Improving Perkins II Performance Measures and Standards: Lessons Learned from Early Implementers in Four States

The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1990 required states to develop outcome-based accountability systems built around statewide performance measures and standards. States were given considerable flexibility in selecting outcomes to be measured, the measurement tools, and the standards; their systems were to be in place by the fall of 1992. To assess the progress states have made in the first three years, the authors examined the programs in four states that were among the first to begin implementation. Substantial progress has been made in implementing the measures and standards in these states, although there is wide variation in how they are being implemented. However, as of 1994, little attention had been paid to translating the resulting data into program improvements. Thus, much work remains before the programs function as the lawmakers envisioned. The authors identify a number of factors that reduce the likelihood of state programs functioning as federal lawmakers envision, and the authors suggest specific steps state and federal policymakers should take to improve implementation, including better coordination among accountability requirements in federal and state education and training initiatives.