'Gateway' schools to get more funds

Date: 3/28/2012

March 28, 2012

By G. Michael Dobbs

news@thereminder.com

CHICOPEE — To help underscore the importance of the $10 million line item in his fiscal year 2013 budget for education assistance to the state's "Gateway Cities," Gov. Deval Patrick visited Fairview Veterans Middle School on March 23.

"Gateway Cities" is a term used to describe 24 older urban communities in the Commonwealth, including Chicopee, Holyoke, Springfield and Westfield.

Each of the Gateway Cities is defined by having a population between 35,000 and 250,000, an average household income below the state average and an average educational attainment rate (Bachelor's degree or above) below the state average.

Although Patrick noted, that overall Massachusetts schools rank above others nationally in academics, there is a "persistent achievement gap" at schools in Gateway Cities.

According to the state's website, Patrick's "Gateway Cities Education Agenda" would establish new initiatives that include:

• "Every child must read proficiently by the third grade."

To meet this goal, the Administration will award $575,000 in grants to provide targeted professional development opportunities for educators working in family child care programs and provide support for parents and family members of children enrolled in these early education programs.

• "Every child must have a healthy platform for learning."

The Administration is proposing allocating $3.6 million for the creation of Student Support Councils and hiring of Student Support Counselors to provide more comprehensive support services to students and their families in an effort to combat truancy and help students be attentive and motivated.

• "Students need a public education system that meets them where they are and provides the services that they need."

The Administration plans to award $3.75 million for After-School Enrichment Academies to give middle and high school English as Second Language students more time to acquire English language skills. Additional programs to accelerate learning may also be offered during the April school vacation and/or during Saturday sessions, with the goal of expanding this model to operate intensive Summer English Learning Programs.

• "Students must be prepared for both college and career success."

The state plans to award $1 million to establish High School Career Academies and Education and Industry Coordinating Councils (EICCs), which will include education, workforce development and business representatives that will work together to strengthen partnerships among high schools, institutions of higher education, local employers and workforce development entities.

• "Innovation is critical in building a 21st century education system."

Finally, the Administration will pledge $1 million to establish a Commonwealth Education Innovation Fund, "a public-private fund-raising partnership that will provide the education sector with new resources to develop and implement groundbreaking educational strategies."

At the school, Patrick toured two seventh grade classrooms to see how English and math skills are being taught and honored the career of Assistant Student Support teacher Sherlene Hart, who has lobbied the governor for the past five years to visit the school .

Patrick also met with eighth grade REACH students at the school for a short question and answer session. One student asked about the impact on state education with the end of the federal No Child Left Behind legislation. Patrick said, "The work of strengthening public schools is never over."

He added that Massachusetts schools had been "ahead" of the requirements of the legislation.

Patrick told the students to "really, really pour yourself into your education."

Secretary of Education Paul Reville, who accompanied the governor on his trip, added that Massachusetts is the only state with a student on the state Board of Education with full voting rights.

One student asked what was the most challenging aspect of his job and Patrick replied with a laugh, "Which day?"

Economic development certainly has great needs, he added.

Although his job offers many benefits, he did admit, "You're never off duty." He recalled that even on his recent vacation to the U.S. Virgin Islands standing in line at a barbeque shack near a beach, the couple behind him was from Massachusetts.