Key Initiatives
Ensuring all students are reading by third grade
Reading by third grade is a pivotal benchmark. Students who don’t learn to read by third grade can’t read to learn, compromising all their future learning. Yet just 42% of Massachusetts third graders were proficient in reading on the 2024 MCAS exams. There are steps the state can take to reverse this trend and ensure all students read by third grade. Learn more >
Building student pathways to college and careers
Too many students, particularly from marginalized communities, don’t have access to programs and experiences that prepare them for college and careers. At the same time, good paying jobs that offer career ladders and greater economic stability go unfilled. Massachusetts must address this mismatch in order to close wage and wealth gaps, promote economic equity, and meet the needs of employers.
Learn more about:
Addressing pandemic learning impacts
Data show socio-economic and racial education achievement gaps widened during the pandemic and many students remain far behind in their learning. If we do not act with urgency to mitigate learning loss, its negative impacts will be with us for years and generations to come.
Promoting attainment of durable skills
Employers are demanding durable skills, a combination of how you use what you know—skills like critical thinking, communication, and collaboration—as well as character skills like fortitude, growth mindset, and leadership. We can do more to support and enable schools and educators to provide students with the experiences to develop these skills. Learn more >
Preparing students for careers in STEM
Massachusetts’ knowledge and innovation economy demands that students have a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). From promoting math instruction to expanding computer science, to building high school pathways into STEM careers, MBAE is prioritizing STEM education.
Ensuring equitable funding
Since our founding, MBAE has been a forceful champion of equitable and sufficient school funding and effective use of resources to close persistent racial and socio-economic achievement gaps and better prepare students for success in college and careers. Learn more >
Supporting high learning standards and accountability
In addition to sufficient funding for schools, MBAE supports high learning standards for all students, a focus on evidence-based practices, accountability for school and district performance, and transparency around results. Learn more >
