' after the semicolon;
    (II) in clause (ii), by striking the
    period at the end and inserting ``;
    or''; and
    (III) by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(iii) in response to a public request from
    an eligible recipient, if the eligible agency
    determines that the requirements described in
    clause (i) or (ii) have been met.''; and

    [[Page 1608]]

    (D) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(6) Adjustments prohibited.--An eligible recipient shall
    not be eligible to adjust performance levels while executing an
    improvement plan under this section.''.
    SEC. 124. STATE LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.

    Section 124 (20 U.S.C. 2344) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``shall conduct State
    leadership activities.'' and inserting ``shall--
    ``(1) conduct State leadership activities to improve career
    and technical education, which shall include support for--
    ``(A) preparation for non-traditional fields in
    current and emerging professions, programs for special
    populations, and other activities that expose students,
    including special populations, to high-skill, high-wage,
    and in-demand occupations;
    ``(B) individuals in State institutions, such as
    State correctional institutions, including juvenile
    justice facilities, and educational institutions that
    serve individuals with disabilities;
    ``(C) recruiting, preparing, or retaining career and
    technical education teachers, faculty, specialized
    instructional support personnel, or paraprofessionals,
    such as preservice, professional development, or
    leadership development programs; and
    ``(D) technical assistance for eligible recipients;
    and
    ``(2) <>  report on the effectiveness of
    such use of funds in achieving the goals described in section
    122(d)(2) and the State determined levels of performance
    described in section 113(b)(3)(A), and reducing disparities or
    performance gaps as described in section
    113(b)(3)(C)(ii)(II).'';
    (2) in subsection (b)--
    (A) in the subsection heading, by striking
    ``Required'' and inserting ``Permissible'';
    (B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
    striking ``shall'' and inserting ``may''; and
    (C) by striking paragraphs (1) through (9) and
    inserting the following:
    ``(1) developing statewide programs of study, which may
    include standards, curriculum, and course development, and
    career exploration, guidance, and advisement activities and
    resources;
    ``(2) approving locally developed programs of study that
    meet the requirements established in section 122(d)(4)(B);
    ``(3) establishing statewide articulation agreements aligned
    to approved programs of study;
    ``(4) establishing statewide industry or sector partnerships
    among local educational agencies, institutions of higher
    education, adult education providers, Indian Tribes and Tribal
    organizations that may be present in the State, employers,
    including small businesses, and parents, as appropriate to--
    ``(A) develop and implement programs of study
    aligned to State and local economic and education needs,
    including, as appropriate, in-demand industry sectors
    and occupations;

    [[Page 1609]]

    ``(B) facilitate the establishment, expansion, and
    integration of opportunities for students at the
    secondary level to--
    ``(i) successfully complete coursework that
    integrates rigorous and challenging technical and
    academic instruction aligned with the challenging
    State academic standards adopted by the State
    under section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and
    Secondary Education Act of 1965; and
    ``(ii) earn a recognized postsecondary
    credential or credit toward a recognized
    postsecondary credential, which may be earned
    through a dual or concurrent enrollment program or
    early college high school, at no cost to the
    student or the student's family; and
    ``(C) facilitate work-based learning opportunities
    (including internships, externships, and simulated work
    environments) into programs of study;
    ``(5) for teachers, faculty, specialized instructional
    support personnel, and paraprofessionals providing career and
    technical education instruction, support services, and
    specialized instructional support services, high-quality
    comprehensive professional development that is, to the extent
    practicable, grounded in evidence-based research (to the extent
    a State determines that such evidence is reasonably available)
    that identifies the most effective educator professional
    development process and is coordinated and aligned with other
    professional development activities carried out by the State
    (including under title II of the Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965 and title II of the Higher Education Act
    of 1965), including programming that--
    ``(A) promotes the integration of the challenging
    State academic standards adopted by the State under
    section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965 and relevant technical knowledge
    and skills, including programming jointly delivered to
    academic and career and technical education teachers;
    ``(B) prepares career and technical education
    teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support
    personnel, and paraprofessionals to provide appropriate
    accommodations for students who are members of special
    populations, including through the use of principles of
    universal design for learning, multi-tier systems of
    supports, and positive behavioral interventions and
    support; and
    ``(C) increases the ability of teachers, faculty,
    specialized instructional support personnel, and
    paraprofessionals providing career and technical
    education instruction to stay current with industry
    standards and earn an industry-recognized credential or
    license, as appropriate, including by assisting those
    with relevant industry experience in obtaining State
    teacher licensure or credential requirements;
    ``(6) supporting eligible recipients in eliminating
    inequities in student access to--
    ``(A) high-quality programs of study that provide
    skill development; and
    ``(B) effective teachers, faculty, specialized
    instructional support personnel, and paraprofessionals;

    [[Page 1610]]

    ``(7) <>  awarding incentive grants to
    eligible recipients--
    ``(A) for exemplary performance in carrying out
    programs under this Act, which awards shall be based
    on--
    ``(i) eligible recipients exceeding the local
    level of performance on a core indicator of
    performance established under section 113(b)(4)(A)
    in a manner that reflects sustained or significant
    improvement;
    ``(ii) eligible recipients effectively
    developing connections between secondary education
    and postsecondary education and training;
    ``(iii) the integration of academic and
    technical standards;
    ``(iv) eligible recipients' progress in
    closing achievement gaps among subpopulations who
    participate in programs of study; or
    ``(v) other factors relating to the
    performance of eligible recipients under this Act
    as the eligible agency determines are appropriate;
    or
    ``(B) if an eligible recipient elects to use funds
    as permitted under section 135(c);
    ``(8) providing support for--
    ``(A) the adoption and integration of recognized
    postsecondary credentials and work-based learning into
    programs of study, and for increasing data collection
    associated with recognized postsecondary credentials and
    employment outcomes; or
    ``(B) <>
    consultation and coordination with other State agencies
    for the identification and examination of licenses or
    certifications that--
    ``(i) pose an unwarranted barrier to entry
    into the workforce for career and technical
    education students; and
    ``(ii) do not protect the health, safety, or
    welfare of consumers;
    ``(9) the creation, implementation, and support of pay for
    success initiatives leading to a recognized postsecondary
    credential;
    ``(10) support for career and technical education programs
    for adults and out-of-school youth concurrent with their
    completion of their secondary school education in a school or
    other educational setting;
    ``(11) the creation, evaluation, and support of competency-
    based curricula;
    ``(12) support for the development, implementation, and
    expansion of programs of study or career pathways in areas
    declared to be in a state of emergency under section 501 of the
    Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
    (42 U.S.C. 5191);
    ``(13) partnering with qualified intermediaries to improve
    training, the development of public-private partnerships,
    systems development, capacity-building, and scalability of the
    delivery of high-quality career and technical education;
    ``(14) improvement of career guidance and academic
    counseling programs that assist students in making informed
    academic and career and technical education decisions, including
    academic and financial aid counseling;

    [[Page 1611]]

    ``(15) support for the integration of employability skills
    into career and technical education programs and programs of
    study;
    ``(16) support for programs and activities that increase
    access, student engagement, and success in science, technology,
    engineering, and mathematics fields (including computer science,
    coding, and architecture), support for the integration of arts
    and design skills, and support for hands-on learning,
    particularly for students who are members of groups
    underrepresented in such subject fields, such as female
    students, minority students, and students who are members of
    special populations;
    ``(17) support for career and technical student
    organizations, especially with respect to efforts to increase
    the participation of students in nontraditional fields and
    students who are members of special populations;
    ``(18) support for establishing and expanding work-based
    learning opportunities that are aligned to career and technical
    education programs and programs of study;
    ``(19) integrating and aligning programs of study and career
    pathways;
    ``(20) supporting the use of career and technical education
    programs and programs of study aligned with State, regional, or
    local high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or
    occupations identified by the State workforce development board
    described in section 101 of the Workforce Innovation and
    Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111) or local workforce development
    boards;
    ``(21) making all forms of instructional content widely
    available, which may include use of open educational resources;
    ``(22) <>  developing valid and reliable
    assessments of competencies and technical skills and enhancing
    data systems to collect and analyze data on secondary and
    postsecondary academic and employment outcomes;
    ``(23) support for accelerated learning programs, as
    described in section 4104(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV) of the Elementary and
    Secondary Education Act of 1965, in the case of any such program
    that is part of a career and technical education program of
    study;
    ``(24) support for career academies to implement a
    postsecondary education and workforce-ready curriculum at the
    secondary education level that integrates rigorous academic,
    technical, and employability contents through career and
    technical education programs and programs of study that address
    needs described in the comprehensive needs assessment under
    section 134(c); and
    ``(25) other State leadership activities that improve career
    and technical education.'';
    (3) by striking subsection (c);
    (4) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c); and
    (5) in subsection (c), as redesignated by paragraph (4), by
    striking the period at the end and inserting ``, unless
    expressly authorized under subsection (a).''.

