What are Advisory Board Committees?

Each approved Chapter 74 program must include an advisory committee for each program. The responsibility of the Program Advisory Committee consists of advising, assisting and supporting school personnel in order to improve planning, operation and the evaluation of a program area. Such advice will be based on adequate and timely information as to workforce and job development demands or job market trends, technological developments, training alternatives and other factors affecting the quality of the program.

Who Does a Committee consist of?

The committee must consist of representatives of local business and industry members related to each program, organized labor, post secondary institutions, parents and guardians, students and representatives for registered apprenticeship programs if applicable. No school committee member or other school officials or school personnel shall serve on the committee. Every effort should be made to include racial and linguistic minorities, persons with disabilities and individuals in non- traditional occupations for their gender.

What do Advisory Committees do?

Program Advisory Committees May:

• Review Curriculum based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks
• Review, evaluate, and advise on course materials
• Advise staff on labor market trends in the industry including current and future trends
• Advise in method of instruction/suggestions of on the job training that occurs in business/industry
• Review data such as MCAS, Perkins Core Indicators, Enrollment, Placement, etc.
• Assist in the development of articulation agreements with local colleges, and registered apprentice programs, provide  internships
• Recommend new or updated equipment
• Assist in purchasing and donating of equipment
• Serve as or arrange for guest speakers
• Contribute to professional development for staff
• Help bring special projects to the school
• Arrange for field trips and other activities
• Inform the school of opportunities to place students in full or part time jobs or cooperative education
• Review career guidance policies and opportunities
• Help acquaint the community with need of career/vocational education

When do Advisory Committees Meet?

The Program Advisory Committee shall meet twice a year (October and March). All meetings begin at 6:00 PM in the Southeastern Cafeteria. Dinner or light fare will be provided for these meetings.

What are individual Roles?

The Vocational Director or her designee will provide the Program Advisory Committee with data such as current enrollment, MCAS, and Perkins Indicators for each vocational program.

The Materials Facilitator will inform the Program Advisory Committee of program data and explain if necessary; inform of curriculum changes; policy changes within the school; and type the meeting minutes. Upon completion, the minutes will be emailed to all members, and the hard copy will be returned to the Vocational Director to keep on record.

The Chairperson will be elected and or appointed by its membership and shall serve to work with the school/post secondary member to develop agendas and manage meetings. The Chairperson will also meet once annually with the District Administration and School Committee to provide feedback on the results of the Program Advisory Committee.

Program Instructors will attend Program Advisory Committees to provide answers to questions or elaboration on current teaching or school practices.

Where do I find out More about Advisory Committees?

A full copy of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Guide to Advisory Committees can be found on the Massachusetts Department of Education website.

What if I want to serve on an advisory committee?

If you are a member of business, industry, organized labor, post-secondary, apprenticeship program, parent or student  and would like to serve on one of our committees, email a letter of interest to Ms. Jennifer Hall, Vocational Programs, at j1hall@sersd.org.