When headlines announce Massachusetts ranks above other states on international and national benchmarks, it is easy to cross education off our lists of worries. While we certainly have a lot to celebrate, there is much work left to be done. In addition to the challenge of maintaining our gains, our state's achievement levels are still too low and dropout rates still too high to stay ahead of other states and countries. Achieve's most recent annual report " Closing the Expectations Gap" shows where Massachusetts needs to focus to align high school policies with the demands of college and career. As we set goals for the infusion of federal funds expected for education, we have an opportunity to stimulate progress toward educating every child for success in college, career and citizenship. In This Issue
- ARRA - Economic Stimulus Funds for Education in Massachusetts
- Retaining Effective Teachers - National Study Gives Massachusetts a "D"
- Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Frameworks Under Review
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| American Recovery and Reinvestment Act |
| Economic Stimulus Funding for Education in Massachusetts |
Since President Obama cited Massachusetts in his first major address on education and announced that economic stimulus funding for education "to upgrade the quality of teaching and learning in America's classrooms" would be available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, there have been more questions than answers about what these resources would mean for Massachusetts. Education is just one of the areas targeted by this complex plan to drive job creation, and states are still awaiting regulatory direction with details of how funds can be spent. Hopes are high for using funds to drive innovation that will equalize educational opportunities and raise student achievement, but there are also strong demands for help closing budget gaps and saving existing positions. Whether this investment pushes education forward or maintains the status quo will depend on decisions made by policy makers at the state level.
Governor Patrick has already announced the distribution of $168 million to cities and towns for education. With the Commonwealth expected to receive over $1.8 billion for education purposes, there are many opportunities for Massachusetts to lead the "Race to the Top" that grants will be funding in the months ahead. |
| Retaining Effective Teachers - Highest Ranking State Earns B- |
| Massachusetts Grade is a D |
Teacher retention is a particularly important concern when funds are tight since turnover is costly. According to a study by the National Center for Teacher Quality (NCTQ), Massachusetts's policies discourage promising new teachers from remaining in the classroom, while doing little to identify and remove ineffective teachers. While personnel decisions rest with schools and districts, NCTQ points out that state laws and regulations address every aspect of the teaching profession and can therefore have an impact on the quality of teaching. MBAE supports An Act Relative to Educator Excellence because this legislation would bring about systemic reforms to attract and support effective teachers and school leaders. NCTQ has also issued recommendations for what states can do to retain effective teachers. Findings for Massachusetts include the following: · Although the state controls how and when its local school districts may award teachers tenure, it does not require districts to collect any evidence of teacher effectiveness as part of that determination.
· Massachusetts only requires its school districts to evaluate new teachers once a year, which provides insufficient information about new teachers' performance. Further, the state does not articulate any consequences for unsatisfactory evaluations.
· Massachusetts's pay and benefit policies for teachers - including the state-run retirement system - are a disadvantage for newer teachers, offering inadequate incentives to stay in teaching.
Credit was given to Massachusetts for its teacher induction programs and the Readiness Project support for differential pay for high need schools and disciplines with a shortage of qualified teachers.
Read the Report
You can calculate the cost of teacher turnover for your school or district using the National Council on Teaching and America's Future's Teacher Turnover Cost Calculator. |
| Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Standards |
| Review Panel Seeking Your Input! - History MCAS Delayed |
Over a year ago, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education adopted a schedule to review all seven Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. These set the standards that all curriculum and instruction in the Commonwealth must meet. English Language Arts and Mathematics reviews are both underway. As a review of the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Curriculum Framework begins, we encourage you to provide feedback on the current Framework to help guide the work of the Review Panel.
The Department is seeking your opinion on the current STE Framework to inform the review. This survey asks for feedback on standards; inquiry and design skills; organization and use of the Framework; and resources found in the Framework. The deadline for completing this important survey is April 17, 2009.
Respond to the Survey
MCAS Delay - As a strong advocate for high standards and accountability, MBAE opposed action taken by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to postpone the History and Social Studies MCAS requirement for graduation from 2012 to 2014. Our position is that the Board should direct the Commissioner to propose alternatives and set priorities when funds are limited, and not use budget pressures as a reason to delay progress toward high standards of achievement for all students. |
