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December 2007
Of the many changes recently in Massachusetts education leadership, perhaps none will have as great an influence on the future direction of our K-12 public schools as the selection of a new Commissioner of Education. The Board of Education has announced that the three finalists for the position are Karla Brooks Baehr, Superintendent of Schools in Lowell; Mitchell Dan Chester, Senior Associate State Superintendent in Ohio; and Richard Laine, Education Director for the Wallace Foundation. The public will have an opportunity to meet and hear from these candidates on January 7 at the Omni Parker House in Boston. The Board's goal is to name a permanent commissioner by its January 22nd meeting.
MBAE was represented by three Board members in focus groups held early in the search to discuss the qualifications and characteristics that the next Commissioner should bring to the post. Our statement to the Search Committee is one of the Documents on our website.
Everyone at MBAE wishes all of our readers a happy and peaceful holiday season!
In this Issue
- MassCore Graduation Requirements Approved
- U.S. Students Lagging on International Assessments
- Route 21 Guide to 21st Century Skills
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| MassCore Recommended as Minimum Graduation Requirement |
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MBAE was pleased to represent the business community on the committee charged with identifying the course of study that will prepare high school students for what is expected for success in both college and the workplace. The goal is to reduce the number of students taking remedial courses in college and entering the workplace without the requisite applied 21st century skills. MassCore recommends a comprehensive set of subject area courses as well as other learning opportunities to ensure that high school graduates are ready for all postsecondary pursuits.
The recommended program of studies includes: four years of English, four years of Math, three years of a lab-based Science, three years of social studies, two years of the same foreign language, one year of an arts program and five additional "core" courses such as business education, health, and/or technology. MassCore also encourages additional learning opportunities including AP classes, dual enrollment, a senior project, online courses for high school or college credit, and service or work-based learning.
Committee members from EMC, IBM, Intel and Partners HealthCare shared the employer perspective about the skills required in a competitive global workforce. The adoption of MassCore by districts across the Commonwealth will be a major step toward graduating all students with the knowledge and skills they need for college, career, and citizenship.
Read MBAE's Testimony in Support of MassCore |
| U.S. Students Lag on International Assessments |
| Little Measurable Difference Between 2003 and 2006
The latest results from two international assessments in reading, math, and science show the same trend: American students are performing at the same, moderate level as they did on previous assessments, while students in other nations are improving. Therefore, U.S. worldwide rankings continue to decline. |
 The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) assesses the reading, mathematics and science literacy of 15-year-olds in participating countries. PISA assesses how well prepared students are for life beyond the classroom by focusing on the application of knowledge and skills to problems with a real-life context. PISA results reflect the influences of education systems and societies on young people up to the age of 15. PISA represents an international collaboration that provides information for policymakers and researchers throughout the world. In results released this month, the U.S. ranked 25th among the 30 countries testing in mathematics, down from 23rd of 29 in the 2003 test, and 21st of 30 in science this year, dropping from 19th in 2003.
 The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) is an international comparative study of the reading literacy of young students. PIRLS studies the reading achievement and reading behaviors and attitudes of fourth-grade students in the United States and students in the equivalent of fourth grade in other participating countries.
Whether the United States can maintain its competitive position in a rapidly changing world will depend on our ability to reverse these disturbing trends. Click on the icons above for more details on each of these assessments, and
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| Route 21 Guide to 21st Century Skills |
| Partnership Provides One-Stop Resource |
 Previous articles in Passing Notes have highlighted the connection between MBAE's work to promote college and career readiness and the national effort led by The Partnership for 21st Century Skills. A new, one-stop resource is now available online to demonstrate how 21st century skills can be supported through standards, asssessments, professional development, teaching and learning. Best practices, research, data and other tools are available to assist educators. The goal is to ensure that every child masters content standards as well as the skills and competencies needed to be engaged and productive citizens and employees in an increasingly competitive global society.
As a 21st Century Skills leadership state, Massachusetts has committed to building a state-wide agenda, coalition and implementation plan to ensure that all students are ready for life, work and citizenship in the 21st Century. MBAE is pleased to be part of this effort and to continue its work with organizations sharing our goal of educating a 21st century workforce.
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| Visit Us on the Web! |
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