Stop the Lottery Admissions System for Massachusetts Technical Schools

Parents and students in Massachusetts deserve a fair and transparent admissions process for vocational and technical schools. The new lottery-based system means that qualified, motivated students are being denied opportunities simply due to chance.

My child applied to Shawsheen Valley Technical High School and met all the qualifications. He made honor roll, had stellar attendance, and had no conduct issues. 

Yet he was placed on a waitlist under the new lottery rules, which selects applicants by random instead of by merit.

This system does not reward hard work, ACADEMICS, attendance, or dedication. We urge the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to reconsider the lottery-based admissions policy and develop a system that fairly evaluates students based on merit and commitment to career technical education. Students who want to pursue skilled trades and technical careers should not lose that opportunity because of a random drawing.