House members unanimously passed The Comprehensive Career and Technical Education Reform Act. The bill requires all public school students take the ACT WorkKeys between 9th and 11th grade. The WorkKeys measures foundational skills for success in the workplace and would be weighted the same as the ACT college entrance exam. Workforce Development Committee Chair, Republican Donnie Bell of Fulton, says he received word the governor would veto the bill just as he did last year.
“Last year when the governor vetoed this bill he told us the policy was good. He agreed with the policy but that it violated federal law and jeopardized the Perkins funding for K-12,” said Bell.
Bell says attorneys for the legislature reviewed the measure and found it didn’t violate federal law. He added they sought clarification from the governor’s office and the state department of education about the issue and didn’t receive a response. He urged members to support the House bill. Bell contends the measure will change the way career technical training is viewed.
“This is a good bill. It’s going to make a difference in your schools. It’s going to make a difference for your citizens and their kids' lives. We are dealing with a public that needs help. Our school system needs help and this is the opportunity to do it,” said Bell.
The act allows students to pursue technical careers and take challenging academic courses or pursue dual enrollment in a community college. Schools districts are also required to include skills such as social graces, interpersonal communication and teamwork training.
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