Gates Middle School

Scituate Public Schools

Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy (LBA)

Scituate Public Schools is committed to connecting students with post-secondary college and career exploration through authentic learning opportunities in the work field.  In accordance with Massachusetts Commonwealth regulations (603 CMR 4.00) and guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), this policy outlines how Scituate Public Schools provides students with awareness and exposure to exploration pathways, including available CTE schools.
 

Middle School Career Exploration

• The district's implementation of the My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) middle school guidance curriculum provides students with instruction on planning for academic, personal, and career success in high school and beyond.
• As part of the MyCAP process, all 7th and 8th-graders will be introduced to the possible high school pathways available to them. This will include, but is not limited to, Innovation Career Pathways, Global Studies, South Shore Technical High School, and Norfolk County Agricultural High School.

Collaboration with Member Vocational Schools

• The eighth-grade counselor will serve as the liaison between Gates School and South Shore Technical High School. 
• Scituate Public Schools will provide names and addresses of seventh and eighth-grade students to CTE schools by October 15 each year.
• Public notice will be given to inform families that names and addresses will be released to CTE schools, providing parents and students with a reasonable opportunity to request that their information not be released without their consent.
• Students in the 8th grade will have the opportunity to visit South Shore Technical High School (SST) during a chaperoned field trip, provided SST requests this opportunity and covers the cost of the bus. The SPS liaison will work with the CTE school to schedule the tour.
• Student tours during school hours will not be counted as unexcused absences.
• All eighth-grade students will have access to tours.
• Scituate Public Schools will schedule an annual visit from CTE schools to speak with students.
• CTE schools may schedule interviews with potential students at Gates Middle School.
• The METCO Director will help Boston residents to identify CTE schools and ensure that they have opportunities to explore these schools.

Maintenance of Records

• The Superintendent will sign an annual attestation that the Middle School Exploration Policy is implemented.
• The Middle School Exploration Policy will be made available on the Scituate Public Schools website and will be provided to any family upon request for a paper copy.
• Scituate Public Schools will provide CTE schools with relevant information regarding students who have applied to their programs.
• Scituate Public Schools will confirm a suspension or expulsion due to an admitted or adjudicated felony only during the relevant period of time.
• All records of Scituate students’ participation in tours, dates of sharing contact information, and CTE access schedules will be maintained by Gates Middle School.

Appendix: MyCAP Scope and Sequence by Grade Level

• Several lessons within the Scituate Public Schools' MyCAP scope and sequence align with the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy. Below are examples of lessons in the implemented scope and sequence that address exploration :
  • Grade 6- Matching Interests to Careers
  • Grade 6- Creating Personal and Academic Goals
  • Grade 7- Creating Career Goals
  • Grade 8-Creating a High School Road Map
  • Grade 8- South Shore Technical High School Visit