The Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy has highlighted City Connects as a promising example of how to serve students effectively in the second annual Condition of Education in the Commonwealth report released today. In the accompanying 2015 Action Guide—Achieving the Vision: Priority Actions for a Statewide Education Agenda, the Rennie Center presents three challenges facing Massachusetts’ public schools–areas they suggest statewide action to build on existing, effective practice and generate significant improvement in student outcomes.
- Expand early childhood programming: Develop a community-based, mixed-provider approach to expand access to quality prekindergarten options so that more Commonwealth students have access to these foundational learning experiences.
- Develop a robust statewide approach to student support: Invest in broader implementation of holistic assessments of student well-being in addition to effective multi-provider models that allow schools and their partners to address a full range of student strengths and needs.
- Replicate innovative early college designs: Prepare more students for the 21st century by expanding models that blend high school and college coursework, providing students with the momentum and support they need to persist to a college degree.
The Action Guide focuses on existing programs that could, if brought to scale, lead to substantial progress in educational outcomes for students. City Connects’ work is highlighted as an example of the second priority and is identified as a data-driven, successful model for policymakers and practitioners. According to Chad d’Entremont, Executive Director of the Rennie Center:
“The Condition of Education project offers a platform for constructive dialogue among stakeholders about the most effective strategies to promote student success. Through this report, the Rennie Center brings together thought leaders to develop a shared understanding, grounded in evidence, of the state of our educational system. We are excited to shine a light on the great work that City Connects is doing to contribute to positive outcomes for Massachusetts students.”
For more information:
- Follow the Rennie Center on Twitter @TheRennieCenter and use #COE2015 for tweets related to the Condition of Education report
- Read the press release; 2015 Action Guide, Achieving the Vision: Priority Actions for a Statewide Education Agenda; or 2015 Data Report, The Condition of Education in the Commonwealth
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