The re-authorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) presents states with a new opportunity to align and strengthen P-16 education, postsecondary transitions, higher education, career and technical education (CTE) pathways toward a future-focused workforce. State and local leaders are examining how to develop the future workforce with the planning and development of competency-based systems with multiple pathways to allow students to earn meaningful credentials at each stage. Multiple pathways are an essential component of student-centered learning systems as they can increase student engagement and ownership of learning while improving outcomes for postsecondary and career readiness. The goal is to have a system designed for future success that will focus on goals, increase student engagement and ownership of learning, while improving outcomes for postsecondary and career readiness.

States can advance student-centered learning through the Perkins Act. They can support student success by providing access to dual enrollment and early college, rigorous career and technical education pathways, work-based learning, and career exploration to help foster attainment of meaningful degrees and industry-recognized credentials.