With the next school year just a summer away, educators are planning for what could be an even more intense challenge. They will likely have fewer resources to serve families enduring deeper pain from a prolonged economic downturn.
Community college is key to rethinking higher-ed
With coronavirus drawing attention to widespread socioeconomic disparities, many are calling for renewed effort to combat inequality. From near universal health care to paid family leave, Massachusetts is already a leading state when it comes to progressive policies. But pubic higher education—perhaps the strongest economic leveler—stands out as an area where Massachusetts trails. So many
Can the Student Opportunity Act Survive Coronavirus?
The Gateway Cities Journal
Governor Baker announced that Student Opportunity Act (SOA) plans would be due May 15th, or a later date to be determined by Commissioner Jeff Riley. With the FY 2021 budget influx, Commissioner Riley's choice of a new date will have ripple effects far into the future.
Holyoke offers blueprint for pre-k expansion
Gateways Episode 51
In this episode of Gateways, we visit Holyoke to talk pre-k expansion in the Student Opportunity Act era.
5 ideas for generating better school district improvement plans
The Gateway Cities Journal
Gateway City educators returned to school following the winter break pinching themselves. Just before the holidays, Gov. Baker signed the Student Opportunity Act (SOA), a landmark bill that promises to deliver $1.4 billion annually in new state aid. Districts now have until April 1 to file spending plans with the state detailing how they will
Walsh calls for big boost in school spending
Commits $100 million in anticipation of new state aid
BUOYED BY FLUSH city coffers and a new law promising more state education aid down the road, Mayor Marty Walsh said he will commit $100 million in new annual city spending to the Boston Public Schools. The announcement came during Walsh’s annual State of the City speech, delivered Tuesday night at Symphony Hall, and marks
English language learners thrive in Early College
Gateways Episode 46
This week on Gateways, we bring you our very first bilingual episode, featuring two Lawrence High School graduates and former Early College ESL students, Elvianna De Jesus and Emeli Diaz. They discuss the ways in which Early College set them up for success, allowing them them to earn college credit before even
How Gateway City schools capitalize on new funding
Gateways Episode 45
This week on Gateways, we look ahead to implementation of the Student Opportunity Act. Passed by the legislature in November, the new law will provide Gateway City schools with millions of dollars in additional state aid beginning in 2020.
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Dear Friends, 2019 will go down as a year of promising advancement. From passage of the Student Opportunity Act to a historic board vote on Rail Vision, policies with the potential to make a tremendous difference to Gateway Cities gained real traction. Through the Gateways podcast, MassINC helped magnify the voices of Gateway City leaders. To sustain and build
MassINC Insights, Part II
Gateways Episode 40
In this second installment of MassINC Insights, we hear from the journalists and thought leaders of MassINC about the education funding debate.As lawmakers on Beacon Hill approach agreement on a school finance package, MassINC members dig in to the history of Massachusetts school funding that’s led