Introduction to Pilot Schools
The Pilot School model originated in Boston. There, they are a network of 20 innovative schools within the Boston Public Schools (BPS) that are achieving strong results across every indicator of student engagement and performance. Two Pilot Schools also have dual Horace Mann charter school status. (Horace Mann charter schools are granted autonomy by the state department of education while also remaining part of the district and teachers union. There are two Horace Mann charters in Boston that have dual Pilot status. “Pilot Schools” will be used for simplicity, but continues to refer to the Pilot/Horace Mann Schools.) Pilot Schools demonstrate higher performance compared to the district averages at all grade levels, including higher college-going rates, higher results on the statewide standardized assessment (MCAS), and higher attendance rates.

Pilot Schools serve a student population that is generally representative of BPS. They do not select students based on prior academic achievement, and they receive a similar per pupil allocation to all BPS schools. (In February 2006, the Boston Public Schools and Boston Teachers Union agreed on new Pilot School contract language that allows for 100 uncompensated hours above the contract in 2007–08. The district agreed to pay the contract rate for up to 50 required hours worked over that amount. Some Pilot Schools do require teachers to work over 100 hours above the contract hours, and thus teachers in these schools receive extra compensation.) First opened in 1995, Pilot Schools are the result of a unique partnership of the mayor, school committee, superintendent, and teachers union, and were created to serve as laboratories of innovation and research, and as development sites for effective urban public schools. Now a reform strategy over ten years old, Pilot Schools represent a powerful collaborative approach to partnerships between teachers unions and school districts. As a result of their strong performance over time, the Pilot model is now in the process of being replicated in other cities, including Los Angeles.

The Center for Collaborative Education (CCE), a nonprofit organization, convenes the Pilot Schools Network and works with Pilot Schools to improve practice and results. CCE provides Pilot Schools with coaching, professional development, advocacy, research, and financial management. The Pilot Schools have demonstrated that a powerful network of autonomous schools in an urban public school district, aided by a third-party organization, is optimally positioned to create high-performing schools, promote collaboration among schools, and leverage change within the district.

Credits: This Leadership and Governance guide was sponsored by grants from Washington Mutual Bank and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.