Mass college students underprepared

WWLP TV

Updated: Sep 20, 2012 5:42 PM

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) — A new state report that finds that Massachusetts is a national leader in sending high school students to college – But one third of those students are underprepared for college and many end up dropping out.  According to the report, Massachusetts lags behind states, such as Texas and Virginia, in college graduation rates.

“Doing well isn’t good enough,” said Education Secretary Paul Reville, addressing education leaders at a State House event where the report was formally released.  

“Closing achievement gaps presents us with perhaps the greatest challenge of all. With respect to every one of the educational outcomes we are tracking, there are significant gaps across race, ethnicity and income,” said Higher Education Commissioner Richard Freeland.

According to the Department of Higher Education report, if current trends persist, the state could miss its goal of having 60 percent of Massachusetts adults obtain a college degrees by 2020.  Educators hope to turn that around through stronger partnership among state universities, community colleges and the state.

“The state needs to truly view public higher education as a priority,” said Holyoke Community College President William Messner.

Goals for the future include getting high school students better prepared for college, improving affordability and aligning degrees with workforce needs. 

“Education changes lives for everyone, we cannot give up on tomorrow’s students and too many state are beginning to do that.  Together we must make a difference for those students of the future,” said Umass President Robert Caret.

Copyright 2013 WWLP TV. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.