MBAE Commentary

February 18, 2020

Massachusetts Considers Changes to the High School Graduation Standard

MBAE’s Ed Lambert is serving on the advisory committee that will assist Commissioner Riley in developing his recommendations to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding what level of achievement students will need to demonstrate on the next-generation high […]
April 9, 2020

Learning must move forward during school closures

The coronavirus has caused an unexpected and unprecedented upheaval in our schools. Without exception, the health and safety of our students, teachers, and their families is the number one priority. We applaud and appreciate districts’ extraordinary efforts to deliver meals […]
April 22, 2020

Schools are closed: time to maximize remote learning opportunities

Yesterday, Governor Baker made the expected announcement that schools will be closed through the end of the school year. This was the right decision for the safety of students, teachers and families. The Governor also rightly made clear that this […]
June 19, 2020

Condemning racism, supporting demands for racial justice

The Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education condemns systemic racism and supports demands for racial equality and justice. The spotlight put on racial injustice in recent weeks is long overdue and should extend to a full examination of disparities in all […]
February 25, 2021

MBAE Statement on Getting Students Back in the Classroom

The Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education supports Commissioner Riley’s move to get students back in the classroom in April. There is no replacement for in-person learning and it should be pursued vigorously when and where safe. This strong state action […]
May 5, 2022

Raising the high school graduation standard

In Massachusetts, students must earn a passing score on the grade 10 MCAS in English Language Arts and math, and on one of the high school science tests, in order to meet the state’s high school graduation requirement. This policy […]
May 19, 2022

MA must take steps to increase access and enrollment in computer science

Expanding student access to and enrollment in computer science classes is both an economic development strategy and a student equity imperative. Computer science has become a critical area of study that provides students with skills they need across numerous sectors […]
November 30, 2022

National Experts, Mass. Leaders Agree: Education Pathways Can Grow Skilled Workforce, Improve Economic Mobility

As the new administration of Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll take office, how can we expand career connected learning options for all students in Massachusetts? That was the focus of a recent Student Pathways to Success webinar, […]
February 2, 2023

New Legislation Would Build Education Pathways, Grow Skilled Workforce, Improve Economic Mobility

Legislation filed by Rep. Chynah Tyler and Sen. John Cronin takes aim at our growing workforce and equity challenges, taking urgently-needed action to bolster student learning and improve economic opportunity. An Act to Create and Expand Student Pathways to Success […]
March 9, 2023

Governor Healey’s First Budget Supports Growth in Key Education Initiatives

Governor Healey’s first budget proposal (H.1) includes major increases in education and workforce development funding, making the significant connection between spending on education and college and career pathways and the state’s competitiveness. We know that these expenditures support both student […]
June 22, 2023

Student Pathways to Success Hosts Packed Legislative Briefing

With momentum growing toward expanding career-connected learning options for all Massachusetts students, the Student Pathways to Success coalition last week welcomed legislators, community leaders, and coalition members to a legislative briefing at the State House. The June 15 event, Improving […]
July 11, 2023

MBAE Remains Committed to the MCAS High School Graduation Standard

The Massachusetts Business Alliance continues to support the requirement that students meet an MCAS standard in order to graduate from high school. The MCAS holds us all accountable for recognizing that all students can achieve if provided the right supports. […]
October 26, 2023

MBAE Hosts Top Leaders of Color to Discuss Solutions to Inequities in Education

As part of our ongoing efforts to shed light on long-standing educational disparities throughout the Commonwealth, MBAE, along with our partners at Latinos for Education and Education Trust in Massachusetts, recently hosted an event “Equity in Education: Building Education Pathways […]
December 18, 2023

MBAE & MACP Host Conversation on Addressing Learning Loss

From declines in reading and math proficiency to an alarming surge in chronic absenteeism, the ongoing repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic on student learning pose a significant threat to the future of our students, particularly those who were already behind […]