The Courses They Take

MassCore standards is a program of study recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA DESE) “intended to align high school coursework with college and workforce expectations.” With an eye toward equity and opportunity, we reviewed data on schools and districts finding discrepancies in access and completion of the MassCore recommended course of study. Given the role high school courses play in students’ future success, what policies are in place to ensure access to the full array of college-and career-ready courses for all of the Commonwealth’s students?

Our report, The Courses They Take, The Impact of the MassCore High School Program of Study on Student Success, is a culmination of our collective work, findings, and recommendations.