09/27/2005 GAAS:454:05 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version |

Governor Makes Major Investment in Vocational Education with New Law

At Pasadena City College today, Governor Schwarzenegger signed important legislation expanding California schools' vocational education programs which equip students with essential skills and experience to prepare them for various careers in today's demanding job environment. Senate Bill 70 , sponsored by Governor Schwarzenegger and authored by Senator Jack Scott (D-Altadena), provides the first significant investment in vocational, or Career Technical Education (CTE), in the state in years and strengthens the partnership between community colleges and high schools to reform and expand vocational programs in California.

"Vocational education is a first-class ticket to a high-paying job and a solid career in the California economy. But for too long it has been neglected and hasn't gotten the respect it deserves. So we wanted to strengthen it, make it better and expand the opportunities for our students," Governor Schwarzenegger said. "This bill will dedicate millions of dollars to Career Tech this year, the first major funding increase in many years."

The primary goal of the legislation is to develop new programs and build a partnership between California's K-12 schools and community colleges so that their vocational curriculum is in alignment and of maximum benefit to students. The legislation strengthens the use of the California Community College system's (CCC) existing ties to key industries, K-12 schools and higher education programs to make them more current and applicable in California's job market. It provides $20 million for grants to local middle school, high school and community college partnerships to rebuild and enhance CTE programs. The new funding will support:

"Quick Start" programs which offer students experience and skills in specific industries including transportation, manufacturing, biotechnologies, environmental technology, health occupations and multi-media fields.
"Capacity Building" projects which reinvigorate the presence and quality of CTE by improving course offerings, aligning programs and increasing communication with business and industry.
Career exploration programs for middle school pupils which help students and parents in planning their high school coursework with an eye to the future.

"For much too long, California's students have had limited opportunities when it comes to vocational education," said Senator Jack Scott. "Our lack of attention has allowed these vital programs, which give students important life and career experience, to atrophy over the years. As an educator in the community colleges for 25 years, I saw firsthand the need for more investment in our students. As a Senator, I've now been able to do something about it. SB 70, so long overdue, will finally fund the programs which prepare our students for careers, for success, and for life."

Governor Schwarzenegger also signed the following education-related legislation:

Senate Bill 875 by George C. Runner (R-Antelope Valley). This bill explicitly includes CTE on the list of allowed educational components for the After School Education and Safety (ASES) program for elementary and middle schools, and clarifies that the majority of a pupil's participation time must physically take place at a program's school site.
Assembly Bill 1609 by Carol Liu (D-La Canada Flintridge). This bill requires schools to include CTE program information on the School Accountability Report Card (SARC) and includes Williams Settlement clean-up language by adding information related to insufficient textbooks to the SARC.

Governor Schwarzenegger's 2005-06 budget provides $3 billion more for education this year, for a total of $50 billion, breaking the record for the state's investment in its students. In addition to the $20 million in new funding being devoted to CTE, the Governor's 2005-06 budget makes the following allocations:

$10 million for community colleges to expand nursing education.
$560,000 for California State University to develop master's degree programs in nursing.
$37.4 million to fund the Governor's Career Technical Education Initiative has been set aside in separate legislation.
Nearly $50 million for low-performing schools to improve their educational environment and recruit, retain and reward teachers and principals.
Nearly $70 million to provide supplemental instruction to students who have failed or are at risk of failing the California High School Exit Exam.
$18.2 million to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables students are served under California's School Breakfast Program.
$193.6 million to prepare schools for enrollment growth.
$3.9 billion for growing enrollment, cost of living increases and mental health services for our students with special needs.
$183.5 million for emergency repairs in schools, consistent with the Williams Case settlement.