MA SECRETARY OF EDUCATION WILL VISIT WORCESTER TO HOST PUBLIC COMMUNITY SCREENING OF THE RIGHT TO READ

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Thursday, April 25, 2024

MA SECRETARY OF EDUCATION WILL VISIT WORCESTER TO HOST PUBLIC COMMUNITY SCREENING OF THE RIGHT TO READ

Worcester, MA - Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC), along with their local and state partners, will host Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler for a public screening of the film The Right to Read on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the AC Hotel by Marriott Worcester.

The Right to Read shares the stories of an NAACP activist, a teacher, and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read.

In 2022, most states across the country showed a decline in reading scores from 2019 (NAEP, 2022). The average fourth grade reading score in 2022 was lower than all previous assessment years going back to 2005. In eighth grade, the average 2022 reading score was lower compared to all previous assessment years going back to 1998.

Reading proficiency by 3rd grade is a critical benchmark for long-term success in an individual’s lifetime. As students shift from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” literacy skills become a more crucial component of all curriculum areas, further steepening the consequences of falling behind. Research shows that students who fail to meet this benchmark are at significantly greater risk for dropping out of school or failing to earn a high school diploma.

In Worcester, only 25% of Worcester Public School 3rd graders met or exceeded benchmark requirements on the 2023 English and Language Arts MCAS assessment (DESE, 2023).

"Literacy is the cornerstone of knowledge and empowerment, unlocking opportunities for all," said WPS Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD. "That is why the Worcester Public Schools has placed elementary reading as a district priority, and recently adopted a rigorous English language arts curriculum. Embracing literacy fuels innovation, fosters understanding, and transforms lives."

This event is part of the Raising Readers Together Initiative, a collaborative effort to address the literacy crisis facing our communities locally, and across the United States. Partners include Worcester Education Collaborative, City of Worcester Division of Youth Opportunities, Education Reform Now Massachusetts, Edward Street, Friendly House, Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, The Reading League of Massachusetts, United Way of Central Massachusetts, Worcester Family Partnership, Worcester Public Library, Worcester Public Schools, and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.

According to Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director of the Worcester Education Collaborative,

“Without sound reading skills, students are not able to access the curriculum. It’s like presenting someone a buffet without a plate or utensils.”

Following the screening there will be remarks by Dr. Rachel Monárrez, Worcester Superintendent of Schools. The program for is the event is as follows:

5:15-6:00pm | Networking reception

6:00pm | Remarks by MA Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler

6:20pm | Screening of The Right the Read

7:40pm | Closing remarks by Superintendent Rachel Monárrez

Community members are invited to attend and join the conversation on ways we can better support our children in becoming strong readers and critical thinkers, and help respond to what one of the film’s stars calls “the greatest civil rights issue of our time.”

The event is free and open to the public. However, space is limited and registration is required. To register for the event, please visit: https://righttoread-worcester.eventbrite.com.

 

This event is sponsored by United Way of Central Massachusetts, Fontaine Brothers, Inc., and Webster Five.

______________________________________________________________________

Contact:

Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director, Worcester Education Collaborative

jdaviscarey@wecollaborative.org | (508) 615-5998

The mission of the Worcester Education Collaborative is to advance excellence and equity in education for all Worcester Public School students.




Guest column: Remove legislative roadblocks to upgrade Worcester schools

Schools without cafeterias. Without auditoriums. Without playgrounds.

This is the daily experience for far too many children in Worcester. Nearly 900 of our elementary school students attend schools built before 1900. Sixteen of our 45 schools were constructed before World War II.

Though the city and Worcester Public Schools have made some gains in school building improvement in the last decade, we have a long way to go. Considerable external funding is needed to address the many issues in our schools. Relative to their more affluent suburban counterparts, large urban districts like Worcester are responsible for many more schools to educate the greater number of children enrolled.

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Guest column: Big vision for Worcester's public schools, students

The major responsibility of the Worcester Public Schools is to provide a high-quality education to all its 25,000 students — each with different gifts, needs and expectations.

