Funds would allow district to dramatically expand learning time at two middle schools
November 10, 2011
United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced Boston Public Schools (BPS) is among 23 potential grantees of a multi-million dollar competitive initiative aimed at increasing innovation in education. Known as Investing in Innovation (i3), the grants are guaranteed pending a partial match in private funds. If the $2.8 million grant is secured, BPS intends to use the funds to replicate the success of Charlestown’s Edwards Middle School in two other Boston middle schools.
United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced Boston Public Schools (BPS) is among 23 potential grantees of a multi-million dollar competitive initiative aimed at increasing innovation in education. Known as Investing in Innovation (i3), the grants are guaranteed pending a partial match in private funds. If the $2.8 million grant is secured, BPS intends to use the funds to replicate the success of Charlestown’s Edwards Middle School in two other Boston middle schools.
“These funds would go a long way in helping BPS ensure we can give more students the time they need in school,” said Superintendent Carol R. Johnson. “This mission is an urgent one. We will use any resources we have to give our great teachers and students more meaningful time together.”
EdVestors, a dynamic, Boston based school change organization focused on sustaining improvement in urban schools, announced that the Clarence R. Edwards Middle School in Charlestown is the recipient of the 6th annual $100,000 Thomas W. Payzant School on the Move Prize.
EdVestors, a dynamic, Boston-based school change organization focused on sustaining improvement in urban schools, announced today that the Clarence R. Edwards Middle School in Charlestown is the recipient of the 6th annual $100,000 Thomas W. Payzant School on the Move Prize.
One of four Extended Learning Time schools in the Boston Public Schools, the Edwards Middle School has effectively used its longer school day to provide targeted academic interventions as well as a variety of arts and enrichment activities to all students. As a previous finalist for the 2010 School on the Move Prize, and the first middle school to qualify for the Prize, the Edwards has experienced consistent improvement during the review period: From 2006 to 2010, improvement was more than 5 times greater than the district average in English language arts and double the district average improvement in math compared to all district middle schools.
Report shows dropout rate for English Language Learners cut nearly in half over three years
November 3, 2011
A report released by the Gastón Institute for Latino Community Development at UMass Boston and the Center for Collaborative Education shows Boston Public Schools has made great strides in supporting students who are learning English, known as English Language Learners. The report shows that from 2006 to 2009 BPS was able to cut the number of students designated as “Limited English Proficient” dropping out of school from 12% to 6.6%. The report also outlines several recommendations for the school district to further advance ELL student achievement. This report was commissioned in 2010 at the request of Superintendent Carol R. Johnson. (y en Español)
BOSTON – A report released today by the Gastón Institute for Latino Community Development at UMass Boston and the Center for Collaborative Education shows Boston Public Schools (BPS) has made great strides in supporting students who are learning English, known as English Language Learners (ELLs). The report shows that from 2006 to 2009 BPS was able to cut the number of students designated as “Limited English Proficient” (LEP) dropping out of school from 12% to 6.6%. The report also outlines several recommendations for the school district to further advance ELL student achievement. This report was commissioned in 2010 at the request of Superintendent Carol R. Johnson.
“We have a moral responsibility to put resources in place to give every one of our students equal opportunities to achieve at very high levels,” said Dr. Johnson. “I’m proud that our school district is willing to undergo such critical review, with the intention of helping students. Working collaboratively with researchers allows us to extend our capacity to more deeply understand data that informs how we bring lessons alive for students.”
Plan would add almost 700 seats at the city’s top performing schools
October 24, 2011
Boston Public Schools Superintendent Carol R. Johnson has informed families of a comprehensive facilities proposal that will dramatically increase the number of seats available in the city’s most successful and sought-after programs. See the full plan and learn about community meetings here.
Boston Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Carol R. Johnson today informed families of a comprehensive facilities proposal that will dramatically increase the number of seats available in the city’s most successful and sought-after programs. The proposal calls for the relocation and/or expansion of seven high-performing schools all of which have graduation rates above the district average. The proposal would add almost 700 seats in highly successful schools across the city.
“Parents tell me time and time again that they want access to these high-performing schools,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “This plan is one that not only puts schools in buildings that can best serve their student populations but also increases the number of students who have access.”
Says budget pressures should never jeopardize great teachers
October 6, 2011
President Barack Obama praised a Boston Public Schools (BPS) teacher in a news conference at the White House. Robert Baroz, a literacy and data coach at the Curley K-8 School in Jamaica Plain, was named this summer as a Teaching Ambassador Fellow at the U.S. Department of Education and was invited to attend the President’s job announcement last month.
President Barack Obama today praised a Boston Public Schools (BPS) teacher in a news conference at the White House. Robert Baroz, a literacy and data coach at the Curley K-8 School in Jamaica Plain, was named this summer as a Teaching Ambassador Fellow at the U.S. Department of Education and was invited to attend the President’s job announcement last month.
In his remarks this morning, the President said he was concerned that budget and staffing pressures had threatened Mr. Baroz’s job three times in the last few years. “He’s got two decades of teaching experience. He’s got a master's degree,” the President said. “And the last few years he’s received three pink slips because of budget cuts. Why wouldn’t we want to pass a bill that puts somebody like Robert back in the classroom teaching our kids?”
