Pathways Matter | State Studies

Innovation

ExcelinEd has added seven new states to PathwaysMatter.org, expanding this resource for policymakers working to strengthen their state’s education to workforce pathways. The state studies provide a snapshot of each state’s status vis-à-vis the 20 key policies in the Pathways Matter framework. In the spirit of continuous improvement, we also identify opportunities to strengthen each one. Promising examples from other states are included to help policymakers consider potential ideas for change.

Each study is built around the pathways matter framework and lays out 20 key policies in six focus areas that all states can consider leveraging to improve their education to workforce pathways. This framework serves as a comprehensive tool for policymakers to understand state policy strengths and identify gaps that create barriers for learners. 

Our policy team welcomes the opportunity to engage with states to support robust conversations across agencies to really dig and identify where and why the gaps are occurring—and then to develop a plan for prioritizing next steps.

State Studies are Currently Available for:

State Case Studies being added this fall will include Illinois and Minnesota.

How Can You Use the State Studies?

Each state study provides policymakers with an in-depth tool to answer these strategic questions:

  1. What are my state’s three main education to workforce policy strengths? What are my three main opportunities for improvement?
  2. What relevant policies are currently in place in my state (e.g., High-Quality CTE Programs of Study or Stackable Credentials)?
  3. Which policies are working well for learners in my state – and which need strengthening?
  4. What are other states doing to improve these policies?
  5. Which policies can I consider leveraging together to address specific education to workforce challenges my state is facing?

If you are interested in a state-specific Pathways Matter briefing or additional information on the Pathways Matter policy framework, please contact Adriana@ExcelinEd.org.

Solution Areas:

College & Career Pathways

Topics:

Pathways Matter

About the Author

Adriana Harrington is the Managing Director of Policy for ExcelinEd.

Solution Areas:

College & Career Pathways, School Accountability