Meeting this responsibility requires skilled teachers and a well-considered and efficient administrative structure that provides the full range of supports they need to be successful. Like other urban districts, Worcester has a large and complex education system that needs to maintain the facilities where students learn, and offer transportation that students need to get to school safely, along with many other important supporting services.

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WORCESTER EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE WELCOMES NEW LOCAL LEADERS ONTO BOARD AND ACKNOWLEDGES OUTGOING CONTRIBUTIONS

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Tuesday, April 2, 2024

 

WORCESTER EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE WELCOMES NEW LOCAL LEADERS ONTO BOARD AND ACKNOWLEDGES OUTGOING CONTRIBUTIONS

WORCESTER, MA - The Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC) is pleased to announce the election of three new members to its Board of Directors.  Their expertise and experiences will support the organization’s work toward its mission.

Liz Harnois joins the Board from Digital Federal Credit Union where she serves as Director of  Employee Engagement & Communications. Melanie Bonsu brings a wealth of experience from her position as Community Relations Manager, Saint-Gobain Abrasives, and Theresa Lynn the Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, contributes a unique perspective from the youth development sector. Their demonstrated commitment to education and community development aligns seamlessly with WEC's dedication to fostering equity and excellence in Worcester public education. The organization eagerly anticipates the opportunity to leverage their skills to advance WEC's initiatives.

 “WEC is fortunate to have a strong engaged board representing all the sectors of our city.  Some members have been with us since the organization’s inception. We are excited to welcome our two newest members, Liz Harnois of DCU, Melanie Bonsu of Saint-Gobain, and Theresa Lynn of Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts,” said Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director of Worcester Education Collaborative.

Kim Davenport, President of WEC’s Board of Directors, continued, “Not only is our Board growing with three exceptional new members, but we are also fortunate to renew terms for several incredible members. They are doubling down on WEC’s mission to relentlessly pursue excellence in education for all Worcester public school students. They recognize unequivocally the tremendous value that an equitable, world-class education system contributes to our thriving community. We are grateful and humbled by their continued service.”

WEC recognizes the significant contributions of outgoing board members, Alex Guardiola (Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce), Alex Zequeira (Headmaster, St. John’s High School), and Mark Fuller (Senior Sales Representation, Risk Strategies Company), who have completed their terms of service. Their dedication and efforts have played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the organization and advancing its mission to improve educational opportunities for all students in Worcester.

Worcester Education Collaborative remains steadfast in its endeavors to collaborate with business and civic leaders in the community to promote and advocate for policies, programs, and resources that support excellence in education for all Worcester students.


View the full list of WEC’s current Board of Directors.

______________________________________________________________________

Contact:

Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director, Worcester Education Collaborative

jdaviscarey@wecollaborative.org | (508) 615-5998

 

The mission of the Worcester Education Collaborative is to advance excellence and equity in education for all Worcester Public School students.

 

 

J. Christopher Collins: Lincoln Street School 'a whole jar of smart cookies'

I had the pleasure of being part of the Worcester Education Collaborative’s 13th annual Principal for the Day program on Monday, March 4.  I was assigned to go to Lincoln Street School, which serves children from kindergarten through sixth grade. I was joined by two of my newest friends, Jennifer Hubert of Bay State Savings Bank and Ramon Perez of the Guild of St. Agnes. 

Our host for the day was Assistant Principal Matthew Heenan. I suppose we all take for granted that people like Matt are helping to lead our public schools daily, but I must admit he was a truly positive spirit who has found his calling in our city’s public schools. 

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PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY IMMERSES 50 COMMUNITY LEADERS IN WORCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

FOR RELEASE

Published on March 7, 2024

Worcester, MA - Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC) hosted its annual Principal for a Day program on Monday, March 4, 2024. The program is designed to strengthen the connection between the schools and community leaders by inviting them to shadow principals at Worcester Public Schools. This year’s program hosted 50 community leaders who visited 17 participating schools, the largest group ever facilitated by the program.

