The Worcester Education Equity Roundtable recently hosted “Charting the Path to Excellence and Equity, Part 1: MCAS Achievement Data,” the first in a planned series of community forums. The event brought together educators, parents, and community leaders to discuss Worcester Public Schools' latest MCAS results and their implications for the district’s five-year strategic plan, “Our Promise to the Future.”
Updating MassCore ideal lesson for student success | Opinion
On Nov. 5 the people of our commonwealth voted to end the use of the MCAS as a high school graduation requirement.
With the referendum decided, we should use this moment for an important and broader conversation on appropriate graduation requirements for young people enrolled in our state’s public secondary schools. While our state has a recommended set of courses across subject areas for high schoolers, MassCore, those classes are not required by the state for a diploma.
Debate over MCAS heats up ahead of November ballot
WORCESTER—A recent virtual debate hosted by the Worcester Education Collaborative’s (WEC) Education Equity Roundtable has intensified discussions on a ballot question that could remove the MCAS requirement for high school graduation in Massachusetts.
The event, held on Sept. 30, brought together more than 100 attendees and featured arguments both for and against the measure, which will be decided by voters this November.
Worcester Education Equity Roundtable Hosts Engaging Debate on MCAS Ballot Question
Worcester, MA - In November, Massachusetts voters will make a critical decision on whether passing the MCAS will remain a requirement for high school graduation. The citizen-initiated ballot question seeks to remove this mandate, sparking a statewide debate.
On Monday, September 30th, the Worcester Education Collaborative’s (WEC) Education Equity Roundtable hosted a virtual point-counterpoint debate to explore both sides of the issue. The event, designed for parents and caregivers, educators, and community members, attracted over 100 attendees from Worcester and beyond.
Melissa Verdier, President of the Educational Association of Worcester, presented arguments in favor of the ballot measure, while Timothy Murray, President & CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, offered opposing views. The discussion was moderated by Dina Tedeschi, a Worcester parent and Family & Community Engagement Specialist at WEC.
Both speakers presented arguments for why they held their respective positions on the issue. One notable point of contention was Verdier’s assertion that the statewide educational standards that all districts are required to teach would not be affected by the removal of the MCAS as a graduation requirement. She argued that the ongoing reforms in education are the reason for improvements in standards, not the MCAS itself, and highlighted that Worcester requires students to complete MassCore.
Currently, the awarding of a high school diploma in Massachusetts requires a passing score on the MCAS, a passing grade in history/civics, and four years of physical education. The state also recommends but does not require passing grades in the MassCore, a program of study that includes 4 years of English, 4 years of Mathematics, 3 years of Science, 3 years of History, 2 years of Foreign Language, 1 year of Art, and 5 additional courses such as health, technology, and/or business education.
In contrast, Murray emphasized the importance of the MCAS as a diagnostic tool that ensures all students meet a uniform proficiency level in key subjects before graduating. He raised concerns that without a standardized assessment graduation requirement, the interpretation of curriculum across the state's 399 districts could lead to inconsistencies and inequities. Murray argued that maintaining high standards is essential for preparing students for success in college and beyond, citing a study that shows a correlation between proficiency in these subjects and higher lifetime earnings.
“We think this is an important diagnostic tool as well as a statewide assessment that helps make sure that that $20 billion that's invested annually into the public education system ensures that these high school students, upon obtaining their diploma, are at least proficient at the sophomore level in English Language Arts, Math, and Science,” said Murray.
Verdier challenged his position, “The standards are not going away. The standards are not being weakened. The standards did not get better because of MCAS. The standards got better because of the reform that goes on in education all the time,” she said.
Polling Results
Event attendees participated in live polls gauging their intended vote (Yes/No/Unsure) on Question 2: MCAS as a graduation requirement for public high school students. Polls were conducted both before and after hearing arguments from both sides. The results revealed clear shifts in opinion after the discussions. Initially, 51% of attendees planned to vote "Yes" on Question 2, with 14% leaning "No" and 35% unsure. Following the presentations, support for a "Yes" vote rose to 62%, while opposition increased to 33%, leaving only 6% undecided. These results highlight how the event significantly influenced attendees’ views on this critical issue.
To view the recording of this event, FAQ from attendees, and other materials please visit: https://www.wecollaborative.org/events/2024/mcas-ballot2024
The event was sponsored by the Worcester Education Collaborative and the Worcester Education Equity Roundtable. The Worcester Education Equity Roundtable is generously supported by The Nellie Mae Education Foundation.
______________________________________________________________________
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.
End the MCAS requirement? Question 2 is focus of Worcester debate
WORCESTER ― A pair of Worcester figures went toe-to-toe Monday night debating what has become the most hotly contested question on the Nov. 5 election ballot: Should Massachusetts keep the MCAS test as a requirement for public school students to graduate?