    [[Page 1612]]

    PART C--LOCAL PROVISIONS

    SEC. 131. DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS TO SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

    Section 131 (20 U.S.C. 2351) is amended--
    (1) in subsection (a)(3)(B), by striking ``Bureau of Indian
    Affairs'' and inserting ``Bureau of Indian Education'';
    (2) in subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii), by inserting ``or programs
    of study'' after ``technical education programs'';
    (3) in subsection (g), by inserting ``and programs of
    study'' after ``technical education programs''; and
    (4) in subsection (h), by striking ``Bureau of Indian
    Affairs'' and inserting ``Bureau of Indian Education''.
    SEC. 132. SPECIAL RULES FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

    Section 133 (20 U.S.C. 2353) is amended by inserting ``or programs
    of study'' after ``career and technical education programs'' each place
    the term appears.
    SEC. 133. LOCAL APPLICATION FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
    PROGRAMS.

    Section 134 (20 U.S.C. 2354) is amended--
    (1) in the section heading, by striking ``local plan'' and
    inserting ``local application'';
    (2) in subsection (a)--
    (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Local
    Plan'' and inserting ``Local Application'';
    (B) by striking ``submit a local plan'' and
    inserting ``submit a local application''; and
    (C) by striking ``Such local plan'' and inserting
    ``Such local application''; and
    (3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:

    ``(b) Contents.--The eligible agency shall determine the
    requirements for local applications, except that each local application
    shall contain--
    ``(1) a description of the results of the comprehensive
    needs assessment conducted under subsection (c);
    ``(2) information on the career and technical education
    course offerings and activities that the eligible recipient will
    provide with funds under this part, which shall include not less
    than 1 program of study approved by a State under section
    124(b)(2), including--
    ``(A) how the results of the comprehensive needs
    assessment described in subsection (c) informed the
    selection of the specific career and technical education
    programs and activities selected to be funded;
    ``(B) a description of any new programs of study the
    eligible recipient will develop and submit to the State
    for approval; and
    ``(C) how students, including students who are
    members of special populations, will learn about their
    school's career and technical education course offerings
    and whether each course is part of a career and
    technical education program of study;
    ``(3) a description of how the eligible recipient, in
    collaboration with local workforce development boards and other
    local

    [[Page 1613]]

    workforce agencies, one-stop delivery systems described in
    section 121(e)(2) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
    Act (29 U.S.C. 3151(e)(2)), and other partners, will provide--
    ``(A) career exploration and career development
    coursework, activities, or services;
    ``(B) career information on employment opportunities
    that incorporate the most up-to-date information on
    high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or
    occupations, as determined by the comprehensive needs
    assessment described in subsection (c); and
    ``(C) an organized system of career guidance and
    academic counseling to students before enrolling and
    while participating in a career and technical education
    program;
    ``(4) a description of how the eligible recipient will
    improve the academic and technical skills of students
    participating in career and technical education programs by
    strengthening the academic and career and technical education
    components of such programs through the integration of coherent
    and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards
    and relevant career and technical education programs to ensure
    learning in the subjects that constitute a well-rounded
    education (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and
    Secondary Education Act of 1965);
    ``(5) a description of how the eligible recipient will--
    ``(A) provide activities to prepare special
    populations for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand
    industry sectors or occupations that will lead to self-
    sufficiency;
    ``(B) prepare CTE participants for non-traditional
    fields;
    ``(C) provide equal access for special populations
    to career and technical education courses, programs, and
    programs of study; and
    ``(D) ensure that members of special populations
    will not be discriminated against on the basis of their
    status as members of special populations;
    ``(6) a description of the work-based learning opportunities
    that the eligible recipient will provide to students
    participating in career and technical education programs and how
    the recipient will work with representatives from employers to
    develop or expand work-based learning opportunities for career
    and technical education students, as applicable;
    ``(7) a description of how the eligible recipient will
    provide students participating in career and technical education
    programs with the opportunity to gain postsecondary credit while
    still attending high school, such as through dual or concurrent
    enrollment programs or early college high school, as
    practicable;
    ``(8) a description of how the eligible recipient will
    coordinate with the eligible agency and institutions of higher
    education to support the recruitment, preparation, retention,
    and training, including professional development, of teachers,
    faculty, administrators, and specialized instructional support
    personnel and paraprofessionals who meet applicable State
    certification and licensure requirements (including any
    requirements met through alternative routes to certification),
    including individuals from groups underrepresented in the
    teaching profession; and

    [[Page 1614]]

    ``(9) a description of how the eligible recipient will
    address disparities or gaps in performance as described in
    section 113(b)(3)(C)(ii)(II) in each of the plan years, and if
    no meaningful progress has been achieved prior to the third
    program year, a description of the additional actions such
    recipient will take to eliminate those disparities or gaps.

