Massachusetts
We studied 2.9 million job postings from 2019-2020 and found that 1.5 million Massachusetts jobs or 66% of job postings demanded at least one Durable Skill.
State Standards Analysis & Recommendations for Improvement
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
Readiness standards are published and promoted and describe the competencies students need to learn and possess for entry into and success in college and the workforce. They may or may not be assessed by the state but exist as guidance for educators and expectations for students.
Yes
Does the state define college and/or career readiness?
Yes, the state’s definition of college and/or career readiness is “Massachusetts students who are college and career ready will demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities that are necessary to successfully complete entry-level, credit-bearing college courses, participate in certificate or workplace training programs, and enter economically viable career pathways. In order to meet this goal, the Commonwealth has defined a set of learning competencies, intellectual capacities and experiences essential for all students to become lifelong learners; positive contributors to their families, workplaces and communities; and successfully engaged citizens of a global 21st century. Beyond achieving college and career ready levels of competence in English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics, all high school students should develop a foundation in the academic disciplines identified in the MassCore course of study: (1) build competencies for workplace readiness as articulated in the Integrating College and Career Task Force Report, and (2) focus on applying academic strategies to problem solving in diverse professional and life contexts, appropriate to individual student goals. Massachusetts will use its 2011 curriculum frameworks, which include the Common Core State Standards, as the basis for an educational program that provides students with the academic knowledge, skills and experience.”
Yes
Does the state have career readiness standards?
Yes, the state’s career-readiness standards are available here.
Yes
Does the state report metrics related to college and/or career readiness?
Yes, the state’s reported metrics related to college and/or career readiness include:
- SAT scores
- AP scores
- Number of graduates completing the MassCore
- NAEP scores
- In-state college enrollment
- Transition to postsecondary plans
Yes
Does the state include college/career readiness in its accountability formula?
Yes, find out more about college/career readiness in the state’s accountability formula here.
Yes
Are students expected to demonstrate readiness for college and/or career upon graduation?
Yes, students are expected to demonstrate college and/or career readiness through:
- Advanced Coursework Enrollment
- Skills and career development through the MyCap program
Yes
Are Durable Skills reflected in career readiness standards?
Yes, the following Durable Skills are reflected in the state’s career-readiness standards:
- Character
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativity
- Critical Thinking
- Fortitude
- Growth Mindset
- Metacognition
- Mindfulness
Yes
Does the state publish career readiness/employability skills standards?
Yes, the state’s career-readiness/employability skills are available here.
No
Does the state have a complete framework for work-based learning?
Yes
Does the state define WBL?
Yes, the state’s definition for work-based learning is available here.
No
Does the state have clear expectations for WBL programs?
Yes
Does the state report on WBL participation and outcomes?
Yes, Massachusetts collects data from districts and two-year colleges including participation and placement types.
Yes
Does the state use WBL participation as a program quality indicator for Perkins V federal funding?
Yes, the state uses work-based learning participation as a program quality indicator for Perkins V federal funding. Learn more here.
Yes
Does the state provide guidance related to career/employability skills?
Yes, the state’s guidance related to career/employability skills can be found here.
WORK-BASED LEARNING (WBL)
Work-based learning describes comprehensive guidance, expectations for educators and employers, and quality indicators for assessment.
DURABLE SKILLS ALIGNED WITH READINESS GUIDANCE
GRADUATE PROFILE
A graduate profile includes the competencies and skills a student possesses when they graduate from high school. They showcase student learning outcomes and present a full picture of a student’s abilities.
No
Does the state include career/workforce readiness in its graduation requirements?
No
Does the state outline a robust set of graduation requirements?
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