Holliston adopts draft middle‑school pathway exploration policy to satisfy DESE requirement

The School Committee reviewed a draft policy Oct. 23 that describes how Holliston middle-school students will receive information and access to regional career and technical education (CTE) and vocational programs.

The draft, prepared in response to Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidance, requires annual steps such as sharing student contact information with regional CTE schools, on-campus assemblies for eighth graders, school-day tours to vocational schools (transportation paid by the receiving school), promotion of open houses and a record-keeping requirement to make documentation available to DESE on request. "These events will provide students with information about CTE programs and the application process," the presentation said.

Why it matters: DESE has required districts to publish middle-school pathway-exploration processes and make documentation available. Administrators said Holliston already provides tours and informational activities and that the draft primarily codifies existing practice to meet the state’s documentation requirement.

Discussion and next steps: Committee members asked for a clear definition of "CTE" in the policy text; staff agreed to add the definition. Administrators said they had applied for a DESE waiver because the state announced the requirement late; the policy will be finalized and returned for adoption after committee review.

Administrative note: The presentation listed local and regional options by name and referenced ongoing district work to expand in‑district pathways at the high school.