AMIDST ALL THE TURMOIL and angst that has turned the world as we know it upside down, we long for signs of normal life, some sort of consistency that can be […]
Education
Posted inEducation
As parents, we’re all now superintendents
I RECENTLY DECLARED a “snow day” for my school district. I made the call early after my oldest son complained of a toothache and my younger two boys came down […]
Posted inEducation
Northeastern heads north to Maine
WHENEVER PEOPLE IN Boston get nervous about the local economy, you often hear someone say that at least the bedrock of that economy — the colleges and hospitals — can’t […]
Posted inThe Download
Northeastern heads north to Maine
Whenever people in Boston get nervous about the local economy, you often hear someone say that at least the bedrock of that economy — the colleges and hospitals — can’t […]
Posted inEducation
Sex-ed bill heads to House; meanwhile, local fights continue
THE SENATE PASSED a sex-ed bill on Thursday with more Republican support than in the past, but it’s heading to the House where Speaker Bob DeLeo has not yet committed […]
Posted inThe Download
Sex-ed bill heads to House, meanwhile, local fights continue
The Senate passed a sex-ed bill on Thursday with more Republican support than in the past, but it’s heading to the House where Speaker Bob DeLeo has not yet committed […]
Posted inEducation
Will voters judge Walsh on schools?
IT WAS ALMOST 25 years ago, in 1996, that Mayor Tom Menino issued his famous challenge to voters to “judge me harshly” if he didn’t deliver significant improvements to the […]
Posted inThe Download
Will voters judge Walsh on schools?
It was almost 25 years ago, in 1996, that Mayor Tom Menino issued his famous challenge to voters to “judge me harshly” if he didn’t deliver significant improvements to the […]
Posted inEducation
Walsh calls for big boost in school spending
BUOYED BY FLUSH city coffers and a new law promising more state education aid down the road, Mayor Marty Walsh said he will commit $100 million in new annual city […]
Posted inThe Download
Is the value of two-parent households overrated?
In 1965, the US Labor Department released a report on the state of the black family in America. The document, widely known as the Moynihan Report, for its main author, […]
Posted inThe Download
Ed reform turncoat or just a more balanced position?
In the great education debate that has animated American public life for the last several decades, the players roughly divide into two camps. The so-called “reformers” say education can, in […]
Posted inEnvironment
Air conditioning in school is a hot button topic
AS WARM TEMPERATURES ARRIVE, school officials are reaching for the switch to turn on air conditioners. Fans may do the trick for a little while, but eventually, as studies show, […]
Posted inThe Download
Air conditioning in school is a hot button topic
As warm temperatures arrive, school officials are reaching for the switch to turn on air conditioners. Fans may do the trick for a little while, but eventually, as studies show, […]
Posted inEducation
Putting standardized testing to the test
WITH SPRING COMES the annual ritual of MCAS testing in Massachusetts schools. It’s how we gauge the performance of individual students as well as schools and districts. The assessment of […]
Posted inEducation
In Newton, the everyday version of “Varsity Blues” scandal
NEVER MIND BRIBING the college tennis coach and all its potential downsides — like a felony conviction and jail time. It turns out going to Newton North High School also […]
Posted inThe Download
In Newton, the everyday version of “Varsity Blues” scandal
Never mind bribing the college tennis coach and all its potential downsides — like a felony conviction and jail time. It turns out going to Newton North High School also […]
Posted inEducation
Homing in on new Boston superintendent
THREE FINALISTS HAVE BEEN NAMED in the search for a new Boston school superintendent, but it’s hard not to wonder whether home field advantage will be what matters in the […]
Posted inThe Download
Homing in on new Boston superintendent
Three finalists have been named in the search for a new Boston school superintendent, but it’s hard not to wonder whether home field advantage will be what matters in the […]
Posted inThe Download
Hampshire college bickering continues, leaving students as a footnote
Financially insecure Hampshire College is hit with another blow with the recent resignation of two trustees amid inner board squabbling. The one thing missing from the story is transparency, and […]
Posted inEducation
Charters facing backlash all over country
IT ALWAYS SEEMS to come back to charter schools. Los Angeles teachers went on strike for just over a week and the strike ended with the teachers getting much of […]
Posted inThe Download
Charters facing backlash all over country
It always seems to come back to charter schools. Los Angeles teachers went on strike for just over a week and the strike ended with the teachers getting much of […]
Posted inEducation
Trying times for Hampshire College
IT WAS STILL very much the thick of Eisenhower-era conformity, in 1958, when the presidents of Amherst College, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst put […]
Posted inThe Download
Trying times for Hampshire College
It was still very much the thick of Eisenhower-era conformity, in 1958, when the presidents of Amherst College, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst put […]
Posted inOpinion
Civics law provides solid foundation for teachers, students
IN A RECENT CommonWealth piece, University of Massachusetts Lowell professor Jack Schneider took issue with a civics education bill recently signed by Gov. Charlie Baker. The measure is primarily designed […]
