File: IHAIB: 

POLICY FOR RECRUITMENT, ADMISSIONS, AND RETENTION FOR CHAPTER 74 VOCATIONAL/TECHNICAL PROGRAMS

I. INTRODUCTION

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at Watertown Public Schools provide students in grades ten through twelve with hands-on learning opportunities across various vocational/technical programs. Because space in our programs is limited, an admission process is required.

Each vocational/technical program is designed and equipped to safely accommodate only a specific number of students. As a result, we may not be able to accept all interested applicants. To ensure fairness when there are more applicants than seats in a particular program, Watertown Public Schools uses a lottery-based admission process for entry into each CTE program. 

II. EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

In compliance with state and federal laws, the Watertown Public Schools maintains a non-discrimination policy. No child shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to  Watertown Public Schools, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges, and courses of study of our schools, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute. This policy provides equal access to courses and programs, counseling services, physical education and athletics, vocational/technical education, instructional materials, and extracurricular activities.

 

If there is a student of limited English proficiency, a qualified staff member of Watertown High School will assist the applicant in completing the necessary forms and assist in interpreting during the entire application and admission process. This will be done upon the request of the applicant.

III. ELIGIBILITY

Students enrolled in Watertown Public Schools are eligible to apply for admission to the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Any rising or current 10th, 11th, or 12th-grade student who is a resident of Watertown may apply.

• Students may only be admitted if they have been promoted to the grade they are seeking to enter; admission is conditional. If a student is not ultimately promoted to the grade for which they applied, their admission will be rescinded.
   
• Resident students who meet minimum requirements will be admitted prior to non-resident applicants.
   
• When a specific CTE program enrollment exceeds available space, admission to the program is determined through a lottery process.
   

Transfer Students:

Transfer students are students who have moved to Watertown from another district.

• Grades 11 and 12: Transfer students entering grades 11 or 12 may apply for direct admission into a specific vocational/technical program if they were previously enrolled in the same Chapter 74-approved program at their former school, and Watertown High School offers that program. Admission will be based on the availability of open seats in the requested program.
   
• Grade 10: Transfer students entering grade 10 may select from programs with available seats.

 

McKinney – Vento:
 

Students who are homeless will be admitted to the vocational/technical program at Watertown High School according to the criteria contained in this policy.

 

Home School:

 

Students must be enrolled in Watertown High School who have been previously homeschooled will be admitted using the criteria contained in this policy.
 

IV. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

 

Watertown High School is a public comprehensive school with Chapter 74-approved vocational/technical education programs serving the City of Watertown.

 

Watertown High School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Watertown is committed to providing quality vocational/technical education programs.

 

It is the responsibility of the Watertown Public Schools Superintendent, Watertown High School Principal, and CTE Director to supervise the administration of the policies and procedures required to admit and enroll applicants in conformity with this policy.

 

The Watertown High School Guidance Department, in coordination with the CTE Director, will implement the admissions policy, including:

 

1. Informing students of CTE vocational/technical programs
2. Processing of admissions requests
3. Enrollment of students
4. Establishment and maintenance of the waiting lists

 

The Watertown High School Guidance Department is responsible for disseminating information about Watertown’s vocational/technical education programs to students through the individual and group guidance process, including Advisory Lessons, and for collecting program selection requests from students.

The Superintendent is responsible for overseeing the administration of all policies and procedures used to admit and enroll students in CTE programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and DESE guidance.

V. RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Watertown Public Schools actively promotes awareness of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered at Watertown High School using a variety of outreach methods to ensure that students and families are well-informed about available opportunities:

• All 7th- and 8th-grade students participate in at least one Watertown High School CTE program tour each year during regular school hours. 
• Students in seventh and eighth grades and their families will be invited to attend an informational slideshow and video presentation about CTE programs.
• Students will explore personal interests, strengths, and values using MEFA Pathway and Learning Blade tools; build an individualized MyCAP (My Career and Academic Plan) portfolio in grades 6–12 to support ongoing academic and career planning; and engage in authentic, real-world learning aligned to communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
   
• Fall Open House – Each fall, Watertown High School hosts an open house where prospective students and their families can tour facilities, meet instructors, and learn about all available CTE pathways.
   
• Program Brochures – Informational brochures highlighting each vocational/technical program are distributed to middle and high schools to help families learn about available options.
   
• Online Information – Details about all Chapter 74-approved programs are available on the Watertown Public Schools website: Watertown CTE.
   
• Individual Visits – Parents and guardians may schedule personalized meetings or tours with the Director of CTE and vocational teachers at a mutually convenient time.

 

VI. APPLICATION PROCESS

 

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR ADMISSION TO THE TENTH GRADE CTE VOCATIONAL/TECHNICAL PROGRAMS:

WPS Students and non-resident tuition based students interested in Watertown High School’s vocational/technical education programs must follow these steps.

