MA news: Mass. board of education approves two major changes

#1 

"For the first time since the MCAS became a graduation requirement in 2003, high school juniors will be exempt from having to pass the exam to receive their diploma.

The state’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education unanimously approved the waiver on Tuesday. State Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley said the massive academic disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic made it necessary to suspend the requirement.

If not for the pandemic, juniors would have taken their 10th grade math and English MCAS exams last year. But when the tests were canceled, it meant they would not have at least three chances to take the tests and, if needed, receive academic support before graduation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/20/metro/mass-board-education-waives-mcas-graduation-requirement-class-2022/

DESE announcement of the proposal https://mailchi.mp/doe.mass.edu/press-release-dese-makes-changes-to-mcas-schedule-graduation-requirements-for-11th-graders

#2

"State education officials on Tuesday approved preliminary changes to the admissions process at vocational high schools aimed at giving disadvantaged students a better chance of attending.

The unanimous vote by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education came after members and advocates criticized the current criteria as unfair to students of color, low-income students, English learners, and students with disabilities, depriving them of an important career pathway.

The draft regulations, which were recommended by education Commissioner Jeff Riley, would eliminate the current requirement that vocational schools consider grades, attendance, discipline records, and recommendations from guidance counselors. Instead, the schools would be able to set their own criteria for admissions as long as those policies follow state and federal laws, lead to student demographics that are “comparable” to their communities’ school districts, don’t disproportionately deny admission to students from marginalized groups, and “promote equitable access for all students.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/20/metro/under-pressure-state-education-officials-vote-change-admissions-requirements-vocational-schools/ 

The Board of Education recap (including links to the video)   https://mailchi.mp/doe.mass.edu/commissioners-weekly-update-4-20-21-board-recap-fafsa-completion-campaign-update-on-quarantine-guidance-for-close-contacts

Commonwealth Magazine: T ridership, voc ed admissions, cannabis home delivery

From CommonWealth Magazine we share articles of interest for Franklin: 

 

 "T revising ridership projections downward"

"MBTA OFFICIALS are revising downward their ridership and revenue projections based on scenario planning that envisions telecommuting becoming “standard practice for the foreseeable future.”

State transportations officials on Monday unveiled three ridership scenarios, each with a gradual increase in ridership but different expectations about telecommuting – one with only a slight increase in telecommuting, a second with a higher level of telecommuting, and a third with some travel and business restrictions remaining in place and telecommuting becoming standard practice.

Under all three scenarios, ridership will be lower than forecasted earlier this year. The T had projected fare revenues to reach 60 percent of pre-COVID levels by mid-year 2021. Now that level will not be reached until the beginning of 2022 under the most optimistic scenario with relatively little telecommuting. Under the scenario envisioning telecommuting become standard practice, fare revenue won’t reach 60 percent of pre-COVID levels for the foreseeable future. The high point would be 55 percent in June 2022."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/t-revising-downward-ridership-projections/

 

"Coalition to press state ed leaders on vocational school admissions"

"A COALITION OF groups pushing for changes to the admissions policies at Massachusetts vocational technical high schools is sounding the alarm on an issue that got sidetracked by the pandemic, calling on state officials to take action on reforms that the organizations say are an urgent matter of social justice and education equity.

Admission procedures at the state’s 37 vocational high schools have become a contentious issue, with municipal leaders and other advocates calling for changes in state regulations that allow the schools to use selective entry standards to enroll students. They say vocational schools, which once provided an alternate pathway for high school students more oriented toward hands-on trades than four-year college, have become the preferred route for higher-achieving college-bound students in some communities. As a result, they say, the schools’ competitive admission systems have locked out lots of minority students, English language learners, and those from lower-income households — the very groups that might benefit the most from a voc-tech education that can put students on track for decent-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree.  "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/coalition-plans-to-press-state-ed-leaders-on-voc-school-admissions/

 

"Marijuana regulators agree to license home delivery"

DESPITE CONCERNS BY marijuana shops, municipal officials, and some lawmakers, Massachusetts marijuana regulators voted Tuesday to go ahead with licensing marijuana delivery companies. But the Cannabis Control Commission did make some changes to limit the size of any one delivery company and avoid market domination.

“I feel very comfortable we can roll this out fairly and safely and equitably,” said Cannabis Control Commission chairman Steven Hoffman.

While the commission must still take a final vote later this month, Cannabis Control Commission executive director Shawn Collins said applications could be available in the first quarter of 2021.

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/marijuana/marijuana-regulators-agree-to-license-home-delivery/

 

"backlog at our career and technical training centers"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Investments in Voc Tech match needs of students, industry

"Lawmakers, a former top Baker administration and city manager, and a one-time lieutenant governor joined advocates Monday to call for an increase in funding for vocational-technical education and passage of a bill to expand access to those programs. 

The Alliance for Vocational Technical Education said that 20 percent of Massachusetts high school students are enrolled in a career and technical education (CTE) program, but that 3,200 students across the state are on waiting lists to get into such programs, which focus on career training. 

Massachusetts Competitive Partnership CEO Jay Ash said the business leaders he talks to “all have the same thing to say” when he asks them about the future of their business and the state’s economy."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190319/voc-tech-investments-pair-needs-of-students-industry

Tri-County Regional Voc Tech

Tri-County & Plainville Public Library Team Up to Create an Interactive Play Structure in the Children’s Library

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School and the Plainville Public Library are pleased to announce an educational partnership that will give students the opportunity to create a new interactive play structure area in the Children’s Library. The project will be educationally-focused on curriculum for children ages 0-6.

This project is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The MBLC developed this direct grant program using federal funding to help libraries meet local community needs including financial and health literacy programs, STEM and STEAM projects, programs that help New Americans learn English and become citizens, programs that serve teen needs and projects that preserve valuable historical documents.

“We are very pleased to be given the opportunity to work with the Plainville Public Library on behalf of our students,” said Jean George, Vocational Director for Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. “This has been a great opportunity for our students to collaborate together to see how their specific vocations are integrated to complete a project. Real-world application of skills is a valuable part of the career-focused technical learning experience.”

The play structure will be used by young children to promote social, intellectual, emotional and physical development. Under the supervision of licensed vocational teachers, the high school students will assist in implementing the project. Students in Carpentry will work on designing and building the structure, while students in Graphic Communications will create signs to identify various theme-centered play, and Early Education students will develop lesson plans to share with families.

“Once we received the grant, I was very motivated in finding ways for the community to be involved in our work here at the Library,” said Laura Brillant-Giangrande, Children’s Librarian, Plainville Public Library. “Since Plainville is in the Tri-County district, I thought what a great opportunity it is for high school students to help us to accomplish our goals. It’s really a great learning opportunity for all ages.”

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Tri-County & Plainville Public Library Team Up to Create an Interactive Play Structure in the Children’s Library

In the photo, sitting from left to right is: Laura Brillant-Giangrande, Plainville Public Library; Jean George, Tri-County Vocational Director; Brian Boyd, Tri-County Carpentry. Standing from left to right is: Mark Chauvin, Tri-County Graphics Communications; Lisa Oxford, Tri-County Early Education; Dina Taylor, Tri-County Early Education; Linda Thompson, Tri-County Graphics Communications; Fran Williams, Tri-County Graphics Communications; and Michelle Tilden of Tri-County Early Education

MassBudget: Study shines new light on performance of vocational schools

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Study Shines New Light on Performance of Vocational Schools It is no longer news that students who attend high-quality career and technical education programs in Massachusetts also perform well academically and are more likely to graduate from high school. What has remained unknown is whether the impressive outcomes in these programs are due to what takes place inside these schools or merely reflects differences in the backgrounds and motivations of students who enter the programs. A MassBudget policy brief summarizes research that sheds new light on that question. Shaun M. Dougherty at the University of Connecticut takes advantage of a natural experiment comparing virtually identical groups of students who attend vocation schools with those who don't. The careful study compares students who scored just well enough on entrance exams to attend Massachusetts' regional vocational and technical high schools with other students who scored barely under the threshold and weren't admitted due to lack of available space. Students attending the regional vocational schools show substantially higher probabilities of persisting in and graduating from high school. They are more likely to earn industry-recognized credentials. They score just as well on the MCAS as students who also applied and just missed getting in. MassBudget earlier this year examined the common features of effective career, vocational, and technical education programs: greater individualized attention, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment; partnerships with outside organizations and employers, and integration of quality academics with vocational training. This new paper presents important evidence that the schools studied are engaging students in ways that make it more likely that they will graduate and develop career specific skills and that they are doing so in ways that don't have a negative effect on academic achievement. To read the full issue brief, click here (LINK). The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Tri-County senior Zachary Keeler selected as 31st annual Outstanding Vocational Student Award

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School senior Zachary Keeler, of Bellingham, has been selected as the recipient of the 31st annual Outstanding Vocational Student Award.

The Engineering Technology student received the award during a ceremony and dinner on Thursday, April 13, at the Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

The Outstanding Vocational Student Award is presented each year by the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) and the Massachusetts Vocational Association (MVA) to one student from each vocational technical high school in Massachusetts. 

The award recognizes students who have made significant contributions to their local school district and to the statewide vocational education system. Recipients must have excellent attendance, a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and vocational-related work experience. The students must demonstrate leadership qualities, technical competence, involvement in the community and extracurricular activities.

