Good Morning!

Anyone else surprised by the white stuff? I wasn’t expecting it! Hope you’re operating safely this morning.

Today I wanted to share with you a development in admissions processes for vocational-technical schools across the state. A couple of years ago, the state asked voc-tec and agricultural high schools to review their admissions policies—which largely hadn’t changed in decades—and make changes as needed to increase access to the program and diversity among students. In response to this request, a survey by the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) indicates that nearly every school “made changes in their admissions policies, modified their admissions practices, or added admissions staff or training during the past two school years.”

For some schools, changes included:

• adding a personal interview to the admissions process
• giving less weight to discipline data and more to a personal interview
• adding dedicated admissions staff
• increasing access to 7th and 8th graders to comply with state requirements

While it’s too early to have lasting data on the update to the policies and practices, some schools do report some short-term improvement.

For more information, read the full story here.

Massachusetts Vocational-Technical Schools Adjust Admissions Policies and Practices to Broaden Access and Diversity

In an effort to expand access to a more diverse population of students, nearly 97% of the regional vocational-technical and agricultural high schools in Massachusetts made changes in their admissions policies, practices, or staffing over the past two years. That’s one of the key findings of a survey on admissions practices conducted by the Massachusetts…

Burlington Buzz

In partnership with Kadilak Realty Group

Thinking about buying your first home? Join us on Tuesday, 3/14, from 7-8pm for this free Home Buying Seminar, where you’ll get your questions answered about the steps in the buying process, financial considerations, timing, and more. Get your free ticket here or by clicking on the image.

Today in Burlington

Lots going on at the library today, and we even have one official meeting!

Meetings and Events

• 10:15 AM—12:15 PM - Learn how to use the Libby app to read audiobooks and ebooks (Library event; Register)
• 11:00—11:45 AM - Maker Space: PreK-Grade 5 (Library event; Register)
• 6:30—8:45 PM Last Word Toastmasters Club at the library
• 6:30—7:30 PM - Free Blood Pressure Screening at the library
• 6:30 PM - Conservation Commission at Town Hall and virtual. They’ll talk about updating stormwater fees and improving education and enforcement around tree removal, as well as reviewing some proposed projects: tree removal; construction of an addition; and construction of a new residence.

Sports and Activities

Boys Varsity Hockey ended its season yesterday with an OT loss to Medford 3-2. Congrats to the team and coaching staff for all their hard work this season!

No games, matches, or activities to report today, so I’ll let you get along with your day. Stay safe, neighbors!

Nicci