MAVA Members,
As the window of opportunity shrinks to provide comment to BESE and to the Governor, I thought I would share (with permission) some historical perspective provided by our longtime friend and colleague Fred Savoie.
Fred’s historical perspective really casts light on the dangers inherent in the proposed amendments to (603 CMR 4.00).
There is still time to let your voice be heard.
David
Admissions requirements have existed in various forms since 1906. Ironically, it has been the BOE/DOE that has driven the admissions requirements and changes with the advocacy of the vocational education leaders. The fundamental reason for admission standards has been to determine if the student applicant possessed the interest and aptitude to benefit and profit from this unique education and training. This distinctive form of practical education was established to prepare a skilled workforce that would economically benefit the state, employers, and the student. Assurance was and is needed to determine that the purpose of vocational-technical education is achieved in order to maintain its true value. All of the criteria; discipline, grades, attendance, etc., etc., were efforts to ensure the ability to benefit.
Chapter 74 Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education
LEARNING THAT WORKS FOR MASSACHUSETTS
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira