WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education announced the reversal last week of a regulatory reporting scheme under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins V). The decision comes in response to widespread concerns about the administrative burdens and costs associated with the Biden-era reporting requirements. The reversal underscores the Trump Administration’s commitment to strengthening career and technical education (CTE) and supporting innovative workforce development initiatives.
The regulatory reporting requirements, introduced in December 2024, would have compelled states, high schools, and community colleges to submit revised state plans and meet additional reporting mandates as part of their Consolidated Annual Reports. Critics argued that these changes would impose thousands of hours in compliance work, diverting resources from efforts to prepare students for the workforce.
Acting Under Secretary James Bergeron characterized the reversal as a necessary step to refocus attention on empowering students and CTE providers. “The 11th-hour Biden-Harris information collection on CTE programs was unnecessary bureaucratic red tape that would only drive up costs and hinder innovation,” Bergeron stated. “We look forward to a more thoughtful and cooperative process with stakeholders to reauthorize the Perkins Act.”
Stakeholder Concerns Drive Policy Shift
The now-reversed reporting mandates drew criticism from several organizations, including Advance CTE and the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). These groups, alongside state education officials and policymakers, voiced their opposition in a January letter to the Department of Education, arguing that the requirements were inconsistent with Perkins V’s statutory purpose. They noted that the mandates would not provide additional value to states, local programs, or learners, and could weaken alignment with other federal education and workforce laws.
The December information collections also raised concerns about negative impacts on CTE programs. Stakeholders feared that the revised processes would reduce innovation, compromise data quality, and create challenges unrelated to the program’s objectives. The adjustments further deviated from the traditional five-year review process established for state plans, adding to the administrative burden.
To address these concerns, the Department of Education has directed the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) to reinstate prior versions of the Perkins State Plan Guide and the Consolidated Annual Report Guide. The Department has committed to promptly notifying state CTE directors of the change and will publish a notice in the Federal Register outlining the policy’s reinstatement.
Supporting CTE Through Policy and Proclamation
Beyond reversing the reporting mandates, the Trump Administration has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting career and technical education. On February 3, President Trump issued a proclamation designating February as Career and Technical Education Month. The proclamation celebrates the value of CTE in preparing students for in-demand careers and signals the Administration’s commitment to the program’s robust future.
The Administration’s broader support for CTE is also reflected in the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, signed into law by President Trump in 2018. The legislation reauthorized Perkins V and aimed to improve the accessibility, quality, and alignment of CTE programs with workforce needs.
Looking Ahead
The Department of Education’s decision to roll back the Biden-era reporting requirements represents a pivotal shift in CTE policy, aimed at reducing bureaucratic obstacles while fostering innovation. Moving forward, federal, state, and local partners are expected to work collaboratively to develop policies that enhance the impact of CTE programs. These initiatives will focus on equipping students with the skills needed for a competitive workforce, strengthening pathways from education to employment, and reinforcing the role of CTE in economic development.
By eliminating unnecessary compliance burdens, the Department has signaled its prioritization of effectiveness and student outcomes. This approach promises to bolster the long-term success of career and technical education programs, ensuring that they remain integral to addressing the nation’s workforce challenges in the years to come.
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