Memorandum

This memorandum provides an update on the date of release, and method of transmission to the States, of the State Plan Guide for the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 (Perkins III).

On behalf of the Division of Vocational- Technical Education staff and myself, I would like to thank those of you who participated in the dialogue sessions recently held at the American Vocational Association conference. The issues that were raised and the feedback we received during the various sessions have proven invaluable.

We had originally identified a December 31, 1998 deadline for transmitting State plan guidance to you. In order to provide States with information and guidance that takes into consideration the information that was obtained at AVA, we need to extend the date for release of the State Plan Guide to January 11, 1999.

To give you sufficient time to complete the State plan, we are extending the deadline for States to submit a State plan for Perkins III to April 12, 1999. This change in deadlines will reduce the amount of time the Department has for review and approval of the plan.

The State Plan Guide will be sent to the State Directors electronically on or before Friday January 11, 1999. In addition, a copy will be flash faxed and a hard copy will be sent by mail. If you have any further questions, please contact Ron Castaldi at (202) 205-9444.