Thursday, 4:30 PM
Energized by change, four pilot schools win approval
By Maria Sacchetti, Globe Staff
The state Board of Education voted unanimously today to turn four low-scoring schools facing state intervention into "pilot schools," with more freedom to choose their staffs, lengthen the school day, and redesign their classes to spur student achievement.
Chairman Christopher R. Anderson said the board will keep a close eye on the schools and expect them to raise test scores over the next two years. Otherwise, the schools could come under state oversight.
Education Commissioner David P. Driscoll said he was initially skeptical of the plan, but can now see how it has energized the schools, which have had low test scores and other troubles for years.
"My first reaction was why are we giving more autonomy to the schools that are failing?" said Driscoll at the board meeting, held at the Richard J. Murphy School in Boston. "Ironically, it has worked."
The four schools - English High in Boston, Duggan Middle School and Putnam Vocational Technical High School, both in Springfield, and Academy Middle School in Fitchburg – are following a model Boston launched in 1995 to give regular public schools more freedom.
