All Massachusetts educators should be familiar with the state’s
curriculum frameworks and assessments, as these tools are used
to drive teaching and learning in the classroom. Spurred by the
federal Race to the Top program, many changes in these areas
have occurred and will continue to occur. It will be important
for AFT MA members to stay involved to ensure that classroom
educators have a strong voice in the development of high-quality
curricula, assessments, and instructional resources.
Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks (Standards) In December
2010, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary
Education voted to adopt new state curriculum frameworks in two
content areas: English Language Arts and Literacy and
Mathematics. The new frameworks for ELA and math incorporate the
new (national) Common Core Standards, as well as additional
standards and features unique to Massachusetts. The Common Core
State Standards Initiative is a voluntary, multi-state effort
coordinated by the National Governors Assoc