!

Boston!Public!Schools!
Visual!and!Performing!Arts!Department!

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!

!!

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Guide!to!Effective!Partnerships!
for!Schools!and!Arts!Organizations!
2014C2015!
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!
!
Welcome!
!
Using!This!Document!
This%guide%has%been%created%to%facilitate%effective%partnerships%between%external%artists/arts%organizations%
and%Boston%Public%School%sites.%Boston%is%a%city%rich%with%cultural%institutions%and%practicing%artists%who%offer%
many%arts%education%resources%for%BPS%students%and%teachers.%When%collaborating%as%partners,%both%school%
communities%and%arts%organizations%benefit%from%working%together%to%promote%arts%learning.%Effective,%
sustainable%partnerships%are%built%on%a%foundation%of%strong%communication,%shared%goals,%and%mutual%
support%in%order%for%the%collaboration%to%succeed.%It%is%our%hope%that%this%guide%will%provide%valuable%resources%
for%school%leaders,%teachers,%arts%organizations,%and%teaching%artists%when%initiating%new%partnerships%and%
when%further%developing%partnerships%that%currently%exist.%
%
This%guide%begins%with%a%section%relevant%to%both%school%and%partner%representatives,%outlining%the%BPS%Visual%
and%Performing%Arts%Departments%vision%for%arts%education%in%the%District,%the%structure%and%staffing%of%the%
Department,%and%recommendations%for%building%effective%partnerships.%The%guide%continues%with%a%section%
for%schools%regarding%arts%education%resources%and%how%to%find%partnering%arts%organizations%in%Boston,%and%
concludes%with%a%section%for%arts%partners%regarding%the%context%of%the%Boston%Public%Schools%District%and%
resources%for%implementing%arts%programming%in%the%classroom.%We%hope%that%these%resources%will%guide%
initial%planning%discussions%as%partnerships%begin,%as%well%as%discussions%and%reflections%throughout%the%school%
year%as%projects%move%forward.%
%
%
For!Additional!Information!Please!Contact:!
Ms.%Afton%Cyrus%
Arts%Partnerships%Manager%
BPS%Visual%and%Performing%Arts%Department%
acyrus@bostonpublicschools.org%
(617)%635S9403%

BPS Visual & Performing Arts Department

443 Warren Street, suite 8
Boston, MA 02121

www.bpsarts.org
(p) 617 635 9653
(f) 617 635 9249

Table&of&Contents&
&
&

Visual&and&Performing&Arts&in&the&Boston&Public&Schools!
Boston!Public!Schools!Arts!Policy!
BPS!Arts!Expansion!Initiative!
BPS!Visual!and!Performing!Arts!Department!Staff!
Arts!Liaisons/CATs!and!Their!Roles!
Defining!Quality!Arts!Education!
BPS!Arts!Curriculum!&!Standards!
Building&Effective&BPS/Arts&Partnerships&
Essential!Elements!of!Collaborations!!
Building!Effective!Partnerships!in!School!Settings!
Recommended!Partnership!Protocol!
Guide!to!Assessment,!Documentation,!&!Demonstration!of!Impact!
For&Schools&
Arts!Education!Resources!
Arts!Partnering!Organizations!in!Boston!
Arts!Integration!Resources!
For&Partnering&Organizations!
Orientation!to!the!Boston!Public!Schools!
BPS!At!A!Glance!2014!
Map!of!Boston!Public!Schools,!2014O2015!
Boston!Public!Schools!by!Category,!2014O2015!
Boston!Public!Schools!by!Network,!2014O2015!
BPS!Calendar!2014O2015!
Classroom!Management!Best!Practices!

BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)

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Visual!and!Performing!Arts!!
in!the!Boston!Public!Schools!

BPS$Arts$Policy$
!
The!Boston!Public!School!District!believes!that!the!arts!!inclusive!of!dance,!music,!theatre,!and!visual!arts!!
are!central!to!the!education!of!the!whole!student.!The!arts!are!a!language!with!greater!meaning!than!just!
words;!they!speak!to!the!student!who!experiences!life!and!expresses!his/her!own!ideas!and!feelings!
through!all!senses.!Education!is!most!effective!when!active!and!participatory.!Different!students!learn!
through!different!media.!The!arts!teach!ideas!and!concepts!that!could!not!be!taught!any!other!way.!They!
are!revelatory!and!enlightening.!They!articulate!our!own!sense!of!being!and!promote!selfEexpression.!They!
teach!us!how!to!be!empathetic!and!compassionate.!They!connect!us!to!others!who!are!different!from!
ourselves!and!to!times!and!places!that!are!both!historical!and!contemporary.!They!develop!criticalEthinking,!
problemEsolving!and!group!cooperation!skills,!all!critical!in!other!disciplines!and!in!the!workplace!of!the!
future.!Students!acquiring!knowledge!in!and!about!the!arts!learn!to!express!meaning,!understanding!and!
communicate!with!others!through!an!artistic!literacy,!the!ability!to!use!and!understand!symbols!and!
structures!of!dance,!music,!theatre!and!visual!arts.!All!teachers!should!employ!the!arts!as!a!natural!
enhancement!to!learning.!Arts!education!expands!students!ability!to!think!creatively!and!encourages!crossE
cultural!understanding.!Rich!and!deep!involvement!in!arts!education!provides!students!with!understandings!
and!competencies!in!issues!involving!musical,!visual,!kinesthetic,!verbal!and!other!intelligences!that!
contribute!to!a!meaningful!contemporary!life.!!
!
The$following$assumptions$are$cornerstones$of$the$Boston$Public$Schools$Arts$Education$Policy:$
All!students!should!have!access!to!a!rigorous,!engaging!arts!education.!
Students!with!particular!aptitudes!and!interests!in!the!arts!should!be!provided!expanded!opportunities!to!
pursue!them.!
The!arts!and!humanities!reflect!culture!and!should!be!used!as!a!core!element!of!efforts!to!bring!a!diverse,!
multiEethnic!instructional!focus!to!teaching!across!the!curriculum.!
The!Boston!Public!Schools!acknowledge!the!rich!and!diverse!arts!and!cultural!community!in!the!Greater!
Boston!Area!and!wish!to!collaborate!with!and!provide!opportunities!for!participation!with!these!
community!arts!organizations!and!institutions!to!enrich!the!BPS!standardsEbased,!sequential!arts!
curriculum!for!Boston!Public!Schools!students.!
!
All$Boston$Public$Schools$are$required$to:!
Recognize!that!the!arts!are!an!essential!part!of!the!core!curriculum.!
Support!and!enact!the!current!KE12!BPS!Citywide!Arts!Standards.!
Develop!siteEbased!and!systemEwide!arts!curricula!and!activities!that!address!the!following!areas!of!
competence:!creating,!performing,!and!exhibiting;!perceiving!and!analyzing;!and!understanding!the!
cultural!and!historical!contexts!in!which!art!is!created.!
Employ!sequential!and!integrated!arts!instruction.!
Maintain!minimum!timeEonElearning!expectations!in!the!arts:!
C High$Schools:!Every!student!should!pass!one!fullEyear!or!two!halfEyear!arts!courses!for!graduation.!
C Middle$Schools:!Every!student!should!receive!the!equivalent!of!135!minutes!per!week!throughout!
middle!school!in!dance,!music,!theatre,!and/or!visual!arts.!$
C Elementary$Schools:$Every!student!should!receive!the!equivalent!of!90!hours!of!arts!instruction!each!
year!or!120!minutes!per!week!in!dance,!music,!theatre,!and/or!visual!arts.$
Participate!in!curriculumEappropriate!city,!state,!and!national!exhibitions,!festivals,!and!other!initiatives!
to!offer!students!the!opportunity!to!perform!and!exhibit!in!intense!and!accelerated!learning!
environments!with!artistic!peers.!
Maintain!a!minimum!budget!for!arts!instructional!materials,!resources,!equipment,!and!maintenance.!
Maintain!systemEwide!and!siteEbased!partnerships!and!pursue!new!partnerships!with!the!arts!and!
cultural!community.!!
!
To!read!the!BPS!Arts!Policy!in!its!entirety,!please!visit!www.bpsarts.org.!!
BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)

BPS$Arts$Expansion$
!
History(and(Strategy(
In!partnership!with!school!leaders,!arts!specialists!and!community!
organizations,!the!central!leadership!of!the!Boston!Public!Schools!has!committed!
to!giving!students!of!all!ages!greater!access!to!the!arts!during!the!school!day.!The!
belief!in!the!powerful!role!that!arts!can!and!should!play!in!the!life!of!students!
and!an!urban!school!system!led!to!the!launch!of!BPS(Arts(Expansion(in!the!
Boston!Public!Schools!in!2009,!with!the!strong!leadership!of!former!
Superintendent!Carol!Johnson!and!a!collaboration!of!external!funders.!The!multiE
year!Initiative!provides!infrastructure!to!accelerate!expansion!and!coordination!
of!arts!learning!opportunities!across!the!school!system.!The!overriding!goal!is!to!increase!access,!equity!
and!quality!of!arts!learning!for!all!students.!!
!

BPS!Arts!Expansion!is!guided!by!a!multiEyear,!three!part!strategy:!
Expanding(direct(arts(education:!To!reach!100%!of!all!students!in!grades!preEK!through!Grade!8!
through!once!weekly,!yearElong!arts!instruction!and!develop!targeted!strategies!to!meet!the!
needs!of!high!school!students.!!
Building(capacity:!At!both!central!office!and!school!levels!to!support!systematic!expansion!of!arts!
education!throughout!the!district.!!
Strengthening(coordination:!To!build!strong!and!sustainable!partnerships!between!schools!and!
the!rich!and!diverse!arts,!cultural,!and!higher!education!institutions!in!Boston.!
!

