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Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School

An Effective Practice

Description

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School is a regional school serving 13 towns in central Massachusetts. Located in the heart of the region, Blackstone Valley has a student population of approximately 1,000 students in grades 9 through 12. About 20% of the students are youth with disabilities, predominately learning and emotional. It offers 18 distinctive vocational technical programs, along with a structured academic core program.

Blackstone Valley prides itself on providing students with a safe learning environment with an emphasis on integrating specialized vocational/technical training and academic learning. A specialized curriculum called "Across the Curriculum" focuses on reading, math, study strategies and respect. Instruction is individualized and recognizes diverse learning styles while incorporating the use of state-of-the art technology. Student portfolios highlight academic, vocational, and extra-curricular accomplishments. A comprehensive counseling program and a wide array of extracurricular activities are available to all students. Job shadowing, job internships, work/study programs, and cooperative education are available for students to learn about the world of work and to develop and apply both academic and vocational/technical skills.

Goal / Mission

The school's philosophy is "to provide the individual student with the academic and vocational/technical skills essential to achieve success in a productive career as well as to provide the global community with a highly qualified and prepared workforce."

Results / Accomplishments

The first-time-pass rates on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests have improved steadily from 2001 to 2004. In Basic English Language, 82.1% passed the first time in 2001, compared with 97.0% in 2004. In Basic Math, the rate improved from 78.7% in 2001 to 95.0% in 2004. Pass rates on Advanced MCAS tests have also improved. In addition, the school reports that virtually 100% of their students graduate and are placed into postsecondary education, the military, apprenticeship programs, or jobs. The school has received numerous awards for its progress and continuing success.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District
Primary Contact
Stephen C. Grabowski
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School
65 Pleasant St.
Upton, MA 01568
(508) 529-7758
sgrabows@valleytech.k12.ma.us
http://www.valleytech.k12.ma.us
Topics
Education / Student Performance K-12
Education / School Environment
Education / Educational Attainment
Organization(s)
Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District
Source
Pro-Bank
Date of publication
8/5/2005
Location
Upton, MA
Target Audience
Teens
Kansas Health Matters