    ``(c) Comprehensive Needs Assessment.--
    ``(1) <>  In general.--To be eligible to
    receive financial assistance under this part, an eligible
    recipient shall--
    ``(A) conduct a comprehensive local needs assessment
    related to career and technical education and include
    the results of the needs assessment in the local
    application submitted under subsection (a); and
    ``(B) <>  not less than once every
    2 years, update such comprehensive local needs
    assessment.
    ``(2) Requirements.--The comprehensive local needs
    assessment described in paragraph (1) shall include each of the
    following:
    ``(A) <>  An evaluation of the
    performance of the students served by the eligible
    recipient with respect to State determined and local
    levels of performance established pursuant to section
    113, including an evaluation of performance for special
    populations and each subgroup described in section
    1111(h)(1)(C)(ii) of the Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965.
    ``(B) A description of how career and technical
    education programs offered by the eligible recipient
    are--
    ``(i) sufficient in size, scope, and quality
    to meet the needs of all students served by the
    eligible recipient; and
    ``(ii)(I) aligned to State, regional, Tribal,
    or local in-demand industry sectors or occupations
    identified by the State workforce development
    board described in section 101 of the Workforce
    Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111)
    (referred to in this section as the `State board')
    or local workforce development board, including
    career pathways, where appropriate; or
    ``(II) designed to meet local education or
    economic needs not identified by State boards or
    local workforce development boards.
    ``(C) An evaluation of progress toward the
    implementation of career and technical education
    programs and programs of study.
    ``(D) A description of how the eligible recipient
    will improve recruitment, retention, and training of
    career and technical education teachers, faculty,
    specialized instructional support personnel,
    paraprofessionals, and career guidance and academic
    counselors, including individuals in groups
    underrepresented in such professions.
    ``(E) A description of progress toward
    implementation of equal access to high-quality career
    and technical education courses and programs of study
    for all students, including--
    ``(i) strategies to overcome barriers that
    result in lower rates of access to, or performance
    gaps in, the courses and programs for special
    populations;

    [[Page 1615]]

    ``(ii) providing programs that are designed to
    enable special populations to meet the local
    levels of performance; and
    ``(iii) providing activities to prepare
    special populations for high-skill, high-wage, or
    in-demand industry sectors or occupations in
    competitive, integrated settings that will lead to
    self-sufficiency.

    ``(d) <>  Consultation.--In conducting the
    comprehensive needs assessment under subsection (c), and developing the
    local application described in subsection (b), an eligible recipient
    shall involve a diverse body of stakeholders, including, at a minimum--
    ``(1) representatives of career and technical education
    programs in a local educational agency or educational service
    agency, including teachers, career guidance and academic
    counselors, principals and other school leaders, administrators,
    and specialized instructional support personnel and
    paraprofessionals;
    ``(2) representatives of career and technical education
    programs at postsecondary educational institutions, including
    faculty and administrators;
    ``(3) representatives of the State board or local workforce
    development boards and a range of local or regional businesses
    or industries;
    ``(4) parents and students;
    ``(5) representatives of special populations;
    ``(6) representatives of regional or local agencies serving
    out-of-school youth, homeless children and youth, and at-risk
    youth (as defined in section 1432 of the Elementary and
    Secondary Education Act of 1965);
    ``(7) representatives of Indian Tribes and Tribal
    organizations in the State, where applicable; and
    ``(8) any other stakeholders that the eligible agency may
    require the eligible recipient to consult.

    ``(e) Continued Consultation.--An eligible recipient receiving
    financial assistance under this part shall consult with stakeholders
    described in subsection (d) on an ongoing basis, as determined by the
    eligible agency. This may include consultation in order to--
    ``(1) provide input on annual updates to the comprehensive
    needs assessment required under subsection (c)(1)(B);
    ``(2) ensure programs of study are--
    ``(A) responsive to community employment needs;
    ``(B) aligned with employment priorities in the
    State, regional, tribal, or local economy identified by
    employers and the entities described in subsection (d),
    which may include in-demand industry sectors or
    occupations identified by the local workforce
    development board;
    ``(C) informed by labor market information,
    including information provided under section 15(e)(2)(C)
    of the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 491-2(e)(2)(C));
    ``(D) designed to meet current, intermediate, or
    long-term labor market projections; and
    ``(E) allow employer input, including input from
    industry or sector partnerships in the local area, where
    applicable, into the development and implementation of
    programs of study to ensure such programs of study align
    with skills required by local employment opportunities,

    [[Page 1616]]

    including activities such as the identification of
    relevant standards, curriculum, industry-recognized
    credentials, and current technology and equipment;
    ``(3) identify and encourage opportunities for work-based
    learning; and
    ``(4) ensure funding under this part is used in a
    coordinated manner with other local resources.''.
    SEC. 134. LOCAL USES OF FUNDS.

