The education bill’s passage could also put the state in line for up to $250 million in federal “Race to the Top” grant money, which the state must apply for by Jan. 19.
DeLeo insisted yesterday that House members will have sufficient time when they return in January to debate the bill and meet that federally-imposed deadline.
Eighth-graders at the Excel Academy Charter School in East Boston scored tops in Massachusetts on the English and math MCAS tests last year, a feat that left principal Komal Bhasin and her staff both proud and motivated to continue their success.
“I really feel deeply that the achievement gap is the civil rights issue of our generation,” Bhasin said yesterday. “Anything that helps kids reach their potential is great.”
With both sides proclaiming education reform a top priority, politicians fired back and forth yesterday over the timing of a proposed overhaul to schools in Massachusetts. While students from underperforming schools went to class with the same prospects they faced the day before, many challenge whether charters schools are the answer.
Advocates have made a push this year to increase the presence of charter schools, though critics have cautioned they are not a cure-all and some have high attrition rates. Yet far-reaching education reform legislation that would lift the charter school cap — as well as target improving underperforming schools — left the state’s top lawmakers debating the urgency of the bill.
After the Senate passed the bill Tuesday night, Gov. Deval Patrick urged House members to follow suit yesterday, the final day of the legislative session, and expressed frustration that “this waited until the last minute.” But House Speaker Robert DeLeo balked, refusing to rush the bill through because it would be a “disservice” to lawmakers, students and families.
A brief look at what the education reform bill does:
Boston Schools Superintendent Carol Johnson has unveiled an aggressive plan to turn around the city’s low-performing schools amid criticism of the achievement gap among students.
The school department has targeted 14 schools with low MCAS scores that will be forced to develop short- and long-term plans to boost student achievement or face “serious consequences.”
Officials also hope to create stronger methods to evaluate teachers and administrators, as well as expand Parent University, a program intended to get parents more involved in their children’s studies.
The city’s public schools have also come under harsh scrutiny on issues such as funding sports programs and high transportation costs.