BPS!Arts!Expansion!is!a!collaboration!among!the!Boston!Public!Schools,!EdVestors,!the!philanthropic!
community,!and!the!many!partners!that!support!and!provide!arts!education!in!schools.!
!
Results(
Between!SY!2009E2014,!access!to!the!arts!increased!
by!20%!at!the!PreKE8!level,!and!nearly!doubled!at!the!
high!school!level.!This!significant!progress!was!the!
result!of!both!public!and!private!investment!in!arts!
instruction,!including!the!work!of!arts!partners!to!
provide!arts!education!experiences!during!the!school!
day!as!well!as!an!over!70%!increase!in!the!number!of!
BPS!Arts!Specialist!positions!in!the!district.!One!of!
the!primary!tools!of!the!Initiative!has!been!the!
creation!of!the!BPS!Arts!Expansion!Fund!that!focuses!
on!direct!arts!expansion!in!schools!aligned!with!the!
Initiative!goals.!Arts!organizations!and!schools!can!
jointly!apply!for!grant!funding!for!their!collaborative!
projects.!To!learn!more!about!the!fund!and!to!apply!
for!grants,!please!visit!www.edvestors.org.!!
(

Phase(III(
BPS!Arts!Expansion!has!announced!Phase!III!of!its!work!with!renewed!support!from!a!variety!of!local!
funders,!which!will!support!grantEmaking!through!2018.!Phase!III!of!the!initiative!will!continue!to!build!
capacity!to!expand!and!sustain!highEquality!arts!education!for!all!BPS!students!through!new!approaches!
to!arts!instruction,!curriculum,!professional!development,!partnership!coordination,!and!student!and!
family!engagement.!
(

To(Learn(More:(
To!learn!more!about!BPS!Arts!Expansion,!visit!www.bpsarts.org/bpsEartsEexpansionEinitiative,!where!you!
can!read!a!variety!of!reports!and!case!studies.!
BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)

BPS$Visual$and$Performing$Arts$Department$Staff$
!
The$BPS$Visual$and$Performing$Arts$Department$is$
currently$made$up$of$four$central$staff$members$and$
three$Content$Specialists$in$Visual$Art,$Dance,$and$
Theatre.$$The$Departments$website,$
www.bpsarts.org,$will$maintain$up$to$date$staff$and$
contact$information$throughout$the$year.$
!
Myran!Parker*Brass,!Executive!Director!for!the!Arts!
mparkerbrass@bostonpublicschools.org$!
The$Executive$Director$for$the$Arts$provides$internal$
and$external$districtFwide$leadership$for$PreFKF12$
arts$programs,$in$keeping$with$the$goals$of$both$the$
Acceleration$Agenda$and$the$BPS$Arts$Expansion$Initiative$to$provide$access,$increase$equity$and$ensure$
quality$arts$learning$experiences$for$all$BPS$students.$The$Executive$Director$works$to$link$the$district$
with$the$larger$arts$community,$to$expand$schoolFbased$arts$programming,$and$to$create$stronger$
connections$across$schools$to$share$best$practices.$The$Executive$Director$provides$overall$strategic$
leadership$for$PreFKF12$arts$programs$and$oversees$all$functions$of$the$BPS$Arts$Department.!
!
Allyssa!Jones,!Program!Director!for!the!Performing!Arts$|$ajones2@bostonpublicschools.org$$
The$Program$Director$for$the$Performing$Arts$provides$districtFwide$leadership$and$support$to$schools$to$
ensure$highFquality$arts$instruction$in$Music,$Theater,$and$Dance.$$The$Program$Director$implements$
citywide$learning$standards,$professional$development,$assessment,$and$instructional$materials$
selection$and$management$for$BPS$Performing$Arts$teachers.$$The$Program$Director$also$oversees$the$
organization$and$implementation$of$cityFwide$Music,$Theater,$and$Dance$Festivals.$
!
Afton!Cyrus,!Arts!Partnership!Manager$|$acyrus@bostonpublicschools.org$
The$BPS$Arts$Partnerships$Manager$coordinates$all$aspects$of$creation$and$expansion$of$partnerships$at$
the$district$level$between$schools$and$arts$organizations/higher$education$institutions$to$increase$arts$
education$opportunities$for$students$in$Boston$Public$Schools.$The$Arts$Partnerships$Manager$focuses$
on$program$development,$grant$management,$creating$protocols$and$$tools$for$coordination$of$quality$
arts$partnerships,$and$acting$as$a$systemFlevel$liaison$with$all$cultural$arts$partners.$$
$
Mark!Legault,!Instrument!Repair!Technician$|$mlegault@bostonpublicschools.org$$
The$Instrument$Repair$Technician$maintains$the$Departments$central$collection$of$instruments,$as$well$
as$its$library$of$scripts$and$scores.$The$Instrument$Warehouse$is$located$in$the$Campbell$Resource$
Center$in$Dorchester,$and$its$resources$are$available$to$all$Boston$Public$School$buildings.$The$
Instrument$Repair$Technician$also$maintains$the$inventory$and$tuning$schedule$of$all$school$pianos.$
!
Content!Specialists$|$contentspecialists@bpsarts.org$$
Arts$Content$Specialists$are$experienced$educators$in$their$fields,$working$with$the$Program$Directors$of$
the$Visual$and$Performing$Arts$Department$to$provide$curriculum$and$professional$development$
support$to$BPS$Arts$Teachers.$The$2014F2015$team$of$Arts$Content$Specialists$includes:$
Chandra$Ortiz,$Visual$Art$Content$Specialist$|$cdortiz@bostonpublicschools.org$
Marsha$Parrilla,$Dance$Content$Specialist$|$marshaparrilla@gmail.com$
Paul$Sedgwick,$Theatre$Content$Specialist$|$psedgwick@bostonpublicschools.org$$
$

BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)$

BPS$Arts$Liaisons$and$CATs$
!
In#addition#to#departmental#staff#members,#the#BPS#Arts#Department#has#also#created#roles#for#teacher#and#staff#leaders#
to#coordinate,#advocate#for,#document,#and#create#curriculum#for#the#arts#in#their#school#buildings#and#across#the#
district.#These#BPS#Arts#Liaisons#and#Collaborating#Arts#Teachers#(CATs)#will#support#arts#partnerships#on#the#ground,#
and#will#be#available#to#visiting#Teaching#Artists#to#discuss#successes#and#challenges,#to#offer#resources,#and#to#assess#the#
quality#of#arts#teaching#and#learning#happening#in#the#classroom.#
!
Arts!Liaisons:!In#Fall#2014,#Arts#Liaisons#will#be#in#place#within#32#different#Boston#Public#Schools.#The#Arts#Liaison#
position#serves#as#the#onMsite#contact#person#for#alignment#of#arts#education#practices#in#their#school.##Arts#Liaisons#are#
responsible#for#strengthening#communication#and#collaboration#among#school#administration,#classroom#teachers,#arts#
specialists,#parents,#teaching#artists,#and#partnering#arts/cultural#organizations.#Arts#Liaisons#for#the#2014M2015#school#
year#are#in#place#in#the#following#schools:#
#
School!
Arts!Liaison!
Contact!
Alighieri#Montessori#School#
Andrea#Luzitano,#Visual#Arts#Teacher#
aluzitano@bostonpublicschools.org##
Boston#Teachers#Union#KM8#
Johnny#McInnis,#Music#Teacher#
jmcinnis@bostonpublicschools.org##
Charlestown#High#School#
Alex#Kalamaroff,#Program#Coordinator# akalamaroff@bostonpublicschools.org##
Clap#Innovation#School#
Connie#Cummings,#Visual#Arts#Teacher# ccummings@bostonpublicschools.org##
Community#Academy#of#Science#&# Nina#Walkup,#English#Teacher#
nwalkup@bostonpublicschools.org##
Health#
Curley#KM8#School#
Anna#Youman,#Visual#Arts#Teacher#
azidonick@bostonpublicschools.org##
East#Boston#Early#Education#Center# Graciela#Briceno,#Music#Teacher#
gbriceno2@bostonpublicschools.org##
East#Boston#High#School#
Ron#MacGeorge,#Visual#Arts#Teacher#
rmacgeorge@bostonpublicschools.org##
Edwards#Middle#School#
Shari#Malgieri,#Visual#Arts#Teacher#
smalgieri@bostonpublicschools.org##
Ellis#Elementary#School#
Brendan#Hogan,#Music#Teacher#
bhogan2@bostonpublicschools.org##
English#High#School#
Esmirna#Soto,#Partnership#Coordinator# esoto@bostonpublicschools.org##
Everett#Elementary#School#
Ellen#Pierce,#Visual#Arts#Teacher#
epierce@bostonpublicschools.org##
Excel#High#School#
Jocelyn#BurrowsMVache,#ESL#Teacher#
jburrowsvache@bostonpublicschools.org##
Frederick#Middle#School#
Kendra#Martin,#Music#Teacher#
kmartin@lgfnet.org##
Haley#Pilot#School#
Amy#Wedge,#Visual#Arts#Teacher#
atatreau@bostonpublicschools.org##
Henderson#KM12#Inclusion#School#
JoZeph#Zaremba,#Visual#Arts#Teacher#
jzaremba@bostonpublicschools.org##
HigginsonMLewis#KM8#School#
Denise#Berkley,#Visual#Arts#Teacher#
dberkley@bostonpublicschools.org##
Holmes#&#Perkins#Elementary#
Steven#Spencer,#Visual#Arts#Teacher#
sspencer@bostonpublicschools.org##
Kennedy#Academy#for#Health#
Derian#Capodagli,#Biology#Teacher#
dcapodagli@bostonpublicschools.org##
Careers#
Lyndon#KM8#School#
Amy#Sallen,#Visual#Arts#Teacher#
asallen@bostonpublicschools.org##
Margarita#Muniz#Academy#
Rebecca#Frost,#Music#Teacher#
rebecca.frost@munizacademy.org##
McKinley#Elementary#School#
Kareema#Scott,#Family#Engagement#
kscott@bostonpublicschools.org##
Mendell#Elementary#School#
Ida#Vozzella,#Visual#Arts#Teacher#
ivozzella@bostonpublicschools.org##
Mildred#Avenue#KM8#School#
Sadie#Soto,#Dance#Teacher#
ssoto2@bostonpublicschools.org##
Mozart#&#Philbrick#Elementary#
Jeanne#Foster,#Music#Teacher#
jfoster@bostonpublicschools.org##
Orchard#Gardens#KM8#School#
Talia#Brown,#Theatre#Teacher#
tbrown8@bostonpublicschools.org##
Otis#Elementary#School#
Colin#ODwyer,#Music#Teacher#
codwyer@bostonpublicschools.org##
Quincy#Elementary#School#
Marlee#McDonald,#Arts#Coordinator#
mmcdonald6@bostonpublicschools.org##
TechBoston#Academy#
Kristin#Peterson,#Visual#Arts#Teacher#
kpeterson2@bostonpublicschools.org##
Tobin#KM8#School#
Jessica#Barry,#Visual#Arts#Teacher#
jbarry@bostonpublicschools.org##
Umana#Academy#
Yarima#Ariza,#Visual#Arts#Teacher#
mariza2@bostonpublicschools.org##
Winship#Elementary#
Roni#Pavick,#Visual#Arts#Teacher#
rpavick@bostonpublicschools.org##
BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)