    Section 135 (20 U.S.C. 2355) is amended to read as follows:
    ``SEC. 135. LOCAL USES OF FUNDS.

    ``(a) General Authority.--Each eligible recipient that receives
    funds under this part shall use such funds to develop, coordinate,
    implement, or improve career and technical education programs to meet
    the needs identified in the comprehensive needs assessment described in
    section 134(c).
    ``(b) Requirements for Uses of Funds.--Funds made available to
    eligible recipients under this part shall be used to support career and
    technical education programs that are of sufficient size, scope, and
    quality to be effective and that--
    ``(1) provide career exploration and career development
    activities through an organized, systematic framework designed
    to aid students, including in the middle grades, before
    enrolling and while participating in a career and technical
    education program, in making informed plans and decisions about
    future education and career opportunities and programs of study,
    which may include--
    ``(A) introductory courses or activities focused on
    career exploration and career awareness, including non-
    traditional fields;
    ``(B) readily available career and labor market
    information, including information on--
    ``(i) occupational supply and demand;
    ``(ii) educational requirements;
    ``(iii) other information on careers aligned
    to State, local, or Tribal (as applicable)
    economic priorities; and
    ``(iv) employment sectors;
    ``(C) programs and activities related to the
    development of student graduation and career plans;
    ``(D) career guidance and academic counselors that
    provide information on postsecondary education and
    career options;
    ``(E) any other activity that advances knowledge of
    career opportunities and assists students in making
    informed decisions about future education and employment
    goals, including non-traditional fields; or
    ``(F) providing students with strong experience in,
    and comprehensive understanding of, all aspects of an
    industry;
    ``(2) provide professional development for teachers,
    faculty, school leaders, administrators, specialized
    instructional support personnel, career guidance and academic
    counselors, or paraprofessionals, which may include--
    ``(A) professional development on supporting
    individualized academic and career and technical
    education instructional approaches, including the
    integration of academic and career and technical
    education standards and curricula;

    [[Page 1617]]

    ``(B) professional development on ensuring labor
    market information is used to inform the programs,
    guidance, and advisement offered to students, including
    information provided under section 15(e)(2)(C) of the
    Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49l-2(e)(2)(C));
    ``(C) providing teachers, faculty, school leaders,
    administrators, specialized instructional support
    personnel, career guidance and academic counselors, or
    paraprofessionals, as appropriate, with opportunities to
    advance knowledge, skills, and understanding of all
    aspects of an industry, including the latest workplace
    equipment, technologies, standards, and credentials;
    ``(D) supporting school leaders and administrators
    in managing career and technical education programs in
    the schools, institutions, or local educational agencies
    of such school leaders or administrators;
    ``(E) supporting the implementation of strategies to
    improve student achievement and close gaps in student
    participation and performance in career and technical
    education programs;
    ``(F) providing teachers, faculty, specialized
    instructional support personnel, career guidance and
    academic counselors, principals, school leaders, or
    paraprofessionals, as appropriate, with opportunities to
    advance knowledge, skills, and understanding in
    pedagogical practices, including, to the extent the
    eligible recipient determines that such evidence is
    reasonably available, evidence-based pedagogical
    practices;
    ``(G) training teachers, faculty, school leaders,
    administrators, specialized instructional support
    personnel, career guidance and academic counselors, or
    paraprofessionals, as appropriate, to provide
    appropriate accommodations for individuals with
    disabilities, and students with disabilities who are
    provided accommodations under the Rehabilitation Act of
    1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.) or the Individuals with
    Disabilities Education Act;
    ``(H) training teachers, faculty, specialized
    instructional support personnel, career guidance and
    academic counselors, and paraprofessionals in frameworks
    to effectively teach students, including a particular
    focus on students with disabilities and English
    learners, which may include universal design for
    learning, multi-tier systems of supports, and positive
    behavioral interventions and support; or
    ``(I) training for the effective use of community
    spaces that provide access to tools, technology, and
    knowledge for learners and entrepreneurs, such as
    makerspaces or libraries;
    ``(3) provide within career and technical education the
    skills necessary to pursue careers in high-skill, high-wage, or
    in-demand industry sectors or occupations;
    ``(4) support integration of academic skills into career and
    technical education programs and programs of study to support--
    ``(A) CTE participants at the secondary school level
    in meeting the challenging State academic standards
    adopted under section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and

    [[Page 1618]]

    Secondary Education Act of 1965 by the State in which
    the eligible recipient is located; and
    ``(B) CTE participants at the postsecondary level in
    achieving academic skills;
    ``(5) plan and carry out elements that support the
    implementation of career and technical education programs and
    programs of study and that result in increasing student
    achievement of the local levels of performance established under
    section 113, which may include--
    ``(A) a curriculum aligned with the requirements for
    a program of study;
    ``(B) sustainable relationships among education,
    business and industry, and other community stakeholders,
    including industry or sector partnerships in the local
    area, where applicable, that are designed to facilitate
    the process of continuously updating and aligning
    programs of study with skills that are in demand in the
    State, regional, or local economy, and in collaboration
    with business outreach staff in one-stop centers, as
    defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
    Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102), and other appropriate
    organizations, including community-based and youth-
    serving organizations;
    ``(C) where appropriate, expanding opportunities for
    CTE concentrators to participate in accelerated learning
    programs (as described in section 4104(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV)
    of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
    (20 U.S.C. 7114(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV)), including dual or
    concurrent enrollment programs, early college high
    schools, and the development or implementation of
    articulation agreements as part of a career and
    technical education program of study;
    ``(D) appropriate equipment, technology, and
    instructional materials (including support for library
    resources) aligned with business and industry needs,
    including machinery, testing equipment, tools,
    implements, hardware and software, and other new and
    emerging instructional materials;
    ``(E) a continuum of work-based learning
    opportunities, including simulated work environments;
    ``(F) industry-recognized certification examinations
    or other assessments leading toward a recognized
    postsecondary credential;
    ``(G) efforts to recruit and retain career and
    technical education program teachers, faculty, school
    leaders, administrators, specialized instructional
    support personnel, career guidance and academic
    counselors, and paraprofessionals;
    ``(H) <>  where applicable,
    coordination with other education and workforce
    development programs and initiatives, including career
    pathways and sector partnerships developed under the
    Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101
    et seq.) and other Federal laws and initiatives that
    provide students with transition-related services,
    including the Individuals with Disabilities Education
    Act;
    ``(I) expanding opportunities for students to
    participate in distance career and technical education
    and blended-learning programs;

    [[Page 1619]]

    ``(J) expanding opportunities for students to
    participate in competency-based education programs;
    ``(K) improving career guidance and academic
    counseling programs that assist students in making
    informed academic and career and technical education
    decisions, including academic and financial aid
    counseling;
    ``(L) supporting the integration of employability
    skills into career and technical education programs and
    programs of study, including through family and consumer
    science programs;
    ``(M) supporting programs and activities that
    increase access, student engagement, and success in
    science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields
    (including computer science and architecture) for
    students who are members of groups underrepresented in
    such subject fields;
    ``(N) providing career and technical education, in a
    school or other educational setting, for adults or out-
    of-school youth to complete secondary school education
    or upgrade technical skills;
    ``(O) supporting career and technical student
    organizations, including student preparation for and
    participation in technical skills competitions aligned
    with career and technical education program standards
    and curricula;
    ``(P) making all forms of instructional content
    widely available, which may include use of open
    educational resources;
    ``(Q) supporting the integration of arts and design
    skills, when appropriate, into career and technical
    education programs and programs of study;
    ``(R) partnering with a qualified intermediary to
    improve training, the development of public-private
    partnerships, systems development, capacity-building,
    and scalability of the delivery of high-quality career
    and technical education;
    ``(S) support to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket
    expenses for special populations participating in career
    and technical education, including those participating
    in dual or concurrent enrollment programs or early
    college high school programs, and supporting the costs
    associated with fees, transportation, child care, or
    mobility challenges for those special populations; or
    ``(T) other activities to improve career and
    technical education programs; and
    ``(6) <>  develop and implement
    evaluations of the activities carried out with funds under this
    part, including evaluations necessary to complete the
    comprehensive needs assessment required under section 134(c) and
    the local report required under section 113(b)(4)(B).

