Latest news with #DepartmentofElementaryandSecondaryEducation
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Incoming education commissioner outlines priorities
BOSTON (SHNS) – Literacy, teacher recruitment and retention, and promoting bilingual education are at the top of the priority list for the state's new K-12 commissioner of education. Pedro Martinez will begin running Massachusetts's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on July 1, after former Commissioner Jeff Riley stepped down in March 2024 and over a year of interim leadership. Speaking at his first public event in Massachusetts since he was chosen for the role, Martinez outlined some of his priority goals on Tuesday at a Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education event in Boston. Among them is getting students back on track when it comes to reading. 'This issue has been front and center for students, as students return from the pandemic. And by the way this is national. Anybody who was a parent of a young child remembers, and remember our third and fourth graders today, those were children that were going to start their education during the pandemic period. So it's not a coincidence,' Martinez said. Teachers, education advocates and state officials in Massachusetts have been talking about improving student literacy for years, as young people have struggled with reading and writing after the pandemic. On last year's state testing, 41% of third through eighth graders scored in the 'meeting or exceeding expectations' range for English Language Arts. Currently the superintendent of Chicago Public Schools, Martinez said that in the city 'we realized that the only way to really solve this is we had to go back to the basics.' 'So we had to bring them in as soon as possible,' he said. 'So we expanded universal preschool across every one of the 77 communities. Free, full-day preschool. There we started laying the foundations.' In Chicago, they began 'implementing the foundational skills from pre-K through fifth grade — some people call it the 'science of reading,' ' he said. 'The instruction incorporates best practices such as abundant reading of diverse texts, frequent opportunities for students to write about what they read, and teaching students how to communicate with digital environments.' Science of reading is not one specific curriculum program that districts can buy, but a collection of research based on phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. The approach to teaching reading differs from past approaches partially by emphasizing phonics instruction — teaching students to understand how letters and groups of letters link to sounds and spelling patterns — though it is not wholly based on phonics. The term science of reading has been around for over a century, but has recently become shorthand to discuss using cognitive research on how children's brains work while reading, and using more classroom time on learning to sound out words and work on comprehension. 'I'll tell you, going into classrooms and seeing kindergartners write about something they've read, it's priceless, especially in high-poverty communities,' Martinez said. Gov. Maura Healey launched a program dubbed 'Literacy Launch' last year that secured $20 million in the state budget, in addition to $38 million in federal literacy grants, focused on getting higher-quality literacy materials into dozens of districts, which they're hoping will translate into improved reading scores and an improvement in the foundational skill on which all other learning depends. 'I know that Massachusetts recently adopted a long-term plan to improve literacy as well. I commit to you I will do everything in my power to ensure that that plan is successful,' Martinez said. In addition to literacy, Martinez said he'd be focused on recruiting and retaining high qualified educators. He shared a story about a teacher who he said changed the trajectory of his life. His sixth grade teacher in the Chicago Public Schools, Mr. Asher, 'was the first teacher that told me I was actually below grade level. He was actually the first teacher that said, 'I'm going to hold you accountable and you're going to make sure that you're going to rise up to that challenge.'' Martinez credited Mr. Asher with his coming out of 6th grade above grade level, and eventually becoming the first in his family to graduate high school and finish college. 'Mr. Asher changed my life,' he said. 'A highly qualified educator is the number one way to really close achievement gaps, and therefore, how we recruit, how we retain teachers — there are proven strategies across the country — and that's what I really want to look at.' He recommended a few ideas, including teacher residency and internal recruitment programs. In Chicago, he said, the district created a program called Teach Chicago Tomorrow. 'We're always complaining that we can't find highly qualified teachers, but guess where the students start? They start in K-12, right? In the districts. And so in Chicago we started working with the higher ed community, identifying students that had a passion for education, giving them really a clear path for them to be able to not only get support financially, get mentorship all the way through finishing to become teachers in our schools,' Martinez said. He added that thousands of paraprofessionals also moved into teacher roles through a similar program. Another priority Martinez highlighted Tuesday was bilingual education. 'I think we need to go even deeper in Massachusetts,' he said. 'One of the blessings that I feel is to be bicultural, to be bilingual is such a gift. It is such a gift. And so why wouldn't we want that for all of our children in Massachusetts? Why wouldn't we want all of our children to have access to multiple languages? Martinez immigrated to Illinois from Mexico when he was five years old. The last priority he highlighted was helping connect Massachusetts students to higher education. He talked about working in the San Antonio school district in Texas, where he saw people move from out of state to take advantage of Texas's strong economy while local students struggled to get jobs. 'Texas imports a lot of their labor, and then we have individuals that grew up in Texas, and there was a mixed bag. And so my question in Massachusetts, how do we make sure that it's our students that live in Massachusetts? How do we make sure that it's our students that are taking advantage of the amazing, amazing higher ed infrastructure that exists in the state?' he said. He added that 'one thing that I'm really anxious to talk to everyone about is, how do we get rid of this conversation of careers or college? That's not a thing everybody.' Martinez proposed working with community colleges and creating pathways in manufacturing, technology and health care to connect higher education and career opportunities for students after high school. 'I can't help but just recognize where I'm at in Massachusetts. This is a rich history, as everybody talked about, of education here,' he said. 'I can just imagine in 1993 when many fine individuals in this room came together to pass the Massachusetts Education Reform Act that has now put Massachusetts, in my opinion, number one in the nation. So think of this moment now. This is a time when we can come together, we can build a similar bold vision about what we expect our students to be able to do after high school.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Mass. asks public how to replace MCAS grad requirement. How to respond
