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

Shop Small Business Saturday - Nov 26

American Express has been bringing attention to small business since 2010, and this Saturday is a good reason to get out and support the many small businesses here in Franklin.

Shop Small Business Saturday - Nov 26

If you need a refresher on the #shopFranklin small businesses, the listing can be found on the #shopFranklin webpage   http://www.shopfranklinma.com/members/

#shopFranklin

Santa arrives on the Town Common at 4:00 PM on Sunday, Nov 27

Concerts on the Common will bring Santa to the Town Common on Sunday, Nov 27. Santa is scheduled to arrive via one of the Franklin Fire Dept trucks at 4:00 PM

Santa arrives on the Town Common at 4:00 PM on Sunday, Nov 27

Spectra Energy will be conducting a survey of the gas pipeline

http://www.spectraenergy.com/

Spectra Energy will be conducting a survey of the gas pipeline that runs through Franklin and neighboring communities beginning Monday, Nov 28. 

The details of the survey team are contained in the letter copied here that was provided to Franklin. The survey should be completed by Dec 15 if weather permits.

December Franklin Connection Newsletter 2016

Please note the new Issue of The Franklin Connection newsletter below;

• December 2016 Newsletter

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/pages/dec16connection_0.pdf



Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/72413

the Franklin Senior Center

A Glass Slipper Christmas and Humbug! coming to stage this December

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) celebrates the holiday season with two original FPAC musicals, A Glass Slipper Christmas and Humbug! The productions are family friendly, festive, and full of fun.

With a twist on the Cinderella fairy tale classic, A Glass Slipper Christmas debuts this season at THE BLACK BOX, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Performances are on December 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on December 11 at 2 p.m. The production follows in the tradition of a British panto, a type of show that retells a well-known fairy tale in an exaggerated style filled with audience participation, popular music, slapstick comedy, jokes, dances, and more. Audiences are invited to cheer for the hero, boo at the villain, and sing along with some of their favorite songs. The panto also entertains with double entendre, references to modern culture, and open satire of other works.

FPAC’s original holiday musical, Humbug!, is a contemporary
adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

FPAC’s large-cast holiday musical, Humbug!, will be presented on Saturday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 18 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin High School auditorium, located at 218 Oak Street. A family favorite since debuting as part of the company’s 2008 season, Humbug! is an original musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. With music hits of every genre and live accompaniment by a 10-piece band of professional musicians, Humbug! transports audiences from Dickensian England to contemporary America as the novel’s iconic characters and storyline are cleverly reimagined with modern setting and dialogue. Humbug! stars the script’s writer, Nick Paone, as Ebenezer Scrooge.

Founded in 1991, FPAC presents the holiday musicals as part of the company’s 26th season. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment, and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers, and students of the arts. Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation is FPAC’s 2016 Holiday Sponsor. 

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or www.FPAConline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 11/25/16 - THU 12/1/16

FRIDAY 11/25/16
Shiva Market Grand Opening @ 365 W. Central Street, Franklin MA
1-3pm   Make Snowmen Vase/Candleholder (grades 5 and up) @ Franklin Art Center

SATURDAY 11/26/16
Small Business Saturday - #ShopSmall #ShopLocal #shopFranklin
7:30pm   New England Ringers Concert @ Franklin Federated Church

SUNDAY 11/27/16
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast returns to Franklin Rod and Gun Club - open to public
1:00pm   Robert Megerdichian talks about metal miniatures at Franklin Historical Museum
4-6pm   Santa @ The Town Common

MONDAY 11/28/16
4pm   Krafty Mondays (ages 6-12) @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 12/1/16
9:30am-12:30pm   Holiday Extravaganza Fair @ Franklin YMCA
4-7pm   Holiday Extravaganza Fair @ Franklin YMCA
4-7pm   FDP Holiday Stroll @ Downtown Franklin

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com and shersteve@gmail.com