Turnaround Schools
This page contains information, announcements and updates about the Turnaround Schools.
Rapid reform in Turnaround Schools gets approval from joint resolution committee
The Boston Public Schools' plan for rapid reform at the 12 "Turnaround Schools" has received approval from a joint resolution committee. The decision allows for a longer school day and will give teachers extra time for professional development and to prepare lessons. Under the resolution, teachers will receive a stipend for the extra time at a rate lower than the pro-rated salary requested by the Boston Teachers Union. The agreement also allows the Superintendent to implement a new pay-for-excellence plan that recognizes exceptional teams of teachers through “team rewards.”
For more on the decision and what it means for students, parents and teachers, please see our June 20, 2010 Turnaround Schools news release.
About Department of Elementary and Secondary Education "Level 4" Schools
On March 4, 2010, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released its list of “Level 4” Schools, which are schools that have been designated by the state as significantly underperforming over several years. Twelve Boston Public Schools are among the 35 schools statewide designated as "Level 4." This designation allows districts to utilize the new tools granted in the landmark education reform law that was passed in January. These tools include the flexibility to change staffing and work conditions considerably.
In Boston, we plan to use the flexibilities that the new laws allow to make significant changes in the 12 "Level 4" schools in our district (see Process and Milestones chart).
There are many factors that contribute to the turnaround of an underperforming school, and we have accomplished this feat of rapid transformation many times in Boston. Experienced leadership in the work of school reform is critical, and we are appointing new principals in five of these 12 schools, effective July 1, 2010. The remaining seven schools are led by principals and headmasters who have been appointed in the past two years (see list of leadership appointments).We will ask staff members at six schools to reapply for their positions. In order for our students to make the necessary rapid progress, we will need the most effective teachers and staff who are committed to this turnaround effort and who are eager to help us achieve these ambitious goals. This news will be troubling to hear for some, as the idea of a “fresh start” may sound extreme or severe. However, with fresh starts come new opportunities for our children, and their needs must come before all other priorities and interests.
We also intend to apply for competitive grant funds from the U.S. Department of Education, which are to be specifically allocated for the turnaround of underperforming schools. These resources will help us make strategic changes where they make the most difference, such as in more time for student and adult learning.
List of BPS "Level 4" Schools
Elementary Schools
Louis Agassiz
William A. Blackstone*
Paul A. Dever*
E. Greenwood
John P. Holland
John F. Kennedy
William Monroe Trotter*
K-8 & Middle Schools
Orchard Gardens*
Henry Dearborn
Harbor*
High Schools
Jeremiah Burke*
The English High School
* "Fresh Start" school (all staff will be asked to reapply for their positions)
NOTE: In November 2009, the Superintendent identified four "turnaround" schools that were not named to the state's list of underperforming schools. While they are not "Level 4" Schools, the Emerson Elementary School, the Guild Elementary School, the Tobin K-8 School, and Odyssey High School will continue to receive attention and focus around school transformation.
Additional Information
March 4, 2010 Press Release: Intervention plans for city's underperforming schools unveiled
*Updated 4/22/10* Personnel Update: Turnaround School Principal and Headmaster Appointments
Chart: Process and Milestones September 2009 - September 2010
Background information
Replicating success and turning around low-performing schools is one of the four key strategies outlined in the district's Acceleration Agenda. The Acceleration Agenda presented to the Boston School Committee by Superintendent Johnson in November 2009 included a specific focus on targeted interventions in 14 schools with several years of inadequate progress and outlined a plan to hold these schools and the district accountable for dramatic improvement, along with additional supports and investments. For more background information, please see the documents below.
January 27, 2010
Acceleration Agenda and Turnaround Memo (memo to School Committee, 1/27/10)
Acceleration Agenda and Turnaround Update (presentation to School Committee, 1/27/10)
December 16, 2009
Turnaround Schools Update - Funding (presentation to School Committee, 12/16/09)
December 2, 2009
Turnaround Schools: Profiles
Frequently Asked Questions: BPS Turnaround Schools
Read about the Acceleration Agenda, the five-year strategic plan for the Boston Public Schools