Melissa Verdier, president of the Educational Association of Worcester, the union representing teachers in the Worcester Public Schools, represented the "vote yes" side of the debate. Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President and former Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray represented the "vote no" side.
The debate that took place Monday night was hosted by the Worcester Education Collaborative.
Guest column: Legislative gaffe subtracts from Student Opportunity Act
In 2019, the Massachusetts Legislature passed the Student Opportunity Act.
This law was years in the making and hailed as a groundbreaking reform effort that would advance excellence and equity in public education in our state. This year, the Legislature generously funded the Student Opportunity Act as planned, adding substantial dollars to the coffers of historically underfunded districts across our state.
This action continues to lead us in the right direction to assuring access to a sound and rigorous education for every child regardless of residence. Unfortunately, the Legislature failed to address a significant flaw in the education foundation budget formula by neglecting to account for the full impact of recent levels of inflation on school district budgets.
120+ JOIN DR. SHAWN GINWRIGHT FOR FIRESIDE CHAT ON WAYS TO IMPROVE ACTIVISM, COLLECTIVE LEADERSHIP; WPS ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB COMING THIS FALL
FOR RELEASE
Worcester, MA - On Wednesday, May 29, Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC), along with Worcester Public Schools, hosted Dr. Shawn Ginwright, Jerome T. Murphy Professor of Practice at the Harvard Graduate School of Education for a virtual fireside chat focused on Dr. Ginwright’s recent book, "The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves". Over 120 people, including local leaders from the education and social service sectors, were in attendance for the discussion.
Dr. Ginwright’s book boldly asserts four revolutionary pivots for better activism and collective leadership – focusing on awareness, connection, vision, and presence. It provides ways to discover new lenses for approaching challenges in our professional and personal lives, and asserts our need for transformation, trust, wholeness, and healing.
President Barry Maloney of Worcester State University moderated the discussion. “My thanks to Jennifer Davis-Carey and the Worcester Education Collaborative team for bringing another timely and important conversation to Worcester. Dr. Ginwright’s book is a must-read. I found it difficult to put down. His 'Four Pivots' helps us uncover our blind spots. During Wednesday’s conversation, Shawn led a discussion with Worcester educators and community leaders, exploring how to discover new perspectives and boldly assert our need for connection, transformation, trust, wholeness, and healing. I was honored to play a small role in helping our community learn how to look into the mirror," said President Maloney.
Dr. Ginwright and President Maloney were joined by Worcester Public Schools Superintendent, Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD, and Raquel Castro-Corazzini of Worcester’s Division of Youth Opportunities, who reflected on their own application of the concepts and approaches presented in Dr. Ginwright’s book. “What Dr. Ginright's fireside conversation brought forth to me is a reminder that institutions and systems are not just cogs and wheels; they are comprised of humans with histories of joy and pain. It's essential to make space for our humanities, to see one another, and to understand each other so we can build stronger networks in order to heal ourselves and one another," said Castro-Corazzini of her experience at the event.
Superintendent invites the community to WPS Community Book Club
At the event, Superintendent Monárrez of Worcester Public Schools announced the launch of the WPS Community Book Club this upcoming fall. The group will be diving into "The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves" by Ginwright.
"I invite all high school students, teachers, staff, caregivers, and community members to join our WPS Community Book Club this fall," said the Superintendent. "We'll explore 'The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves' by Dr. Shawn Ginwright, reflecting on healing, hope, and community in a supportive space. Let's come together to rethink justice and personal growth for a better society and school district."
The group will facilitate thought-provoking discussions, examining Ginwright's insights from the book. The club is open to all high school students, teachers, staff, caregivers, and community members.
“Shawn Ginwright's work asks us to pivot in our consideration of what we bring, as people, to our work in education. We look forward to working with the Worcester Public Schools and other partners to continue this important conversation,” said Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director of Worcester Education Collaborative.
To learn more about the WPS Community Book Club, please visit their sign up page.
Many thanks to the Esler Family Foundation for sponsoring The Four Pivots: A conversation with Shawn Ginwright.
Click here to watch the event.
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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.
MA SECRETARY OF EDUCATION WILL VISIT WORCESTER TO HOST PUBLIC COMMUNITY SCREENING OF THE RIGHT TO READ
FOR RELEASE
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.
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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.
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.
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.
Worcester Education Collaborative welcomes new board members
WORCESTER—Some fresh perspectives, expertise, and experiences are added to the Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC), as three new members have just been elected to its board of directors, the organization announced.
WORCESTER EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE WELCOMES NEW LOCAL LEADERS ONTO BOARD AND ACKNOWLEDGES OUTGOING CONTRIBUTIONS
FOR RELEASE
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.
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.
'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.
PACKED HOUSE FOR FIRESIDE CHAT WITH WPS SUPERINTENDENT & PRES/CEO NELLIE MAE EDUCATION FOUNDATION
FOR RELEASE
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.
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.
