Building success.

As this is my first column of 2006, I want to start by wishing you all a Happy New Year. As the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) enters 2006, it does so with a sense of optimism, renewed energy and several New Year's resolutions.

First, ACTE vows to continue to build success in the area of legislative advocacy. As federal legislators move Perkins reauthorization into its final stages, ACTE staff will use its expertise, along with that of the members, to ensure that the voice of CTE is heard. In addition, ACTE will continue to closely monitor and act on other key pieces of legislation that are beneficial to CTE.

Secondly, ACTE resolves to build success as a primary force in the educational reform arena. The ACTE position paper on high school reform presents CTE's recommendations along with success stories detailing successful CTE programs

Thirdly, ACTE commits to build success through a fresh emphasis on quality leadership development. The strength of our Association lies within our member leaders and ACTE is committed to finding and developing those leaders.

As members, we can help ACTE achieve success related to these resolutions.

In advocacy, we can share our stories, respond to the legislative alerts, and remain in contact with our federal, state and local policymakers. We can also register to attend the National Policy Seminar, March 6-8, in Washington, D.C., to sharpen our advocacy skills and network with our policymakers. Details about registration and the hotel reservation process can be found at www.acteonline.org/nps.

In the high school reform area, we can remain active at the local level and keep CTE at the forefront of the high school reform discussion.

And, in the leadership development area, we can contact the national, state or local association about volunteering to serve on a committee or task force; help identify and mentor potential future leaders by sharing with them the benefits of belonging to this professional association; and vote in the 2006 ACTE election. Your participation will set the future direction and momentum for the Association and will encourage the next generation of ACTE leaders.

Although I know you all have made, and probably broken, a number of New Year's resolutions already, I challenge you with two more:

* Commit to encouraging at least one colleague to join our Association; and

* Consider adding your name to the list of candidates for the ACTE 2007 Board of Directors election next year.

This year promises to be interesting and exciting, and with your help, it will be a great year for building success in career and technical education and in ACTE.

"Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

--John Wooden

Connie Smithson

ACTE President