The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
Holyoke Public Schools District Review Report
I look forward to discussing the enclosed Holyoke District Review Report at our meeting on February 24. As background for our discussion, I have attached two additional documents, which will provide you with an overview of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's extensive history of assistance to the Holyoke Public Schools:
Holyoke Public Schools History as an Underperforming/Level 4 District, highlights major reviews conducted in the district and the associated Department efforts, in partnership with the district, to address the challenges and improve student performance. The attached timeline is broken down into key time periods throughout the past twelve years reflecting important events or actions in two categories: 1) Reports/Analyses describing the state's evaluation of the conditions and needs in the district over this period of time, and 2) Responses/Assistance that provides information on the major investments of resources and direct support to address the identified needs.
HPS Targeted Assistance Financial Support FY2005-FY2015, lists in broad terms, state and federal resources - above and beyond state and federal entitlement grants - invested in Holyoke Public Schools during this period. It identifies over $13 million in targeted assistance resources provided to the district. These funds have been used to support a vast array of targeted professional development and additional student learning time and supports at both the district and school levels. Among the major investments are:
- the five year partnership with America's Choice
- funding for key positions in the district
- funding for an alternative education program for newcomer students (the TOP program)
- the four year partnership with the District Management Council to help build district capacity and systems to improve student performance
- federal School Redesign grants to two Level 4 schools in the district
Enclosures:
