• The major changes in the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 involved new accountability measures and the treatment of funding for special populations. Regarding accountability, each state was responsible to negotiate expected levels of performance with the Secretary of Education within four broad categories: attainment of academic and vocational-technical proficiencies; attainment of a secondary school degree, GED, or postsecondary degree or credential; placement, retention, and completion of postsecondary education or placement in military service or employment; and participation in and completion of programs that lead to nontraditional training and employment. The 10.5 percent funding included within Perkins that was set aside historically for special populations was eliminated, as was the requirement that each state employ a gender equity coordinator. However, the law required that state and local plans show how these populations would be served, and make assessments and evaluations to show if the needs of these populations were being met.