MBAE and the employers we represent believe that an excellent public education system is the essential foundation of a sound and equitable economy. We promote and support continuous improvement in our schools and a level of innovation needed to ensure that EVERY student receives a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, career, and citizenship. 

MBAE plays a critical role in state education policy, rejecting the status quo when it is failing and promoting innovation that can allow all students to excel. We produce research that informs debate on key issues, serve on state committees and commissions charged with informing policy, weigh in with evidence on important matters and proposals, lead discussions with stakeholders, raise awareness about challenges, and propose and organize support for proven solutions. 

 Despite significant gains in student outcomes resulting from reforms supported by MBAE over more than thirty years, Massachusetts faces an impending crisis in education that, if we fail to address, will negatively impact the economic and social health of the state. Persistent equity gaps by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status remain unacceptably large across the education continuum, which will prevent many students and communities from sharing in future economic prosperity. For example, every year, far too many of the state’s historically underserved students graduate high school unprepared for success in college and career. Just 45% of Massachusetts ninth graders go on to earn a degree or professional certification that the vast majority of jobs require. In today’s global economy, a high school diploma is simply not sufficient to secure a good-paying job. High schools must shift their missions from preparing students to earn a high school diploma to preparing students to succeed in college and career.