The document outlines the timeline and process for the Massachusetts Early College Designation, initiated with the Parthenon study in December 2016, leading to the establishment of criteria and support for early college programs. Key design principles emphasize equitable access, guided academic pathways, and enhanced student support through collaboration between higher education institutions and K-12 districts. The first preliminary designation application is set to be released in mid-July 2017, with the aim for fall 2018 enrollments.

1. Board of Higher Education Meeting — June 20, 2017

2. 2
January 2016 Launch of Parthenon Study of Early College in Massachusetts
December 2016 Parthenon Report released
January 24, 2017 Joint BHE/BESE Motion, creation of ECJC
February 2017 DHE and DESE staff form working committee in partnership with EOE, to
develop criteria and process for Early College Designation
March 23, 2017 Launch of the MA Early College Initiative Event at UMass Club
April 12, 2017 First ECJC meeting, review of draft Designation Criteria
May 2, 2017 Presentation and feedback from BHE Academic Affairs committee
April/May 2017 First round of stakeholder outreach to policy leaders, early college and
dual enrollment experts and stakeholders
May 31, 2017 Second ECJC meeting, review and feedback on updated draft criteria
Early June 2017 Final stakeholder outreach, with refinements based on ECJC feedback
and final outreach
June 20, 2017 ECJC recommends Early College Designation Criteria to BHE for Board
approval, will be recommended to BESE on June 27, 2017
Massachusetts Early College Designation
Designation Design Process

3. 3
 Key Design Principles of Early College
 Equitable Access
▪ Prioritizing students underrepresented in
higher education
▪ Eliminating barriers to student participation
 Guided Academic Pathways
▪ Experiences beyond the classroom, exposure
to career opportunities
▪ Credits toward postsecondary credential (12)
▪ College-level rigor and experience
 Enhanced Student Support
▪ Wraparound services to promote success
and completion
Massachusetts Early College Designation
Design Principles

4. 4
 Key Design Principles of an
Early College School
 Connection to Career
▪ Exposure to targeted pathway
opportunities intended
to lead to careers
 Effective Partnerships
▪ At least one institution of
higher education and
one secondary school
and/or district
Massachusetts Early College Designation
Design Principles (cont’d)

5. 5
Massachusetts Early College Designation
Early College Designation
 Framed around Guiding Principles
 Joint application/partnership between institution of higher ed & K-12 district
 First Preliminary Designation process to be complete in Fall 2017
 First Final Designation process complete in early 2018 for
Fall 2018 enrollments
 Next steps:
 First Preliminary Designation application to be released mid-July
 DHE and DESE to design structure, process, rubric for designation review
and approval
 Technical assistance to be provided by both agencies for applicants and
designated Early College programs moving forward
 ECJC continued role:
 Final Designation determination based on recommendation of staff
 Ongoing review of the designation process, criteria and implementation
 Support and promotion of Early College in Massachusetts

6. Discussion