!
Collaborating!Arts!Teachers!(CATs):#The#BPS#Visual#and#Performing#Arts#Department#designed#the#Collaborating#Arts#
Teacher#(CAT)#role#for#Music,#Dance,#Visual#Art,#and#Theatre#Teachers#to#expand#their#contributions#towards#improving#
quality#arts#education#in#Boston#Public#Schools.#The#primary#function#of#the#CATs#Team#is#to#establish#cohesive#
curriculum,#assessment,#and#teaching#and#learning#in#the#arts#across#the#District.#The#CATs#for#2014M2015#are:#
#
Content!Area!
Collaborating!Arts!Teacher!(CAT)!
Contact!
Theatre!
Emily#Culver,#Edison#KM8#School#
eculver2@bostonpublicschools.org##
Instrumental!Music!
Paul#Pitts,#Boston#Latin#School#
ppitts@bostonpublicschools.org##
General!Music!
Kelly#DiGrazia,#Orchard#Gardens#KM8#School#
kdigrazia@bostonpublicschools.org##
Dance!
Kim#TaylorMKnight,#Curley#KM8#School#
ktaylorknight@bostonpublicschools.org##
Visual!Art!
Sally#Wattles,#Quincy#Elementary#School#
swattles@bostonpublicschools.org##
#

BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)

Defining'Quality'Arts'Instruction'
As#part#of#BPS#Arts#Expansions#goal#to#expand#access#to#quality#arts#education#for#every#BPS#student,#BPS#Arts#
Teachers#and#Teaching#Artists#from#all#arts#disciplines#have#participated#in#a#Quality#Review#Study#Group.#Through#
classroom#and#program#observations,#participants#have#engaged#in#a#shared#exploration#of#the#current#quality#and#
future#directions#for#arts#education#throughout#the#city.##Since#2012,#over#65#classroom#arts#teachers#and#teaching#
artists#(independent#or#connected#to#an#organization)#have#participated#in#this#process,#creating#a#learning#community#
for#arts#instructors#who#share&best&practices&based&on&a&common&understanding&of&quality&arts&instruction.#From#
that#work,#participants#have#defined#nine#dimensions#of#quality#teaching#and#learning#in#the#arts:#
#
Dimensions&of&Quality&Teaching&and&Learning&in&the&Arts#
! Student#engagement#in#their#work#and#interactions#during#the#class##
! Authentic#and#engaging#work#in#the#art#form#
! Classroom#climate#and#routines#that#create#a#safe#and#productive#working#environment##
! Opportunities#to#express#personal#ideas#and#experiences#creatively#
! Clear#and#high#expectations#and#levels#of#challenge#
! PeerRtoRpeer#collaboration#with#mutual#respect#
! Guidance#and#assessment#practices#that#help#students#develop#skills#as#well#as#original#visions#and#voices#
! Inclusion#and#support#for#all#students#to#produce#excellent#work#through#differentiated#instruction#and#
universal#designs#for#access#
! Culturally#proficient#arts#learning#reflective#of#the#Bostons#ethnic#and#linguistic#demographics##
#
This#set#of#dimensions#is#one#tool#that#schools,#teaching#artists,#and#arts#organizations#may#wish#to#use#to#assess#their#
arts#education#programming#and#work#towards#deepening#its#quality.#Please#see#below#for#further#description#and#
examples#of#these#Dimensions#of#Quality:#
Dimensions&for&Classroom&Observations:&
Boston&Quality&Review&Process&
Student&engagement&in&their&work&and&interactions&
during&the&class:&This#applies#to#individual#students#and#
to#the#class#as#a#whole.##
EXAMPLES:#Students:#
Express#curiosity#and#appreciation#for#example#
works#or#those#of#other#students##
Ask#questions#and#offer#suggestions#
Pursue#their#own#work#actively#
Use#their#time#well&
Authentic&and&engaging&work#in#the#art#form#(e.g.,#visual#
arts,#music,#dance,#theater,#and#media#arts).#
EXAMPLES#
Goals&
Materials&
Assignments&and&longerIterm&projects&
Processes#and#ways#of#working&
Classroom&climate&and&routines#that#create#a#safe#and#
productive#working#environment.#
EXAMPLES#
Physical&and&psychological&safety&
Strategies&that&help&learners&manage&their&
behavior&and&interactions&!
SetRup#of#space#and#materials#that#facilitates#
learning!

Example&of&a&Strong&or&Exemplary&Practice&
Teachers#and#students#in#an#elementary#visual#arts#class#are#
each#making#a#quilt#square#from#construction#paper#shapes.#
They#use#colored#paper#triangles#within#larger#squares,#working#
intently#to#see#how#many#different#patterns#can#be#generated#
using#just#those#simple#shapes#in#two#colors.##Working#in#tables#
of#4#to#6#students,#the#groups#then#assemble#larger,#repeating#
and#interlocking#patterns,#using#multiples#of#their#original#
designs,#filling#their#shared#desktops#with#an#overall#design.#In#
turn,#they#present#their#resulting#designs,#providing#names#for#
their#patterns#and#explanations#of#how#the#small#units#build#up#
into#larger#designs.#
Students#in#a#high#school#jazz#class#get#a#score#they#have#not#
played#before#(as#might#happen#in#a#gig).#They#have#15#minutes#
to#read#it#and#prepare#their#individual#parts.#Then#they#work#as#
ensemble#to#perform#the#piece#once#through.#Their#teacher#and#
the#students#give#notes#on#the#runRthrough.#They#perform#the#
piece#a#second#time,#adding#improvised#solos#and#addressing#the#
challenges#that#they#identified#in#the#first#performance.#
In#a#primary#grades#dance#class,#the#cultural#partner#has#worked#
out#a#series#of#routines#that#make#it#possible#for#an#entire#
classroom#of#students#to#enter,#remove#their#shoes,#line#up,#
warmRup,#and#then#reverse#the#process,#smoothly#and#quietly,#
leaving#maximum#time#for#dancing.

BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)

Dimensions&for&Classroom&Observations:&
Boston&Quality&Review&Process&
Opportunities&to&express#personal#ideas#and#experiences#
creatively.#
EXAMPLES#
Creative&choices&in&creating&or&executing&works&
or&performances&
Ownership#and#leadership#(e.g.,#students#
choose#repertoire,#lead#sectional#rehearsals)&
Clear&and&high&expectations#and#levels#of#challenge.#
EXAMPLES#
Examples#of#student#work#at#high#levels#
Discussions/critiques/performance#notes#
Connections#to#standards#or#expectations#that#
will#permit#young#people#to#continue#in#the#arts#
(e.g.,#portfolios,#auditions,#etc.)#
PeerItoIpeer&collaboration#with#mutual#respect.#
EXAMPLES#
Informal#exchanges#
More#structured#sharing#(e.g.,#discussions#and#
critiques)#
Ensemble#practice,#rehearsal,#or#collaboration#
Guidance&and&assessment#practices#that#help#students#
develop#artistic#skills,#as#well#as#original#visions#and#
voices.##
EXAMPLES#
Individual#conversations#and#notes#following#
rehearsals#or#performances#
Peer#critiques#
Shared#rubrics#or#criteria#written#in#language#
learners#can#understand#and#use#
Connections#to#what#will#be#expected#at#the#
next#level#or#in#outsideRofRschool##
Inclusion&and&support#for#all#learners#to#produce#
excellent#work.#
EXAMPLES#
Physical#setRup#that#facilitates#access#
Differentiated#instruction#that#allows#full#
participation#
Support#and#respect##
Culturally&proficient&arts&learning#reflective#of#Bostons#
ethnic#and#linguistic#demographics.#
EXAMPLES#
Repertoire#and#artists#chosen#from#multiple#
cultures#and#traditions#
Opportunities#to#understand#works#and#
performances#from#range#of#cultures#
Opportunities#for#students#to#draw#on#their#
knowledge#and#experience##

Example&of&a&Strong&or&Exemplary&Practice&
In#an#elementary#strings#class,#the#cultural#partner#invites#even#
beginning#students#to#improvise#short#melodies#and#to#
experiment#with#the#different#sounds#that#their#instruments#can#
make.

In#a#choir#rehearsal,#a#group#of#students#works#on#a#song#for#an#
upcoming#performance.#For#30#minutes,#their#teacher#insists#
that#they#work#over#and#over#again#on#sharp#articulation#and#
delivery#of#the#lyrics,#especially#in#very#fastRmoving#sections.#

In#a#theater#class#at#high#school,#students#rehearsed#their#
original#works#for#a#performance.#They#worked#in#small#groups#
on#their#own,#giving#each#other#ideas#for#blocking#and#tableaus.#
Based#on#the#suggestions#they#received,#students#tried#various#
approaches#to#the#blocking#for#their#work,#selecting#the#best.#
In#middle#school#visual#arts#program#teachers#have#developed#a#
set#of#practices#for#modeling#excellent#work.#In#the#classroom,#
students#watercolors#of#birds#are#displayed#to#show#a#range#of#
approaches#and#styles#to#that#assignment.#Students#also#keep#
portfolios#of#their#work#and#then#review#it,#selecting#their#
strongest#pieces#for#inclusion#in#new#gallery#spaces#that#have#
been#created#in#the#hallway#outside#the#art#classrooms.#

In#an#elementary#music#program#provided#by#a#cultural#partner,#
the#children#who#have#been#selected#are#not#just#the#most#able.#
One#student#struggled#socially#and#was#painfully#quiet.#The#
lesson#gave#her#a#chance#to#have#individualized#attention#and#to#
participate#in#ways#that#did#not#require#speaking.###

Middle#school#students#are#working#on#a#collage#in#which#each#
one#makes#a#quilt#square#to#be#assembled#into#a#larger#design.#
As#part#of#the#lesson,#the#teacher#talks#about#the#tradition#of#
quilting#and#particularly#its#role#among#AfricanRAmerican#women#
who#made#remarkable#designs#from#scraps.#She#connects#the#
improvised#designs#to#jazz#traditions,#with#different#women#
soloing#by#making#their#versions#of#traditional#patterns.#

#
For#additional#tools#and#resources#regarding#defining#and#assessing#quality#arts#instruction#from#a#variety#of#
nationwide#partners,#including#Boston,#please#visit#www.creatingquality.org.#To#learn#how#to#become#more#involved#
with#Bostons#Quality#Review#process,#please#contact#Afton#Cyrus#at#acyrus@bostonpublicschools.org.###

BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)

BPS$Arts$Curriculum$&$Standards$
$
Alignment)of)Arts)Standards)in)BPS)
The$Boston$Public$Schools$Visual$and$Performing$Arts$Department$has$created$district;wide$curriculum$
documents$that$align$national$arts$standards$with$Bostons$unique$cultural$community,$learning$needs$and$
school$management$system.$These$documents$were$developed$by$teams$of$teachers$tasked$with$accurately$
reflecting$the$landscape$of$arts$teaching$and$learning$in$BPS.$$

BPS)Arts)Essential)Curriculum)Maps)(E:Maps)$outline$competencies$drawn$from$national,$state,$and$
district$standards$that$are$achievable$within$a$variety$of$program$models.$$$

Student)Learning)Outcomes)(SLOs)$articulate$core$skills$by$grade$band$(grades$PreK;2,$grades$3;5,$grades$
6;8,$and$grades$9;12)$that$students$should$be$able$to$demonstrate$by$the$end$of$7;,$15;,$or$30;week$
instructional$cycles.$$

