A "governing body" is charged with ultimate managerial control, fiscal and legal responsibility for the operation of a program. Governing bodies normally provide targeted guidance of high school, community colleges, and/or four-year institutions--but career and technical education can also bridge education and the workforce. For example, five states have designated their workforce agency as the governing body. Other states might provide governance that facilitates the spanning of two systems (e.g., high school and community college) or the alignment of services across systems. Three states have established a state board for career and technical education charged with governing career and technical education. Five states have charged the state's community colleges or postsecondary system with governing career and technical education. The remaining 38 states have left the governing functions with the state department or the state board of education.

Why does it matter?

Methodology: This information was collected from state statutes, rules and regulations, and will be updated as new policies are enacted.

Last updated: June 2008

Research conducted by Melodye Bush. Please contact Bush at 303.299.3631 or mbush@ecs.org with questions or comments about this database.