Massachusetts state regulations (603 CMR 4.00) require sending districts to maintain a districtwide Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy that documents how middle school students in the district are made aware of, and gain exposure to, career technical education (CTE) schools and programs available to them in their district, regional, agricultural, and other public high schools. 

A new Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy and regulation was approved by the Framingham Public Schools School Committee on October 22, 2025. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL CAREER PATHWAYS EXPLORATION POLICY — ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION

Administrative Regulation:  Middle School Pathway Exploration

1. Framingham Public Schools is committed to equitably informing students and their guardians about educational pathways that support both secondary and postsecondary academic and career planning, in alignment with the Massachusetts My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) framework.
    
2. Framingham Public Schools will collaborate with in-district and regional technical, agricultural, and other public high schools that provide CTE opportunities to inform students and families of available pathways. 
    
   1. In-district CTE opportunities at Framingham High School (N74 Programs) provide a sequence of courses beginning with exploratory experiences in grade 8 and an introductory class in grade 9 which can progress to advanced coursework, providing a foundation for postsecondary careers and college majors. These opportunities include:
      1. Radio and television broadcasting; 
      2. Programming and web development; 
      3. Culinary arts;
      4. Early education and care; 
      5. Engineering technology; 
      6. Drafting;
      7. Design and visual communications; 
      8. Medical assisting; and
      9. Business Technology
          
3. Regional agricultural and technical opportunities include:
   1. Keefe Regional Technical School;
   2. Norfolk Agricultural School; and
   3. Other Massachusetts public CTE and agricultural high schools as applicable to students’ residence and eligibility.
       
4. All middle school students shall participate in structured career exploration activities that connect directly to MyCAP.
    
   1. Classroom and Advisory Activities:
      1. School counselors and school social workers will deliver lessons to 8th grade students focused on transitioning to high school, including awareness of Framingham High Schools N74 programs, and other available regional public vocational and agricultural high school pathway options.  
      2. The Framingham High School Counseling Department, in collaboration with Middle School Counseling and Social Workers, will present to 8th grade students on pathway options within Framingham Public Schools and available within regional public vocational and agricultural schools. 
          
   2. Family Engagement:
      1. Framingham High School will host an 8th grade curriculum night, with presentations that include information on N74 programming, and CTE options available within regional public vocational and agricultural schools. 
      2. Information regarding N74 options and CTE options will be distributed to 8th grade parents and caregivers and will be posted on the Framingham Public Schools website annually. 
          
5. All 8th grade students shall have the opportunity to participate in a CTE school tour during regular school hours. 
   1. Middle Schools will partner with Keefe Regional Technical School to arrange attendance at an annual showcase day opportunity for 8th grade students. 
   2. Transportation costs to the showcase days will be assumed by the school hosting the showcase days. 
   3. Students will not be penalized for absences due to attending showcase days or other tours and will receive an excused absence when their tour attendance is confirmed by the CTE school. 
      1. In accordance with Massachusetts Regulation 603 CMR 23.07 (4) (g), Access to Student Records, upon receipt of a signed release of information and notice that a student intends to enroll at a CTE school by a parent or guardian, Framingham Public Schools will share requested student record information applicable to the CTE application process with the CTE school. 
          
6. Framingham High School and Framingham middle schools will maintain annual documentation of student participation in showcase days or tours, counseling lessons, and sharing of contact information and CTE resources. MyCAP tracking will be documented within our electronic platform, SchoolLinks. 
    
7. The Framingham Public Schools will maintain and review annually the FHS MyCAP scope and sequence, which outlines the activities and goals for student's personal, social, academic, career and/or college development. The scope and sequence will be expanded over the course of the 2025-2026 school year to include connections to the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy.

Last Reviewed & Updated November 24, 2025