Implementation of An Act Relative to the Achievement Gap: Opportunities and Challenges

Wednesday, April 7, 2010
3:30-5:30pm

Courtyard Marriott
75 Felton Street
Marlborough, MA

Session Overview
On January 18, 2010, Governor Patrick signed into law a new education reform bill aimed at closing the Commonwealth’s persistent achievement gap. The legislation includes three main components: 1) tools and supports for district leaders to turn around schools and districts designated as underperforming or chronically underperforming, 2) higher caps on the number of charter schools in the lowest-performing districts, and 3) a new locally-controlled option for the creation of “Innovation Schools”. 

The legislation was designed to enhance the Commonwealth’s chances of receiving $250 million in new federal stimulus money made available through President Obama’s Race to the Top competition, which gives priority to states that pursue overhauls of failing schools and expansions of charter schools. While Massachusetts was not selected as a winner in the first round of funding, there are still nearly $3.5 billion in funds that will be distributed through subsequent rounds of funding.

Proponents of the new law view it as a fundamental step toward closing the achievement gap. Yet, many questions remain about how the changes in the new legislation will be put into practice. Join us for a discussion of the legislation and plans for implementing its policy changes.

Overview of legislation:
Paul Reville, Secretary, Executive Office of Education

Panel discussion:
Kevin Andrews, Headmaster, Neighborhood House Charter School; President, Massachusetts Charter Public Schools Association
Karla Baehr, Deputy Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Beverly Miyares, Professional Development Specialist, Massachusetts Teachers Association
Senator Robert O’Leary, Massachusetts State Legislature (invited)
Tony Pierantozzi, Superintendent, Somerville Public Schools

Moderator: Joe Cronin, President, Edvisors, Inc.

Moderated panel discussion and Q&A with audience members