Tri-County senior Zachary Keeler selected
as 31st annual Outstanding Vocational Student Award

Zachary, son of Kristen and Scott Keeler, is a natural leader. He was accepted into the National Honor Society in his junior year and was awarded the Cougar Culture award for his exemplary achievement in areas of scholarship, leadership, character, and service.

At Tri-County, Zach is a respected athlete leading the way in football, basketball and baseball every year. He was named captain of the varsity baseball team in his sophomore year and the varsity football captain in senior year.

In addition to a lengthy list of athletic activities, Zach began competing in SkillsUSA in the 10th grade, a full grade ahead of most of his peers. Zach competed in Urban Search and Rescue at SkillsUSA and won a Silver Medal at the state competition and competed in the Stratasys Extreme Redesign competition and finished in the top 10 nationally. He is participating in a NASA sponsored project called HUNCH where he has developed a microgravity casting/molding system for astronauts to use in space. Zach was invited to New Jersey to present this project to NASA officials.

Zach’s coursework includes Advanced Placement Physics and Calculus. Engineering is Zach’s chosen career program where he has to work on teams to develop resolutions and design more effective and efficient products. Zach has worked a cooperative education job at Hamilton Storage Technologies. He has contributed to designing new tools, manufacturing bio-refrigeration systems, and resolving design flaws with the automated liquid handling systems.

The Bellingham native plans to continue his Engineering education where he will major in Electromechanical Engineering.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

MassBudget: The Effectiveness and Cost of Expanding Vocational Education

Report examines different models and future costs

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Report Explores the Effectiveness and Costs of Expanding Access to Vocational Education in Massachusetts  With demand increasing at many vocational programs, MassBudget's new report, Skills for Our Future: Vocational Education in Massachusetts examines the effectiveness of different models of high school vocational programs and the costs of providing access for students currently on waiting lists. Massachusetts has seen an increase in career, vocational, and technical education program enrollment since 2005, from 14 percent of the student population to 17 percent today. Research has shown that participants in certain programs had 11 percent higher annual earnings on average than comparable students after they participated in this training. The report outlines three models currently in place -- vocational programs within traditional high schools, regional vocational schools, and in-district vocational schools -- and studies showing the elements necessary for success with each model. There are currently 3,200 students on waitlists for vocational education programs and unmet demand for these programs is especially pronounced in the state's Gateway Cities. To fulfill the unmet demand for vocational programs across the state, MassBudget estimates a cost of at least $27 million annually, approximately $5,000 per pupil in ongoing operating costs. This figure does not include capital costs for building new schools or the significant transition costs that are often involved as students move between programs. New programs in fields such as manufacturing, moreover, require significant updating of facilities to be successful. The link to the new report is here (LINK).  The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

"It’s time for vocational schools to get some respect"

Vocational education is in the news with two articles coming across the radar on Sunday. First from the Magazine section of the Boston Sunday Globe. The second from the Milford Daily News (MDN).

The Globe article touts vocational education as something to be considered. The MDN article effectively provides a good example of why.

The links to both articles are shown below:

"On a Monday morning in late spring, city buses arrive like clockwork on Malcolm X Boulevard, disgorging students hunched over cellphones, earbud wires trailing down the fronts of hoodies. They file toward Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, where executive director Kevin McCaskill, in a suit and pin-striped shirt with matching pocket square, and two other administrators greet them as if part of a receiving line. “Good morning! Good morning! Good morning!” McCaskill booms at bleary-eyed kids moving as if they are battling a stiff wind. 

Among those passing through the metal doors is Reno Guerrero, who emigrated several years ago with his mother, older sister, and younger brother from the Dominican Republic to Dorchester. Guerrero, 19, wears a white T-shirt, jeans, and white socks with soccer sandals. His hair is close-cropped, and a shadow of a beard is shaved to precision points at his temples. Clear stone studs sparkle in each earlobe. He is feeling nervous about his senior presentation on engine repair, the culmination of three years of course work plus intensive training in automotive technology. But the nerves are tempered by excitement. He’s learned he’s been accepted to MassBay Community College, and he already has a job lined up for after graduation at a garage that services Boston’s city-owned vehicles. “Cars, for me, is everything right now,” he says. “It’s what I know how to do, and I’m going to do it for life.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/09/28/workschool/BapGlJ8WGrI5cdQuDmcmNI/story.html

"Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School senior George Wood received the opportunity to tour Europe over the summer, thanks to his cooperative education employer. 

Wood, a computer information systems student from Medway, was hired by Hamilton Storage Technologies Inc. as part of the school’s Cooperative Education Program. Students who qualify for the program receive paid, full-time employment in their respective fields in place of the time they would spend in their career programs. 

After hiring Wood in the summer for the fall semester, Matthew Hamilton, president of the Franklin-based company, chose to send him to Switzerland to receive training from the information technology department."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161002/tri-county-student-receives-it-training-in-europe

http://www.tri-county.us/