MBAE is proud that so many of our leaders and supporters are actively involved in improving public education from a variety of perspectives. We congratulate our co-founder Paul Reville, President of the Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy and Chairman of the Board of Education, on his appointment to the recently-created position of Secretary of Education. In naming him to this post, Governor Deval Patrick recognized his knowledge and leadership in advancing Massachusetts education reforms and the great respect that all stakeholders have for his accomplishments. We also congratulate Advisory Council member Eileen Rudden, a leading technology expert with experience on a number of education-related boards, on her appointment to the Board of the KnowledgeWorks Foundation. The Ohio -based organization has a national focus on preparing sudents for college, career and life in the 21st century. We look forward to continued collaboration with these leaders to reach our shared goal of a high quality education for every child.
In this issue...
- URGENT - Support Needed for Education Budget Amendments
- Remedial Rates at Public Higher Education Released for State High Schools
- 25 Years Later - A Nation Still At Risk
Don't Miss the Massachusetts State Science and Engineering Fair - Saturday, May 3, 12:30 p.m. at MIT's Johnson Athletic Center. See over 300 of the most outstanding projects in scientific research, engineering and invention by Massachusetts high school students. You can also visit the Science Fair Expo and be there for the concluding Award Recognition Ceremony at 3:30pm! |
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House to Act on Budget This Week |
Support Needed for Educator Excellence and Pre-K Education Amendments
 In a challenging year for legislators facing an uncertain economic outlook, the House is beginning deliberations on 1,512 budget amendments this week. With many worthy proposals competing for limited resources, it is critical that funds available for education be invested where these dollars can yield the greatest benefits for students. MBAE therefore encourages you to contact your legislator to support two important amendments:
Educator Excellence - #894 - This amendment would fund planning grants for fifteen pilot districts begin the work supporting H451/S284, the Act to Ensure Educator Excellence that MBAE supports. Beginning this work is critical to show how student achievement can rise when we invest in the infrastructure for providing all educators with a systematic means of acquiring and strengthening their skills and expertise throughout their careers. Introduced by Reps. Lida Harkins and Patricia Haddad, the $4 million amendment is about more than "teacher training". It is about improving teacher and administrator expertise - which has been proven to be the most important variable in student achievement. Click here for more information about the proposal this amendment would fund.
Universal Pre-Kindergarten - #1478 - This amendment, would increase the proposed spending for universal pre-K by $5 million, to a total of $15,138,739, and make funds available "to leverage and enhance community-wide capacity building". There is ample evidence that high quality early education increases future educational achievement, especially for low-income children, and reduces future remediation costs. Massachusetts has made this a priority and this level of funding is needed to move forward. |
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| "School to College" Reports Performance of HS Grads |
37% Enroll in At Least One Remedial Course at Public Colleges |
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For the first time, 297 high schools in Massachusetts have received a report indicating how many graduates have enrolled in one or more remedial class during their first year at one of the state's public colleges or universities, and the rates of re-enrollment for a second year of study. The data provided for the class of 2005 by school follows an earlier report of statewide results.
According to the statewide report, more than 19,000 graduating seniors (33%) chose to enroll in a state public postsecondary institution in fall 2005. Of these students, 45% enrolled at a community college, 25% enrolled at a state college, and 30% enrolled at one of the University of Massachusetts campuses. The report indicated that 37% of these students enrolled in at least one remedial course, which do not earn credit toward college graduation. This is a concern for educators since the cost and time consumed by these courses discourages students, who are less likely to remain in school and graduate on time.
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25 Years Later: A Nation Still at Risk |
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Report Marks Anniversary of Call to Action on Education |
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Twenty-five years ago on April 26, A Nation at Risk warned that American schools were being eroded by a "rising tide of mediocrity" that put American prosperity, security and society in jeopardy. The report by the National Commission on Excellence in Education was one of the first comprehensive assessments of America's education system that found it comparing poorly to international competitors and documented proglems with academic standards and expectations, the time allocated for learning and the quality of teaching.
Many of these issues were also addressed in the report Tough Choices or Tough Times issued in December 2006 by the New Commission on Skills of the American Workforce. Both of these reports focused on education reforms that would ensure that public schools are preparing students with the skills that a rapidly changing society and economy demand. Now, ED in 08 has issued a report marking this anniversary that outlines why few of the recommendations about time, standards and teaching have been enacted and calls for renewed attention to these three priorities.
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| MBAE Thanks our Supporters |
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MBAE's work is made possible by the financial support of generous individuals and -
Abt Associates
AT&T Foundation
Braver
Comcast
The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation
Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation
EMC Corporation
IBM
Intel
Pearson
Shields Healthcare
Slowey/McManus
TD Banknorth
Verizon | |
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