District:Determined)Measures)(DDMs)$provide$BPS$Arts$Specialists$with$relevant,$authentic$assessment$
tools$to$gauge$student$growth$in$a$given$skill$area.$DDMs$are$administered$by$BPS$teachers,$but$may$
assess$students$on$skills$deepened$through$work$with$partner$Teaching$Artists.$

Using$these$resources,$our$community$of$arts$educators$can$move$toward$reaching$common$goals$and$
outcomes$for$all$students.$The$BPS$Arts$Essential$Curriculum$Maps$and$Student$Learning$Outcomes$can$be$
downloaded$from$the$BPS$Arts$website$at$www.bpsarts.org/schools;educators/principals;school;leaders.$$
$
National)Core)Arts)Standards)
In$1994,$the$first$National$Standards$for$Arts$Education$were$published,$becoming$the$benchmark$document$
for$K;12$arts$learning$in$49$states.$However,$wide;reaching$surveys$revealed$that$education$policy,$priorities,$
practices,$and$resources$have$evolved$significantly$during$the$past$two$decades.$As$a$result,$the$National$
Coalition$for$Core$Arts$Standards$(NCCAS),$was$convened$to$revise$the$national$standards$to$help$arts$
educators$provide$the$high;quality$curriculum,$instruction,$and$assessment$that$students$need$to$succeed$in$
todays$schools$and$tomorrows$careers.$The$new$National)Core)Arts)Standards$were$released$in$June$2014,$
and$include$overarching$Anchor$Standards$for$all$arts$subject$areas$as$follows:$
$

$
The$full$National$Core$Arts$Standards$can$be$viewed$and$downloaded$at$www.nationalartsstandards.org.$
$

BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)$

!
!
!

!
!
!
!
!
!
Building!Effective!!
BPS/Arts!Partnerships!

Essential)Elements)of)Collaboration)
1. Common goals. At#the#heart#of#

4. Mutual trust, respect, and support.#

collaboration#is#the#need'to'solve'a'problem,'
create,'or'discover'something.'The#common#
thread#of#collaborative#projects#is#the#
realization#that#the#task#cant#be#done#
alone.#Collaboration#calls#for#partners#to#
build'sustainable'relationships'to'reach'
common'goals,#with#each#member#
contributing#their#own#strengths#and#
expertise#toward#that#end.#Partnerships#are#
most#long#lasting#and#beneficial#when#all#
members#involved#share#a#sense#ownership#
over#the#work#toward#these#goals.#
#
2. A strong foundation.#The#early#stages#
of#establishing#a#collaborative#project#are#
critical#to#its#success.#Sufficient'time'must'
be'spent'at'the'frontJend'of'the'project#to#
learning#about#each#others#work,#
establishing#trust,#clarifying#goals#and#
objectives,#and#preparing#to#face#
challenges.#A#strong#foundation#is#
fundamental#to#the#development#of#a#
shared#vision#and#a#sequential#plan#for#
project#implementation.#
#

Successful#collaborators#respect#each#
others#strengths#while#supporting#each#
others#weaknesses.#The#best#collaborations#
are#complementary#in#nature,#with#each#
member#bringing#something#different#to#
the#project,#resulting#in#a#wellDrounded#
whole.#Members'must'learn'from'one'
another'in'an'environment'of'trust,#each#
benefiting#from#the#others#point#of#view,#
and#each#ready#to#help#the#other#when#
challenges#arise.#

3. Transparent structure. During#both#the#

6. Assessment. The#best#collaborative#

foundationDbuilding#process#and#the#
ongoing#development#of#the#collaboration,#
members'should'create'an'explicit,'
transparent'structure#that#clearly#defines#
roles,#responsibilities,#logistics#(such#as#
space,#scheduling,#payment,#etc.),#
outcomes,#and#assessment.#This#structure#
must#be#agreedDupon#and#understood#by#all#
involved#with#the#collaboration#in#order#to#
effectively#reach#common#goals.#
#

#
#

5. Open, ongoing communication.#

Effective'communication'facilitates'strong'
collaborations.#Members#should#meet#
regularly#throughout#the#project#to#update#
each#other#on#successes#and#challenges,#
problemDsolve,#and#check#progress#toward#
goals#and#objectives.#Communication#
should#consist#of#honest#but#gracious#
feedback,#given#in#a#safe#and#supportive#
manner.#This#type#of#open,#ongoing#
communication#develops#trusting#
relationships,#promotes#the#exchange#of#
ideas,#and#keeps#projects#on#track.#
#
projects#define'in'advance'how'success'will'
be'measured#toward#reaching#common#
goals.#Ongoing#documentation#and#
formative#assessments#should#be#integrated#
throughout#the#project,#as#well#as#a#preD
determined#summative#assessment#and/or#
final#products.#At#the#conclusion#of#the#
project,#members#should#take#the#
opportunity#to#reflect#on#the#experience,#
and#share#lessons#learned.##

Adapted'from:'
Elements'of'Successful'Collaborations,'Young'Audiences'of'Massachusetts'
Essential'Tips'for'Successful'Collaboration,'Centers'for'Disease'Control'and'Prevention,'Atlanta,'GA'

BPS'Visual'&'Performing'Arts'Department:'Guide'to'Effective'Partnerships,'2014J2015'(October'2014)'

Building(Effective(Partnerships(in(School(Settings(
Alignment

Communication

Program.
Development

Evaluation

School

Partnering.Arts.Organization

Select&an&organization&whose&program&aligns&
with&your&schools&mission.&
Consider&time,&space,&and&resources&needed&
up&front&to&determine&if&this&partnership&can&
fit&within&your&schools&framework.&Articulate&
your&needs&to&your&partnering&organization.
Develop&a&shared&mission,&vision,&and&set&of&
goals&with&your&partnering&organization.
Share&your&schools&values,&routines,&policies,&
and&procedure&with&your&partnering&
organization.
Meet&in&advance&to&plan&the&project&and&
orient&your&partnering&organization&to&your&
school&site&and&culture.
Establish&a&pointGperson&at&the&school&that&
will&be&the&organizations&primary&contact.
Introduce&teaching&artists&to&all&relevant&staff&
and&faculty.
Create&a&plan&for&regular&meetings&and&
checkGins&throughout&the&project.
Make&yourself&available&and&open&to&all&
communication&with&your&partnering&
organization.
Establish&realistic&shortGterm&and&longGterm&
goals&up&front.&
Orient&your&partnering&organization&to&your&
schools&curriculum&and&learning&priorities.
Help&your&partnering&organization&to&map&
their&program&to&standards.
Invite&your&teaching&artist(s)&to&attend&staff&
meetings/professional&development&
sessions,&and&invite&them&to&share&their&own&
best&practices&with&other&staff&members.
Remain&flexible&and&open&to&new&ideas&
presented&by&your&teaching&artist(s).
Agree&in&advance&on&formative&and&
summative&assessments&for&the&program,&as&
well&as&final&product(s).
Regularly&attend&classes&led&by&teaching&artist&
and&provide&constructive&feedback.
Share&your&reflections&on&the&projects&
successes&and&challenges&with&your&
partnering&organization,&as&well&as&lessons&
learned&and&suggestions&for&the&future.

Identify&and&understand&your&partner&schools&
mission,&population,&context,&and&culture.&
Ground&your&planning&in&this&understanding.
Consider&the&schools&schedule,&spaces,&and&
resources&available&to&determine&your&
programming&choices.&Articulate&your&needs&to&
your&partner&school.
Develop&a&shared&mission,&vision,&and&set&of&
goals&with&your&partner&school.
Learn&and&uphold&your&partner&schools&values,&
routines,&policies,&and&procedures.
Meet&in&advance&to&plan&the&project&and&orient&
your&partner&school&to&your&program,&
organization,&and&curriculum&offerings.
Establish&a&pointGperson&within&your&
organization&that&will&be&the&schools&primary&
contact.
Get&to&know&all&relevant&staff&and&faculty.
Create&a&plan&for&regular&meetings&and&checkGins&
throughout&the&project.
Make&yourself&available&and&open&to&all&
communication&with&your&partner&school.
Establish&realistic&shortGterm&and&longGterm&
goals&up&front.
Make&connections&to&your&partner&schools&
curriculum&and&learning&priorities.
Map&your&programming&to&learning&standards&
whenever&possible.
Attend&staff&meetings/professional&
development&sessions&and&offer&your&own&best&
practices&to&teachers&and&staff&members.
Remain&flexible&and&open&to&new&ideas&
presented&by&colleagues,&students,&and&families&
at&your&partner&school.
Agree&in&advance&on&formative&and&summative&
assessments&for&the&program,&as&well&as&final&
product(s).
Invite&school&leaders&and&teachers&to&visit&your&
classes,&and&incorporate&their&feedback.
Share&your&reflections&on&the&projects&successes&
and&challenges&with&your&partner&school,&as&well&
as&lessons&learned&and&suggestions&for&the&
future.

BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)

BPS$Arts$Recommended$Partnership$Protocol$
The$BPS$Visual$and$Performing$Arts$Department$recommends$that$partnering$organizations/teaching$
artists$and$schools$sit$down$together$to$complete$this$protocol$every$time$a$partnership$project$is$
formed$or$renewed$for$a$new$school$year.$It$is$our$hope$that$this$will$prove$to$be$a$useful$tool,$and$will$
ensure$a$successful$collaboration.$Both$parties$should$keep$a$copy$for$their$records,$and$should$refer$to$
it$throughout$the$school$year$as$the$project$is$underway.$
$

Before$
$

! Conduct$an$initial$meeting$to$become$familiar$with$each$others$programs$and$needs.$Prior$to$
meeting,$take$time$to$research$each$others$organizations.

! Schools: Share$information$about$your$school$with$your$partnering$organization,$including$
student$data$and$demographics,$educational$philosophy,$and$current$priorities.

! Teaching.Artists:$Share$information$about$your$past$school$partnerships,$as$well$as$examples$of$
past$curriculum,$projects,$and$student$products.

! Set$up$a$tour$of$the$school,$and$identify$spaces$and$resources$to$be$used$for$the$project.
! Schools:$Have$all$Teaching$Artists$who$will$be$working$in$the$school$fill$out$or$submit$CORI$
paperwork$prior$to$the$project$start$date.
$

! Teaching.Artists:$If$possible,$spend$a$day$observing$at$your$partner$school$in$advance$of$the$
project$start$date,$getting$to$know$the$students,$teachers,$school$culture,$and$routines.$

! Schools:$Share$your$weekly$school$schedule$and$yearly$school$calendar$with$your$Teaching$
Artist(s),$and$information$about$school$cancellation$procedures$(i.e.$snow$day,$etc.).