    ``(c) Pooling Funds.--An eligible recipient may pool a portion of
    funds received under this Act with a portion of funds received under
    this Act available to one or more eligible recipients to support
    implementation of programs of study through the activities described in
    subsection (b)(2).
    ``(d) Administrative Costs.--Each eligible recipient receiving funds
    under this part shall not use more than 5 percent of such funds for
    costs associated with the administration of activities under this
    section.''.

    [[Page 1620]]

    TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    SEC. 201. FEDERAL AND STATE ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

    (a) In General.--The Act (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.) is amended--
    (1) in section 311--
    (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``and tech prep
    program activities''; and
    (B) in subsection (b)--
    (i) in paragraph (1)--
    (I) by amending subparagraph (A) to
    read as follows:
    ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
    subparagraph (B), (C), or (D), in order for a State to
    receive its full allotment of funds under this Act for
    any fiscal year, the Secretary must find that the
    State's fiscal effort per student, or the aggregate
    expenditures of such State, with respect to career and
    technical education for the preceding fiscal year was
    not less than the fiscal effort per student, or the
    aggregate expenditures of such State, for the second
    preceding fiscal year.'';
    (II) in subparagraph (B), by
    striking ``shall exclude capital
    expenditures, special 1-time project
    costs, and the cost of pilot programs.''
    and inserting ``shall, at the request of
    the State, exclude competitive or
    incentive-based programs established by
    the State, capital expenditures, special
    one-time project costs, and the cost of
    pilot programs.''; and
    (III) by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(D) Establishing the state baseline.--For purposes
    of applying subparagraph (A) for years which require the
    calculation of the State's fiscal effort per student, or
    aggregate expenditures of such State, with respect to
    career and technical education for the first full fiscal
    year following the date of enactment of the
    Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the
    21st Century Act, the State may determine the State's
    fiscal effort per student, or aggregate expenditures of
    such State, with respect to career and technical
    education for such first full fiscal year by--
    ``(i) continuing to use the State's fiscal
    effort per student, or aggregate expenditures of
    such State, with respect to career and technical
    education, as was in effect on the day before the
    date of enactment of the Strengthening Career and
    Technical Education for the 21st Century Act; or
    ``(ii) establishing a new level of fiscal
    effort per student, or aggregate expenditures of
    such State, with respect to career and technical
    education, which is not less than 95 percent of
    the State's fiscal effort per student, or the
    aggregate expenditures of such State, with respect
    to career and technical education for the
    preceding fiscal year.'';
    (ii) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting
    the following:
    ``(2) Failure to meet.--

    [[Page 1621]]

    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall reduce the
    amount of a State's allotment of funds under this Act
    for any fiscal year in the exact proportion by which the
    State fails to meet the requirement of paragraph (1) by
    falling below the State's fiscal effort per student or
    the State's aggregate expenditures (using the measure
    most favorable to the State), if the State failed to
    meet such requirement (as determined using the measure
    most favorable to the State) for 1 or more of the 5
    immediately preceding fiscal years.
    ``(B) Special rule.--No such lesser amount shall be
    used for computing the effort required under paragraph
    (1) for subsequent years.
    ``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive paragraph (2) due to
    exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances affecting the
    ability of the State to meet the requirement of paragraph (1)
    such as a natural disaster or an unforeseen and precipitous
    decline in financial resources. No level of funding permitted
    under such a waiver may be used as the basis for computing the
    fiscal effort or aggregate expenditures required under this
    section for years subsequent to the year covered by such waiver.
    The fiscal effort or aggregate expenditures for the subsequent
    years shall be computed on the basis of the level of funding
    that would, but for such waiver, have been required.'';
    (2) in section 314(1), by striking ``career path or major''
    and inserting ``career pathway or program of study'';
    (3) in section 315--
    (A) by inserting ``or programs of study'' after
    ``career and technical education programs''; and
    (B) by striking ``seventh grade'' and inserting
    ``the middle grades (as such term is defined in section
    8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
    1965)'';
    (4) in section 317(b)--
    (A) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) by inserting ``, including programs of
    study,'' after ``activities''; and
    (ii) by striking ``who reside in the
    geographical area served by'' and inserting ``in
    areas served by''; and
    (B) in paragraph (2)--
    (i) by striking ``the geographical area'' and
    inserting ``areas''; and
    (ii) by inserting ``, including programs of
    study,'' after ``activities'';
    (5) <>  by striking title II and
    redesignating title III as title II;
    (6) by redesignating sections 311 through 318, as amended by
    this section, as sections 211 through 218, respectively;
    (7) by redesignating sections 321 through 324 as sections
    221 through 224, respectively; and
    (8) by inserting after section 218 (as so redesignated) the
    following:
    ``SEC. 219. <>  STUDY ON PROGRAMS OF STUDY
    ALIGNED TO HIGH-SKILL, HIGH-WAGE
    OCCUPATIONS.

