Working Group for Educator Excellence (WGEE)
The Problem
Despite progress in improving student learning since Education Reform began in 1993, there are still too many students who aren’t succeeding. Research [1] shows conclusively that individual teaching and leadership expertise are the most important variables in improving student achievement. However, Massachusetts is not systemically ensuring that educators adhere to rigorous standards and receive the training, support, and accountability needed.
The People
The Working Group for Educator Excellence is a state-wide coalition of educational stakeholders committed to ensuring that every student has access to high quality teaching. The coalition includes representatives from unions, professional associations, educational organizations, higher education, business associations, advocacy groups and members of the legislature working together to provide a complete and systematic approach to support high quality teaching across the Commonwealth.
The Solution
The Working Group for Educator Excellence proposed a plan to develop a steady pipeline of skilled educators by promoting a comprehensive system to reform personnel policies for teachers and school leaders, from training to induction to retention. This approach draws on research and national best practices. The result is consistent standards, better support, and more rigorous accountability for teachers and school leaders, with improved student performance and long-term cost savings for Massachusetts. Enhancing the quality of teaching and school leadership will result in better student performance and long-term cost savings for the Commonwealth.
Current Initiatives
The Working Group for Educator Excellence is currently involved in a variety of projects to ensure high quality teaching. The ambitious initiatives that are spearheaded by the WGEE have also been supported by both local and statewide partnering organizations.
[1] Sanders, W. L. and J.C. Rivers. “Cumulative and Residual Effects of Teachers on Future Student Academic Achievement.” Knoxville, TN, University of Tennessee 1996.