In Massachusetts, Initiatives to Empower Principals and Teachers
July 27, 2018
Massachusetts, the state where the first public high school opened in 1820 and the “common school’’ movement began in the 1830s, has ranked first in NAEP scores over seven consecutive tests since 2005. The Kids Count Data Center placed Massachusetts first in 2017, second in 2018, on overall preK-12 education indicators.

The Colorado Rural Collaborative Guide is designed to raise awareness and support rural communities in expanding college and career pathways through regional partnerships. Rural Collaboratives serve as intermediary organizations that bring together school districts, higher education institutions, and employers to create shared opportunities for students.

This guide covers:

  • The benefits of forming a Rural Collaborative
  • Examples of collaborative services that design, expand, and enhance pathways
  • Governance models and sustainable funding strategies
  • Lessons from the field

By fostering cross-sector partnerships, Rural Collaboratives can improve student outcomes and strengthen local economies. This resource offers actionable strategies and real-world examples to help rural leaders navigate the process of building and sustaining collaborative efforts.