The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
Presentation on Career/Vocational Technical Education in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, high expectations for both technical and academic standards drive career/vocational technical education in order to meet the increase in today's workplace requirements and prepare all students for both postsecondary education and 21st century careers.
The Department approves vocational programs based on the standards established in the Commonwealth's vocational education statute, chapter 74 of the General Laws. The chart at the end of this memorandum lists the nearly 50 different program areas currently in operation.
Chapter 74 programs are offered in a variety of settings:
- 27 regional vocational technical high schools;
- 29 municipal school districts and 8 regional school districts, either in a dedicated vocational high school or in a comprehensive high school that also offers traditional academic courses of study;
- 2 county agricultural schools (Bristol and Norfolk);
- 1 educational collaborative (Lower Pioneer Valley);
- 1 independent public school (Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in Northampton); and
- 17 postsecondary institutions.
Approved Chapter 74 programs receive federal funding through the Perkins Act and additional state funding through the Chapter 70 state aid program.
Many other high schools offer career education courses that do not qualify for Chapter 74 approval but are nonetheless a valuable addition to a student's course of study. These programs are also eligible for Perkins funding, but they do not receive additional Chapter 70 funding.
Approximately 20% of all secondary students in the Commonwealth take advantage of the opportunity to enroll in career/vocational technical education programs, a percentage that has been increasing in recent years. Many of the most popular programs are at capacity and cannot accommodate all those who are interested. The cost of building and equipping vocational classrooms is a major challenge as we seek to expand career education opportunities.
At the September 23 meeting of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, staff from the Department's Office for Career/Vocational Technical Education and representatives of the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) will provide highlights of current career/vocational technical education activities in Massachusetts, including:
- a brief overview of the current state of career/vocational technical education in Massachusetts;
- the alignment of career/vocational technical education to the Department's strategic goal of Success After High School; and
- statewide key themes and promising practices in various school districts.
Associate Commissioner Pati Gregson and MAVA leaders will be available at the September 23 Board meeting to answer any questions you may have.
List of Chapter 74-Approved Vocational Technical Education Programs
Agriculture & Natural Resources Cluster
Agricultural Mechanics
Animal Science
Environmental Science & Technology
Horticulture
Arts & Communication Services Cluster
Design & Visual Communications
Graphic Communications
Radio & Television Broadcasting
Business & Consumer Services Cluster
Cosmetology
Fashion Technology
Marketing
Business Technology
Construction Cluster
Building & Property Maintenance
Cabinetmaking
Carpentry
Electricity
Heating-Air Conditioning-Ventilation-Refrigeration
Masonry & Tile Setting
Painting & Design Technologies
Plumbing
Sheet Metal working
Education Cluster
Early Education And Care
Exploratory Programs
Health Services Cluster
Dental Assisting
Health Assisting
Medical Assisting
Hospitality & Tourism Cluster
Culinary Arts Hospitality ManagementInformation Technology Services Cluster
Programming & Web Development
Information Support Services & Networking
Legal And Protective Services Cluster
Criminal Justice
Manufacturing, Engineering & Technological Cluster
Biotechnology
Drafting
Electronics
Engineering Technology
Machine Tool Technology
Metal Fabrication & Joining Technologies
Robotics & Automation Technology
Stationary Engineering
Telecommunications - Fiber Optics
Transportation Cluster
Automotive Collision, Repair & Refinishing
Automotive Technology
Diesel Technology
Marine Service Technology
Power Equipment Technology