File: IHAIC

WPS MIDDLE SCHOOL PATHWAY EXPLORATION POLICY

Purpose and Authority

In accordance with Massachusetts 603 CMR 4.00, Watertown Public Schools (WPS) maintains this Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy to ensure that every middle school student is made aware of, and gains direct exposure to, career and technical education (CTE) opportunities available in-district and beyond.

Goals for Career Exploration

WPS is committed to equity, excellence, and community by preparing all students to make informed choices about their secondary and postsecondary education and careers. Through a continuum of experiences beginning in middle school and extending through high school, students:

• Explore personal interests, strengths, and values using career interest inventories. 
• Build an individualized career and academic portfolio in grades 6–12 to support ongoing academic and career planning.
• Engage in authentic, real-world learning aligned to communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

High School Pathway Options

Watertown High School (WHS) provides multiple ways for students to pursue career and technical education:

• Chapter 74 Vocational/Technical Pathways with three-year sequences beginning in grade 10 that culminate in a transcript endorsement and potential career specific certifications.
• A broad range of career-oriented electives is embedded in the WHS Program of Studies.

Although WPS is not a member of a regional vocational technical high school, all students are informed that they may apply to any regional vocational, technical, or agricultural school and are guided through the admissions process.

Middle School Career Exploration

Career awareness is integrated into the MyCAP scope and sequence at each middle school grade.
Key practices include:

• Grade 6–8 lessons and activities that help students identify interests and connect coursework to future goals.
• Quarterly CTE newsletters highlighting programs and student success stories.
• Annual CTE Night each January for families, showcasing WPS pathways and regional vocational opportunities.
• Presentations and information sessions at Watertown Middle School (WMS) Back-to-School Night and through mail, email, and district websites by October 15 each school year.
• Information presented during various parent evenings and events

Collaboration and Tours

WPS collaborates with Watertown High School faculty and with regional vocational, technical, and agricultural schools to ensure all middle school students understand the full range of Career and Technical Education opportunities that are available to them. 

All 7th- and 8th-grade students participate in at least one Watertown High School CTE program tour each year during regular school hours. 

Students are also able to tour Regional Vocational Technical High School if tours are offered to Watertown Public School students.  Transportation costs for these tours are covered by the hosting CTE school or program. Students will not be marked absent if their attendance on a CTE tour is confirmed, whether it be a formal tour or an individual visit.  

Records, Admissions, and Documentation

To support student access and program admissions, WPS will:

• Provide necessary records to CTE schools and programs during the admissions process in compliance with state and federal student record laws.
• Maintain documentation of student participation in tours, MyCAP activities, and distribution of career information, ensuring readiness for the annual DESE attestation.

Implementation and Review

The Superintendent, or designee, is responsible for implementing this policy, monitoring compliance, and reporting annually to the School Committee and DESE.
 

This policy will be reviewed at least every three years or sooner if state regulations change.

Appendix A – MyCAP Scope and Sequence, Grades 6–8