Massachusetts

Download the 2-page 21st Century Overview: Readiness in Massachusetts.

Under the leadership of the Governor, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts strives to not only lead the nation, but lead the world in education. The hallmark of the Governor’s vision is cooperation, collaboration and consistency of purpose at every level of learning to ensure a comprehensive statewide strategy. The vision aims to create pathways for the young people of Massachusetts to be better students, workers and citizens, while strengthening the state’s economic, civic and cultural vitality.

The Governor’s vision calls for a comprehensive, student-centered education system that begins before kindergarten, continues through grade 12 and higher education, and extends to workforce development and lifelong learning to ensure that each individual has the opportunity to achieve his or her full potential. By working together, public schools, higher education institutions, and private and community partners enable Massachusetts to be globally competitive.

Commonwealth Readiness Project

Through an Executive Order in June of 2007, the Governor challenged the people of the Commonwealth to think long-term and approach education for the 21st century in a whole new way. He called upon education, academic, business and political leaders to collaboratively evaluate the fundamental assumptions upon which our education system is built. The result was an unprecedented coalition of thought leaders and practitioners who worked together to develop goals and recommendations for action for the next decade of education improvement in
the state. More than 200 people served on thirteen issues-focused subcommittees working on the following topics: 1) Accountability and Assistance, 2) Curriculum Alignment, 3) Early Education and Care, 4) Education and Technology, 5) Expanded Teaching and Learning Time, 6) High School Plus, 7) Innovative Schools, 8) Long-Term Financing, 9) MCAS and Assessments, 10) Public and Private Higher Education, 11) Recruiting and Retaining Educators, 12) Whole Child and 13) University of Massachusetts and Public Higher Education. An additional 700 Commonwealth residents joined the efforts as “Readiness Reps,” grassroots leaders in communities across the Commonwealth working to raise the visibility of the education challenges facing the state.

Through its work, the coalition provided an action agenda for establishing universal excellence over the next decade. Recognizing that no one idea will transform the system, the agenda leverages the relationships across all sectors of society. Massachusetts’ administration has continued its commitment to the collaboration and cooperation that are the hallmarks of the
Commonwealth Readiness Project and is working to deliver on a new 21st century promise of high-quality public education for all Massachusetts residents.

Pathways to Success by 21

Pathways to Success by 21 is a reform and capacity building initiative at the state and local levels established to improve education and employment outcomes for Massachusetts’ most at-risk youth. This initiative facilitates the necessary transitions that will prepare youth for adulthood by creating
partnerships with the greater community, analyzing data, and listening to Massachusetts’ youth. This work was motivated by the significant number of young people dropping out of school, which continually weakens the future workforce, threatens Massachusetts’ economic future, and harms the social and economic health of all youth left behind.

Pathway for Success in 21 is improving the capacity of the state Youth Development System so that at-risk youth are able to effectively and efficiently transition to post-secondary education and employment.

State Scholars Initiative

The Massachusetts State Scholars Initiative began in 2006 and is funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Vocational and Adult Education. The initiative focuses on helping students better understand the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s work environment and postsecondary education
by connecting them with members of the business community. Participants undergo a rigorous core course of study that prepares them for college and the demands of an increasingly dynamic and competitive workforce. The initiative succeeds through the collaboration of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association and
the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.