There is great interest in the Pilot model, and Pilot Schools are expanding to include even more BPS schools.  In January 2006, the BPS and BTU agreed to new, modified contract language on Pilot Schools.  The 2006 agreement called for the creation of a minimum of seven new Pilot Schools by September 2009, through BPS conversions, newly created schools, or charter school conversions.  One start-up school will be union-sponsored and teacher-run.
   The Center for Collaborative Education and the Boston Foundation, in partnership with the BPS, provided a Request for Proposals, technical assistance, and planning and implementation grant funding for schools to convert to Pilot status.  According to the Request for Proposals, “Pilot status is not just an experiment for a few schools; it is a mechanism by which any district school may advance its educational mission and the interests of its students, faculty, and parents.”  A similar process took place in 2002-2003 when four conversion Pilot Schools were created: Another Course to College, Mason Elementary School, Baldwin Early Learning Center, and Lee Academy.  School proposal selection criteria include: 1) the possibility of a favorable two-thirds vote on the Pilot School plan by staff, and 2) a comprehensive planning process. 
   Planning grants from the Boston Foundation are available for BPS schools interested in converting to a Pilot School.  The grants are to assist schools as they prepare a proposal for approval by staff, the BPS/BTU Steering Committee, and school committee.  Implementation grants from the Boston Foundation are available for schools that receive Pilot School status approval. 
   Technical assistance by CCE is provided in the form of Pilot School Residencies, a week-long session to support the development of prospective Pilot Schools.  The purposes of the Residencies are: 1) to provide information and a variety of experiences about Pilot Schools, Pilot Principles, and Pilot Autonomy, and 2) to share stories and examples that will help prospective schools frame their work as they develop proposals. 
   The sessions provide a foundation in all aspects of Pilot Schools.  Full-day Pilot School visits allow for first-hand learning experiences from current Pilot School staff and students.  All day workshops provide information on the Pilot Schools, particularly the five areas of autonomy.  Finally, extensive school team planning time allows prospective schools time to apply their learning to their own Pilot School proposal.