2010 is starting out to be an exciting year for education policy wonks! Between speculation about which states will present the strongest Race to the Top applications on January 19th, and the final stages of legislative action on an Education Reform bill to allow restructuring of failing schools and raise charter school caps, there is a lot going on in Massachusetts. MBAE has been actively involved in both efforts presenting the business community's perspective and urging action to seize the opportunity to make significant progress in public education. In This Issue
- Final Vote This Week on Education Reform Legislation
- Race to the Top Applications Deadline is January 19
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| Education Reform Bill in Conference Committee |
| MBAE Supports Reforms to Close Achievement Gaps |
The Massachusetts Legislature is in the final stages of crafting a bill that will bolster both our Race to the Top and school improvement chances. Last week, the House passed H. 4423, and sent it to a 6-member conference committee to reconcile differences with the Senate's version, S.2216.
MBAE is working with our business partners to make sure the bill includes the strongest provisions for charter schools and for giving school leaders autonomy and flexibility to turn around our lowest performing schools. We have communicated these views to the Conference Committee members and will continue to ask legislators to support a strong and meaningful education reform bill.
READ Business Letter to the Conference Committee |
| Race to the Top Deadline January 19 |
| MBAE Urges Local Leaders to Sign Memorandum of Agreement |
 As the deadline nears, Massachusetts is putting the finishing touches on its Race to the Top application in hopes of winning its share (estimated to be up to $250 million) of this $4.35 billion competitive grant. MBAE has filed public comments urging state leaders to leverage this opportunity to transform our state's educational system. Read our comments.
It is also critical that education stakeholders in Massachusetts demonstrate their support for the state's proposal and commitment to supporting its strategies and implementation. MBAE's Letter of Support highlighted our interests in college and career readiness, effective teaching and school leadership, and accountability for performance.
Local school districts have until Wednesday, January 13 to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Commonwealth. This MOU outlines the state's expectations of the district in return for the funds they receive to implement the state's proposal. Make sure your community does not miss out on this opportunity by checking with your School Committee, Superintendent, and local teachers' union leaders! Time is of the essence! A Boston Herald editorial today emphasizes why business leaders should urge the various parties to sign on to the Race to the Top MOU immediately!
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