Carl D. Perkins Funding: School Year 2005-2006
Signed into law on October 31, 1998, the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 (Perkins III) sets out a new vision of vocational and technical education for the 21st century. The central goals of this new vision are improving student achievement and preparing students for postsecondary education, further learning and careers.

Perkins III promotes reform, innovation and continuous improvement in vocational and technical education to ensure that students acquire the skills and knowledge they need to meet challenging state academic standards and industry-recognized skill standards, and to prepare for postsecondary education, further learning and a wide range of opportunities in high-skill, high-wage careers.

On an annual basis, the Toms River Regional School District has successfully applied for Perkins funding. Consistent with the revised regulations, a "Five-year Perkins Plan" was submitted to the State and approved. In accordance with that approved plan, a funding application for school year 2005-2006 was submitted to the State and subsequently approved in the amount of $56,000. This 2005-2006 funding for high school "Technology and Career Education" was approved for the following:

• Support of Computer Aided Drafting Classes at HS North and HS South (printers, plotters, drafting supplies, and software)

Courses are continually updated to be consistent with program goals and to ensure that technology is integrated into the curriculum in ways that further our educational goals to benefit our students. A major goal of Perkins is to promote preparation for nontraditional training and employment. In the past, the female population traditionally took courses in word processing and keyboarding. The male population traditionally took courses in communications and technology. This is no longer the case, as private industry demands that all perspective employees demonstrate the ability to use current technology and its many avenues of communications. Occupations such as computer operator, draftsperson, court reporter, travel agent and securities clerk all require keyboarding skills and knowledge of industry-standard software. All of our students will find that the ability to communicate effectively, whether through writing or voice, will be an invaluable skill in the pursuit of employment and/or higher education.

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