Time to take a new educational approach in Massachusetts

Originally published in the Taunton Daily Gazette | April 1, 2014.
By Linda Noonan.

On many measures of student achievement, Massachusetts schools are the best in the nation. We are rightfully proud of that accomplishment, but have work ahead to maintain that lead and make it one that applies to all of our children.

Gaps in achievement between students overall and those from economically disadvantaged communities remain wide. Employers report a mismatch between what students are learning in school and what they need to secure a job that provides opportunities for growth and a family-sustaining wage.

Nearly 40 percent of students entering public colleges and universities need to take remedial courses before earning credit. That number jumps to 65 percent of students entering community college. Many of those students will never earn the degree or certificate they will need to be successful in Massachusetts, where 72 percent of jobs will require education beyond high school by 2020.

Read the full article at tauntongazette.com