Using stimulus funds and an allocation from the 2010 Congressional Jobs Bill, BPS has been able to save Mr. Baroz’s job three years in a row despite budget pressures from higher teacher salaries and increased health care and transportation costs.
Charter school compact signals new cooperation between traditional public schools and Commonwealth charter schools
September 20, 2011
Mayor Thomas M. Menino, standing alongside Boston Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Carol R. Johnson and the leaders of the city’s charter public schools signed a compact aimed at accelerating student achievement for all students in Boston.
The agreement makes Boston among a small group of cities in the nation to formally link district public schools and public charter schools around common goals and shared visions. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is supporting a select group of leaders in several communities around the country who are willing to collaborate across charter and district boundaries todramatically improve college readiness rates within their communities and deliver the best results for all students. The foundation has invited the City of Boston to submit a grant proposal for $100,000 in funding to advance the goals outlined in their compact.
Results also indicate the percentage of 10th graders passing all three MCAS exams is growing
September 20, 2011
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) results released today by state officials show students in Boston Public Schools (BPS) are making progress at the same pace as students state wide. Gains in proficiency among 7th, 8th, and 10th grade students, for the most part, out-perform results from the state in English Language Arts (ELA). The results also show remarkable progress in the city’s underperforming schools.
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) results released today by state officials show students in Boston Public Schools (BPS) are making progress at the same pace as students statewide. Gains in proficiency among 7th, 8th, and 10th grade students, for the most part, out-perform results from the state in English Language Arts (ELA). The results also show remarkable progress in the city’s underperforming schools.
“These results tell us that our students, particularly those in our Turnaround Schools, are making progress we can be proud of,” said Superintendent Carol R. Johnson. “But the results also show some stagnation that we must act upon immediately.”
Marks the second time in two years Boston Schools have made the list
September 19, 2011
Boston Latin School, the oldest public school in America, has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as one of this year’s National Blue Ribbon Schools. The designation is given to schools that are to be commended for their overall academic excellence or for their success in closing achievement gaps. This is the second consecutive year schools in Boston have been recognized with the honor. Last year, Boston Latin Academy and John D. O’Bryant School of Math and Science were recognized.
Boston Latin School, the oldest public school in America, has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as one of this year’s National Blue Ribbon Schools. The designation is given to schools that are to be commended for their overall academic excellence or for their success in closing achievement gaps. This is the second consecutive year schools in Boston have been recognized with the honor. Last year, Boston Latin Academy and John D. O’Bryant School of Math and Science were recognized.
“Boston Latin School is highly deserving of this honor,” said Superintendent Carol R. Johnson. “We can all take pride in the work done each day at the school to help students learn, grow, and excel.”
Boston Latin School consistently ranks as one of the highest performing schools in the state and is often recognized by national media, such as the annual U.S. News and World Reports listing, as one of the country’s best schools.
Families also informed of exam for Advanced Work Classes
September 6, 2011
Boston Public Schools (BPS) will offer the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) for entrance to the city's three examination schools on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. The registration deadline is September 30, 2011. Additionally BPS will test students currently enrolled in grades 3, 4, and 5 at private, parochial, and charter schools for possible entrance into the Advanced Work Class (AWC) Program beginning in September 2012. The deadline for registration is October 7, 2011.
Boston Public Schools (BPS) will offer the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) for entrance to the city's three examination schools on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. at twelve locations across the city. The registration deadline is September 30, 2011.
Family-owned company will service 86 schools in the city, offering more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
July 25, 2011
Boston Public Schools has selected a new school food provider to service the city’s 86 schools that do not have full-service kitchens. Whitsons Culinary Group, a family owned company, will begin serving BPS at the beginning of the upcoming school year.
BOSTON – Boston Public Schools (BPS) has selected a new school food provider to service the city’s 86 schools that do not have full-service kitchens. Whitsons Culinary Group, a family owned company, will begin serving BPS at the beginning of the upcoming school year.
“This is an exciting step forward in our work to bring the healthiest, most appetizing meals to our students,” said Superintendent Carol R. Johnson. “We have an obligation to ensure our students have access to the best quality food available. Whitsons has agreed to be an active partner in our work to ensure Boston’s children are eating well-rounded meals that give them the energy to actively participate in the classroom.”
Whitsons Culinary group was selected through a highly competitive Request For Proposal (RFP) process. Finalists were asked to present proposals to a group of internal BPS advisors and external partners. The selection committee also took part in a taste test with the help of BPS students.
In his remarks this morning, the President said he was concerned that budget and staffing pressures had threatened Mr. Baroz’s job three times in the last few years. “He’s got two decades of teaching experience. He’s got a master's degree,” the President said. “And the last few years he’s received three pink slips because of budget cuts. Why wouldn’t we want to pass a bill that puts somebody like Robert back in the classroom teaching our kids?”
dramatically improve college readiness rates within their communities and deliver the best results for all students. The foundation has invited the City of Boston to submit a grant proposal for $100,000 in funding to advance the goals outlined in their compact.
“These results tell us that our students, particularly those in our Turnaround Schools, are making progress we can be proud of,” said Superintendent Carol R. Johnson. “But the results also show some stagnation that we must act upon immediately.”
