The Essential Guide to Pilot Schools


	Essentials Introduction The Boston Pilot Schools Autonomy Accountability Small Size Equity Results Introduction Expansion/Demographics Characteristics Performance/Summary Schools Context Intro In-district Innovation Collaboration with district Influence on the district Expanding Pilot Schools in BPS The Power of a Network The Boston Pilot Schools Network Networks Annual Network Events Getting Started Conversion Schools Steps to becoming a Pilot School District Conclusion Tools and Resources Boston Teachers Union Contract Langiauge on Pilot Schools Pilot Schools Chart Pilot Schools mission statements CCE Services Provided to the Boston Pilot Schools Network References Useful Websites

The Essential Guide to Pilot Schools is an introduction to the Pilot/Horace Mann Schools*, a group of 20 innovative schools within the Boston Public Schools that are achieving strong results. The Essential Guide project grew out of an increasing interest in Pilot Schools, and through both text and web-based guides, aims to make the Pilot model accessible to a wide audience in districts and schools.

In this first guide, The Essential Guide to Pilot Schools: Overview, readers will learn the essentials of Pilot Schools, including autonomy, accountability, small size, and a commitment to equity. Readers will discover data on Pilot Schools, how Pilot Schools fit into the school reform context, and the power of the Pilot Schools Network. Finally, readers will learn steps for starting Pilot Schools in other districts and schools.

Narrative in the guide is accompanied by 1) tools: resources and “stand-alone” documents, 2) vignettes: illustrations of aspects of the narrative, and 3) case studies: in-depth descriptions of a particular subject, supported by research.

The Essential Guide to Pilot Schools: Overview is the first in a series of Pilot School guides that provides information on assessment; curriculum and instruction; governance and policies; budget, staffing, and schedule; and support structures. If you have any questions or comments about this guide (both web or text) or The Guides Project in general, please contact us.

The Essential Guide to Pilot Schools is dedicated to the pioneers of the Pilot Schools movement in Boston, who contributed (and continue to contribute) their wisdom, their heart, and their soul to improving educational opportunities for ALL students.

*(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. “Pilot Schools” will be used hereafter for simplicity, but continues to refer to the Pilot/Horace Mann Schools.The Thomas Gardner Elementary School was approved as the 20th Pilot School in June 2006; it will open with Pilot status in September 2007.)