Designing Secondary Education & Support Systems

Designing a secondary education that serves every student begins with ensuring all students have a strong foundation that is based in providing each student with the supports necessary to gain the foundational college and career readiness skills of Math, English, and Science proficiency in relevant, engaging learning experiences, developing and testing a plan that connects their learning to their interests and goals (MyCAP), and ensuring students are taking coursework that allows for an authentic choice to pursue four year college degree post-graduation (MassCore).

Graduation Requirements. Competency Determination & Educational Proficiency Plan. CCTE provides support, data resources, and advises on policy related to the minimum demonstrations of proficiency for Massachusetts High School Graduates.

MyCAP (My Career & Academic Plan). CCTE supports districts to prepare students for college, career and civic readiness. The MyCAP process engages grades 6-12 students in authentic postsecondary planning through a continuum of learning focused on the individual student's interests, skills and talents.

Pathways Strategy. A pathways strategy ensures that students have access to coursework that prepares them for life after graduation. Schools should have a pathways strategy that informs the types of programs and coursework that is offered to students.

School Counseling and College and Career Readiness
The work of school counselors is essential to meet all the Commonwealth's goals for preparing more students to be college and career ready. Part of this work includes a partnership with the Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MASCA). Among our goals is to collaborate with MASCA to support and expand the use of the Mass Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs in order to repurpose the role of school counselors and position them as a primary resource to lead students in college and career readiness. This partnership is designed around the Massachusetts Definition of College and Career Readiness.

Data-Informed Systems for Student Support
Early Warning Indicator System (EWIS). CCTE supports educators to develop targeted interventions, allowing students to follow a path to success.

Dropout Prevention & Alternative Education
Dropout Prevention and Alternative Education. CCTE works with districts to reduce the number of students who drop out of school takes a combination of systemic efforts at the community, district, school, classroom, and individual student l

Competency Based Practices. DESE CCTE has supported districts with a pilot of rethinking their competency-based practices including grading and assessment systems. Competency based practices support students in making meaning of their learning through relevant, real-world experiences.

Last Updated: August 30, 2024