The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Commissioner's Goals and Objectives for 2018-2019

Per your request, I have identified the following goals and objectives for school year 2018-2019. Although not ranked in a particular order, these goals will guide my work with the overarching purpose of planning for and executing on the path forward for Massachusetts education over the next decade. I am committed to closing gaps in achievement and opportunity, so that all students in the Commonwealth have access to a great education.

1. Building on the successful development and implementation of the English language arts, mathematics, science and computer science standards and curriculum frameworks and in an effort to strengthen teaching and learning for all students, I will lead, support and engage the field in:
   
   • The implementation of the new History/Social Science/Civics Framework and the development of the associated assessment system. Our initiatives this year include instructional support networks for educators across the Commonwealth. We are also convening an advisory panel and consulting with stakeholders about possible options for assessing History/Social Science and will report to the Board in spring 2019.
   • The development of the updated arts and health frameworks for the Board's review. This year we will initiate the revision process for the health framework and continue the revision process for the arts framework, culminating in an anticipated vote on the revised arts framework in spring 2019.
   
   
2. Communication and outreach initiatives that I will lead in school year 2018-2019 include:
   
   • Devise and execute a print, video and other media campaign during fall and winter, celebrating teachers and focusing on recruitment.
   • Establish a working committee to develop a plan that will guide the diversification of the teacher force. Research shows that students of color who have even one teacher of color during their education career are more likely to do well in school. Although students of color make up 40 percent of the Massachusetts public school student population, only 7 percent of the Commonwealth's educators are teachers of color. Our plan will include a comprehensive strategy to address this disproportion.
   • Convene major stakeholders in an education conference in spring 2019 that seeks to determine the state's path forward on education.
   • Visit over 100 schools throughout the school year with a focus on listening to stakeholders in the field, providing professional development, and modeling effective instructional practices.
   
   

3. I will collaborate with the Governor's office, Legislature, and stakeholders to promote and advance necessary changes in the foundation budget that will ultimately lead to an accurate reflection of the needs of all students in the Commonwealth.

4. To close gaps in achievement and opportunity, I will identify and execute on targeted intervention strategies for districts and schools that the accountability system has identified as needing "broad/comprehensive support" and "focused/targeted support." These strategies may include:
   
   • Accelerated tutoring for students: Provide students with up 30 hours (roughly equivalent to an additional month of schooling) of targeted intervention from highly effective teachers focused on early literacy and growth in key content areas. This intervention is intended to take place during the February and April vacations or during the summer and teachers will be recruited both locally and from across the country.
   • Leadership development: Cultivate and retain committed, effective school leaders by strengthening and supporting their instructional expertise, their school management and operations skills, and their commitment to equity and cultural proficiency.
   • Teacher recruitment and diversification: Assist school districts in recruiting and retaining a diverse and effective educator workforce and encourage use of the comprehensive strategy developed under item 2, above.
   
   

5. I will work with the field and the agency to analyze the state's new accountability system and refine it as necessary.

6. In partnership with Human Resources, I will lead the promotion of racial equity, diversity, and cultural proficiency within the agency.

7. I will assess the responsibilities and functions of the agency to determine how we can continue to strengthen and leverage services provided to schools while carrying out the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education's mission and goal of preparing all students for success and closing all proficiency gaps.