91Ô­´´

The State 91Ô­´´ of Education launched the FutureReady initiative in the summer of 2024 with the aim of updating graduation requirements to better prepare students for the future.Ìý

The 91Ô­´´ recognizes that meaningful reform cannot be achieved by its efforts alone. Robust stakeholder engagement and public involvement are essential to developing a framework that reflects our educational community's diverse perspectives and priorities. To this end, the 91Ô­´´ is convening a task force with subcommittees and community liaisons to facilitate comprehensive stakeholder engagement aimed at informing the 91Ô­´´â€™s proposal development. This structured approach will ensure that the voices of various stakeholders, especially those historically underserved by the education system, are heard and integrated into the development process.

Timeline

The initiative is expected to span multiple years, culminating in a legislative proposal anticipated for the 2027 session. Along the way, the initiative will reach key milestones, including a budget request to the Legislature and interim reports with findings and recommendations, with a commitment to transparency and adaptability based on stakeholder input and resource availability.Ìý

Phase IÌý

During Phase 1, the Task Force worked through a process of level setting, visioning, gap analysis, and scoping. This determined the range of topics and issues that need to be considered by the Task Force. This work will also inform what subcommittees are needed for deeper

dives on topics or issues requiring subject matter expertise.Ìý

Phase IIÌý

Using the work from Phase I as a guide, the Task Force and 91Ô­´´ will work in partnership with community stakeholders to develop a set of recommendations for updating high school graduation requirements. Throughout this process, the Task Force and 91Ô­´´ will consider input from the community at large.Ìý

Phase IIIÌý

The State 91Ô­´´ of Education, in consultation with the Task Force, will adapt these recommendations into a legislative proposal to be submitted during the 2027 Legislative Session.Ìý

Task Force Meeting Dates

Task Force Membership

The FutureReady Task Force brings together approximately 30 members representing students and families, community-based organizations, K-12 education, post-secondary education, employers, and policymakers. In identifying task force members, the 91Ô­´´ prioritized geographic diversity, representation from various learning environments, and voices from communities that have been historically underserved by the education system. The goal was to include those most affected by graduation policies and those who have traditionally been excluded from policy development.

Please note that the roles and organizational affiliations listed below are a simplification and do not fully capture the multiple hats and unique perspectives each member brings to the table.

Subcommittees

Some of the topics FutureReady is exploring require more time and subject-matter expertise to discuss. Because of this, the 91Ô­´´ has established a number of subcommittees to explore key issues that require focused expertise.ÌýThese groups will add a layer of additional expertise on key issues to inform the work of the 91Ô­´´ and the Task Force as they develop recommendations to update the high school graduation requirements.ÌýÌý

When possible, these subcommittees were convened in partnership with existing organizations already involved in related areas.ÌýAs new needs emerge, subcommittees may be added or adjusted over time.Ìý

• Implementation Supports:ÌýThis group will look at the nuts and bolts needed to put the Task Force’s ideas into practice—things like staffing, scheduling, resources, and timelines that could affect how schools carry out the recommendations.Ìý

• Educator Development & Student Learning Experience:ÌýThis group will explore professional development and supports that educators may need to effectively carry out the Task Force’s recommendations.Ìý

• Financial Education & Life Skills:ÌýThis group will explore the skills students need to be prepared for life after high school, with a particular emphasis on financial education.ÌýÌý

• Technology, Computer Science, and Media Literacy:ÌýThis group will examine how we can prepare students to understand, use, and critically engage with emerging technology and digital media.Ìý

• Math:ÌýThis group will consider the math knowledge and skills students need for success beyond high school and may explore opportunities to strengthen alignment in expectations across middle school, high school, and postsecondary pathways.Ìý