When Success is the Only Option NME

When Success is the Only Option: Designing Competency-Based Pathways for Next Generation Learning

When Success is the Only Option: Designing Competency-Based Pathways for Next Generation Learning Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page November 22, 2010   CHRIS STURGIS AND SUSAN PATRICK Competency-based policy is often described simply as flexibility in awarding credit, or an alternative to the Carnegie unit. However, this does not capture the depth of…

Massachusetts’ Forgotten Middle Skills Jobs NME

Massachusetts’ Forgotten Middle Skills Jobs

Massachusetts’ Forgotten Middle Skills Jobs Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page July 14, 2010   MICHELLE WILCZYNSKI Middle-skill jobs will account for nearly 40% of job openings in the state through 2016. Massachusetts has made significant investments in education and training for its workforce, especially in K-12 education, basic skills, and incumbent worker training.…

Disconnected Young Adults in New England NME

Disconnected Young Adults in New England

Disconnected Young Adults in New England Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page June 22, 2010   EPHRAIM WEISSTEIN AND FLORA TRAUB In New England alone, 10%, or 142,000 young adults ages 18-24 are “disconnected” or leaving the public education system without the skills necessary to succeed in emerging careers. The region does not appear…

Ready for the Future NME

Ready for the Future: The Role of Performance Assessments in Shaping Graduates’ Academic, Professional, and Personal Lives

Ready for the Future: The Role of Performance Assessments in Shaping Graduates’ Academic, Professional, and Personal Lives Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page June 20, 2010   LAURIE GAGNON The perspectives of high school graduates offer a valuable source of understanding for educators and policymakers on how to ensure high-quality performance assessments can prepare…

Including Performance Assessments in Accountability Systems NME

Including Performance Assessments in Accountability Systems

Including Performance Assessments in Accountability Systems Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page January 13, 2010   ROSANN TUNG The purpose of this review is to understand previous efforts at scaling up the use of performance assessments across districts and states. Through systematic description and comparison of seven large-scale initiatives, as well as analogous efforts…

National Summer Learning Associartion Nellie Mae Education Foundation NME

Meaningful Linkages between Summer Programs, Schools, and Community Partners

Meaningful Linkages between Summer Programs, Schools, and Community Partners Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page November 16, 2009   B. MCLAUGHLIN AND T.L. PHILLIPS Partnerships are effective ways for schools and community-based organizations to provide more meaningful summer learning experiences—making a real difference in the lives of children, families, and communities. But what do…

Building Multiple Pathways: Approaches, Relevant Programs and Implementation Considerations

Building Multiple Pathways: Approaches, Relevant Programs and Implementation Considerations Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page April 27, 2009   EPHRAIM WEISSTEIN AND DR. DAVID JACOBSON High school graduation rates for students from traditionally underserved populations tend to be low—figures show that students from families with income in the bottom 20% dropped out of high…

Many-Sizes-Fits-All-1 NME

Many Sizes Fit All

Many Sizes Fit All Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page April 27, 2009   The report reviewed six options that are likely to be considered in any comprehensive multiple pathways initiative. These options serve as potential building blocks that can be combined to create additional learning options for students.   The need to dramatically…