– (11/12/08)

At its November 6-7, 2008 meeting, the Commission on Technical and Career Institutions reviewed the report of its decennial visiting committee dated March 10-13, 2008, and voted continued accreditation for the Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School with a Two-Year Progress Report due March 1, 2010, and a Five-Year Focused Visit in the Spring of 2013.

The Commission commended the administration and staff at Old Colony for many commendations identified by the visiting committee, and highlighted the following commendations:

1. An atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation by staff and students that creates a safe, secure, and positive learning environment.
2. Consistently high academic and technical achievement.
3. A low drop-out rate and high average daily attendance rate.
4. A well-maintained building and campus that supports and enhances all aspects of the educational program.
5. The numerous articulation agreements with community colleges, businesses, and industry partnerships.
6. The dynamic new teacher mentoring program.

The Commission also focused on several visiting committee recommendations that are of particular concern and to which the school should pay particular attention as it strives to reach excellence. These recommendations are:

1. Develop a plan for facility improvement and equipment modernization.
2. Develop and implement a technology plan.
3. Adjust the master schedule to provide for flexibility in students’ course selections regardless of Pathway.
4. Develop and implement a plan for replacement of textbooks.
5. Address science laboratory deficiencies by repairing gas valves, drench showers, repair electrical outlets, and address plumbing issues.

The administration is working on a plan to address all of the visiting committee’s recommendations.

Questions should be addressed to Superintendent-Director, Gary Brown, at 508-763-8011, ext. 116.