Thursday, 4:30 PM
Universities 'Step Up' to help Boston's underperforming public schools
By Russell Nichols, Globe Staff
Five Boston-area universities said they will pump $10 million in funds and services into 10 underperforming public schools in Boston in a new city effort to improve test scores and increase the number of students going to college.
"I won't be satisfied until 100 percent of our students pass the MCAS, and every student has the opportunity to go on to higher education," said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who announced the program today.
In the effort -- a five-year plan dubbed "Step Up" -- the universities will provide teacher training, lend teaching assistance such as tutoring and curriculum help at the schools, and help with student issues including nutrition and wellness.
Universities have long played a role in public schools, officials said, but rarely have they collaborated on a concentrated program at specific schools.
"Boston is a different system than it was 10 or 11 years ago," said Michael G. Contompasis, Interim Superintendent of Boston Public Schools. "This collaboration will provide added incentives to all of those young people who may feel they don't have a chance."
Boston College, Boston University, Harvard University, Northeastern University, and Tufts University will provide expertise and services to the schools, which are yet to be selected. The universities pledged to provide $5 million in funds and another $5 million in services.
