EdTrust in MA

In 2023–24, 8M+ students nationwide participated in Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs—including 55K+ in #MA.

CTE equips students with hands-on skills, career exploration, and tools needed to succeed in both college & careers. #CTEAwarenessMonth

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we honor Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Born to formerly enslaved parents, she became a trailblazing Black educator, civil & women’s rights leader, & public servant. Her legacy reminds us of the need to invest in Black students’ brilliance & leadership.

Stay in the loop with our team! Sign up for our Friends of Educational Equity mailing list to get timely updates on education policy, equity issues, and ways to take action—delivered straight to your inbox.

Join us here: rb.gy/uy0n9j

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we honor W.E.B. Du Bois—a visionary scholar, activist, and #MA native—whose work reshaped our understanding of race, education, and opportunity. His legacy calls us to confront inequities and recognize and nurture the full brilliance of Black students.

Only 49% of #MA high school seniors completed the #FAFSA in 2024–25. Meanwhile, $63.9M in Pell Grants went unclaimed — aid that could lower costs, reduce debt, & expand opportunity.

FAFSA completion is key to equity. Expanding access to financial aid = expanding opportunity #FFF

Lincoln University has produced many notable alumni, including civil rights lawyer and Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall, and Harlem Renaissance poet and activist Langston Hughes, to name a few.

#blackhistorymonth #educationhistory #HBCUs

For too long, the myth that math is “optional” or that some students aren’t “math people” has limited opportunities. Math is an essential, learnable skill that empowers every student to understand the world and pursue the fastest-growing, data-driven careers. #NumeracyMatters

Wishing a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year to all who celebrate 🧧✨

As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, we honor the cultures and traditions that strengthen our schools and communities. May the new year bring health, opportunity, and progress so every student can thrive.

New @EdTrustMA & @MassINCPolling parent poll finds that 66% of parents say digital literacy should be a graduation requirement. A perspective to consider as MA evolves the #MAGradStandards. Full results: bit.ly/3LSejHX

(2/2) 🔗 Read it here: www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/...

(1/2) Our op‑ed in the Boston Business Journal is out — calling for MA to pair expanded college access with real investments in student success + completion. Grateful to co‑author this piece with @hildrethinstitute.bsky.social, uAspire, OneGoal, Latinos for Education, & the MassINC Policy Center.

(2/2) One form can open doors. Support H.4409 & S.2533 so every student gets a fair shot at college—because higher education isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. Read more: edtrust.org/blog/the-faf... #EquityInEducation

Ep 381: AI or A+

This week, states push back against ICE. Plus, the new @edtrustma.bsky.social parent poll on AI in education. And finally, shoveling on unicycles? open.spotify.com/episode/08bw...

(1/2) Higher ed shouldn’t depend on luck or zip code. Our latest blog features Chanthy Lopes Toro’s powerful story on how FAFSA changed her life—and why Massachusetts needs universal #FAFSA now. #CollegeAccess #EdTrustMA

@EdTrustMA & @MassINCPolling new poll finds 70%+ parents worry about the risk of AI. With AI here to stay, schools face the challenge of easing parents' worries about AI in learning. Full results: bit.ly/3LSejHX
#MAFamilyVoice #MassEduEquity

Honoring the words and legacy of Booker T. Washington this Black History Month.

#InTheNews MA Senate passed comprehensive literacy legislation that moves our state closer to fulfilling every child’s right to read 📚 Inequitable access to evidence-based instruction has held too many students back—not because of ability, but because of opportunity malegislature.gov/PressRoom/De...

With only 40% of 4th graders reading proficiently, this legislation moves us closer to ensuring every student receives evidence‑based reading instruction. Grateful for Senate leadership and proud to stand with #MassReads as we push this over the finish line!

#MA is experiencing a math crisis—even Harvard is taking action, launching a new course to boost foundational algebra skills for incoming students. Our new recent breaks down the state of K–12 math + next steps: bit.ly/48EpmNx

Parents see both the promise and the risk of AI in school. New findings from an EdTrust MA & @MassINCPolling poll show support for AI in digital literacy and research, paired with concerns about core skills. Read more: bit.ly/3LSejHX
#MAFamilyVoice #MassEduEquity

Stay in the loop with the EdTrust in #MA team! 📬

Sign up for our Friends of Educational Equity mailing list to get timely updates on education policy, equity issues, and ways to take action—delivered straight to your inbox.

Join us here: rb.gy/uy0n9j

New: @EdTrustMA & @MassINCPolling find wide variation in how #MA families view AI in schools, with shifts in sentiment and areas of optimism. Full results: bit.ly/3LSejHX #MassEduEquity #MAFamilyVoice

#FastFactFriday In 2023: the U.S. ranked 22 out of 44 countries in math & 8th-grade scores fell 27 points since 2019. These trends echo challenges in #MA. Learn more in our most recent brief: bit.ly/48EpmNx

1 week left! Join us on Jan 21 to explore the findings from our latest MA parent poll results on AI in schools + expert panel + Q&A. Don’t miss it. RSVP: bit.ly/EdTrustAI
#MassEduEquity #MAFamilyVoice

#InTheNews

Our State Director joined The Codcast to talk about what legislators must prioritize this session. In a roundtable, she underscored the urgency of closing education gaps and addressing Massachusetts’ literacy crisis 📚

Listen here: commonwealthbeacon.org/the-codcast/...

How is AI changing classrooms across Massachusetts? 📚 Tune in to our 1/21 virtual panel with Keri Rodrigues, Dr. Tara Nattrass, and Dr. Almi G. Abeyta to explore what this shift means for students and schools.🔗 bit.ly/EdTrustAI #EdTrustMA #MAEdu

#FastFactsFriday

As districts explore limits on student cell phone use, parent perspectives point to the importance of communication and clarity.

Providing clear, accessible information helps families understand not just what is changing, but why💡

#EdTrustMA #CellphoneBan

This week’s #WhatWeAreReading: an op-ed by Bob Hildreth asking why we’re “deporting ambition.” Immigrant students belong in and deserve safe, welcoming schools. Read more: commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/why-... #EducationNotDeportation

Our new brief makes it clear that adopting high-quality materials is only the beginning. District leaders must:
✅ Invest in implementation—not just adoption
✅ Audit materials for rigor using tools like EdReports & Curate
Read more: bit.ly/48EpmNx

Join us & @MassINCPolling on Jan 21 to find out, as we release new parent poll results, host an expert panel, and open it up for live Q&A. RSVP now: bit.ly/4j2Ot02