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Bill

H 727

An Act relative to student access and return on investment of college and career pathways programs

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chynah Tyler

Mandates a biennial ROI audit of public high school pathways (CTE), evaluating labor-market alignment, outcomes, equity, and directing funds to in-demand programs.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 727

Summary: H.727 An Act relative to student access and return on investment of college and career pathways programs

Overview

H.727, introduced February 27, 2025 by Representative Chynah Tyler, seeks to improve the alignment of Massachusetts high school college and career pathways programs with labor market needs and to enhance transparency around student access and outcomes. The bill would add a new Section 14B to Chapter 6A, mandating a biennial state-wide return on investment (ROI) audit of public high school college and career pathways, including career technical education and vocational programs. The bill has been reported favorably by a committee and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.

What the bill would do

  • Create a mandatory biennial ROI audit of the state’s public high school college and career pathways programs.
  • Require collaboration among three secretaries:
    • Executive Office of Education
    • Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
    • Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
  • Assess how pathways align with:
    • State and regional labor market plans
    • Employer demand
    • Postsecondary degree or certificate programs
    • Industry-valued credentials

Key provisions and focus areas

The audit must address, at a minimum:
- Identification of pathways linked to high-skill, higher-wage, in-demand occupations.
- Evaluation of student participation and outcomes (e.g., postsecondary attainment, employment status, wage earnings) by program.
- Identification of programs not aligned with labor market needs, with recommendations to phase out such programs and shift resources to in-demand pathways to bolster competitiveness.
- Information on availability, quality, and student outcomes to help students and families make informed educational choices.
- Equity analysis of access to pathways across public high schools, with recommendations to improve access for all student groups regardless of background or geography.
- Recommendations to improve labor market alignment, quality, access, outcomes, and operational efficiencies across pathways.
- Public availability of the audit report and presentation to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education.

Who is affected

  • Public high school students and families choosing college and career pathways.
  • School districts and programs that operate pathways, including CTE and vocational offerings.
  • State education and workforce agencies, and legislators who oversee education policy and budget.
  • The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and related oversight bodies.

Timeline and procedural context

  • Status: Reported favorably by committee; referred to House Ways and Means.
  • Timeline highlights:
    • Introduced/Filed: January 16, 2025
    • Senate concurrence and Education referral: February 27, 2025
    • Hearing: Scheduled June 3, 2025
    • August 18, 2025: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to Ways and Means
  • Legislative actions reflect ongoing committee deliberation and potential budgetary considerations through Ways and Means.

Additional context

  • The bill references HD 2960 as its replacing/related filing.
  • No specific fiscal figures are included in the text; the proposal could influence resource allocation toward in-demand pathways based on audit findings.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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