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Advocacy Group Finds Skills Lacking In Mass. Job Seekers

An education advocacy group that's pushing for more charter schools in the state reports that two-thirds of Massachusetts employers say it's difficult to find people with the right skills to fill their open positions.

The Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education is calling for changes in the state's education system, including wider access to pre-kindergarten classes, longer school days and more autonomy for local school districts.

The survey's results came Monday, the same day state lawmakers are planning to detail a compromise proposal to expand charter schools in Massachusetts.

Overall, the online survey of executives found that business leaders think the state places too much emphasis on standardized tests, and not enough emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. A plurality of respondents, 45 percent, gave the state's system a grade of a C on job market preparation.

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