5. CVTE Programs Update:
As of April 1, culinary sites at career/vocational technical education schools may begin serving external guests in addition to internal guests (e.g., staff and students) within a dine-in restaurant setting, as long as they comply with all state reopening guidance for restaurants. Also as of April 1, cosmetology sites can begin serving both external customers as well as classmates and staff, as long as they comply with all state reopening guidance for close contact personal services. The updated CVTE guidance is available for download.
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6. FY22 Charter Schools Pre-Enrollment Report:
In accordance with M.G.L. c.71 § 89(o), and 603 CMR 1.08(5), superintendents must be notified by April 1 of the number of students from their district who are expected to be enrolled in Massachusetts Commonwealth Charter Schools for the 2021-2022 school year. Accordingly, all relevant superintendents were emailed the FY22 Pre-Enrollment Data report on Thursday, April 1. The report is also posted online. Please email Joanna Laghetto at Joanna.C.Laghetto@mass.gov with any questions about FY22 charter school enrollment.
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7. History/Social Science Curriculum Pilot Opportunity:
The Department is looking for schools and districts to field test a set of innovative fifth, sixth, and seventh grade history/social science curriculum units. Developed in Massachusetts and fully aligned to state standards, these open-source materials emphasize inquiry and investigation, culturally affirming pedagogy, the development of historical empathy, and connections to the current world and civic engagement. This is a unique professional learning opportunity for teachers to help shape history/social science education across the state. To find out more, please download the pilot overview or sign up to attend an informational webinar at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 12.
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8. State Student Advisory Council Information Sessions:
Commissioner Riley, State Student Advisory Council Chair Jasper Coughlin, and other Student Advisory Council members will hold two information sessions for high school administrators, educators, and students about holding school elections for Regional Student Advisory Council Members and about the Student Advisory Council network overall. More information about the Student Advisory Council is available online, and registration is open online for the webinars. Interested individuals are asked to choose either 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. or 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., both on Thursday, April 29. The sessions will also be recorded and posted on the Student Advisory Council section of DESE’s website. Anyone with questions about the councils is asked to email Donna Taylor at DonnaM.Taylor@mass.gov.
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9. DESE Resource Corner:
Guide to Building Supportive Talent Systems for Educators in 2021-2022: The Department has developed an online resource for district and school administrators as they continue to build supportive talent systems for educators in the 2021-2022 year. The guide includes resources, considerations, and updates for supporting educators and school staff, with a focus on racial equity in the unique context of the upcoming school year. It also features the input and voices of current Massachusetts educators. The resource is being released in parts throughout the spring and will be updated to reflect the changing circumstances of teaching and leading as fall approaches.
- Now available: Hiring and Student Teachers
- Mid-April: Supporting New Educators
- Early May: Professional Learning, Evaluation, and Retention
To receive email notifications when new sections of the resource are released, please complete this brief form. Please contact educatordevelopment@mass.gov with any questions or feedback or for additional partnership.
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10. Summer and School Year Programs to Accelerate Math Instruction:
The Department is identifying vendors to offer three programming options to help schools and districts accelerate math instruction this summer and during the 2021-2022 school year:
- A digital conceptual mathematics program,
- Summer intensive programming and high-quality instructional materials support during the school year, and
- Targeted acceleration using high-quality instructional materials.
The vendors will provide access to the program or curriculum and professional development for teachers. The programs will be offered at no cost to schools and districts.
The bid solicitation is posted online. The selected vendors will be announced in May, and more information around school and district priority and registration will be coming soon. For help with any questions about these opportunities, please email AcceleratingMath@mass.gov.
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11. AP Exam Fee Subsidies:
Please see the following updates and reminders about Advanced Placement exam fee subsidies:
- The low-income Advanced Placement exam fee subsidy program has now been expanded to include science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and English language arts for students in all Massachusetts public schools.
- In addition, exam subsidies are available for AP and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams for low-income public school students in districts that have one or more schools identified as requiring assistance in the state's accountability system. (Please note that this does not apply to districts where low MCAS participation was the only reason a school was identified as requiring assistance.)
- Additional avenues of subsidizing low-income student exam fees for all districts are highlighted in this memo.
- Saturday, May 15 is the last day to submit subsidy requests.
- Visit www.doe.mass.edu/ap for information on how schools and districts can file for reimbursement.
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12. New Innovation Pathways Designations Announced:
The Baker-Polito Administration recently awarded designations to 18 high schools for new Innovation Pathways that will connect students’ learning to a career pathway by providing work-based learning experiences with rigorous technical coursework. Congratulations to the 18 schools and their partners!
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- Webinar on teen mental health: Waltham-based Families for Depression Awareness is presenting a free webinar, “Pandemic Parenting: Supporting Teen Mental Health,” at 7:00-8:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 8. Anyone interested can register to participate or watch it after it airs. People who are new to the topic of teen depression or in need of a refresher are encouraged to watch Understanding Teen Depression as a foundation to the webinar.
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