massachusetts college and career web portal sustaining growth: a conference on student success june...
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Massachusetts College and Career Web
Portal
Sustaining Growth: A Conference on Student Success
June 18, 2008
Heidi Guarino, Dept. of Elementary & Secondary EducationEileen O’Connor, Dept. of Higher Education
Today’s Presentation
• How Massachusetts is doing • State efforts to increase college readiness• How does a web portal work? • Think Again campaign• Success stories from North Carolina• Progress to date• Next steps• Feedback and discussion
Massachusetts has a lot to be proud of . . .
• Leading the nation in many areas
• Making gains in our schools every year
• Some of the highest college-going rates in the country
. . . But more work needs to be done
• Achievement gaps start early and persist.
• Too many don’t graduate from high school.
• Too many need remedial help when they get to college
• Too many who enter college never graduate.
For every 10 ninth graders…
We are Losing Too Many Along the “Educational Pipeline”
Only 8 graduate from high school…
We are Losing Too Many Along the “Educational Pipeline”
Only 6 enroll in college…
We are Losing Too Many Along the “Educational Pipeline”
Only 3 or 4 earn a degree
We are Losing Too Many Along the “Educational Pipeline”
We are Losing Too Many Along the “Educational Pipeline”
In urban areas, the numbers are worse:
In 9th grade
High school graduates
In college
College graduates
By 2010, jobs requiring at least some postsecondary education will make up more than two thirds of new jobs in the United States.
10%
22%
36%
31%
0%
20%
40%
60%
High schooldropout
High schooldiploma
Somepostsecondary
Bachelor's degree
Source: Carnevale, Anthony P. and Donna M. Desrochers, Standards for What? The Economic Roots of K–16 Reform, Educational Testing Service, 2003.
Tomorrow’s Jobs Require More Education
National Governor’s Association Grant
• In 2005, MA named one of 10 “honor states”• NGA/Gates Foundation money• Grant objectives• $2 million over two years• Collaboration between K12 and higher ed
Existing College and Career Readiness Programs
• Board of Ed increased state graduation requirement
• Recommended high school curriculum - MassCore• Optional Algebra II exam• School-to-College data project• Think Again campaign• Web portal for career and college planning
What is a Web Portal?
• Provides “one-stop shopping”• Reliable and convenient source of information• Simplifies application process - online• Cost savings for high schools and colleges• Enhances communication between guidance
counselors, parents and students
How does it work?
• Middle school – individual student account• High school coursework• SAT and other test prep• Research colleges, potential careers, areas of
study• Fill out FAFSA, apply for financial aid online• Online college applications• Electronic HS transcripts• Redirector pool
“Think Again” Campaign
Next Step: Turn RSG Website Into MA Portal
CFNC.org: The “gold standard”
Web Portal Mission Statement
The Massachusetts College and Career Web Portal will
serve as a one-stop shopping site to provide students
with the online tools they need to plan, prepare,research, apply to and pay for college. The site
willplay a key role in the Commonwealth’s efforts
aroundcollege and career readiness and success.
All Stakeholders Would Benefit from Web Portal
StudentsParents Guidance Counselors CollegesWorkforce Development
Spring 2007: Launched ReadySetGotoCollege.com and Think Again marketing campaign
Summer 2007: Convened Steering Committee to develop mission, vision and outcomes for site
Fall/Winter 2007-2008: Drafted business plan
February 2008: Formalized partnership between MEFA, Department of Education and Board of Higher Education
Spring 2008: Met with potential vendors, convened
focus groups
Efforts to date
Who is MEFA?
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority
- Non-profit state agency
- Serves students and families
- Oversees UFund, UPlan
- Issues low-cost education loans- Leading provider of college financing information
June 2008: Apply for federal College Access Challenge Grant (guarantee of $875,000/year for two years)
Summer 2008: Finalize and post RFP
Fall 2008: Select vendor
Fall-Winter 2008-2009: Bring colleges and school districts on board, begin to build portal, develop marketing and promotional plans
Spring 2009 Launch Phase I of web portal
Next Steps
Thoughts? Feedback?
How You Can Help
For more information, or to help support the Massachusetts College and Career Portal,
please contact:
Heidi Guarino, [email protected] O’Connor, [email protected]
Tom Murphy, [email protected]