During their visits, participants spent structured time with the school's leadership, staff, and students, allowing them to learn about the unique challenges and triumphs related to teaching and learning in Worcester, as well as the demands and rewards of educational leadership in a Gateway City. The experience affords community leaders the invaluable opportunity to witness firsthand what students are learning, how they are learning it, and the important relationships that power education. 

“What a joy it was to be with the students, the teachers, and the administration at Lincoln Street School. It was truly a positive learning environment where everyone in every classroom was working for a common purpose. And beyond learning, the school is a community resource providing food and clothing for families in need. Bravo and hats off to the Lincoln Street School community,” said Christopher Collins, participant in this year’s program.

Following their visits, participants and school administrators gathered for a luncheon sponsored by The Hanover Insurance Group. The luncheon featured a keynote address from Ben Forman, Research Director at MassINC, who shared his work on the importance of schools for neighborhood development. The program also featured comments from Dr. Rachel Monárrez, Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools, Mayor Joseph Petty of Worcester, and Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director of WEC.

“The ‘Principals for a Day’ always come back from their visits invigorated by what they see in the schools,” said Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director of Worcester Education Collaborative. 

Participants in the 2024 Principal for a Day Program included:

Melanie Bonsu - Community Relations Manager, Saint-Gobain Abrasives

Joel Wallen - Leadership Worcester

Pete Dunn - President and CEO, Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Jermaine Johnson - Worcester School Committee Member

Sue Mailman - Worcester School Committee Member

Dennis Kerrigan - Executive Vice President/Chief Legal Officer, Hanover Insurance Group

Viviana Abreu-Hernandez - Vice President for External Affairs, Quinsigamond Community College

J. Christoper Collins - Of Counsel, Mirick O'Connell Attorneys at Law

Karen Pelletier - Executive Vice President, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce

Michelle Tufua Afriyie - Vice President for Strategic Enrollment & Student Engagement, Quinsigamond Community College

Bill Shaner - Journalist

Lynn Hernandez - Assistant Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion, UMass Chan Medical School

Kathleen Roy - School Committee Member

Amaris Gonzalez - Program Officer for Youth and Families, Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Carol Seager - Facilitator, The Forum

Shelley Rodman - League of Women Voters

Joel Kent - Chief Operating Officer, Fontaine Bros., Inc.

Holly Hodgkins - Office of Congressman McGovern

Mari Gonzalez - Leadership Worcester

Ronald Waddell Jr. - WEC Board Member

Angelo Padin - Leadership Worcester

Joyce Augustus - President, JCassand, Inc.

Eric Roldan - Leadership Worcester

Mark Borenstein - Leadership Worcester

Jennifer Hubert - Leadership Worcester

Jen Delaney - Leadership Worcester

Katherine Aguilar - Leadership Worcester

Rep. David LeBoeuf - MA State Representative 

Jenn Madson - Leadership Worcester

Kathleen Glowacki - Leadership Worcester

Suzanne Graham Anderson - Leadership Worcester

Jessica Favreau - Leadership Worcester

Jason Gurtman - Leadership Worcester

Contact: 

Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director, Worcester Education Collaborative

jdaviscarey@wecollaborative.org | (508) 615-5998

Guest column: Monárrez and staff dedicated to Worcester public school students

Recently Leadership Worcester hosted the education session for the Class of 2025. As a part of that day-long intensive, I had the opportunity to visit schools and to engage in deep conversation with educators, parents, students and policymakers. What I saw opened my eyes to both the challenges faced by our district and to the good work going on in the Worcester Public Schools.

The day began with an overview of the district — the number of schools, types of programs, student demographics and the services available to the nearly 25,000 students enrolled. In addition to the central work of teaching, the Worcester Public Schools' 4,800 employees provide transportation, health services, food services, athletics and more.

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'Fireside chat' symposium digs deeper into Worcester education

WORCESTER, MA - Worcester's superintendent and the president of Nellie Mae shared lessons they've learned in education to a full house for the Worcester Education Collaborative's inaugural John E. Bassett Symposium last week. 

Dubbed a "fireside chat," the new symposium named after the WEC's founder took place at the Beechwood Hotel, and featured Dr. Rachel Monarrez, superintendent of Worcester Public Schools, and Dr. Gisele Shorter, president  and CEO of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. 

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PACKED HOUSE FOR FIRESIDE CHAT WITH WPS SUPERINTENDENT & PRES/CEO NELLIE MAE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

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For immediate release

Friday, November 17, 2023

LOCAL LEADERS PACK THE HOUSE FOR A FIRESIDE CHAT WITH WPS SUPERINTENDENT AND PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE NELLIE MAE EDUCATION FOUNDATION 

WORCESTER, MA - Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC) hosted its inaugural John E. Bassett Symposium on Monday, November 13, at the Beechwood Hotel. The event, named to honor WEC’s founder, featured a fireside chat with Dr. Rachel Monárrez, Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools, and Dr. Gisele Shorter, President & CEO of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, who discussed their lessons learned as leaders in education. Paul Reville, Professor of Practice at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and former Secretary of Education served as the moderator for the discussion. 

Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director of WEC, opened the evening with a reminder that Worcester finds itself in a once-in-a-generation inflection point, and applauded the new superintendent and her team for their work to capture this important moment in history for the city, and their courage to be fearless in making change.

“Worcester, the second largest city in New England and growing, is at an inflection point. With new leadership open to what is possible, new funding through the state Student Opportunity Act, and a new configuration of and membership on the School Committee, we are at a once in a generation moment to make substantive, long term meaningful change in our education system and by doing so, assure a strong a vibrant future for our city and its residents,” she said.

The fireside chat specifically called attention to the importance of building relationships with business and civic leaders when developing responsive, equitable approaches to education that best serve the needs of all students. 

“Who else needs to be in this work with you? And do you have the friends to bring them to the table?” asked Dr. Shorter. She then looked out to the crowd of local business and civic leaders with a call-to-action, “If the Superintendent spends the bulk of their time thinking about how to build will and demand, who has their eyes on the outside? Those are the things I think Chambers can do, coalitions, school board members, and committees.”

John E. Bassett, honored guest of the evening, closed the program with a nod to the City’s ecosystem and its unique ability to respond to today’s challenges in education. 

“Worcester has been blessed in some very specific ways. We have family foundations here that make things possible that are not possible in many other places. We also have a very supportive business community that has continued to support the education of all the young people in this community because they know their future employees are coming out of those educational systems,” he said, “I’m so proud of what the Worcester Education Collaborative has been doing. It’s truly a national model. I hope it can get some attention so it can be a model for other communities.”

View the recording of the event here: https://youtu.be/dX3uawPNZsw

Contact: 

Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director, Worcester Education Collaborative

jdaviscarey@wecollaborative.org | (508) 615-5998

The mission of the Worcester Education Collaborative is to advance excellence and equity in education for all Worcester Public School students. 

Dr. Gisele C. Shorter is the President & CEO of The Nellie Mae Education Foundation (NMEF). The mission of NMEF is to champion efforts that prioritize community goals that challenge racial inequities and advance excellent, student-centered public education for all New England youth.

Dr. Rachel Monárrez is the Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools in Worcester, MA.

Guest column: High marks to Monárrez in first year

This month, Rachel Monárrez will reach her first-year milestone as superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools. It has been a very good year — one in which much progress was made to ensure that our students receive the highest-quality education in a safe environment in which equity is a value. Under her leadership, the groundwork was laid for a culture of openness, transparency and engagement, recognizing that the work of education is a communitywide endeavor.

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25 COMMUNITY LEADERS VISIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS AS PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY

FOR RELEASE

Published on April 6, 2023

Worcester - The Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC) proudly hosted the return of its Principal for a Day program after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19. The program aims to strengthen the connection between the schools and the community by inviting community leaders to shadow principals at Worcester Public Schools. This year’s program was held on Monday, April 3rd, with 25 community leaders visiting 13 participating schools.

“Principal for a Day is a tremendous opportunity for leaders in our community to witness firsthand the joys and challenges of school leadership,” said Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director of the Worcester Education Collaborative.

During their visits, participants had the chance to spend time with the school's staff and students, allowing them to learn about the challenges and triumphs of education in Worcester, as well as the demands and rewards of educational leadership in the urban environment of a Gateway City. The experience provides community leaders with the unique opportunity to see firsthand what is happening in the schools and to gain a new perspective. WEC believes that this perspective can be used to inform and advocate for future positive changes in Worcester Public Schools.

“This was a great chance for business and community leaders to gain a better understanding of WPS and to talk 1-1 with a principal about challenges and opportunities for improvement,” said Karen Pelletier, Executive Vice President of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce (participant), “I experienced an elementary school where the students gravitated to the principal as someone they trusted and admired, and where parents stepped up in major ways like running the school library!”

After the visit, participants and school administrators gathered for a luncheon sponsored by The Hanover Insurance Group to share their experiences and insights with one another. The luncheon featured a fireside chat with Raphael Rogers, PhD of Clark University and Patricia Paugh, PhD of UMass Boston, with a focus on literacy education. The fireside chat was facilitated by Noe Medina, facilitator of the Worcester Education Equity Roundtable.

Participants in the 2023 Principal for a Day Program included:

Patty Padilla, Principal, Woodland Academy

Fjodor Dukaj, Principal, Clark Street Community School

Cindy Vail, Principal, Heard Street Discovery Academy

Luke Robert, Principal, May Street School

Christina Guertin, Principal, Midland Street School

Chris Dodge, Principal, Thorndyke Road School

Joyce Elia-Renaud, Principal, West Tatnuck School

Mary Ellen Scanlon, Principal, Worcester Arts Magnet School

Erin McMahon, Principal, Lake View School

John Staley, Principal, Doherty Memorial High School

Lisa Houlihan, Principal, North High School

Jeff Creamer, Principal, South High Community School

Drew Weymouth, Principal, Worcester Technical High School

Tom Bartholomew, Bartholomew & Company

Christine Cassidy, Fallon Health

Craig Blais, Worcester Business Development Corporation

John Esler, Esler Companies, Esler Family Foundation

John Tanacea, Bank of America

Charles Steinberg, Worcester Red Sox

Shelley Rodman, League of Women Voters

Jermaine Johnson, Worcester Public School Committee

Tim Sippel, Worcester Public Schools

Dr. Marie Morse, Worcester Public Schools

Joe Petty, Mayor, City of Worcester

Dr. Rachel Monarrez, Superintendent, Worcester Public Schools

Kate McEvoy, UMass Memorial Health

Karen Pelletier, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce

Maria Heskes-Allard, Bay State Savings Bank

Grace Sliwoski, Worcester Regional Environmental Council

Julian Wade, Davis Publications, Inc. 

Wanjiru Nganga, Century Homecare, LLC

Katie Ferreira, Guild of St. Agnes

Joel Wallen, Pernet Family Health Service

Kayanna James, MA Senate

Jim Andreoli, Quaker Special Risk

Mari Gonzalez, El Buen Samaritano Food Program, Inc

Joy Murrieta, Main IDEA Youth & Arts

Stacey Forrest , Thrive Support & Advocacy

Holly Hodgkins, Office of Congressman McGovern

Joe Salois, Atlas Distributing

Robert Layne, UMass Chan Medical School

Annie Azarloza, Worcester Public Schools

Raphael Rogers, Clark University

Patricia Paugh, UMass Boston

Billy Kenyon, Ladybugz Interactive Agency

Larry Abramoff, Retired, Tatnuck Bookseller

WORCESTER EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE RECEIVES $900K GRANT FOR EDUCATION EQUITY

The Worcester Education Collaborative received a three-year $900,000 commitment from Quincy nonprofit the Nellie Mae Education Foundation to support work between the collaborative’s Education Equity Roundtable and the Worcester Public Schools.

The two entities will use the funds to collaborate on development of inclusive policies and best practices for equitable learning. The policies are intended to be specifically tailored to the population of Worcester’s public schools and larger communities, according to a Tuesday press release from the educational collaborative. The WEC, founded in 2010, is an independent organization that aims to utilize partnerships between schools to enhance educational opportunities. 

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Worcester Education Collaborative receives $900,000 Grant from Nellie Mae

FOR RELEASE

Worcester – Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC) is proud to announce a $900,000 investment from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation (NMEF) over a three-year period. Funding will allow WEC and the Worcester Education Equity Roundtable which it convenes to work in alliance with the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) to craft a community-district partnership aimed at promoting excellence and equity in education. 

Funding will support collaboration between the Worcester Education Equity Roundtable and WPS over the next three years to develop inclusive policies and practices to promote culturally relevant and equitable learning environments across Worcester’s vibrant education ecosystem that encompasses both the schools and the community. 

“WEC is honored to receive this most generous gift from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. We look forward to our shared work with WPS, the community, students, families, and the Foundation to foster deep and meaningful improvement in education in Worcester” said Dr. Jennifer Davis Carey, WEC Executive Director. “This is a crucial opportunity to act upon factors that contribute to entrenched inequity, and to effect changes that moves our city toward WEC’s vision of a transformational education community that enables all WPS students to achieve their full potential.” 

This funding coincides with a series of pivotal changes in education in Worcester, including the arrival of a new Superintendent of Schools in July, a significant infusion of state and federal funding, new membership on the School Committee, and a new School Committee structure. “The Foundation is excited about the community-driven momentum toward racial equity in Worcester. We know that when community partners are involved in advancing racial equity in schools, students are better positioned to receive the supports they need to thrive,” said Marcos Popovich, Program Director of Grantmaking, NMEF. 

The partnership intends to capture this critical moment to advance equity in Worcester’s schools. WEC and the Roundtable envision supporting ongoing opportunities for authentic family and community partnership with the WPS under the leadership of the new Superintendent. “We are extremely appreciative to have the resources to support true community conversation and engagement as we envision the future of education for the children of Worcester” said Dr. Monárrez, Superintendent, WPS. 

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Contact: 

Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director, Worcester Education Collaborative

jdaviscarey@wecollaborative.org | (508) 615-5998

The mission of the Worcester Education Collaborative is to advance excellence and equity in education for all Worcester Public School students. 

Carey: Grading Worcester schools' 5-year plan

In 2018, the Worcester Public Schools adopted a strategic plan, the first in 25 years. As we come to the close of the five-year term of that plan and lay the foundation for the development and adoption of a new guiding document, it is important to consider progress made to date, areas where we have stalled, and lessons learned.

Worcester’s plan was unique in that it was developed through a process involving both the district and the community. The plan set ambitious goals in five areas: Creating a Culture of Innovation, Academic Excellence, Welcoming Schools, Investing in Educators, and Technology and Operations. Accountability to the outcomes articulated in the plan were to be monitored by a set of accompanying benchmarks to measure success.

And then came the pandemic.

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Viewpoint: Early college boosts the workforce

Today, 80% of good-paying jobs require a postsecondary education, and differences in educational attainment have a profound impact on students’ future earnings. Median earnings are 20% higher for associate degree holders and 67% higher for bachelor’s degree holders than for high school graduates. In Worcester, only 48% of 2020-21 high school graduates enrolled in a two- or four-year college. Only 21% of Worcester Public Schools graduates earn a college degree within six years of graduation, and completion rates are lower for underrepresented student groups. 

Fortunately, we have a proven, evidence-based solution for increasing college access and completion: early college.

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WEER releases position paper on student transportation and equitable access to out-of-school time programming

FOR RELEASE

Worcester - Worcester Education Equity Roundtable releases position paper on student transportation and equitable access to out-of-school time programming.

Creating an education ecosystem in Worcester that removes obstacles to learning and maximizes the achievement of all students is the collective responsibility of community-based organizations, the Worcester Public Schools (WPS), higher education partners, and local cultural institutions. This requires coordinated use of the resources in the community to meet the learning, enrichment, and recreational needs of children and youth and childcare needs of families and ensure equitable access to the out-of-school services offered by various providers. Student transportation is a key resource with significant impact on equitable access to out-of-school programming and services.

For more than a decade prior to the COVID pandemic, WPS provided bus service for its students to attend after school and community service providers in Worcester. Under this practice, students were transported to bus stops at or near provider sites.

Although there were inconsistencies in the original implementation of the WPS after school student transportation practices, the situation became worse for Worcester students, families, and community service providers shortly before the beginning of the 2021-22 school year with the issue of an announcement from the Superintendent’s Office: “Due to the shortage of bus drivers, WPS will not be dropping off students at after school daycare programs. Students will be picked up and returned to the same locations.” This decision was made with no public input and no discussion with the service providers who had previously relied on the transportation service to provide Worcester students access to their programs. The announcement also came immediately before the start of the new school year and created significant disruptions for families and providers.

The change in student transportation practices has had a significant negative impact on Worcester students, families, and community service providers by substantially reducing access to services while increasing safety concerns and disruptions in the lives of students, parents, and caregivers.

This paper includes a review of past practices for after school student transportation offered by WPS and their impact. It also includes policy positions and recommendations of the Worcester Education Equity Roundtable (WEER) on this issue.

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Background: Worcester’s education sector is currently experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime inflection point as a series of opportunities converge: 1) new district leadership, 2) an unprecedented infusion of state and federal education funding, 3) an update to the district strategic plan, and 4) reconfiguring of the School Committee as result of a consent decree associated with the 1965 Voting Rights Act. In light of this context and opportunity, Worcester Education Collaborative received a grant from the Barr Foundation to uplift community voice. Through this work, WEC is working with community partners to produce a series of timely, community-informed resources on essential topics in education including briefs on early college, transportation and access to out-of-school programming, community schools, and school safety.

The attached position paper, WPS Student Transportation & Worcester Education Ecosystem, represents the second installment of the WEC Briefing Series on these topics.

Worcester Education Collaborative Releases Report on Early College in Worcester

FOR RELEASE

Worcester - Massachusetts' knowledge-based labor economy increasingly requires that candidates have sound postsecondary education credentials to access good jobs with family-sustaining wages. Yet, despite having one of the most well-funded and effective public education systems in the country, Massachusetts continues to face persistent and growing equity gaps in college success for Black and Latino students, and students from low-income families.  

 

In Worcester, there are approximately 7,200 students in grades 9 - 12 across the seven district high schools. In addition to being one of the state’s largest districts, Worcester is also one of its most diverse and the schools serve significant proportions of students historically underrepresented in college and career. An analysis of data from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shows that, for the most recent data available, only 21% of Worcester Public Schools graduates go on to earn a college degree within six years of high school graduation. Unfortunately, the numbers are even lower for Latino students (11%), English Language Learners (15%), and students with disabilities (8%). Without intervention, these gaps will continue to contribute to and sustain historical inequities in career success, wages, and life outcomes for Worcester students. Furthermore, these gaps have an undeniable impact on Worcester's quality of life and economic outlook.

 

Early College is a leading evidence-based solution to dramatically increase college degree attainment, and is particularly effective at boosting attainment outcomes for students who are historically-underrepresented in higher education. In a few short years, Massachusetts has laid a strong foundation for Early College success and scale, and Worcester continues to be a leader in this work. This report includes a current snapshot of the college success equity gap in Massachusetts, the impact of Early College opportunities in Worcester to-date, and key recommendations for expanding Early College access across the City.

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Worcester’s education sector is currently experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime inflection point as a series of opportunities converge: 1) new district leadership, 2) an unprecedented infusion of state and federal education funding, 3) an update to the district strategic plan, and 4) reconfiguring of the School Committee as result of a consent decree associated with the 1965 Voting Rights Act. In light of this context and opportunity, Worcester Education Collaborative received a grant from the Barr Foundation to uplift community voice. Through this work, WEC is working with community partners to produce a series of timely, community-informed resources on essential topics in education including briefs on early college, transportation and access to out-of-school programming, community schools, and school safety.

The attached report, Early College: The Best Investment for College Success, represents the first installment of the WEC Briefing Series on these topics.

Ron Walker Delivers “Soul-Nourishing” Remarks to Worcester Educators Amidst Once-in-a-Generation Education Inflection Point

FOR RELEASE

Worcester – Ron Walker, Founder and Executive Director of the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color, delivered thought-provoking and–according to one participant–“soul-nourishing” remarks as part of his keynote address at Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC)’s 13th Annual Meeting Wednesday evening, where he was awarded WEC’s Apple of a Different Color award. 

Reflecting on his decades-long work in education, Walker shared a vision for what is possible in education. His remarks highlighted critical tenants that bring equity to the forefront while providing excellence for all students, such as setting high expectations, forming meaningful relationships, creating affirming and supportive environments for learning, and welcoming and including parents and families as a critical part of the education of children and youth. 

 “Ron Walker captivated the audience,” remarked Worcester Public School Committee Member Sue Mailman. “His work with boys of color is inspired by love and recognition of individual value. As a school committee member, his words will stay with me.” 

Worcester State University President Barry Maloney also found Mr. Walker’s presentation compelling. “As an educator, I regularly look to create sustainable pathways for improved outcomes, especially for underserved students. Ron Walker’s presentation reminded me of the powerful impact on a young person’s outlook that a sense of belonging can have, helping them achieve their goals.” 

In recognition of his outstanding contributions in the field of education, and his steadfast commitment to equity and excellence in the education of boys of color in particular, Walker was awarded WEC’s Apple of a Different Color award. The Apple of a Different Color award is presented periodically by WEC to visionary leaders in K-12 education. Past recipients of this honor are John Bassett, former president of Clark University and Heritage University and founder of the organization and John B. King, Jr., former Secretary of Education under President Obama and currently President of the Education Trust. 

“Educational opportunity gaps for boys of color are significant. They lead to achievement and discipline disparities across their lifespan. Thank you for your leadership, Ron Walker. Equity in education is social justice,” shared Debbie Hall, Executive Director of Worcester’s YWCA. 

Walker’s remarks were particularly timely and well-received by audience members, as Worcester is in the midst of an inspiring and critical inflection point with respect to education. This moment is the result of a confluence of several factors and events, including: a new and visionary Superintendent of Schools, new governance made possible as a result of statutory changes in the composition of the school committee, a new and progressive orientation of the committee, and an unprecedented influx of funds as a result of the Student Opportunity Act and federal recovery dollars.

“The work that we do, our choices, and the principles that guide those choices will affect the opportunities that our children have and the quality of life in our city for a generation,” remarked WEC Executive Director Jennifer Davis Carey. 

With new funding and the ongoing work of its Education Equity Roundtable, WEC is poised to lead a community-wide effort to develop policies and practices that promote equity and excellence in all learning spaces across Worcester’s vibrant education ecosystem, encompassing both in- and out-of-school learning. Charged with this big vision for what is possible for education in Worcester, WEC’s Board of Director’s is thrilled to be joined by a slate of new members to support this work: 

  • Alex Richardson, Director of Baseball and Gameday Operations, Worcester Red Sox

  • Elizabeth Wambui, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Fontaine Brothers 

  • John Esler, CEO, Esler Companies, and Co-Founder, Esler Family Foundation

  • Jeanne Esler, President and Co-Founder of the Esler Family Foundation

  • Karen Pelletier, Executive Vice President, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce 

  • Lynn Hernandez, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion, UMass Chan Medical School

  • Maria Juncos-Gautier, Ph.D., Executive Director, Latino Education Institute

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The mission of the Worcester Education Collaborative is to advance excellence and equity in education for all Worcester Public School students. 

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