FYI from BSF, 06.23.23
The national move to implement “science of reading” keeps coming closer to home.
Last week’s report from the National Council of Teacher Quality that gave most Massachusetts colleges and universities failing grades in reading instruction resulted in the alarm-ringing and argue-the-research exchange that has been typical for the “reading wars.”
We can debate solutions; we shouldn’t debate the existence of a problem. As Kerry Donahue pointed out in an editorial this week, literacy rates in Massachusetts show persistent gaps. National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data released this week indicates accelerating literacy decline amongst 13 year-olds. Only 1 out of 7 eighth graders self-report reading for pleasure, and they report missing school at 2x the previous rates (full data summary here).
Cities and states that have bucked the trend have one thing in common: going all-in on evidence-based research instruction.
As announced in a BPS press release this week, we are leveraging our PEAK program to advance strong literacy practices and create new high-quality seats. Through a new round of three-year grants, we are aiming for improvement in literacy outcomes for students in grades 3-6 and historically marginalized students (Black, Latino, English Learners, and Students with Disabilities).
We are addressing an urgent need with a clear strategy. These are the students who missed foundational literacy instruction while they attend school remotely. Literacy rates have not regained ground in the same way that math achievement has bounced back in recent years after the pandemic. EL Education, the district-adopted curriculum in these grades, has an evidence-based stamp of approval by EdReports. BSF’s new staff member, Dorie Withey, will provide extensive coaching, and funding will support a needs assessment, planning, stipends, professional development, and more.
Representing four neighborhoods and serving +2,200 students (~79% Black and Latino, ~40% English Learners), our five partner schools have strong leaders and educators and a track record of success.
These schools will leverage the additional resources to not just drive quality in their buildings, but also serve as models for the city.
Progress and achievement is possible, but, like always, it will take time and investment in children and adults in the classroom.
Notes in the margin
It was the last - and very busy - week of school in Boston and most communities around the Commonwealth...
Boston School Committee met (full materials here). Public comment touched on exam schools (again), but in a different way: continued faculty-administration tension at Boston Latin Academy and opposition to the proposal to move the O’Bryant to the West Roxbury Educational Complex. More news was made with member Lorena Lopera announcing she is stepping down; if not filled, the vacancy would last until the next round of annual appointments in early January. And there was the curious incident of an adult, a former DCF worker, enrolling in three BPS high schools this year.
A summary of efforts to expose Boston students to career pathways.
Brockton is responding very aggressively to enrollment decline, potentially closing 1 of its 4 high school “houses.”
Child care in Massachusetts ranks near the top of the country - in cost.
Universal school meals continue to have its Massachusetts advocates.
Governor Healey is proposing updated health and sexual education standards; the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will vote next week.
30 years of education reform in Massachusetts, from a former Board Chair and Secretary of Education.
Simmons College is the most recent local, private college to feel the effects of declining enrollment.
Learning loss is not just a question for Americans - the World Bank has defined it as a global issue.
OTHER MATTERS
Instead of talking amongst adults about school, we can listen to middle schoolers. A new podcast.