Information From Boston Public Schools' Website
Acceleration Agenda
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Superintendent Carol R. Johnson has presented to the Boston School Committee and the community the Acceleration Agenda, a five-year strategic direction (2009-2014) that outlines goals and priorities for transforming the Boston Public Schools.
Superintendent's memo to School Committee
The Five-Year Plan: Acceleration Agenda, 2009-2014 (working draft, 11-18-09)
Superintendent's PowerPoint presentation
Excerpts: Overview, Vision, Academic Targets
"Today, Boston Public Schools, the birthplace of public education in this nation, offers the best education possible for some of our students. Boston Public Schools has the capacity to offer the best education possible for all of our students."
-- Dr. Carol R. Johnson, Superintendent
Video excerpt: Superintendent Johnson's presentation
Our Mission (proposed)
Boston Public Schools, the birthplace of public education, is committed to transforming the lives of children through exemplary teaching in a world-class system of innovative, welcoming schools,
where we partner with families and the community to develop in every student the knowledge, skill, and confidence to excel in college, career, and life.
Vision
The Boston Public Schools graduate...
1. Succeeds academically in college-level courses across content areas.
2. Masters verbal and written expression in English, with emerging proficiency in a second language.
3. Uses mathematical skill, scientific inquiry, and state-of-the-art technology to invent new solutions to persistent and unanticipated problems.
4. Exhibits growth, self-discipline and reflection through innovative expression and artistry.
5. Acknowledges and respects people with diverse backgrounds, histories, and perspectives.
6. Assumes personal responsibility for physical and emotional well-being by making healthy choices.
7. Contributes confidently and positively in professional and social settings, both independently and as a member of a team.
8. Demonstrates resourcefulness and resilience in the face of setbacks and obstacles, relying on personal assets and support from others to achieve goals.
9. Loves to learn, views the world as a classroom without walls, and thinks critically about the issues within it.
10. Participates actively in a democratic society as a responsible, courageous leader who challenges injustice.
Goals
To achieve this mission, we must...
- Ensure all students achieve MCAS proficiency
- Close access and achievement gaps
- Graduate all students from high school prepared for college and career success
Academic Targets
The Acceleration Agenda includes nine academic targets through 2014:
- Reading by the end of Grade 1
- Reading to learn in Grade 3
- Skillful, analytical writing in Grades 4-12
- Algebra 1 in Grade 8
- English Language Learners acquire academic language mastery and fluency
- Academic growth for students with disabilities
- "On-track" to graduate in Grade 10
- High school graduation
- College-ready and success-bound
Download a PDF with specific targets for each of these goals:
Annual Academic Targets, 2009-2014
Key Strategies
The district's work to achieve these goals is organized into four broad core strategies, each of which includes various initiatives and tactics:
- Strengthen teaching and school leadership
- Replicate success and turn around low-performing schools
- Deepen partnerships with parents, students, and the community
- Redesign district services for effectiveness, efficiency, and equity
"Turnaround Schools"
Part of the second strategy listed above -- replicating success and turning around low-performing schools -- includes targeted interventions in 14 schools with several years of inadequate progress. The Acceleration Agenda outlines a plan to hold these schools and the district accountable for dramatic improvement, along with additional supports and investments.
January 27, 2010
Acceleration Agenda and Turnaround Memo (memo to School Committee, 1/27/10)
Acceleration Agenda and Turnaround Update (presentation to School Committee, 1/27/10)
December 16, 2009
Turnaround Schools Update - Funding (presentation to School Committee, 12/16/09)
December 2, 2009
Turnaround Schools: Profiles
Frequently Asked Questions: BPS Turnaround Schools
Important Documents
Superintendent's letter to all BPS staff
Mayor Menino's letter to the Boston School Committee
Seven Essentials of Whole-School Improvement
Citywide Learning Standards
Dimensions of Effective Teaching
See also Major Initiatives.
For information about the Superintendent's efforts to align academic and operational priorities through school mergers, consolidations, closings and expansions, see the "Pathways to Excellence" initiative.
Background documents
October 7, 2009
Acceleration Agenda strategies, focus on "Turnaround Schools"
May 8, 2008
Presentation: Phase II, Strengthening Operations
Superintendent's Memo: Phase II, Operations
Overview: Phase II, Operations
January 30, 2008
Superintendent's Memo: Phase I, Academics
Restructured Central Offices: Roles and Responsibilities
