The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
Civic Learning and Engagement: Update on Department Action Plan
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) has created an action plan in response to the recommendations of the Working Group on Civic Learning and Engagement. This memorandum provides an update on progress made in addressing the recommendations.
Revised Definition of College and Career Readiness
DESE and the Department of Higher Education are collaborating to create a revised definition of college and career readiness that includes readiness for civic life. The working draft of the revised definition is enclosed. We are anticipating a joint meeting of the Board of DESE and Board of Higher Education, perhaps in January 2016, at which the two boards will discuss and may choose to vote on the revised definition.
Civic Learning and Engagement Task Force
DESE is conducting outreach to potential members of the newly formed Task Force, to include representatives from the Working Group on Civic Learning, Global Education Advisory Council, Community Service Learning Advisory Council, and State Student Advisory Council, as well as professional organizations and social studies educators. During the remainder of the current school year, the Task Force will hold two meetings in the Boston area that will culminate in drafting recommendations for a preliminary strategic plan to promote civic learning. Volunteers from the Task Force will also attend statewide conferences in order to provide key stakeholders with information about the work of the group and to seek input from across the Commonwealth. In the fall of 2016, the Task Force will further revise the recommendations. With the benefit of the Task Force's recommendations, our goal is to have a strategic plan to promote civic learning by early 2017.
Literacy Conference, Integrating History, Social Studies, and Civics
DESE is planning a statewide conference which will afford the opportunity to host sessions devoted to civic learning and engagement, as well as connections to literacy development. The planning is underway for a conference in April/May 2016.
Revision of the 2003 Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Framework
DESE is developing a timeline and proposed budget for the review and revision of the Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Framework as well as a proposed timeline to re-establish the statewide assessment in history and social science. I expect to present it to the Board in January 2016.
Enclosure:
