Leadership in Action: What are Personalized Learning Pathways?

New England Secondary School Consortium


Internships, technical programs, college courses, hands-on science, accelerated study—a new generation of high schools is redefining the learning experience.

Leadership in Action: What is a Proficiency-Based Diploma?

New England Secondary School Consortium


Some students leave high school knowing calculus, while others still struggle with basic math. How can we make sure every student graduates prepared?

Leadership in Action: What Should a 21st Century High School Look Like?

New England Secondary School Consortium


Textbooks, chalkboards, and desks were the hallmarks of 20th century schooling. Today's best schools are borderless community learning centers.

Leadership in Action: What Can the World’s Best Schools Teach Us?

New England Secondary School Consortium


National borders no longer define the knowledge and skills needed for success. Lessons from other countries are helping us more effectively prepare our students.

Leadership in Action: How Do Today’s Students Learn?

New England Secondary School Consortium


How can we use what we know about the way the brain works to inspire and engage students?

Leadership in Action: What Do Today’s Students Need to Know?

New England Secondary School Consortium


Every day, the world is growing more complex and demanding. Today's students need new skills that will equip them for success in the global economy.


Robert B. Schwartz, Ronald F. Ferguson, and William C. Symonds


Roughly half of all young Americans arrive in their mid-twenties without the skills or labor market credentials essential for success in today's increasing demanding economy.

Securing the Dream

Maria Idali Torres, et. al.


This collection of reports tells the story of the continuing growth of the Latino population in Massachusetts, and offers policy recommendations aimed at improving educational opportunities and outcomes for this population.

The Strengths and Challenges of Community Organizing as an Education Reform Strategy: What the Research Says

Michelle Renee and Sara McAlister


Community organizing for education reform has the potential to create equitable changes in schools and districts.


Chris Sturgis and Susan Patrick


Competency-based education has the potential to re-engineer education systems so that failure is no longer an option for students.


Jill Norton, Lisa Famularo, Michael Bennett, and Ivy Washington


How are school and district leaders supporting the integration of 21st century skills into public education?

Massachusetts’ Forgotten Middle Skills Jobs

Michelle Wilczynski


Middle-skills jobs—those that require more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree—are critical to the state's economic growth.

Disconnected Young Adults in New England

Ephraim Weisstein and Flora Traub


Too many young adults, particularly those from ethnic minorities and lower socioeconomic groups, are leaving high school without the skills necessary to succeed in post-secondary education and the emerging workforce.

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

Laurie Gagnon


How can performance assessments help high school students prepare for success in college and beyond? Through a series of interviews with Boston public school graduates, this study analyzes how performance assessment systems prepared students for future academic, professional, and personal endeavors.

Including Performance Assessments in Accountability Systems

Rosann Tung


Performance assessments, often used for individual student evaluation, are effective measurements, but rarely incorporated into accountability systems at the district and state levels.

Meaningful Linkages between Summer Programs, Schools, and Community Partners

B. McLaughlin and T.L. Phillips


What do effective summer learning partnerships look like? This report offers guidance and examples for schools and communities looking to develop and manage successful summer learning partnerships.


Albert Wat and Chrisanne Gayl


Pre-K is proven to improve educational outcomes, but not all students have access to high-quality programs.

Many Sizes Fit All


The report reviewed six options that are likely to be considered in any comprehensive multiple pathways initiative. These options serve

Building Multiple Pathways: Approaches, Relevant Programs and Implementation Considerations

Ephraim Weisstein and Dr. David Jacobson


To increase the number of young people who gain the credentials necessary to succeed in the 21st century, we need to establish "multiple pathways" for learners that lead to a variety of high-quality postsecondary options.

What It Takes to Succeed in the 21st Century—and How New Englanders Are Faring

Jobs for the Future


As New England's population changes, the region must rework its policies and practices to meet the increasingly demanding expectations of today's economy for underserved learners.