- Expanding the Labor Market Definition: Allow districts bordering other states to incorporate cross-state labor data into CTE needs assessments and program planning.
- Flexible Perkins V Guidance: Update Tennessee's Perkins V guidelines to recognize regional economic zones, particularly for counties adjacent to large metropolitan areas in bordering states.
- Regional Funding Adjustments: Modify Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) direct funding calculations to support CTE alignment with cross-border workforce trends.
- Encouraging Cross-State Partnerships: Support partnerships between Tennessee schools and out-of-state employers for work-based learning, dual credit, and certification opportunities.
Graphic by LeBlanc¶
LeBlanc says she’s already had positive discussions with lawmakers, and she plans to work towards passing legislation next year that either implements her proposed changes or allows for a pilot program in Lincoln County.¶
She says the proposed changes only make logical sense for a small community that’s just across the border from 275,000 jobs.¶
“It doesn’t cost the state anything new, and it just aligns the education policies with the real world that our students are preparing to enter,” said LeBlanc. “I started working on this issue simply because of my students. Since I’ve been teaching here in Lincoln County, I’ve watched a lot of students graduate, step into careers, they’re going to Huntsville, Alabama, and I want to make sure the programs we offer match the opportunities that they’re actually pursuing.”¶
