Press Release: 2025-02-21 00:00:00
Healey-Driscoll Administration to Propose 3,000 New Career Technical Education Seats, Lottery Admission Policy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
2/20/2025
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Karissa Hand, Press Secretary
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Call Karissa Hand, Press Secretary at 617-725-4025
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration will be proposing regulation changes to improve access to career technical education (CTE) programs across Massachusetts to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on Tuesday. These changes would strengthen CTE recruitment efforts and require lottery admissions at all CTE schools and programs with a waitlist.
These proposed regulations are part of the administration’s larger efforts to “Reimagine High School” and promote programs that equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market through innovative, applied learning opportunities. Governor Healey’s recently filed supplemental budget includes $75 million for Career Technical Education School grants that will add an additional 3,000 new CTE seats over three years. Also, Governor Healey’s BRIGHT Act includes $100 million for Skills Capital grants that support high schools, colleges, and educational institutions to upgrade technology and instructional lab spaces, expand career programs, and increase capacity in workforce training programs.
“Massachusetts' career technical education programs play an important role in our state's education system and economy. They provide students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market and help us meet the workforce needs of our employers,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration has been engaging with families, educators, CTE schools, local officials and the business community to determine how we can increase access to these programs and set all of our students up for success. We are proud to propose these regulation changes and appreciate the Board’s review.”
“Career technical education is in demand in many districts, and while our administration works to expand the number of seats available, it is also important to ensure that students of all backgrounds can access those seats,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This proposal seeks to improve the admissions process, which will have positive impacts on our students, schools and economy.”
Under the proposal, CTE programs may only use excessive unexcused absences and/or certain disciplinary conduct as selective criteria for students to enter the lottery process. Further, middle schools located in sending districts would be required to maintain a districtwide policy on how students are made aware of and gain exposure to CTE in their district, regional, agricultural, and other public high schools. Together, these changes will enable more equitable CTE access for all students.
“The Healey-Driscoll administration has a core set of values that drive our work every day and are reflected in these proposed changes. Thank you to the Board and stakeholders for their continued discussions and feedback. I believe a lottery system and strengthening recruitment efforts will improve CTE access for all students,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “In Massachusetts, we remain focused on creating the conditions for all students to realize their dreams.”
“The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is committed to all students having equitable access to career technical education, and these proposed regulatory changes are designed to advance that goal,” said Russell D. Johnston, acting commissioner of elementary and secondary education. “We welcome additional public input before the Board votes.”
The proposed regulations are the result of a series of study sessions and include feedback from stakeholders. Since October 2024, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has held three special meetings and three committee meetings to discuss admissions in CTE schools and programs. As part of these presentations and Board public comment, superintendents, parents, school committee representatives, principals, school counselors, and community advocates have shared their experiences with CTE admissions.