Commonwealth Education System Needs Reform
As in many comparisons, the benchmark of “doing well” is relative. Massachusetts may be better off than most other states when it comes to test scores, but there are too many schools still falling through the cracks. Even more concerning, compared to schools in competitor nations around the world, Massachusetts schools are not teaching the necessary skills at the level needed to allow our future workforce to compete. This does not bode well for the economic future of the commonwealth.
Wanted: Education Innovation
Declining student populations, increasing high school dropout rates — especially in urban schools — and an alarmingly high percentage of high school graduates who are under-prepared for college are just a few red flags. When added to the concerns over the out-migration of young families and the increasing number of job openings going unfilled, it is imperative that we act now to solve these problems.
The commonwealth’s education strategy cannot just be based on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) or even on high school graduation rates. The real goal must be the proper preparation for and graduation from college — be it a community, state or private institution.
We have the proven results from a number of urban schools within the commonwealth that show that innovative approaches to education allow students to overcome challenges and succeed. The University Park Campus School in Worcester should be an example for schools throughout the commonwealth. Although the school serves some of the poorer families in the area, its success at taking all of their students through high school and on to college is remarkable. We must demand this type of environment for all students.
A study released earlier this year by MassINC, a nonpartisan research and education institute, pointed to the increasing unemployment problem plaguing males without a high school education in Massachusetts. We need to address this issue (especially worrisome in urban communities) rather than accepting the devastating impact to our society, which is now resulting in a growing unskilled, unemployable portion of the potential workforce.
Fifteen years later, it’s time for another revolution in education. We need a strategy and a system that look beyond MCAS scores to supply our businesses with the college educated, highly skilled talent needed to feed our growing economy. The recently released recommendations from Gov. Deval Patrick and his Job Readiness Task Force are a good first step.
Historically, the commonwealth’s key resource has been its highly skilled workforce and we cannot afford to lose that pre-eminent position. By bringing together government and business leaders, urban and suburban schools, and dedicated teachers who are willing to try new and creative learning methods, we can ensure the success of our students and our economy. Any alternative is simply unacceptable.
David Begelfer is CEO of the Massachusetts Chapter of NAIOP (National Association for Industrial and Office Properties) in Needham and a board member of MassINC.
WBJ Web Partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments