American Progress
04/13/2022
How Colleges and Universities Can Bring Pell Grant-Funded Programs Back to Prisons
A new report from the Center for American Progress details the four steps for higher education institutions to accept Pell grants from incarcerated students. The report comes after the Education Department and negotiators drafted a new approval process for the prison education program.
MEEP
04/05/2022
Community engagement key as schools deploy COVID funding
The Massachusetts Education Equity Partnership - MEEP partners' op-ed stresses the need for better partnerships between districts and community advocates statewide to ensure families are well-informed about all available resources.
EDWEEK
03/28/2022
Biden Budget Seeks Big Funding Increases for High-Need Schools, Student Mental Health
The president on March 26th unveiled a budget blueprint that contains few surprises and proposes $88.3 billion in discretionary funding for the Education Department, an increase of nearly $12 billion, or 15 percent, compared to current funding levels. To help more low-income students afford college, the budget proposes boosting the maximum Pell Grant available during the 2023-24 school year by $1,775 to $8,670.
National Parents Union
03/2022
New Poll Shows Majority of Parents Concerned About Rising Inflation & Keeping their Children on Track Academically
A poll from the National Parents Union found 74 percent of parents are extremely or very concerned about rising costs of everyday goods like gas or food and 65 percent are worried about their children staying on track in school.
Hechinger Report
02/24/2022
OPINION: We face another lost generation if we don’t do something about college enrollment
Congress may just find a way to prevent another lost generation. Let's look at Massachusetts - “With federal support, we could exponentially expand early college opportunities in Massachusetts and nationwide. The Build Back Better Act is an important opportunity for Congress to reverse recent trends and move more students to and through higher education. By doing so, Congress may just find a way to prevent another lost generation."
Edutopia
02/15/2022
Teaching Black History in Culturally Responsive Ways
Happy Black History Month! Learn how you can infuse Black history into your daily lessons in a way that is prophetic and purposeful.
Education Post
01/04/2022
2022 Could Be the Year We Finally Meld Phonics with Language-Rich Communities
“Literacy offers a place to support so much of what our kids also need: social and emotional learning, language development, and navigation of identity and voice.” According to Education Post, in 2022 we need to improve our phonics and foundational skills instructions in order to deepened meaningful conversations - both oral and written.
CommonWealth
12/23/2021
Affinity groups are a way to retain teachers of color
"There is some good news. Teacher diversity rates are trending upwards in Massachusetts, a positive development. Now that we have recruited educators of color, how will we retain them? For me and other teachers of color I know, it is essential to have a space where we can share experiences without having to explain why we feel the way we do..."
NY Times
12/22/2021
Can Schools Handle Omicron? The looming wave is shaking the rickety infrastructure that has kept schools running.
The Hechinger Report
11/14/2021
‘The Reading Year’: First grade is critical for reading skills, but kids coming from disrupted kindergarten experiences are way behind
Teachers are measuring the scale, depth and unevenness of learning loss during the pandemic. “One report by Amplify Education Inc., which creates curriculum, assessment and intervention products, found children in first and second grade experienced dramatic drops in grade level reading scores compared with those in previous years.”
Education Post
11/04/2021
3 Ways We Can Support the Unique Needs of English Language Learners After the Pandemic
“English learners faced particularly deep systemic biases well before schools shuttered in March 2020: the COVID-19 pandemic deepened these. Given that the United States’ EL population continues to grow, it is imperative that policymakers and education leaders take the necessary steps to craft a pandemic recovery strategy that also confronts and closes these pre-pandemic gaps…”
WBRU
10/28/2021
How gifted and talented programs leave low-income, Black students behind
Here & Now's Tonya Mosley speaks with Jason Grissom, a professor of public policy and education at Vanderbilt University's Peabody College, about his research into the inequities of gifted and talented programs.
Hechinger Report
09/02/2021
OPINION: How climate change and early childhood are intertwined
Learn more about the connection between the climate crisis, early childhood education, race, and income.
Education Trust
08/13/2021
What are teachers teaching?
In this third episode, Ed Trust’s writer-in-residence Karin Chenoweth and director of practice Tanji Reed Marshall try to get a handle on what teachers are actually teaching in the classroom.
MASSachusetts Education Equity
08/13/2021
Keeping Equity at the Forefront: Pandemic Recovery
As our state shifts from pandemic response to recovery, the Massachusetts Education Equity Partnership is releasing a new resource to help ensure that our education system does not revert back to a pre-pandemic normal that did not work for too many of our state’s students. The Keeping Equity at the Forefront: Pandemic Recovery toolkit is packed with ideas for how districts and schools can use new federal and state funds to both support students and families in this moment, and begin to tackle educational inequities that long predate the pandemic.
WBRU
08/13/2021
What The Delta Variant Means For The Return To School
Schools are tasked with the responsibility of creating safe environments that support families as much as possible. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom decided to make a statewide mandate for vaccinations for teachers. What is the union's response to that?
Education Post
07/26/2021
At Freedom School Literacy Academy, Black Pride and Academic Achievement Go Hand-in-Hand
To build a strong literacy program you must have the support and trust of your community. In this Q&A, get to know the Freedom School Literacy Academy (FSLA) at The Center for Black Educator Development in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Education Post
06/21/21
Great Principals Are Strong Instructional Leaders First
What is instructional leadership? According to Garris Landon Stroud, "Instructional leadership means putting in some hard, hard work to see students succeed. As leaders, being visible in classrooms every day is no easy task, especially when you have bus schedules and student discipline to manage. Establishing high expectations and demanding academic excellence from all students is time-consuming, serious business." This article points out some reflection questions that principals take into consideration…
WBUR
06/10/21
Massachusetts Community College Attendance Boosts Employment, Earnings
An increase in attendance rates at community colleges means that more students are able to access a college education that is flexible and affordable. Hear more about what Alicia Modestino, the research director for the Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy at Northeastern University, has to say…
HECHINGER REPORT
06/01/2021
Post-pandemic summer school should not be just about catching up
New funding should help students connect and reengage while addressing their stress and mental health. The article highlights critical points to consider when creating summer enrichment opportunities. The bottom line is that the Hechinger report agrees that community partnerships are the key to success. Manycommunity partners are increasing their collaboration with other providers, prioritizing the students most impacted by the pandemic and partnering with schools to share lessons learned. As a result, more young people are thriving. School districts should seek out such collaborations, and local and state leaders must invest in such partnerships.
WBUR
05/18/21
After A Year Mostly Indoors, Possibilities Bloom In A Schoolyard Garden
Hands-on learning opens up new opportunities for students! Learn more about how one school in Dorchester is using the natural world to explore. A paraprofessional at the school says "The garden may not be much as yet, but it is already hosting storytime for kindergarteners and lessons in environmentalism, and bringing obvious delight to the school's youngest students…"
Worcester Telegram & GazetTe
03/30/21
Worcester Babysitting Club empowers youth to care for siblings, others during the pandemic
WEC would like to take a moment to highlight some of the important work that is happening in #Worcester. Thank you to all of those who dedicate their time to community projects that empower youth and families…
“The Babysitting Club will soon begin its fifth session. The club was organized last March in response to a request from the city's Department of Children and Families.
The Division of Youth Opportunities worked with the Boys & Girls Club, applying the Babysitting Club curriculum and pairing mentors with participants. The curriculum focuses on teaching youth necessary skills for caring for siblings or younger children, such as changing diapers, easy cooking, and first aid.” - Isabel Sami
NPR | Family
03/23/2021
How to Talk To Kids About Anti-Asian Racism
Reports of racism and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders can be scary and confusing for kids, but there are many tactics that all parents can use to foster family conversations…
The Education Trust
03/20/2021
Strategies to Solve Unfinished School
How can we help students complete #UnfinishedLearning from the #COVID19 pandemic? @EdTrust & @MDRC_News dug into 3 strategies to #AccelerateLearning: 1) targeted intensive tutoring; 2) expanded learning time; & 3) building strong relationships.
MINNPOST
03/17/2021
Erika Lee on the enduring history of American xenophobia, drawn ‘from a place of fear’ (2019)
In this article, Erika Lee explores the history of American xenophobia, drawn ‘from a place of fear.’ It is crucial for us to take a close look at history to understand current manifestations of anti-Asian American hate crimes. As our students and children observe the world, we can listen to their concerns and talk through difficult conversations…
EDWEEK
02/16/21
What Educators Should Know About Digital Self-Harm During Hybrid and Remote Learning
What is "𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺" and why should educators be paying attention? This insightful article describes the phenomenon and how we can address it in our classrooms…
"The other concern about remote learning, we’ve heard examples where students haven’t had access to resources at school such as school counselors or psychologists or school social workers. If a child is dealing with some issues, they are depressed, maybe they don’t have somebody that they can talk to because of remote learning. Therefore it might be a lot more difficult for them." - Mark Lieberman
WBUR
02/02/2021
A Dream Shattered: Why One Student Shifted Plans In Hopes Of Earning A Degree
The reality is that many students have had to delay higher education. How are students like Doralee Heurtelou resilient and hopeful about their education despite taking a detour? Heurtelou shares her experience in the article below…
Clark University
1/21/2021
College Corps seeks to address COVID-related challenges in Worcester Public Schools
“Collaborative effort reimagines education opportunities for city children”
WEC is thankful for individuals and community organizations that have been working tirelessly to build new ways of learning and teaching. This is a perfect example of how we can collaborate by leveraging our local resources and personal talents/expertise…
Common Sense
1/13/2021
8 Ways Teachers Can Address White Supremacy in the Classroom
In this article, Tanner Higgin explores strategies that can be implemented in the classroom to support students as they unpack racial issues. Higgin says that "In the absence of honest conversations about race, it festers like a wound. It's more important than ever to have these tough conversations with our students."
MASS LIVE
12/17/2020
Worcester Public Schools currently has 1,942 homeless students, officials believe number may be underreported
Students and families need to be supported with policy, resources, and funding that will buffer the effects of poverty and housing insecurity, across Worcester. Read the article below to understand what families need and how districts can leverage their current resources and community partnerships…
MASS LIVE
12/10/2020
Creative Hub Worcester launched a child care program in September providing students with academic, emotional support
Child care programs deserve more recognition. What a great initiative at Creative Hub Worcester! The program accepts children from ages 6 to 12. Students enjoy academic support along with the constant presence of an adult to keep the children motivated.
Education Post
11/25/2020
We Need a Cooperative Approach to Improve Education for Students With Disabilities
The article suggests that we need to create solutions that are family-centric and transparent. "Schools must treat families as equal partners—listening to concerns, demystifying complicated pedagogical approaches and hearing their feedback on what works at home. And educators must bring families into the IEP process. Handing them a prefilled form to sign (which is illegal, but happens all the time) doesn’t count" - Jennifer Coco
MASSLIVE
11/11/2020
Editorial: Despite Worcester Public Schools delaying in-person learning, students scheduled to come in for MCAS tests in January
The latest news on MCAS testing in Worcester & what to expect in January. This is an important decision and we will continue to see this conversation evolve among families, educators and community members…
Education Post
11/02/2020
Editorial: It’s Time to Put Early Math on Everyone’s Radar, Especially for Dual Language Learners
The article explores why dual language learners may struggle with learning math. Without the support of bilingual teachers, math skills, and communication with multilingual families, these students are likely to feel insecure and fearful…
Education Post
10/27/20
Editorial: The COVID-19 Attendance Crisis Is Bigger Than You Think
The article challenges the framing of “dropouts” to point out that even before the pandemic, students who did not complete K-12 education were far more likely to be failed by the system as pushouts rather than to have walked away from their own accord…
Boston Globe
09/06/2020
Editorial: Black girls in Massachusetts
Black girls in Massachusetts are 3.9 times more likely to face school discipline than white girls, according to a report that looked at three states…
Medium
07/16/2020
Editorial: Some Students Should Go to School, Most Should Stay Home
“There is no good solution — just band-aids on a broken system.” Shayla R. Griffin, a Black researcher, and educator says that we need to focus on delivering high-quality education and resources (food, health services, and high-speed internet) to the most marginalized students. “We are being given the opportunity to re-envision education in a way that works for those we have historically failed. We should try to do so...”
EdWEEK
06/04/2020
Editorial: How to Root Out Anti-Black Racism From Your School
This is a national call-to-action. The fact that countless people are marching, protesting, and risking their safety in the midst of a global pandemic to end anti-Black racism speaks to the sense of urgency to eliminate it. Read all about the suggestions to understand, address, and ultimately uproot Anti-Blackness in schools…
Boston Globe
05/17/2020
Why is Massachusetts’ tech sector so lacking in diversity? Take a look inside AP computer science classes
“If you don’t have any exposure to computer programming in high school, by the time you get to college you’re already behind the curve,” Desjardins said. Too often, she says, it’s young women and students of color who miss out. “The white, male, and more affluent students have likely already been programming for…
Education Post
4/10/2020
Editorial: This Is What Education Activism Looks Like During COVID-19
It’s mostly low-income, students of color who don’t have computers and internet access at home. To address this disparity, Black activists have urged for corporate and government assistance. Zach Wright, Garris Stroud, Dirk Tillotson, Nekima Levy-Armstrong started a petition to get the Federal Communications Commission to provide free internet services for low-income families during the COVID-19 pandemic to supplement the laptops being handed out…
Worcester Telegram & GazetTe
03/10/2020
Editorial: As I See It: The Student Opportunity Act: Not just funding, but civil rights
The Student Opportunity Act (SOA) is the most recent overhaul of the Massachusetts school funding mechanism since 1993. Designed to provide more equitable funding for PreK-12 education across the Commonwealth and to allocate more funds to districts with higher concentrations of economically disadvantaged students…
CommonWealth magazine
10/22/2019
Editorial: State oversight critical in education bill
As House Members on Beacon Hill prepare to debate and vote Wednesday on the Student Opportunity Act, Massachusetts stands at a crucial moment in charting the course of education funding and improvement. For the sake of our students, families, and communities – as well as for the sake of our economy and democracy — it’s critical that we get it right…
Editorial: Funding for public education in Massachusetts must be reformed
A state legislative session that began two years ago with parliamentary hocus-pocus to ram through hefty pay and fee increases for elected officials, all hatched in secret and executed in a flash, ended in midsummer this year with the ignominious collapse of negotiations between the state House and Senate over much-needed reforms in funding public education. More money for our Statehouse solons, no money when it’s clearly needed for our kids. Not a good look...
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
09/02/2018
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
07/01/2018
As I See It: Coming to terms with the legalization of marijuana and its impact on the community
The full text of Question 4 on the 2016 ballot related to the legalization, regulation, and taxation of marijuana was 11 pages long. Many of us only read the brief summaries of what a “yes” or “no” vote would do and voted “yes” with thoughts of fewer convictions for minor drug offenses and the positive impact of increased revenue on state and municipal budgets...
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
04/22/2018
Editorial: For Worcester, why not the best in public education? Strategic plan comes at the right time for a rising city.
It’s taken nearly a year to complete a new strategic plan for the Worcester Public Schools, the first such plan in a quarter century. It was unveiled last week. And if approved by the school committee after a formal presentation expected in June, the hard work truly begins...
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
12/01/2017
As I See It: Behind the education strategic plan and how it’s progressing
In the winter of 2016, the Worcester Education Collaborative and the Worcester Regional Research Bureau produced a report - the Urgency of Excellence - that provided an overview of the Worcester Public Schools. Recognizing the significant changes in the work of teaching and learning, the needs of students as they prepare for life in an increasingly interconnected and technological world, and the changing demographics of both our city and our public school students...
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
06/25/2017
As I See It: Worcester schools: A strategic advance
Worcester is embarking on a strategic planning initiative toward making the Worcester Public Schools one of the best urban systems in the country. While we do better than most urban systems in the state, there is much more that can be done to meet the needs of our students and the community...
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
09/18/2016
As I See It: Cracks in Worcester’s ed foundation
Two recent headlines in this paper almost made my hair burst into flames: “Worcester Superintendent Says Fundraising Could Save Summer School” and “Worcester School Officials to Address Overcrowded Classrooms.”...
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
07/25/2015
As I See It: Summer’s mental meltdown
Ideally summer is a time for playful learning but for many children, it’s a time of learning loss. According to research compiled by the National Summer Learning Association, children suffer significantly from the loss of academic skills during the two months of summer vacation. For low income children in particular these losses become cumulative and so contribute to an achievement gap that grows over time...
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
10/01/2014
Most important 20 minutes
Several years ago Worcester and more than 150 cities across the country joined together in the Campaign for Grade Level Reading, a national effort to dramatically increase the number of children who read proficiently by the end of third grade. This is a critical benchmark as it is the point where students shift from learning how to read to reading to learn. The national campaign focuses on school readiness, summer learning loss, and chronic absenteeism...
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
05/25/2013
Crisis in school suspensions
With a suspension rate of 12 percent, over twice the state average, Worcester public school students received over 4,800 out-of-school suspensions last year. That translates into nearly 35,000 of hours of lost instruction across the disciplines...