An online survey launched Monday will expand public input opportunities for people to share ideas on the future of a new statewide high school graduation requirement in Massachusetts. The survey, along with listening sessions being held across the state, come after voters last November opted to do away with the requirement that public high school students must pass three MCAS tests in language arts, mathematics and science in order to achieve a diploma. It was one of the most hotly contested ballot questions the state had seen in years — the Massachusetts Teachers Union led the charge to get rid of the MCAS requirement, while many state officials, including Gov. Maura Healey, strongly opposed it. Now, after the voters have spoken — passing the measure by a wide margin — education officials are assessing what a future requirement may look like to ensure graduates are demonstrating learning and readiness for college, careers and civic life. The public has until June 30 to complete the online survey, which is available in six languages. Read more: Springfield invites former students who failed MCAS to apply for a diploma Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler said listening sessions held so far in Taunton, Worcester and Somerville have provided 'deeply meaningful feedback' and that additional public feedback 'is only going to strength these efforts. 'I encourage everyone to fill out the survey and look forward to engaging with more residents at the remaining listening sessions,' he said. The last listening sessions will be held in Holyoke and Barnstable on June 5 and 9, respectively. There will be a virtual one, as well, on June 3. Until the state develops a new statewide requirement, school districts are resorting to local graduation standards and competency determinations set by school committees. Controversial guidance previously issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said school districts can still use MCAS scores as part of their local graduation requirements. The leaders of the Massachusetts Teachers Association said the guidance circumvented the intention of Question 2 and, ultimately, the will of the voters. Similarly, the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education recently approved the 'limited use' of MCAS scores to determine if students are satisfying the competency determination for a high school diploma, also drawing blowback from the teachers union. Springfield invites former students who failed MCAS to apply for a diploma Teachers union urges public to stay informed, speak up about changing ed regs Springfield schools weigh graduation requirements after MCAS test dropped Everything you need to know about MCAS heading into 2025 Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
East Elementary named one of eight Missouri Gold Star Schools
OZARK, Mo. — The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced eight Missouri Gold Star Schools for 2025. East Elementary in the Ozark School District has been named one of the eight Gold Star schools. The other seven schools announced were: Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience, St. Louis Public Schools Conway Elementary, Ladue School District Eugene Field Elementary, Poplar Bluff School District Green Forest Elementary, Green Forest R-II School District James Walker, Blue Springs School District Marion County Elementary, Marion County R-II Schools Steam Academy Middle School, Ferguson-Florissant School District The program, which aligns with the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, recognizes schools for outstanding academic achievement or for performing at high levels while serving a significant proportion of disadvantaged students. The U.S. Department of Education's Blue Ribbon Schools will be announced this fall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mass. public schools to introduce AI for supportive learning
EVERETT, Mass. (WWLP) – Massachusetts public schools will soon introduce a new teaching and learning tool. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has begun a multi-year strategy to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into K-12 schools. The program was created with input from educators, school leaders and technology specialists in collaboration with DESE's AI Task Force. It will include information on how schools can address the opportunities and challenges of AI in the classroom. Warren applauds reported state probes of student loan servicer The use of AI in teaching is part of Governor Healey's plan to make Massachusetts a national leader in artificial intelligence innovation with partnerships between government, industry, startups and academia. 'Massachusetts has long been a global leader in both technological innovation and education,' Healey said. 'This strategy will help equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in tomorrow's economy and to engage thoughtfully with these powerful tools.''Artificial intelligence presents both significant opportunities and complex challenges for schools,' said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. 'The strategies announced today will help provide Massachusetts educators with the tools and guidance they need to leverage AI responsibly and effectively.'The strategy focuses on three key areas, and DESE will create resources over the next several months to help schools with the following areas: Building a shared understanding of AI: Provide resources to help students, educators, and families develop a foundational understanding of AI, how it works and its potential uses and limitations. Training: Offer professional learning opportunities and implementation support to school staff about data privacy and how to effectively integrate AI into schools. Policy alignment: Review and revise policies to address AI-related issues, such as AI literacy, data privacy and responsible use. 'As AI rapidly transforms industries and everyday life, it is essential that Massachusetts schools are equipped to prepare students for the future,' said Education Secretary Patrick A. Tutwiler. 'These recommendations provide a thoughtful and structured approach to help schools harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding educational equity and student privacy.' The task force is now shifting its focus to inform DESE's implementation strategy. Details about the AI in K-12 Schools strategy, including the task force's full report, professional learning opportunities, and other resources, can be found on DESE's website. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Boston Globe
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
State board to pick next education commissioner Tuesday
In Massachusetts, the education commissioner oversees day-to-day operations of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which regulates public and charter K-12 schools; creates long-term plans for the department; provides guidance and training to school districts, and implements the school accountability system. Related : The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Advertisement The state's K-12 education department has been without a permanent commissioner Massachusetts K-12 schools face immense challenges. Many districts are facing budget shortfalls as they serve growing numbers of newly arrived students from other countries, including many English learners, and as well as increasing populations of special education students. The commissioner must also turn around pandemic learning losses statewide. And in Washington, the Trump administration threatens to withhold federal aid money from districts if they maintain policies Trump disagrees with, including diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, recognizing transgender students, and curriculum that addresses racism and discrimination. Advertisement The board is scheduled to begin the day's deliberations during a meeting at the department's headquarters in Everett starting at 2 p.m. Christopher Huffaker of the Globe staff contributed to this report. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. John Hilliard can be reached at
