FYI from BSF, 07.14.23
Summer Reading
The Massachusetts Teachers Association made some news this week, with headlines (here, here) detailing a ballot initiative to eliminate the MCAS as a graduation requirement.
It is instructive to read the actual purpose of the committee formed:
“Replacing.”
What could be more “accurate?” Perhaps something like this.
By that logic, would a new assessment still be required? There is little evidence that MCAS - or an assessment of any kind - negatively impacts graduation rates. You may recall this from a previous newsletter.
The threat - or reality - a ballot initiative is a well-worn path for advocates in Massachusetts politics. Education is no exception. Convened ballot committees played a role in finalizing the 2010 Achievement Gap Act and the creation of a teacher evaluation system. Charter school expansion failed at the ballot in 2016, and a move to eliminate Common Core adoption never made it to the ballot that same year (legal issues).
What’s the endgame for this ballot initiative?
Next step to formalize, initial signatures, is due August 2nd.
Mayor Wu has a different take on BPS performance and partnership with the state.
White Stadium: a renovated home for BPS athletics most days, and stadium for a pro women’s soccer team the other days?
A deep dive into the design, effects, and limitations of preK in Boston.
More residents leaving Massachusetts will mean, at some point, less students in many schools.
Legislation to codify reading instruction, mapped.
The Biden Administration is giving a lot of money out for green schools - Natick was the only MA grant recipient.
MCAS is not the only item potential item on the ballot. The MTA paired its “Cherish Act” proposal with a ballot committee formed to create debt-free public-college.
What are the implications of MA PK-12 based on the recent Supreme Court affirmative action ruling?
Although still a top-5 trusted institution, Americans’ favorability of higher education has waned.
A long, fascinating read about elementary school education in China touches on modern parenting and modern Chinese history, with the surprising fingerprints of American progressive educator John Dewey.