! Set$up$a$schedule$and$timeframe$for$the$project,$including$a$start$and$end$date.$
! Establish$roles$and$responsibilities$for$people$on$both$the$school$and$partnering$organization$
sides,$and$exchange$contact$information.$

! Develop$a$set$of$common$goals$for$the$project,$as$well$as$a$shared$mission$and$vision.
! Schools:$Share$information$about$your$curriculum$and$learning$goals,$and$help$your$partnering$
organization$map$their$programming$to$academic$standards$where$applicable.

! Teaching.Artists:$Integrate$the$plan$for$your$work$into$the$overall$learning$goals$of$the$school,$
mapping$programming$to$arts$standards$and$academic$standards$where$applicable.

! Review$and$agree$upon$a$proposed$curriculum$and$outline$for$the$project.$$
! Determine$how$student$learning$will$be$measured$through$formative$and$summative$
assessments,$as$well$as$final$product(s)$to$be$created$by$students.
BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)

! Schools:$Provide$Teaching$Artist(s)$with$all$policies$and$procedures$for$both$teacher$and$student$
conduct,$as$well$as$classroom$management$techniques$used$in$building.

! Agree$upon$the$best$means$of$communication$going$forward,$and$establish$a$time$for$regular$
meetings$and$checkOins$throughout$the$project.

During$
$

! Schools:$Provide$teaching$artists$with$access$to$materials$and$a$space$to$store$their$belongings$
and$student$projects.

! Teaching.Artists:$Arrive$punctually$and$regularly$at$an$agreedOupon$time,$leaving$enough$time$
to$check$in$and/or$set$up$before$classes$begin.

! Schools:$Attend$classes$led$by$Teaching$Artist(s)$regularly$to$observe$their$work$and$provide$
constructive$feedback.

! Teaching.Artists:$Utilize$best$practice$pedagogy$from$researchObased$frameworks$(i.e.$Studio$
Habits,$21st$Century$Learning,$etc.).

! Teaching.Artists:$Adhere$to$the$procedures$and$policies$for$classroom$management$shared$with$
you$by$the$school$at$all$times.
$

! Set$up$and$conduct$regular$meetings$to$reflect$on$and$discuss$the$project.
! Teaching.Artists:$Document$the$project$through$curriculum$maps,$lesson$plans,$examples$of$
student$work,$written$reflection,$photos,$and$video$where$applicable.

! Conduct$a$midOsemester$or$midOyear$review$meeting$to$assess$the$projects$progress,$successes,$
and$challenges.

! Schools:$Invite$Teaching$Artist(s)$to$attend$regular$staff$meetings$and$Professional$Development$
sessions,$and$inform$them$of$any$schoolOwide$announcements/activities.

! Teaching.Artists:$Whenever$possible,$incorporate$primary$arts$resources$(such$as$guests$or$field$
trips)$to$enrich$the$project.

! Host$an$endOofOproject$performance$or$showcase$to$celebrate$student$accomplishments.

After$
! Conduct$a$final$reflection$meeting$to$debrief$and$discuss$the$successes$and$challenges$of$the$
project.$Review$feedback$from$students,$teachers,$and$parents$if$possible.

! Teaching.Artists: Provide$closure$for$your$students$and$colleagues,$and$thank$all$those$involved$
with$the$project.
!
Signed$By:$
School!Representative:!_________________________! Teaching!Artist:!_________________________!
!
BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)

Assessment,(Documentation,(&(Demonstration(of(Impact(
(
Traditionally,,demonstration,of,learning,in,arts,disciplines,has,been,difficult,
to,quantify.,Beyond,gaining,knowledge,of,discipline<specific,skills,and,
vocabulary,,the,types,of,outcomes,for,students,who,participate,in,the,arts,
can,be,hard,to,measure.,Yet,these,areas,of,understanding,and,
experiencesuch,as,flexible,thinking,,creativity,,problem<solving,,
teamwork,,motivation,,cross<cultural,understanding,,and,personal,
expressionare,essential,to,success,in,a,21st,century,global,context,,and,
the,arts,offer,a,pathway,to,explore,these,areas,unlike,any,other,discipline.,
,

Because,the,arts,offer,such,critical,opportunities,for,learning,for,students,,
it,is,also,essential,for,that,learning,to,be,documented,(for,students,,
teachers,,and,parents,to,see,and,understand,progress),,assessed,(to,be,
sure,that,students,are,learning,what,we,hope,they,are),,and,shared,with,the,larger,community.,By,
demonstrating,and,making,visible,the,positive,impact,of,arts,learning,experiences,,we,continue,to,make,
the,case,for,arts,education,as,a,fundamental,part,of,every,childs,education.,
,

Best%Practices%
Student,learning,can,be,captured,,documented,,and,assessed,in,a,variety,of,ways.,Consider,your,goals,
for,your,class,,and,choose,a,collection,of,tools,to,measure,student,learning,towards,those,goals,that,feel,
authentic,to,your,discipline,and,teaching,style.,Some,best,practices,include:,
Create,identical,pre<unit,and,post<unit,assessments,to,measure,student,understanding,,
knowledge,,or,skills,before,a,unit,begins,,and,again,as,it,ends.,,
Take,photos*,of,student,projects,as,they,progress,throughout,the,unit,,creating,a,chronological,
documentation,of,group,or,individual,learning.,Invite,students,to,reflect,on,these,photos,,
writing,or,speaking,about,their,process,of,learning,,and,display,or,share,digitally.,
Videotape*,the,course,of,a,unit,,including,interviews,with,students,on,what,they,are,learning,,
documenting,individual,or,group,learning.,Share,clips,with,the,school,community,,or,edit,
together,(or,have,students,edit),a,final,retrospective,of,the,unit.,
Incorporate,student,journals,,allowing,time,for,written,reflection,at,regular,intervals,(such,as,
the,end,of,each,class,,each,week,,or,on,specific,days,in,the,course,of,the,unit).,Invite,students,to,
write,and/or,draw,about,what,they,are,learning,,and,their,challenges,,successes,,and,questions.,
Use,rubrics,to,clearly,identify,the,parameters,for,student,projects,and/or,in<class,participation.,
Share,these,rubrics,with,students,before,beginning,the,unit,or,project,,so,they,understood,how,
their,work,will,be,measured,,and,what,the,expectations,for,quality,are.,
Use,checklists,or,sticker,charts,to,make,visible,the,incremental,gain,of,discipline<based,skills.,
Use,portfolios,(online,or,in,hard,copy),to,collect,examples,of,student,work;,photos,,video,,or,
audio,of,students,demonstrating,certain,skills,(i.e.,a,proper,instrument,hold,,a,dance,body,
position,,a,painting,technique,,etc.);,and,students,written,or,audio,reflections.,
,

Additional%Resources,
To,learn,more,about,assessment,and,documentation,in,the,arts,classroom,,visit:,
Boston,Youth,Arts,Evaluation,Project,(BYAEP),,www.byaep.com,<,A,suite,of,evaluation,and,
assessment,tools,created,by,nonprofit,youth<serving,arts,organizations,in,Boston.,
National,Endowment,for,the,Arts,<,http://www.arts.gov/research/ArtsLearning/index.html,<,
Videos,and,reports,from,a,recent,convening,of,the,NEA,on,the,topic,of,Improving$Arts$Learning$
Through$Standards$and$Assessment.,
Arts,Assessment,Toolbox,,www.artsassessment.org,<,Developed,by,Chicago,Arts,Partnerships,
in,Education,,this,website,provides,assessment,philosophies,,methodologies,,case,studies,,and,a,
wide,range,of,assessments.,
*

Always$make$sure$that$you$have$media$release$permissions$signed$by$parents$before$photographing$or$videotaping$students.$

BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships$2014B2015$(October$2014)

!
!
!

!
!
!
!
!
!
Resources!for!Schools!

Arts%Education%Resources%
%
Why$Arts$Education?$
In#his#foreword#to#the#Presidents#Committee#on#the#Arts#and#the#Humanities#landmark#2011#report,#
Reinvesting$in$Arts$Education,#U.S.#Secretary#of#Education#Arne#Duncan#writes,$
#

Education$in$the$arts$is$more$important$than$everTo$succeed$today$and$in$the$future,$Americas$children$
will$need$to$be$inventive,$resourceful,$and$imaginative.$The$best$way$to$foster$that$creativity$is$through$
arts$education.$
#

High#quality#inFschool#programs#in#music,#dance,#theatre,#visual#art,#and#media#arts#provide#
opportunities#for#students#to#engage#in#new#ways#of#thinking#and#learning,#and#provide#fields#for#selfF
expression#and#creativity.#In#addition,#numerous#studies#have#found#that#participation#in#the#arts#
positively#impacts#student#academic#achievement,#motivation#and#engagement,#persistence#and#focused#
attention,#critical#thinking,#problem#solving,#and#improved#social#competencies#such#as#collaboration,#
teamwork,#and#selfFconfidence.#To#learn#more#about#the#benefits#of#Arts#Education,#visit#or#read:#
#

Resources$Online$
The#National#Endowment#for#the#Arts##www.nea.gov##
The#Presidents#Committee#on#the#Arts#and#the#Humanities##www.pcah.gov##
ArtsEdSearch:#An#online#clearinghouse#of#arts#education#research#and#outcomes#for#students#
and#educators,#run#by#the#Arts#Education#Partnership##www.artsedsearch.org##
Americans#for#the#Arts##www.artsusa.org##
Wallace#Foundation#Knowledge#Center##A#variety#of#research#reports#on#arts#education#and#its#
impact#in#communities#F#www.wallacefoundation.org/knowledgeFcenter/artsFeducation/##
#

Resources$in$Print$
$
$
#
Studio$Thinking$2:$The$Real$
#
Benefits$of$Visual$Arts$Education$
Why$Our$Schools$Need$the$Arts#
(Second$Edition)#
Jessica#Hoffman#Davis#
Lois#Hetland,#Ellen#Winner,#Shirley#
Teachers#College#Press,#2007#
Veenema,#and#Kimberly#M.#
$
Sheridan#
Teachers#College#Press,#2013#
$
#
#
Multiple$Intelligences$in$the$
Releasing$the$Imagination:$Essays$
Classroom#
on$Education,$the$Arts,$and$Social$
Thomas#Armstrong#
Change#
Association#for#Supervision#and#
Maxine#Greene#
Curriculum#Development,#2009#
JosseyFBass,#2000#
$
$
The$Qualities$of$Quality:$Understanding$Excellence$in$Arts$Education#
Steve#Seidel,#Shari#Tishman,#Ellen#Winner,#Lois#Hetland,#Patricia#Palmer#
Project#Zero,#Harvard#Graduate#School#of#Education,#2009

#
#
BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)$

Arts%Partnering%Organizations%
!
Boston!is!a!city!rich!with!cultural!institutions,!community2based!organizations,!higher!education!
institutions,!and!teaching!artists!who!offer!a!wide!array!of!arts!education!experiences!and!programming!
for!Boston!teachers!and!students.!These!organizations!and!individuals!can!play!a!crucial!role!in!
expanding!and!deepening!arts!education!for!all!students!within!the!Boston!Public!Schools.!
!
In!the!Fall!of!2012,!the!BPS!Visual!and!Performing!Arts!Department!and!the!BPS!Arts!Expansion!Initiative!
created!a!new!online!Arts%Partnership%Database!to!facilitate!in2school!partnerships!between!schools!
and!arts!providers.!The!database!is!designed!for!school!leaders!and!teachers!to!find!partners!and!arts!
opportunities!to!bring!to!their!school!buildings,!and!for!arts!providers!to!describe!their!educational!
programming!in!detail,!all!in!one!place.!!Since!the!launch!of!the!database,!over!90!arts!organizations!and!
teaching!artists!have!added!their!information,!with!more!being!added!every!day.!We!hope!that!this!
database!will!prove!to!be!a!valuable!resource!in!making!the!arts!accessible!to!as!many!Boston!Public!
Schools!students!as!possible.!
!
To!access!the!database,!visit:!http://bostonavigator.org/boston/resource/search/.!There,!schools!can!
search!for!programming!(including!long2!and!short2term!artist!residencies,!in2school!performances,!
opportunities!for!field!trips,!and!professional!development!offerings!for!teachers),!and!arts!
organizations!and!teaching!artists!can!enter!their!services!offered.!!Please!note!that!while!built!on!the!
same!platform,!this!database!is!separate!from!the!BostoNavigator!database!offered!through!Boston!
After!School!and!Beyond.!For!instructions!regarding!creating!a!profile!and!searching!the!database,!
please!see!the!User!Guide!and!FAQs!included!on!the!database!website.!
!
!

BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships$2014B2015$(October$2014)

Arts%Integration%Resources%
%
The$Boston$Public$Schools$believes$that$learning$in$and$through$the$arts$is$a$vital$part$of$every$students$
education.$Arts$learning$will$of$course$take$place$during$music,$dance,$theater,$visual$art,$or$media$arts$
classes,$but$the$arts$also$offer$great$depth$and$richness$when$used$as$a$tool$for$learning$in$other$
academic$subject$areas.$In$an$Arts%Integrated%curriculum,$the$arts$become$the$approach$to$teaching$and$
the$vehicle$for$learning,$as$students$meet$dual$learning$objectives$in$both$areas.$When$engaging$in$the$
creative$process,$students$explore$connections$between$an$art$form$and$another$subject$area$to$gain$
greater$understanding$in$both.1$To$learn$more$about$the$benefits$of$Arts$Integration$and$best$practices$
for$implementation,$we$recommend$the$following$resources:$
$
In%Print%
%
$
Visual$Thinking$Strategies:$Using$
Artful$Teaching:$Integrating$the$Arts$
Art$to$Deepen$Learning$Across$
for$Understanding$Across$the$
School$Disciplines%
Curriculum,$KC8$
Philip$Yenawine$
David$M.$Donahue,$Author;$Jennifer$
Harvard$Education$Press,$2013$
Stuart,$Editor$
%
Columbia$University,$2010$
%
%
$
$
Integrating$the$Arts$Across$the$
Arts$Integration:$Teaching$Subject$
Content$Areas$
Matter$through$the$Arts$in$
Lisa$Donovan$and$Louise$Pascale$
Multicultural$Settings$
Shell$Education,$2012$
Merryl$Goldberg,$Author$
%
Pearson$Education,$2012$
%
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Renaissance$in$the$Classroom:$Arts$Integration$and$Meaningful$Learning$
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Gail$E.$Burnaford,$Arnold$Aprill,$and$Cynthia$Weiss,$Editors$
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Chicago$Arts$Partnerships$in$Education$(CAPE),$2001$
$
$
%
$
Online$
ArtsEdge:$The$Kennedy$Centers$free$digital$resource$for$teaching$and$learning$in,$through,$and$about$
the$arts.$$www.artsedge.kennedyXcenter.org$$$
$
Edutopia:$An$online$collection$of$articles,$blogs,$videos,$and$links$to$resources$regarding$arts$education$
and$integration$strategies.$X$http://www.edutopia.org/artsXintegrationXresources$.$You$can$also$check$
out$Edutopias$Arts$Integration$Pinterest$board$for$great$articles,$lesson$plans,$and$ideas$at$
http://www.pinterest.com/edutopia/artsXintegration/.$$
$
Scholastic:$Blogs$by$educators,$lesson$and$unit$plans,$and$articles$for$teachers$at$all$grade$levels.$X$
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/collection/strategiesXartsXintegration$$
$
STEAM$Education:$STEAM$integrates$the$Arts$into$the$fields$of$Science,$Technology,$Engineering,$and$
Math$(STEM).$Learn$more$about$this$growing$movement$at$http://stemtosteam.org$and$
http://steamconnect.org.$$$
1

The$Kennedy$Center$ArtsEdge,$www.artsedge.kennedyXcenter.org$$
BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)

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!
!
!
!
!
!
Resources!for!Partnering!Organizations!
and!Teaching!Artists!

Orientation)to)the)Boston)Public)Schools)
!
History(and(Structure!
Founded!in!1647,!the!Boston!Public!Schools!
system!is!the!oldest!public!school!district!in!the!
United!States.!It!is!home!to!the!nations!first!
public!high!school,!the!Boston!Latin!School,!
and!the!first!elementary!school,!the!Mather!
School.!Today,!the!district!consists!of!128!
schools,!serving!57,000!schoolchildren!in!
grades!PreKK12.!!
!
The!district!is!led!by!Interim!Superintendent!
John!McDonough,!who!was!appointed!in!May!
2013!by!the!Boston!School!Committee!upon!
the!departure!of!Superintendent!Carol!
Johnson.!The!School!Committee,!a!sevenK
member!school!board!appointed!by!the!Mayor!
of!Boston,!sets!policy!for!the!district!and!
approves!the!districts!operating!budget.!The!
Superintendent!serves!as!a!member!of!the!Mayors!cabinet,!and!the!two!work!closely!together!on!
school!reform!initiatives!districtKwide.!A!search!is!currently!underway!for!a!new!permanent!
Superintendent!of!the!Boston!Public!Schools,!led!by!the!Superintendent!Search!Committee,!which!is!
made!up!of!teachers,!current!and!former!school!administrators,!parents,!and!leaders!from!local!higher!
education,!business,!and!philanthropic!communities.!The!committee!has!set!a!goal!to!present!a!slate!of!
finalists!for!the!position!to!the!Mayor!and!the!School!Committee!in!January!2015.!To!learn!more!about!
the!Superintendent!search!process,!please!visit!http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/1012.!!
!
(
Schools(and(Student(Assignment!
Starting!in!January!2014,!the!Boston!Public!Schools!implemented!a!new!school!assignment!plan!for!
students!in!Kindergarten!through!Grade!8.!Developed!by!an!external!committee!with!community!input,!
the!new!plan!eliminates!the!three!large!zones!previously!used!by!BPS,!and!helps!students!attend!quality!
schools!closer!to!home.!High!schools!will!remain!as!citywide!options!for!all!students.!!The!HomeKBased!
plan!offers!a!customized!list!of!school!choices!for!every!family!based!on!their!home!address.!!It!includes!
every!school!within!a!oneKmile!radius!of!their!home!plus,!as!needed,!nearby!schools!that!have!the!
highest!levels!of!MCAS!performance!and!growth.!To!learn!more!about!the!new!BPS!school!assignment!
process,!please!visit!http://bostonschoolchoice.org.!!
!
Starting!in!the!Spring!of!2013,!the!Boston!Public!Schools!also!reorganized!the!reporting!structure!of!
school!leaders,!and!grouped!schools!into!Networks,!so!they!are!better!able!to!communicate!and!share!
best!practices!with!each!other.!!Networks!are!clusters!of!12K15!schools!that!share!a!geographic!region!in!
the!city!and/or!similar!school!structure.!Each!Network!also!has!its!own!Network!Superintendent,!who!
works!directly!with!all!Principals!within!his/her!own!Network!group!to!support!their!schools.!!
!
Please!see!the!following!pages!for!a!comprehensive!profile!of!the!district!and!its!student!demographics,!
a!detailed!map!of!the!Boston!Public!Schools,!a!list!of!schools!by!Network,!a!list!of!schools!by!grade!span,!
and!a!BPS!District!Calendar!for!2014K2015.!

BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)

BOSTON
Public Schools

Boston Public Schools at a Glance

2013-2014

Focus on Children
OUR MISSION
As the birthplace of public education in this nation, the
Boston Public Schools is committed to transforming the
lives of all children through exemplary teaching in a worldclass system of innovative, welcoming schools. We partner
with the community, families, and students to develop in
every learner the knowledge, skill, and character to excel in
college, career, and life.

SCHOOLS & STUDENTS

STUDENTS
SCHOOLS
There are 128 schools in the BPS:
5 early education schools (Kgrade 1 or grade 3)
44 elementary schools (K5)
29 elementary & middle schools (K8)
8 middle schools (68)
3 middle & high schools (612)
26 high schools (912)
3 exam schools (712)
8 special education schools
2 alternative (at-risk) programs
Of these:
21 are pilot schools, created to be models of educational
innovation with more flexibility and autonomy
6 are Horace Mann charter schools funded by the BPS
6 are Innovation Schools, a model created by Mass.
education reform legislation based on BPS pilot schools
SY2014 enrollment is 57,000 (about the same as
SY2013), including:
28,300 students in pre-kindergarten-grade 5
11,300 students in grades 6-8
17,400 students in grades 9-12
Student demographics:
9% Asian
40% Hispanic
3% Other/multiracial
35% Black
13% White
78% of students are low income.
Students who dont attend the BPS:
Of the 77,200 (est.) school-age children living in Boston,
about 20,100 (26%) do not attend Boston public schools.
They are:
17% Hispanic 3% Other
45% Black
4% Asian
32% White
Of these students:
5,270 go to parochial schools
4,090 go to private schools
3,050 go to suburban schools through METCO
7,100 go to public charter schools
480 are placed by the BPS Special Education Dept. in
non-BPS schools and programs
120 are home schooled

| April 2014

ACCELERATION AGENDA SEARCH

SUPERINTENDENT

VISION OF THE BPS GRADUATE

Loves to learn, views the world as a classroom without
walls, and thinks critically about the issues within it.
Succeeds academically in college-level courses across
content areas.
Masters verbal and written expression in English, with
emerging proficiency in a second language.
Uses mathematical skill, scientific inquiry, and state-ofthe-art technology to invent new solutions to persistent
and unanticipated problems.
Exhibits growth, self-discipline and reflection through
innovative expression and artistry.
Acknowledges and respects people with diverse
backgrounds, histories, and perspectives.
Assumes personal responsibility for physical and
emotional well-being by making healthy choices.
Contributes confidently and positively in professional
and social settings, both independently and as a
member of a team.
Demonstrates resourcefulness and resilience in the face
of setbacks and obstacles, relying on personal assets and
support from others to achieve goals.
Participates actively in a democratic society as a
responsible, courageous leader who challenges injustice.

