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From CAST
The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) Friday Notes newsletter includes key stories regarding animals, plants, food safety, international issues, and general topics.
Academic papers and agricultural reports are also available for free download at the CAST website (http://www.cast-science.org/). Click HERE to access the August 5 issue of CAST Friday Notes.
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From ACTE
Legislative Alert:
Ask Businesses to Support Perkins Funding!
ACTE, the American Association of Community Colleges, the American Association of School Administrators, the Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Association of State Directors of Career and Technical Education are circulating a business sign-on letter in support of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, and we need your help!;
Many of your programs have strong partnerships with large and small businesses, and we want to utilize this business voice. Reach out to your business partners and have them join in the fight to oppose any additional cuts to Perkins funding. Similar to the business letter that was circulated earlier this year, this letter requests that Congress restore funds for Perkins to ensure that CTE programs have the resources to educate and train the future workforce.
The lead organizations for the sign-on letter will be collecting business and organization names and ZIP codes through August. Large and small businesses are encouraged to sign. We will use the business name and identify the congressional representative through use of the business ZIP code.
Please visit www.acteonline.org/saveCTEfunding.aspx for the latest news related to CTE funding. You can also view talking points for businesses, a chart displaying how much Perkins funding your state lost in 2011 and other resources to help you advocate successfully for CTE programs.
If a business would like to be added to the letter, please contact Jamie Baxter with the business name and its ZIP code. Thank you for your support. Together, we will save CTE funding!
Get more policy news and analysis on the CTE Policy Watch blog, and find out how to fight for CTE!
Perkins Poll #6
ACTE is beginning the process of collecting information from members related to the next reauthorization of Perkins, which could begin as early as 2012. We need your input! Please respond to the following question and check back regularly for new poll questions. You can also leave more extensive comments on the CTE Policy Watch Blog.
One of the biggest criticisms from the current Administration is a lack of uniform data about CTE programs across the country. This issue is sure to be a hot topic over the next few years and as Perkins is reauthorized. Currently there are six Perkins accountability indicators for CTE programs at the postsecondary level, but are these the right measures? What should a new Perkins accountability system for postsecondary CTE programs look like (we considered secondary programs in Poll #5)? Choose all that apply.
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From U.S. Dept. of Education
News Release:
Obama Administration Proceeds with Reform of No Child Left Behind Following Congressional Inaction
August 8, 2011
With the new school year fast approaching and still no bill to reform the federal education law known as No Child Left Behind, the Obama administration will provide a process for states to seek relief from key provisions of the law, provided that they are willing to embrace education reform.
Melody Barnes, director of the Domestic Policy Council at the White House, and U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan will jointly announce the President's directive in the White House briefing room on Monday, Aug. 8. Barnes will explain that the administration's proposal to fix NCLB has been with Congress for 16 months, been the topic of numerous meetings and hearings, and been subjected to partisan politics in the House. Last March—a full year after submitting his proposal—the President called for a bill before the start of the school year.
Read the full release
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From NASAE
NASAE Annual Meeting, Awards and Dues Information
Registration has opened for the 2011 NASAE Annual Meeting, which will be held October 17-19 at the Westin Hotel in Indianapolis. Please visit www.teamaged.org/nasae for information about the meeting, NASAE Outstanding Member award, and 2011-12 dues.
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From NYFEA
Register for the 45th National Young Farmer Education Association Institute
December 7-10, 2011
Missouri looks to welcome you to the Heart of America and your host community, Kansas City, will offer you a tasteful slice into the Breadbasket of the Midwest. Coco Keys Indoor Water Resort and Holiday Inn Kansas City SE Hotel encompass tour headquarters.
Visit http://www.2011nyfeashowmemo.com/ for more information.
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From AAAE
AAAE seeking an Executive Director
AAAE is seeking a part-time executive director. It is anticipated the person will spend an average of 5-10 hours per week performing the responsibilities of the position. However, there will be periods of time such as prior to, during and after the annual conference when the person will be working considerably more hours. Click here to view the complete position description.
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From U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
Fourth Generation Farmer, Educator, and Lawmaker Helps White House Win the Future
Jason is a fourth generation farmer/rancher, educator, and lawmaker from Wilmot, SD. Jason manages a 150 head beef cow/calf operation as well as raises corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. Frerichs is an agriculture instructor at Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, SD where he is also the Watertown Area FFA Advisor.
Representative Frerichs has been a key player in the development of renewable energy and education issues in the State Legislature. Frerichs is actively involved in the Farmers Union, the South Dakota Education Association, SD Stockgrowers, and the United States Cattlemen’s Association
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