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The
Boston Herald
Study says city’s pilot school pupils shine
By Kimberly Atkins
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
A new study to be
released today shows students in Boston’s pilot schools outpace other
city students in MCAS scores, have lower suspension rates and are more
engaged in the classroom.
The study, by the Center for Collaborative Education, comes as Boston
Public Schools and Boston Teachers Union representatives continue negotiations
over whether to expand the number of the autonomous schools in the city.
According to the study, 80 percent of students in pilot schools passed
the MCAS, in contrast to 59 percent of non-pilot students, excluding the
city’s exam schools. Attendance at pilot schools averaged 95 percent,
compared to 89 percent at other schools.
About 10 percent of the city’s students attend pilot schools, which
are generally smaller and are allowed independently to make decisions
on budget, staffing, class length and curriculum.
The study by the CCE, which coordinates the city’s pilot schools,
was undertaken a year ago to assess the school strengths and weaknesses,
replicate what worked and fix what didn’t, said CCE spokesman Robert
Frank.
BTU President Richard Stutman said he supports pilot programs and has
sought to implement many of their approaches in alternative discovery
schools.
“We are seeking to replicate the benefits of pilot schools,”
he said. “But we are also seeking to ensure teachers who work an
extended work day are compensated.”
Copyright 2006 Boston
Herald Inc.
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