Access the Google Form Application or Obtain a paper Application:

Applications are available starting November 1 for the following school year. You can get the Google Form link or a paper application from your Guidance Counselor or on the Watertown High School website.

Submit the Completed Application:

All applications must be submitted online or to your Guidance Counselor no later than March 15 and students will be notified of their status by April 1.  Accepted students must inform the District by May 1 if they intend to accept the placement.  

A student with a disability may voluntarily self-identify for the purpose of requesting reasonable accommodations during the entire application and admission process. 

Information on limited English proficiency and/or disability submitted voluntarily by the applicant, for the purpose of receiving assistance and accommodations during the entire application and admission process, will not affect the applicant’s admission to the vocational/technical education program. 

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR ADMISSION TO THE ELEVENTH- AND TWELFTH GRADE CTE PROGRAMS:

Any student going into the eleventh or twelfth grade vocational/technical programs must be approved by the lead instructor in the program.

Late Applications:

Applications received after the deadlines may be accepted, and students will be presented with remaining openings or placed on the wait list for programs that are full.

Transfer Students:

 

Transfer students who were previously enrolled in a state-approved Chapter 74 program may apply to that program or a similar program by filling out an application and selecting the applicable courses from our program of studies, and providing a copy of their competencies from their previous program. Admissions into the selected program will be on a space-available basis. 

 

 Withdrawn Students:

 

Students who withdrew from Watertown High School’s career and vocational/technical programs may reapply to the programs and will be evaluated using the criteria contained in the admission policy and on a space-available basis.

 

VII. SELECTION CRITERIA AND PROCESS

Placement into a CTE program is based on:

• Student choice – students submit their preferred programs in order of interest.
• Program seat availability – students are placed in programs that have openings.

Continued Enrollment Requirements:

Students may continue in their selected technical program each year only if they are promoted to the next grade level. Students who are not promoted due to failure or insufficient credits may forfeit their seat in the program.

Transfer Process:

 

Students who wish to transfer from one CTE program to another may submit a transfer request. Transfers will be considered based on the availability of openings in the requested program. Each applicant will participate in an individual interview and counseling session to assess the appropriateness of the transfer for their skills, interests, and academic progress.

VIII APPEALS PROCESS:

Admissions Appeals:

If an applicant is not accepted into the vocational/technical program or is placed on a waitlist, the applicant or their parent/guardian may request that the Principal of Watertown High School review the decision.

• Appeals must be submitted in writing within seven (7) school days of receiving notice of non-admittance
• The Principal will review the appeal and respond in writing within seven (7) school days, indicating whether the decision to deny admission or place the student on a waitlist will stand or be overturned.
• In reviewing the appeal, the Principal may consider factors such as application completeness, eligibility, and supporting documentation.
• The Principal’s decision is final.

Program Selection/Placement Appeals:
Students who are admitted but disagree with their program placement may appeal the placement decision to the Principal of Watertown High School.

• Appeals must be submitted in writing within seven (7) school days of receiving notice of program assignment.
• The Principal will review the appeal, taking into account program availability, and will respond in writing within seven (7) school days.
• The Principal’s decision is final.

Process Considerations:

• Application deadlines are set to allow sufficient time for appeals before final placements are made.
• Applicants will be notified of any missing application information or requirements that may impact placement.
• Students experiencing homelessness may not be denied consideration or placement due to an inability to provide requested records.

This two-tiered appeals process ensures that both admission and placement decisions are conducted in accordance with Watertown Public Schools’ CTE policies, while providing students and families an opportunity for review when appropriate.
 

IX. RETENTION STRATEGIES

Watertown Public Schools is committed to retaining students in CTE programs and ensuring equitable access. Strategies include:

• Monitoring Progress: Regular tracking of grades, attendance, and engagement.
   

• Targeted Support: Tutoring, study skills support, and intervention for students at risk.
   

• Mentorship: Guidance from instructors, counselors, and peer mentors.
   

• Inclusive Practices: Accommodations for students with disabilities and support for English language learners.
   

• Family Engagement: Regular communication and opportunities for family involvement.
   

• Pathway Alignment: Guiding students to programs that match their skills and interests to promote engagement and success.

These strategies help students succeed academically and remain engaged in their chosen CTE pathways.

X MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS:

The Watertown High School CTE Office maintains detailed records to document all aspects of the admissions process, including:

• Lottery results, if applicable, including the order in which students were drawn
   

Records are stored securely and can be provided to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) upon request. Additionally, documentation regarding a student’s admission decision is available to the student and their family in compliance with state and federal student privacy laws.

This process ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Cross reference Homeschool Policy File: IHBG , File: IHBG-R

 

Cross reference MS Career Exploration Policy File: IHAIC