    ``(a) Scope of Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States
    shall conduct a study to evaluate--

    [[Page 1622]]

    ``(1) the strategies, components, policies, and practices
    used by eligible agencies or eligible recipients receiving
    funding under this Act to successfully assist--
    ``(A) all students in pursuing and completing
    programs of study aligned to high-skill, high-wage
    occupations; and
    ``(B) any special population or specific subgroup of
    students identified in section 1111(h)(1)(C)(ii) of the
    Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 in
    pursuing and completing programs of study aligned to
    high-skill, high-wage occupations in fields in which
    such special population or subgroup is underrepresented;
    and
    ``(2) any challenges associated with replication of such
    strategies, components, policies, and practices.

    ``(b) Consultation.--In carrying out the study conducted under
    subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the United States shall
    consult with a geographically diverse (including urban, suburban, and
    rural) representation of--
    ``(1) students and parents;
    ``(2) eligible agencies and eligible recipients;
    ``(3) teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support
    personnel, and paraprofessionals, including those with expertise
    in preparing career and technical education students for non-
    traditional fields;
    ``(4) Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations;
    ``(5) special populations; and
    ``(6) representatives of business and industry.

    ``(c) Submission.--Upon completion, the Comptroller General of the
    United States shall submit the study conducted under subsection (a) to
    the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
    Pensions of the Senate.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 8(a) (20 U.S.C. 2306a(a)) is
    amended by striking ``311(b), and 323'' and inserting ``211(b), and
    223''.

    TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS

    SEC. 301. AMENDMENTS TO THE WAGNER-PEYSER ACT.

    Section 15(e)(2) of the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49l-2(e)(2)) is
    amended--
    (1) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
    following:
    ``(B) <>  consult with eligible
    agencies (defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins
    Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C.
    2302)), State educational agencies, and local
    educational agencies concerning the provision of
    workforce and labor market information in order to--
    ``(i) meet the needs of secondary school and
    postsecondary school students who seek such
    information; and
    ``(ii) <>  annually inform
    the development and implementation of programs of
    study defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins
    Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20
    U.S.C. 2302), and career pathways;'';

    [[Page 1623]]

    (2) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``and'' after the
    semicolon;
    (3) in subparagraph (H), by striking the period at the end
    and inserting ``; and''; and
    (4) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(I) provide, on an annual and timely basis to each
    eligible agency (defined in section 3 of the Carl D.
    Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20
    U.S.C. 2302)), the data and information described in
    subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(1).''.
    SEC. 302. AMENDMENTS TO THE ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT
    OF 1965.
    (1) Section 1111(h)(1)(C)(xiv) of the Elementary and
    Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(h)(1)(C)(xiv))
    is amended by striking ``attaining career and technical
    proficiencies (as defined by section 113(b) of the Carl D.
    Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C.
    2323(b)) and reported by States only in a manner consistent with
    section 113(c) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 2323(c))'' and inserting
    ``meeting State determined levels of performance for core
    indicators, as defined by section 113(b)(3)(A) of the Carl D.
    Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C.
    2323(b)(3)(A)), and reported by States only in a manner
    consistent with section 113(b)(3)(C) of such Act (20 U.S.C.
    2323(b)(3)(C))''.
    (2) Section 6115(b)(6) of the Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7425(b)(6)) is amended by
    striking ``tech-prep education, mentoring,'' and inserting
    ``mentoring''.
    (3) Section 6304(a)(3)(K) of the Elementary and Secondary
    Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7544(a)(3)(K)) is amended by
    striking ``tech-prep,''.
    SEC. 303. AMENDMENT TO THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY
    ACT.

    Section 134(c)(2)(A)(vii) of the Workforce Innovation and
    Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(2)(A)(vii)) is amended by striking
    ``school dropouts'' and inserting ``out-of-school youth''.

    Approved July 31, 2018.

    LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 2353 (S. 3217):
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    HOUSE REPORTS: No. 115-164 (Comm. on Education and the Workforce).
    SENATE REPORTS: No. 115-434 (Comm. on Health, Education, Labor, and
    Pensions) accompanying S. 3217.
    CONGRESSIONAL RECORD:
    Vol. 163 (2017):
    June 22, considered and passed
    House.
    Vol. 164 (2018):
    July 23, considered and passed
    Senate, amended.
    July 25, House concurred in Senate
    amendment.