The Dedham School Committee reviewed and voted the following policy on 10/21/2025 on the recommendation of the Policy Subcommittee.

Current School Committee policies can be found on the District Handbook and Policies page, and also posted online with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees.

Proposed Policy - Presented 10/21/2025

IHAI -CTE - Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy

Policy Overview

Dedham Public Schools is committed to ensuring that all middle school students and their families are well-informed about the wide range of educational options available to them for high school, including Career and Technical Education (CTE) and vocational programs. In compliance with Massachusetts state regulations (603 CMR 4.00) and guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), this policy outlines how our district provides students with awareness and exposure to CTE and vocational opportunities at local, regional, and agricultural public high schools.

High School Pathway Options

The following CTE schools are available to students based on their town of residence:

• For residents of Dedham: 
  • Blue Hills Regional Technical School
    • 800 Randolph Street, Canton, MA 02021

CH74 Programs: Automotive Collision Repair & Refinishing, Automotive Technology, Computer Information Systems, Construction Technology, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Design and Visual Communications, Drafting/CAD, Early Education and Care, Electrical Technology, Electronics, Engineering Technology, Graphic Communications, Health Assisting, HVAC&R, Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies

• For residents of Dedham:
  • Norfolk County Agricultural High School
    • 400 Main Street, Walpole, MA 02081

CH74 Programs: Agricultural Mechanics, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Horticultural (Plant) Science

Middle School Career Exploration

The district's implementation of My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) directly connects the exploration of CTE schools and programs to a student's broader academic and career goals. MyCAP is a structured process that helps students explore their interests, skills, and values starting in middle school. This self-discovery process guides students as they research high school pathways and make informed decisions about which school environment, whether a traditional high school or a specialized CTE program or vocational program, that best aligns with their emerging goals.

Collaboration with Member Vocational Schools

Dedham Middle School will actively collaborate with member CTE/vocational schools to inform students about the CTE/vocational opportunities available to them. This collaboration includes:

• Information Sharing: Annually DMS will provide member CTE/vocational schools with the names, addresses, and email addresses of all enrolled sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students.
• On-Campus Assemblies: Each fall, all eighth-grade students will have the opportunity to attend  assemblies on-campus at the middle school and hosted by the CTE/vocational school. These events will provide students with information about CTE programs and the application process.
• School Tours: Each fall, interested eighth-grade students will have the opportunity to tour their regional vocational school. Transportation expenses will be covered by the vocational school. These tours will be scheduled during the school day and will be considered an excused absence.
  • Blue Hills hosts Showcase, a fall event held during school hours to ensure accessibility for all students. Attendees can participate in live, interactive demonstrations and spend 30 minutes exploring up to three of the 17 CTE programs offered at Blue Hills while also learning about academic offerings. 
• Promotion of Events: We will share information about vocational school Open House and informational events on the district website and through regular communication channels, such as principal newsletters.
• Application Interviews: We will provide opportunities at the middle school during the school day for vocational schools to schedule in-person interviews with students who have applied.
• Online Resources: By October 15th each year, the district website will publish pertinent information about vocational school options, including links to admission applications, admissions policies, and open house/informational event schedules.
• Providing Admissions Records to CTE Schools: DMS will provide relevant information to member vocational schools for students who have applied. This may include documentation of student interest, attendance records, and discipline records in accordance with the vocational school's approved admissions policy and DESE guidance.
  • Dedham Middle School provides Blue Hills Regional Technical School with names, addresses, and email addresses of grade 7 and 8 students and families each school year. 
  • Dedham Middle School guidance counselors guide students through the CTE admissions process by helping students complete their online application and provide Blue Hills with relevant attendance and behavior information to ensure that students earn the additional weights in the upcoming CTE admissions lottery.

Maintenance of Records

Dedham Middle School will maintain a record of all on-site presentations, assemblies, and student tours to CTE schools, along with other relevant information about collaboration between the district and member CTE/vocational schools. These records will be made available to DESE upon request.

 

Approved by the Dedham School Committee on 10/21/2025