Whittier Tech Provides Update on State Cosmetology Curriculum Frameworks
Whittier Tech Cosmetology students are taught a variety of beauty techniques, including nail care. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)
Superintendent Maureen Lynch and Whittier Tech wish to provide an update on the state revised Cosmetology curriculum framework.
This fall, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education updated and finalized the Cosmetology curriculum framework, which provides expectations for what students should know and be able to do at the end of each year.
The revised Chapter 74 Cosmetology Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) Framework outlines requirements aligned with those necessary to achieve a Massachusetts Cosmetology Licensure. The number of hours of instruction required by the frameworks exceeds the minimum 1,000 hours of practice required for the licensure, and is intended to provide adequate instructional time to meet the educational needs of students.
English Teacher Dr. Monica Marino worked with the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators to help develop framework updates. She met with a group of Cosmetology Teachers at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School to review Strand 3 (Embedded Academics), which aims to connect key academic content, such as English Language Arts, with the knowledge and skills necessary for certain career paths. The teachers developed projects, including designing brochures, which will allow Cosmetology students to fine tune their English skills.
“I really liked the multi-disciplinary projects that we developed," said Marino. "The Cosmetology teachers wrote all the project directions and then my job was to determine the adequate level of English and writing skills high school students should have."
Additionally, Sophomore Cosmetology Instructor Nella Haginicolas recently attended the state-offered CVTE workshop to learn new framework techniques. The workshop consisted of a full day of training at Blackstone Valley Technical High School, and included lessons on wet and dry hair techniques, as well as chemicals commonly used in cosmetology.
“At the workshop, I learned different techniques that I wasn’t experienced with. The instructors were very helpful, teaching us the application and how to train students with these skills in the future," said Haginicolas.
The Cosmetology Shop recently ordered 12 textured mannequin heads so that students can practice wet and dry hair techniques. The shop plans to order additional supplies to align with the updated curriculum frameworks.
Students earn hours by practicing at The Whittier Tech Cosmetology Salon, which is supervised by Senior Cosmetology Instructor Nancy Calverley. The Salon offers a variety of beauty services to the public, including hairstyling, haircutting, hair coloring, nail care and more. All services are performed by senior students hoping to earn their Massachusetts Cosmetology Licensure by graduation.
Senior Ana Barrera of Haverhill reflected on her time at the salon: "I’ve worked with seven or eight clients so far. Every week I try to work with one or two more clients. My goal after graduation is to be licensed and work in a salon while attending college for business to one day own my own salon.”
The Salon was closed for many months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The salon reopened in September, but temporarily closed again in December due to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases.
“We cannot wait to reopen the salon once we are able to do so safely," said Calverley. "We hope to have two to three clients a day, ultimately we’d like 10 clients a week. The client’s job is to relax, ours is to do the work.”
"I’ve been a client at the Whittier Tech Salon since 1985. I trust that the instructors will check the work and make sure that I walk out feeling and looking my best," said Marie Ciaramitas, of Haverhill. "I keep coming back because I love the convenience and the experience for students."
The Whittier Tech Cosmetology Salon normally operates on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The salon offers services at a low cost due to it being a learning environment. Those interested in making an appointment are encouraged to keep an eye out for an announcement about reopening. When the salon reopens, community members will be able to make an appointment by calling 978-373-4101, ext. 348, or emailing salon@whittiertech.org.
The Cosmetology Shop recently ordered 12 textured mannequin heads so that students can practice wet and dry hair techniques. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)