Whereas the Carl Perkins Vocational and Technical Education act (VATEA) requires the identification of one state agency to receive funds under this act, and
Whereas California does not have an agency identified for this purpose,
Resolved that the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges support legislation designating the Joint Advisory Planning Committee (JAPC) as the sole state agency to receive VATEA funds.
Whereas the Business Education Statewide Advisory Committee has successfully provided leadership in curriculum and staff development for California community college business and technical education efforts, and
Whereas the Business Education Statewide Advisory Committee is an important link used to facilitate dialogue between the Chancellor's Office, business community, and business educators in order to provide relevant educational experiences, and
Whereas the Occupational Education Committee of Academic Senate for California Community Colleges conducted the first Vocational Education Faculty Leadership Seminar in May 1994, funded by a grant from the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act, and
Whereas the Seminar has been co-sponsored by the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges and the Bay Region Consortium since Spring 1995 with over 700 faculty attending (with the Senate's Occupational Education Committee planning the program and Bay Region Consortium taking care of the logistics), and
Whereas the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges and the Bay Region Consortium have co-sponsored the Vocational Education Faculty Leadership Seminar for eight years, and the Academic Senate's name is on the conference materials, and
Whereas, The California Community Colleges are heavily involved in workforce development programs mandated by federal and state legislation establishing the Regional Workforce Preparation and Economic Development Act, the Workforce Investment Act, and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act (VTEA);
Whereas, The California Community Colleges have readily supported these legislative actions through existing programs as well as the development of new vocational and technical programs to meet economic development needs;
Whereas, Workforce preparation and economic development are important parts of the California Community College mission;
Whereas, This combined mission has been implemented through a long and varied series of legislation and programs; and
Whereas, An understanding of this history will enhance the ability of faculty to interact with the Governor's proposed changes in the workforce system and to participate in future policy discussions;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate adopt the paper Toward a Perspective on Workforce Preparation and Economic Development.
Whereas, Community college occupational education programs rely heavily on Perkins funding; and
Whereas, The continuance of this funding is currently being threatened;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate work with the Board of Governors and Chancellor's Office to ensure that Perkins funding for community college vocational programs be continued; and
Whereas, Many students exposed to vocational courses and programs at the high school level continue on to pursue certificates and degrees at the community college level;
Whereas, High school vocational education programs appear to be one of the low priorities for the California Department of Education and many school districts as whole programs in different vocational education areas have been dropped from the curriculum;
Whereas, The draft Workforce Preparation and Economic Development Initiative includes proposals that will help the California community colleges better prepare students for the new economy;
Whereas, The draft Workforce Preparation and Economic Development Initiative includes participation of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges in instituting recommended activities;
Whereas, The Board of Governors is developing a new initiative on economic development;
Whereas, The new initiative will include career ladder development, integration of vocational and academic education, basic skills preparation, and life long learning concepts; and
Whereas, The new initiative would direct that some economic development funds be included in the base for every college (instead of going out only on a competitive basis);