North Dakota schools can count on continued funding through 2012 for vocational education.

Congress last week reauthorized the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act. It was last reauthorized in 1998.

"This is a big bonus for us," said Dale Hoerauf, director of career and technical programs for Bismarck Public Schools.

The federal money is used for equipment, staff development and programs.

The automotive program, for example, uses equipment that is found in the shops where students could get jobs.

"We can purchase and use the actual equipment in the industry, instead of telling them about it," instructor Dan Grosz said.

The reauthorized act needs the president's signature, and Congress must find money for it in the appropriation process. The government spends about $1.3 billion a year on career and technical education. North Dakota receives about $4 million of that funding, which is distributed through consortiums.

Some changes were made to the Perkins Act, including requirements for classes to be more rigorous and prepare students for work.

The changes it requires are something schools across the country have embraced in the latest wave of school reform. High school reform looks at preparing students for life after school, whether college or the workplace. It is a movement of career academies, smaller learning communities and strong career and technical education.

Tribal colleges, like United Tribes Technical College, also receive federal Perkins funding. This helps them provide education in career areas with strong student interest.

United Tribes uses the Perkins money to fund 17 programs, including nursing, criminal justice and technology programs, President David Gipp said.

"It provides the opportunity to improve their skills in math and science," Gipp said.

About 80 percent of the students go into a career or technical education area, he said.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@;bismarcktribune.com.)