Narrative: b. 2. J.

The State sponsors an annual conference that focuses on evidenced–based best practices. One strand at the annual conference is focused on Tech Prep strategies. The State also works with two associations (Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Educators, Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Administrators) to cosponsor annual conferences, symposiums and regional workshops. In addition, through on–site reviews, technical assistance visits, data review and program approvals, the State identifies the evidenced–based best practices eligible recipients.

To facilitate and communicate evidenced–based best practices, the State will also identify school districts, career and technical education centers and postsecondary institutions that are having difficulties in meeting the Perkins IV indicators. The State will provide resources that will enable the educational entities to improve program quality and student achievement.

Technical assistance to the school districts, career and technical centers and postsecondary institutions includes:

• Assistance in developing a program improvement plan that specifically identifies the strategies, techniques and methods to improve program quality and student achievement. • Assistance in identifying and realigning resources to improve program quality and student achievement. • Assistance in monitoring program quality and progress.

The State staff will analyze each entity’s performance data. Those school districts, career and technical centers and postsecondary institutions with “Programs of Study” that are not meeting the standards will be required to develop a program improvement plan that specifically addresses program improvement and student achievement. Once the State receives the plan, State teams will work with the entity by providing appropriate resources. Dissemination of evidenced–based best practices will also occur through the State’s website.