Dr. Carol R. Johnson retired in June 2013 after serving

six years as superintendent. John P. McDonough, the
district's chief financial officer, was appointed interim
superintendent. In February 2014, Mayor Martin J.
Walsh and the Boston School Committee announced
the formation of a Superintendent Search Committee. It
includes teachers, current and former school administrators,
parents, and leaders from the higher education, business
and philanthropy communities.
The search committee is tasked with:
Recommending to the School Committee a national
search firm to assist in the selection process;
Hosting community meetings to solicit publc input on
the job description for the new superintendent;
Vetting and narrowing the pool of possible candidates
presented by the search firm; and
Recommending three finalists for the new
superintendent by June 2014.
The School Committee appointed consultants Hazard,
Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) to undertake the search.

STAFF
STAFF
The 2013-2014 BPS budget (general fund) includes 8,423
staff positions (FTE), an increase of 105 positions from
SY2013. Here is a comparison of budgeted positions:
SY2013 SY2014
4,490 4,505 teachers
1,220 1,311 aides
511
503 administrators
488
507 support
1,609 1,597 custodians, secretaries, part time
Demographics:
Teachers
Principals
Central Office

Black
21%
38%
32%

White
62%
48%
47%

CONTACTING
CONTACTING THE
BPS BPS
Boston Public Schools
26 Court Street Boston, MA 02108-2505
www.bostonpublicschools.org
Main telephone number ......................... 617-635-9000
Communications ...................................... 617-635-9265
communications@bostonpublicschools.org
Superintendent ........................................ 617-635-9050
School Committee ................................... 617-635-9014
feedback@bostonpublicschools.org

Hisp. Asian Other

10% 6% 1%
11% 3% 0%
13% 9% 0%

Qualifications of BPS Teachers (SY2013):

93.6% are licensed in their teaching assignment
(97.5% statewide)
95.2% of core academic classes are taught by teachers
who are highly qualified (98% statewide)

The Boston Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, age, disability, sex/gender, gender identity, religious beliefs, national
origin, ancestry, retaliation, sexual orientation, genetics or military status
and does not tolerate any form of intimidation, threat, coercion and/or
harassment.

THE BOSTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The BPS is governed by a 7-member School Committee, appointed by the Mayor from among nominees recommended by
a broad-based Nominating Committee. Members serve 4-year terms. Current members* and term expiration dates are:
Michael D. ONeill, Chairperson ...................1/2/17
Claudio Martinez, Vice-chairperson ............1/4/16
Meg Campbell..............................................1/4/16
Hardin Coleman ...........................................1/1/18
Rev. Gregory Groover Sr. .............................1/5/15
Michael Loconto...........................................1/1/18
Margaret McKenna ......................................1/5/15

In 1989, in a non-binding referendum, residents voted to

replace the 13-member elected School Committee with an
appointed committee. In 1991, the state legislature approved
Bostons home rule petition establishing the 7-member,
Mayor-appointed committee. The appointed committee took
office in January 1992. In a 1996 referendum, residents voted
overwhelmingly to retain the appointed committee.

SPECIAL EDUCATION
SPECIAL EDUCATION
About 11,260 students ages 3-21 with disabilities (20% of
total enrollment) are enrolled in special education programs
in BPS schools, including:
58% with mild to moderate special needs who spend at
least 60% of the school day in general education
classrooms
42% with more severe special needs who spend at least
60% of the school day in "substantially separate"
classrooms or special BPS schools
In addition, 445 students are enrolled in out-of-district
programs, and 353 non-BPS students receive some special
education services in BPS schools.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

Among BPS students:
25,370 (44%) speak a language other than English as their
first language.
16,600 (29%) are Limited English Proficient (LEP) or English
Language Learners (ELL)
9,970 (60%) of ELL students were born in the US
All ELL students receive English language support from
highly qualified teachers of English. Approximate ELL
enrollment by program, grades K12, is:
5,450 language-specific Sheltered English Instruction (SEI)
programs
9,990 general education SEI programs
900 two-way programs: Students whose first language
is Spanish and whose first language is English learn
together in both languages
270 high intensity literacy programs for students with
interrupted formal education (SIFE)

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT & OUTCOMES

Mass. Comprehensive Assessment System
(MCAS). On the 2013 statewide tests, the % of students
who performed at Proficient or higher levels and % change
from 2012 were:
Grade Test
BPS % Change State % Change
3 Read
32%
- 3%
57%
-4%
3 Math
38%
+9%
66%
+5%
4 ELA
29%
- 1%
53%
- 4%
4 Math
29%
0%
51%
+ 4%
5 ELA
45%
+ 7%
65%
+ 5%
5 Math
42%
+ 3%
61%
+ 4%
5 Science 20%
+ 3%
51%
- 1%
6 ELA
42%
+ 4%
67%
+ 1%
6 Math
43%
- 1%
61%
+ 1%
7 ELA
52%
+ 2%
72%
+ 1%
7 Math
36%
+ 2%
52%
+ 1%
8 ELA
58%
- 5%
78%
- 3%
8 Math
37%
+ 2%
55%
+ 3%
8 Science 14%
- 1%
39%
- 4%
10 ELA
79%
+ 1%
91%
+ 3%
10 Math
64%
- 1%
80%
+ 2%
10 Science 49%
+ 3%
71%
+ 2%
MCAS Competency Determination (CD). As of Spring
2013, 55% of the Class of 2015 earned CD by performing
at Proficient or higher in both ELA and Math and at Needs
Improvement or higher in Sciencea 2% increase over the
Class of 2014 and a 16% increase over the Class of 2010.
SAT Results. Average scores on the SAT Reasoning test for
test-takers in 2012-2013 were:
BPS

Mass.

434
468
433

507
522
501

Critical reading
Mathematics
Writing

ELL students speak more than 84 different languages as

their home language. The top nine first languages spoken
are Spanish, Haitian creole, Cape Verdean creole, Chinese,
Vietnamese, Portuguese, Somali, Arabic, and French.

Advanced Placement Performance. In 2012-2013,

BPS students took 4,674 AP tests. Most colleges give credits
for scores of 3 and above.

BPS students come from 142 different countries, from

Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.

% scores of 1-2
% scores of 3-5

CLASS
CLASSSIZE
SIZES
Class size limits are
Maximum Class Size
set in the contract
Level
Reg. ed. High-needs
with the Boston
K1Gr. 2
22
22
Teachers' Union. Level Gr. 35
25
25
3 and 4 high-needs
Gr. 68
28
26 (gr. 6)
schools have a lower
Gr. 912
31
30 (gr. 9)
maximum class size
in regular ed. classrooms for grades 6 and 9.
As reported by the Mass. Dept. of Elementary & Secondary
Education, the average BPS class size is 17.7 students. The
state average is 18.8. Average class size is calculated by
dividing the total number of students in classes by the total
number of classes.

HISTORY:FIRST
FIRSTIN
INTHE
AMERICA
HISTORY:
U. S.
Boston Latin School: first public school, 1635
Mather: first public elementary school, 1639
BPS: first public school system, 1647
English High: first public high school, 1821
Horace Mann School for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing: first
public day school for the deaf, 1869

BPS
49.0%
51.0%

Mass.
31.2%
68.8%

Classes of 2012 & 2013 Graduation Rates:

Outcome
2012 2013
Graduated in 4 years
65.9% 65.9%
Still in school
15.2% 16.9%
Non-grad completers
0.8%
0.8%
GED
2.1%
1.6%
Dropped out
15.9% 14.7%
Expelled
0.1%
0.1%
The annual dropout rate for grades 9-12 in 2012-2013
was 4.5%. This represents a 1.9 point decrease and 391 fewer
students from the previous year. This is the lowest rate the
district has ever seen.
After High School. In a survey of the Class of 2013 about
post-graduation plans, 3,452 students reported the following
intentions at the end of the school year:
Plan
4-Year College
2-Year College
Other Post-Secondary
Work
Military
Other or unknown

% of District % of State
49%
58%
16%
23%
1%
2%
5%
7%
1%
2%
29%
7%

SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT
Beginning in the 2014-15 school year, a new "home-based"
student assignment plan for K-grade 8 replaces the three-zone
plan created in 1988. The new plan offers families all the
choices within a mile of home, plus additional choices to
assure their list includes at least four high-quality schools, plus
citywide schools and schools with programs for which they are
eligible (such as AWC). It maintains sibiling priority, a feature of
the zone-based plan. Preliminary results for the first round of
kindergarten assignments as of March 31, 2014:
73% of K2 applicants received one of their top three school
choices, and 47% received their first choice. Historically,
about 72% of families typically received one of their top
three choices under the zone-based plan.
64% of K1 applicants received one of their top three choices,
up from 58% in 2013-2014.
The average distance a new K2 student will travel to school
has dropped from 1.09 miles to 0.9 miles. For K1, the
average distance has dropped from 1.15 miles to 0.95 miles.

BUDGET, SALARIES & PER PUPIL COSTS

FY2014 Gen. Fund: $934,360,000 (+6.9% from FY13)

FY2014 External Funds (est.): $125,976,387

Salaries
Benefits
Transportation
Purchased Services
Property Services
Supplies
Equipment
Miscellaneous
Reserve

Includes formula grants (e.g. No Child Left Behind),

reimbursement grants (National School Lunch, Impact
Aid), and competitive grants (e.g. National Science
Foundation). External funds have decreased by $21,351,723
from FY2013.
FY2014 Average Salaries:

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

590,115,681
131,431,947
93,202,150
53,518,737
38,718,337
7,093,846
2,514,371
2,317,935
15,446,996

63%
14%
10%
6%
4%
1%
<1%
<1%
<2%

Weighted student funding. Beginning in FY2012, BPS

allocates funds to schools based on projected enrollment and
the needs of individual students enrolled. In this system, dollars
follow students, no matter what school they attend. Weights are
based on target class size and average teacher salary. Students
are given higher weights and are allocated additional funds if
they meet additional criteria: high risk at grade 9, poverty, ELL,
special education (sped), or vocational education.
FY2013 Per Pupil Expenditure:
Regular ed.
ELL ed.
Mod sped (.3)
$11,855
$15,653
$20,705

Central administrators ................................... $140,131

Elementary school administrators ..................$117,357
Middle school administrators..........................$112,659
High school administrators .............................$110,449
Professional support ..........................................$91,106
Instructional coaches ....................................... $90,647
Nurses ............................................................... $87,789
Librarians ...........................................................$86,782
Teachers (general education) ........................... $86,712
Secretaries/clerical staff.................................... $47,638
Custodians ......................................................... $47,392
School police officers .........................................$45,846
Substitute teachers, per diem ..................... $133$269

Sub sep sped (.4)

$32,955

Private placements
$71,048

Average (all students)

$15,227

Medford

Revere

Everett
Chelsea
Belmont

! Bradley
! Guild

Somerville

Cambridge

Charlestown
Edwards
MS !

