Briefing: Mass. Readiness Centers

Gov. Deval Patrick recently launched six regional readiness centers across the state. The readiness centers, which were first announced back in October, are a component to Patrick’s Education Action Agenda. They are intended to improve the quality of teaching while also bridging the achievement gap that exists throughout the state.

What will these readiness centers do?

These centers will enhance the quality of teaching at all levels, from early childhood through higher education, and will offer specific services and activities that pertain to local and regional educational needs as well as those at a statewide level.

How will they work?

The regional readiness centers will provide educators with better access to established classroom teaching practices. These proven strategies using student data will help inform instruction and will provide more focused professional development opportunities. Access to technology will allow teachers to assess student performance as it relates to the specific curriculum.

Where will these centers be located?

In some cases, the readiness centers will be located at a host site with satellite sites that will offer additional services and activities. In other areas, the primary partners will serve as the host sites.

How is Central Massachusetts affected?

The Central Massachusetts center, which will be located at Fitchburg State College, has three primary partners: Fitchburg State College, Worcester State College and the Massachusetts Elementary School Principals’ Association. Elsewhere, Framingham State College serves as one of the primary partners for the Greater Boston Readiness Center, which also includes UMass Boston and the Greater Boston Regional Collaboratives Organization, among others.

What’s the future for these centers and for education in the state?

These readiness centers represent one aspect of the governor’s plan to compete for the $4 billion federal, “Race to the Top” grant, which is offered by the US Department of Education and will reward states that improve their schools and provide more options for students and families.

Click here to learn more about the readiness centers.

Click here to learn more about the Executive Office of Education.