We need a holistic approach to improving student outcomes

Focus on both in-school and out-of-school factors is needed to close gaps

By Joan Wasser Gish achievement gap, Education 0 Comments Apr 26, 2018

IF MASSACHUSETTS IS committed to equal educational opportunity for all, the next phase of education reform must acknowledge that schools cannot close achievement gaps without a systemic approach to addressing the out-of-school disadvantages that impact students’ academic learning. Factors outside of school more powerfully predict outcomes than any factor in schools. The current education reform(...)

UMass vs. UMass

UMass takeover of Mount Ida College has many up in arms

By Jack Sullivan Education, Kumble Subbaswamy, Martin Meehan, University of Massachusetts 0 Comments Apr 10, 2018

The list of those supporting the takeover of Mount Ida College in Newton by the University of Massachusetts as a satellite campus for Amherst students starts with UMass President Martin Meehan, UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, and the system’s board of trustees, all of whom got together and quietly moved on the $50 million acquisition, plus(...)

UMass vs. UMass

By CommonWealth Staff Charlie Baker, Education, Kumble Subbaswamy, Martin Meehan, University of Massachusetts 0 Comments Apr 10, 2018

Spring 2018

College math doesn’t add up

For Amy Blanchette, juggling jobs, school, and family is herculean task

By Linda Enerson Higher Education and Adult Learning 0 Comments Apr 10, 2018

AMY BLANCHETTE GRADUATED from community college a few years ago and applied to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth as the next step in her long-term goal of attaining a master’s degree in public policy and ultimately running for public office. Her application was accepted, but when she sat down to do the math, the numbers(...)

Spring 2018

Inspirational talks are not cheap

Big names demand big bucks for community college speaker series

By Colman M. Herman Colleges/Universities, Higher education, higher education funding, Kareem Abdul Jabbar 0 Comments Apr 9, 2018

EX-NBA SUPERSTAR KAREEM Abdul-Jabbar gave a speech at Bunker Hill Community College last October — not on how to shoot his patented skyhook, but on the weighty subject of “Islam: Misrepresented, Misunderstood, and Maligned in the United States.” The speech was part of a series that is designed to serve as inspiration for Bunker Hill(...)

Opinion

State breaking its promises to regional schools

Struggling districts not receiving money they are owed

By Suzanne Bump Energy, National Politics 0 Comments Apr 7, 2018

FOR MOST MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS, test scores and property taxes are top of mind when thinking about public education. But for parents of students in regional school districts, especially rural ones, the worry goes much deeper—to questions of the viability of their school district and whether their kids are getting the same quality education as their(...)

The faithful departed

Catholic schools across the state are struggling to remain afloat

By Jack Sullivan Education, Fall River, The Boston Archdiocese 0 Comments Apr 6, 2018

It wasn’t that long ago that the Roman Catholic church was a spiritual, political, and social force in Massachusetts. With the influx of European immigrants beginning in the 19th century, Catholic churches peppered the landscape, with even smaller towns having multiple parishes. But since the turn of the century – and the bomb that was the(...)

Opinion

Congress (surprise!) leads way on financial aid

State needs to step up higher ed funding in upcoming budget

By Richard Doherty college debt, Congress, Governor Baker, Higher education, Massachusetts Legislature, Private College, Taxes and Budget Issues 0 Comments Apr 6, 2018

THE SPENDING BILL passed by Congress finally recognizes what educators, students, and business leaders have been saying for years: Without a robust and affordable higher education system, we will not be able to succeed in the increasingly competitive global marketplace. This bill should serve as a model for Massachusetts legislators as they prepare their own(...)

The faithful departed

By CommonWealth Staff Education, Fall River, The Boston Archdiocese 0 Comments Apr 6, 2018

Opinion

Don’t bemoan harder, next-gen MCAS

It’s not about test scores, but better preparing students

By Jon Clark Elementary and Secondary Education 7 Comments Mar 31, 2018

I WAS A 6th GRADE math teacher in 2000-2001 when the state rolled out the 6th grade math MCAS test for the first time. I remember being furious and frustrated with the test itself when I saw it. I thought the test was too hard. The work it expected of 6th graders was not aligned with(...)


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Education

Focus on both in-school and out-of-school factors is needed to close gaps

UMass takeover of Mount Ida College has many up in arms

For Amy Blanchette, juggling jobs, school, and family is herculean task

Big names demand big bucks for community college speaker series

Struggling districts not receiving money they are owed

Catholic schools across the state are struggling to remain afloat

State needs to step up higher ed funding in upcoming budget

It’s not about test scores, but better preparing students

Current Issue