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.

New Policy:  Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy

Purpose

In accordance with Massachusetts state regulations (603 CMR 4.00), Framingham Public Schools is committed to ensuring that all middle school students are equitably informed of, and provided exposure to, career technical education (CTE) schools and programs available to them in their district, regional, agricultural, and other public high schools.

Policy Statement

Framingham Public Schools shall maintain a districtwide Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy that affirms the District’s responsibility to inform students and families about educational pathways supporting secondary and postsecondary academic and career planning, in alignment with the Massachusetts My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) framework. The District will collaborate with in-district and regional technical, agricultural, and public high schools to ensure students and their families have equitable access to information regarding CTE programs and pathways. Framingham Public Schools shall make this Policy publicly available on the District website and will provide written copies to students, parents, and guardians upon request.

Implementation

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain administrative procedures that define how this policy will be implemented. These procedures shall address, at a minimum: Student and family awareness and outreach regarding available CTE opportunities; Coordination with in-district and regional CTE and agricultural programs; Documentation and reporting of student participation and engagement in pathway exploration activities; and Compliance with applicable state regulations governing student records and data sharing.

Accountability

The District will review this policy annually and submit an attestation to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education confirming its implementation. 

Legal References

603 CMR 4.00, Career Technical Education

603 CMR 23.07(4)(g), Access to Student Records

References
Middle School Pathway Exploration Regulation

Administrative Regulation:  Middle School Pathway Exploration

I. Purpose

This procedure outlines the steps Framingham Public Schools (FPS) will take to implement the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy, ensuring compliance with 603 CMR 4.00 and alignment with the My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) framework. 

II. Roles and Responsibilities

A. District-Level Oversight

The Office of Secondary Education will oversee implementation and annual review of the policy. The Superintendent’s designee will submit the required annual attestation to the DESE. The Communications Department will ensure the policy and related information are published on the FPS website and available in multiple languages as needed. 

B. Middle School Responsibilities

School Counselors and School Social Workers will deliver lessons and advisory activities introducing students to secondary school options. Middle School Administrators will coordinate student participation in CTE exploration activities and ensure equitable access for all students. 

C. High School Responsibilities

The Framingham High School Counseling Department will collaborate with middle school teams to present pathway information and host informational events for families. FHS Program Coordinators will maintain

up-to-date information on N74 programs and share program updates annually. 

III. Student Awareness and Engagement

A. Classroom and Advisory Activities: Integration of CTE awareness into MyCAP lessons and advisory periods.

B. Family Engagement: Annual events and materials distributed to families about CTE pathways.

C. Experiential Opportunities: Coordination of tours with regional technical and agricultural schools for 8th-grade students. 

IV. Record Keeping and Reporting

Participation and engagement will be documented annually. MyCAP activities will be tracked in SchoolLinks, and student record sharing will comply with 603 CMR 23.07(4)(g). 

V. Review and Continuous Improvement The District will review implementation annually, gather feedback, and revise the FHS MyCAP Scope and Sequence accordingly. 

VI. Legal References

603 CMR 4.00 – Career Technical Education

603 CMR 23.07(4)(g) – Access to Student Records 

VII. Effective Date

This procedure is effective upon approval and shall be reviewed annually in alignment with the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy.