The major MSSC activity in July was its Annual Leadership Meetings, which were held virtually. On July 21, MSSC held its customary internal meetings of the Board, the Joint Board-Leadership Council, and Training Solution Providers. On July 22, MSSC convened its traditional Executive Briefing, which focused this year on Biden Administration initiatives in the areas of high interest to the MSSC Community:
- Administration Initiatives on Education: Amy Loyd, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education
- Administration Initiatives on Workforce Development: Suzan LeVine, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor
- Administration Initiatives in Economic Development: Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary, Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.
MSSC is preparing a “Special Report” on this Executive Briefing that it will circulate to the MSSC Community. In addition, MSSC staff seeking replies to questions asked during these and other speakers at the Executive Briefing, which we will send to attendees at each relevant session.
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House released FY 2022 education appropriations bill with Perkins and WIOA increase
The House Committee on Appropriations released the first draft of its Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill for a total funding level of $1.38 billion. The Perkins Basic State Grant received a $50 million increase from FY 2021. The bill would provide $14.7 billion for the U.S. Department of Labor, which is an increase over FY 2021 of $2.2 billion—a nearly 18 percent increase over current funding levels. Follow this link to learn more.
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Cardona Testifies on ED Policies and Priorities
U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, testified to the House Committee on Education and Labor about the policies and priorities of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Secretary Cardona spoke about the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to make up for years of federal underinvestment in education programs. He also voiced a commitment to addressing the inequities that persist for students and teachers in underserved schools. Secretary Cardona discussed the need to improve career pathways, including through an increased investment for Career Technical Education (CTE) in Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). Secretary Cardona’s full opening statement can be found via this link.
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Senate Reintroduces Bill on Teacher and Principal Shortage
Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Susan Collins (R-ME), members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, reintroduced the Preparing and Retaining Education Professionals (PREP) Act to address teacher and principal shortages. The PREP Act particularly addresses shortages in rural areas, and ways to increase teacher diversity. The legislation would expand the definition of high need districts under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to include schools with teacher shortages in rural communities as well as in “core academic subjects,” which includes CTE. Full bill text can be found here.
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Industry Recovery Panel Perspectives: Skills for an Inclusive Manufacturing Recovery
National Skills Coalition (NSC) and Business Leaders United (BLU) convened a Manufacturing Industry Recovery Panel of leading experts working in local communities to learn what an effective, equitable plan to revitalize American manufacturing needs to include. Key recommendations:
- Prioritize workforce investments and equity in federal recovery efforts
- Invest in equitable onramps to manufacturing career pathways
- Support local solutions through expanded industry partnerships
- Expand short-term training and flexible apprenticeship
- Help the manufacturing workforce adapt to new technologies
- Incorporate talent strategies into federal support for manufacturing ecosystems
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Best Practices and Innovations in CTE
September 29-October 1, 2021
Austin, TX
Cohosted by network partner ACTE and the National Council of Local Administrators, this conference is the signature professional development event for secondary and postsecondary CTE administrators.
December 1-4, 2021
New Orleans, LA
Access to more than 200 in-person-only sessions covering multiple CTE sectors, timely equity and access topics and innovations in CTE. The conference also boasts an on-site Expo, numerous networking receptions and pre-conference workshops as well as online VISION programming during and post-event.
In-person member early bird rate – August 15
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Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Website
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