Career/Vocational Technical Education

Announcing Conferences and Follow-up Technical Assistance on Gender Equity and Sexual Orientation in Career/Vocational Technical Education

To:Principals in High Schools with Perkins Act Local Plans
From:Career/Vocational Technical Education Unit
Date:August 10, 2007
We are pleased to announce three (identical) conference sessions on gender equity and sexual orientation in career/vocational technical education. In keeping with Perkins IV, the sessions will be followed by onsite telephone and virtual technical assistance through June 30, 2008.
  • Holiday Inn, Taunton - Thursday, November 29, 2007
  • Springhill Suites at Devens Commons, Ft. Devens - Thursday, December 6, 2007
  • Northampton Hotel, Northampton - Thursday, December 13, 2007
The Department is working with Jeff Perrotti, the founding director of the Department of Education's Safe Schools Program for Gay and Lesbian Students, in providing these conference sessions and follow-up technical assistance. Jeff has extensive experience in leading workshops for school staff and students, and helping schools develop policies and programs to support the safety and well-being of students. Last year, his workshops and technical assistance across Massachusetts were extremely well received. At the regional conference sessions this fall, teams of school staff and students will be assisted in implementing:
  • Goals of Perkins IV concerning support for students who pursue careers nontraditional for their gender
  • Board of Education Recommendations on the Support and Safety of Gay and Lesbian Students
  • Federal Guidelines for Eliminating Discrimination and Denial of Services on the Basis of Race, Color National Origin, Sex and Handicap in Vocational Education Programs - 34 CFR, Part 100, Appendix B
  • Massachusetts Student Anti-Discrimination Law (M.G.L. c. 76 Section 5)
  • Massachusetts Regulations for Access to Equal Educational Opportunity 603 CMR 26.00.
Strategies and "best practices" for creating a safe and supportive environment in high schools with career/vocational technical education programs will be at the heart of these workshops. Principals in high schools that have Perkins Act Local Plans should send a team of up to eight individuals consisting of at least two teachers and two students from career/vocational technical education programs that prepare students for careers that are nontraditional for their gender. The team of eight may also include administrators, counselors, Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) advisors and members, gender equity point staff, coaches, and others selected by the Principal. The Principal should register the individuals by sending their names, titles and email addresses to Jeanette Cuevas at jcuevas@doe.mass.edu by November 15, 2007. Note that teams or individuals who are not registered may not be admitted to the sessions due to space limitations. If you have any questions about the registration process, please call Ms. Cuevas at 781-338-3944. Questions about the content of the conference sessions should be directed to Jeff Perrotti at 617-547-8046 or Marnie Jain at 781-338-3908. Copy: Superintendents of School Districts with Perkins Act Local Plans



Last Updated: August 10, 2007



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