(a) As specified in the Texas Education Code, §29.182, career and technical education is established as an integral part of the total education system and constitutes an option for student learning that provides a rigorous course of study that:      
        (1) incorporates competencies leading to academic and technical skill attainment;       
        (2) leads to an industry-recognized license, credential, or certificate or, at the postsecondary level, an associate or baccalaureate degree;       
        (3) includes opportunities for students to earn college credit for coursework; and       
        (4) includes, as an integral part of the program, participation by students and teachers in activities of career and technical student organizations supported by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and State Board of Education.       
      (b) The state shall distribute federal funds available under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006, Public Law 109-270 (Carl D. Perkins Act of 2006), to eligible institutions.     
      (c) An eligible secondary entity seeking financial assistance under the Carl D. Perkins Act of 2006 shall submit a local plan to the TEA as described in 20 United States Code (USC), §2354, in accordance with requirements established by the TEA.     
      (d) Each eligible recipient that receives funding under the Carl D. Perkins Act of 2006 shall use the funds to improve career and technical education programs in compliance with 20 USC, §2355.     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §75.1022 adopted to be effective May 29, 1996, 21 TexReg 4329; amended to be effective December 26, 1999, 24 TexReg 11325; amended to be effective June 7, 2010, 35 TexReg 4699