New Pathways Matter Resources Available

ExcelinEd has added new state studies and model policies to PathwaysMatter.org, further expanding this comprehensive resource for policymakers who are interested in learning how to strengthen their state’s education to workforce pathways.

Model Policies | Tools to create high-quality pathways

The Pathways Matter framework provides 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. 

As part of the framework, ExcelinEd has expanded the number of model policies for states to consider. A set of 30 model policies can be accessed on the Pathways Matter site.

Policymakers Can Strengthen Career & Technical Education with a Return-on-Investment Analysis

ExcelinEd Shows You How

States increasingly want to know which programs are working well for students and employers—and which are not. To address this, two new model policies for a Return on Investment Analysis (ROI) have been added to the site. An ROI can help states answer three fundamental questions: 1) Are CTE programs aligned with what business and industry need; 2) What happens to learners who complete these programs; and 3) Who has access to which programs. This powerful data can be leveraged by policymakers to make improvements to benefit the economic security of the state and learners.

State Studies | Learn how states are creating high-quality pathways

Pathways Matter state studies provide a snapshot of each state’s status vis-à-vis the 20 key policies in the Pathways Matter framework. To support states with continuous improvement, we also identify opportunities to strengthen each of their policies. Within each study, promising examples from other states are included to help policymakers consider relevant and potential ideas for change.

State studies are now available for:

Using the State Studies

Each state study provides policymakers with an in-depth report that helps 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?

ExcelinEd’s 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.