Pursuant to its authority under M.G.L. c. 69, §§ 1B and 1F and c. 74, § 2, and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, M.G.L. c. 30A, § 3, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is soliciting public comment on proposed amendments to 603 CMR 4.03(6)(a), Vocational Technical Education.
The nature of vocational programs in Massachusetts varies across the state, influenced by many factors including student, labor, and market demand, and availability of program areas. The current admissions regulation, by contrast, limits schools and programs that use selective admissions to a single set of criteria, statewide. The proposed amendments would give greater flexibility to vocational technical schools and programs to create their own admissions policies that are consistent with state and federal laws and regulations, to promote equitable access for all students, while retaining the Commissioner's role to provide oversight and intervene where necessary.
Copies of the proposed amendments are available on the Department's website, or by calling 781-338-3908. Written comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted by mail to: Elizabeth Bennett, College, Career & Technical Education Office, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148, by fax to: 781-338-3950, or by e-mail to: VTEregulations@doe.mass.edu. The deadline for submission of public comment is May 28, 2021. The Board is expected to vote on the proposed amendments at its regular monthly meeting in June 2021.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
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