The Decentralization of Perkins: History, Impact, and Recommendations for Future CTE Legislation

The purpose of this study was to identify the impact the 1990 amendments to Carl D. Perkins Career and Applied Technology Act within-state allocation of federal funds had on the operational infrastructure of secondary career and technical education (OISCTE) in Virginia. Using the policy Delphi research technique, the researcher identified 161 consequences deemed relevant within and/or between all participant position levels (local, state, and university). Thirty-five consequences received the same effect (positive or negative) among all position levels. The findings of this study suggest that the changes to the within-state funding formula and its accompanying amendments did have an overall negative effect on the operation of secondary CTE in Virginia. More specifically, the changes to the Perkins Act this study examined adversely affected CTE teacher education; state-level CTE research initiatives; and state-level CTE's ability to provide localities with hands-on technical assistance, professional and leadership development, and coordination.