Tomorrow, Feb. 25, the Healey-Driscoll Administration will be proposing regulation changes to improve access to career technical education programs across the state to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The proposed changes would strengthen CTE recruitment efforts and require lottery admissions at all CTE schools and programs with a waitlist.
“Career technical education is in demand in many districts, and while our administration works to expand the number of seats available, it is also important to ensure that students of all backgrounds can access those seats,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said.
According to Karissa Hand, press secretary, the proposal states that “CTE programs may only use excessive unexcused absences and/or certain disciplinary conduct as selective criteria for students to enter the lottery process.”
She added that “middle schools located in sending districts would be required to maintain a districtwide policy on how students are made aware and gain exposure to CTE in their district, regional, agricultural and other public high schools.”
“I believe a lottery system and strengthening recruitment efforts will improve CTE access for all students,” Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler said. “In Massachusetts, we remain focused on creating the conditions for all students to realize their dreams.”
According to Hand, the administration’s proposed regulation changes are the result of a series of study sessions and feedback from stakeholders.
“Massachusetts’ career technical education programs play an important role in our state’s education system and economy. They provide students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market and help us meet the workforce needs,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “Our administration has been engaging with families, educators, CTE schools, local officials, and the business community to determine how we can increase access to these programs and seat all of our students up for success. We are proud to propose these regulation changes and appreciate the Board’s review.”