!
! Charlestown HS
!
Warren/

Prescott K-8

Watertown

Umana
Academy

!!

O'Donnell

Harvard/
Kent

East Boston EEC

!
!
McKay K-8

Adams

!
!

Eliot K-8
(K1-4)

Gardner K-8

E. Boston

Otis

Alighieri
Montessori

Eliot K-8
(5-8)

! East Boston HS
! PJ Kennedy

Allston-Brighton
Lyon
(9-12)

!
!
Lyon (K-8)

! Horace Mann K-12

!!
!

Edison
!
K-8

Jackson/Mann K-8

ACC
Boston Green
Academy !

McKinley MS

Brighton HS

Winship

McKinley
Prep HS !

Baldwin ELPA !
!

Kennedy
HCA (11-12) Carter
Center

Acad & K-5

! Blackstone

Fenway-Kenmore !
!

S. Boston

! McKinley S. End

Hurley !
K-8

Boston Latin !
School 7-12

Newton

Quincy
Upper
(6-12) BATA
!! ! Quincy Lower (K-5)

Snowden
HS !

Boston Arts
Academy
Fenway HS

Condon

S. End

Madison Park HS

Gavin Complex:
UP Academy Boston
!
MS Academy

Tynan

!
!
Kennedy
!!
Tobin
! S Boston EC:
HCA
! O'Bryant ! Orchard Gardens K-8 Perkins
K-8
Excel HS
Timilty
(9-10)
7-12
MS
! BDEA
!
West Zone ELC
Mason
!
!
! Hale
Hennigan K-8!
Higginson/
! Clap
Dudley St
JF Kennedy !
! Lewis K-8 ! NCS
!
Russell
Higginson
McCormack MS
Boston Latin
Curley K-8 !
!!
(K-2)
Mendell
!!
Academy ! Winthrop
!
Dever
!
! ! ! 7-12 Haynes EEC
!
Greater ! Ellis Trotter
Everett
!
!
Egleston HS Hernndez K-8
! King K-8
K-8
Frederick MS
!
!
!
Dearborn MS
! Mather
Muiz Academy
Holland
Community
!
!!
!
!
Mission Hill K-8 !
!
! Academy
!
Burke HS
!
English
Manning
UP Academy
HS
of Dorchester
! CASH
!
Dorchester Academy
!
S.
Greenwood
BTU Pilot
Holmes
K-8
!
!
School K-8
Henderson K-12
!
Lee School
!
(K0-4) !
Murphy
! K-8
K-8
!

Perry
K-8

!
!

Brookline

N. Dorchester

Jamaica Plain

Roxbury

Roslindale

Kilmer K-8
(Upper)
Lyndon K-8

!
!

Mozart

Philbrick

!
!

Mattapan
Ave K-8

Mattahunt

Kilmer K-8
! (Lower)

! Kenny

Henderson K-12
(5-12)

Taylor

!
Chittick
E. Greenwood

!
!
!

Beethoven (K1-2)

Lee
!Academy (K0 -1)
BIHS/
Newcomers Acad

! Mildred

P.A.
Shaw

Young
Achievers K-8

Conley

Bates

TechBoston

Irving MS

W. Roxbury

S. Dorchester

Haley K-8

Sumner

W. Roxbury EC:
W. Roxbury Academy
Urban Science Academy

Ohrenberger (3-8)

Grew

!
Channing

! ELC/EEC
! K-5
! K-8
Quincy
! K-12
! Middle School
! 6/7-12
! High School
! SpecialBraintree

Hyde Park EC:

BCLA
New Mission HS

!
Rogers MS

Hyde Park
Roosevelt
K-8 (Upper)

Dedham

Legend

Ellison/Parks ELC

Milton

!
Roosevelt
K-8 (Lower)

Westwood

Boston Public Schools

SY 2014 - 2015

0 0.20.4

0.8
Miles

BPS Strategic Planning

Updated January 10, 2014

BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 20142015

Schools by Grade Span

The BPS has 128 schools.
1

Pilot School (20)

Early Ed.
(5)

Elem., K5
(43)

Baldwin ELC 1
(K01)
East Boston EEC
(K01)
Ellison/Parks EES
(K03)
Haynes EEC
(K01)
West Zone ELC
(K11)

Adams
Alighieri
Montessori
(K0-4)
Bates
Beethoven (K1-2)
Blackstone 3
Bradley
Channing
Chittick
Clap Innovation 3
Condon
Conley
Dever
Dudley St.
Neighborhood
Charter (K1-3) 2
Ellis
Everett
Greenwood, E.
Grew
Guild
Hale
Harvard/Kent
Holmes
Kennedy, J. F. 3
Kennedy, P. J.
Kenny
Manning
Mason 1
Mather
Mattahunt
Mendell
Mozart
O'Donnell
Otis
Perkins
Philbrick
Quincy
Russell
Shaw, P. A.
Sumner
Taylor
Tynan
UP Academy
Holland
Winship
Winthrop

Elem/Mid., K8
(31)
BTU School 1
Curley
Edison
Eliot 3
Gardner 1
Greenwood, S.
Haley (K0-7) 1
Hennigan (K2-6)
Hernndez
Higginson/Lewis
Hurley
Jackson/Mann
Kilmer
King
Lee
Lyndon 1
Lyon
McKay
Mildred Ave.
(K2, 4-8)
Mission Hill 1
Murphy
Ohrenberger (3-8)
Orchard
Gardens 1
Perry
Roosevelt
Tobin
Trotter (K-6) 3
Umana Academy
UP Academy
Dorchester
(K1-6) 2
Warren/Prescott
Young
Achievers 1

Horace Mann Charter School (6)

Middle, 68
(7)
Edwards
Frederick 1
Irving
McCormack
Rogers
Timilty
UP Academy
Boston 2

Middle/High,
612
(4)
Boston Green
Academy
(6, 9-12) 2
Dearborn (6-10)
Quincy Upper 1
TechBoston
Academy 1

Elem./Mid./High,
K12
(1)
Henderson
Inclusion 3

High, 912
(24)

3 Innovation

School (8)

Exam, 712
(3)

ACC 1
Boston Latin
Boston Adult Tech
Academy
Academy
Boston Latin
(BATA)
School
(ages 20-22)
O'Bryant School of
Boston Arts Acad 1
Math & Science
Boston Community
Leadership
Acad (BCLA) 1
Boston Day &
Evening Acad 2
Boston
International
(English
language
learners)
Brighton
Burke
Charlestown
Community Acad
of Science and
Health (CASH)
Dorchester Acad
East Boston
English
Excel
Fenway 1
Greater Egleston 1
(10-12)
Kennedy Academy
for Health
Careers 2
Lyon High 1
Madison Park
Tech Voc 3
Muiz Academy
(9-11) 3
New Mission 1
Snowden
Urban Science
Academy
West Roxbury
Academy

Page 37

Special Ed., K12

(8)
Carter Development Center
Higginson (K0-2)
Horace Mann
School for the
Deaf and Hard
of Hearing
Lee Academy
(K0-1) 1
McKinley Schools
(4):
McK. Elem.
McK. Middle
McK. Prep HS
McK. South End
Academy

Alternative
(2)
Community
Academy
Middle School
Academy

BOSTON
Public Schools

Focus on Children
Network A (K8)

School Organization 2014-2015

Network B (K8)

Network C (K8)

Network D (K8)

Network E (K8)

Network F (K8)

Network Supt.: Margarita Ruiz

DNA: Glenda Coln
OL: Dacia Campbell, 617-635-6662
SA: Tonya Jordan, 617-635-9289

Network Supt.: Marice Edouard-Vincent

DNA: Stephen Ly
OL: Diego Alvarado, 617-635-6711
SA: Tonya Jordan, 617-635-9289

Network Supt.: Ed Lee

DNA: Christine Cronin
OL: Jose Duarte, 617-635-6988
SA: Tonya Jordan, 617-635-9289

Network Supt.: Cheryl Watson-Harris

DNA: Brandon Slaughter
OL: Rayna Briceno , 617-635-9182
SA: Jenelle Lawson, 617-635-6073

Network Supt.: Albert Taylor Jr.

DNA: Christine Connolly
OL: Ann Callahan, 617-635-6617
SA: June Ramjattan, 617-635-7773

Network Supt.: Drew Echelson

DNA: Catarina daSilva
OL: Monique Carter , 617-635-6516
SA: Jenelle Lawson, 617-635-6073

Adams Elementary
Alighieri Montessori
Bradley Elementary
East Boston EEC
Edwards Middle
Eliot K-8
Guild Elementary
Harvard/Kent Elementary
Kennedy, P. J. Elementary
McKay K-8
ODonnell Elementary
Otis Elementary
Quincy Elementary
Umana Academy K-8
Warren/Prescott K-8

Blackstone Elementary
Carter Development Center
Dudley Street Neighborhood Charter
Ellis Elementary
Hale Elementary
Haynes EEC
Higginson K0-2
Higginson/Lewis K-8
Hurley K-8
King K-8
Mason Elementary
Mendell Elementary
Orchard Gardens K-8
Timilty Middle
Trotter K-6
Winthrop Elementary

Clap Innovation School

Condon Elementary
Dever Elementary
Everett Elementary
Frederick Middle
Holmes Elementary
McCormack Middle
Middle School Academy
Perkins Elementary
Perry K-8
Russell Elementary
Tynan Elementary
UP Academy Boston
UP Academy Dorchester
UP Academy Holland

Baldwin Pilot ELA

Boston Teachers Union (BTU) K-8
Curley K-8
Edison K-8
Gardner Pilot Academy K-8
Hennigan K-6
Horace Mann Sch for Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Jackson/Mann K-8
Kennedy, J. F. Elementary
Lyon K-8
Manning Elementary
McKinley Elementary and MIddle
Mission Hill K-8
Tobin K-8
West Zone ELC
Winship Elementary

Bates Elementary
Beethoven Elementary
Channing Elementary
Chittick Elementary
Conley Elementary
Grew Elementary
Haley K-7
Irving Middle
Kilmer K-8
Lyndon K-8
Mattahunt Elementary
Mozart Elementary
Ohrenberger 3-8
Philbrick Elementary
Rogers Middle
Roosevelt K-8
Sumner Elementary

Ellison/Parks Early Ed. School

Greenwood, E. Leadership Academy
Greenwood, Sarah K-8
Henderson Inclusion, K-12
Hernndez K-8
Kenny Elementary
Lee Academy at the Fifield
Lee K-8
Mather Elementary
Mildred Avenue
Murphy K-8
Shaw Elementary
Taylor Elementary
Young Achievers K-8

Network G (High Schools)

Network Supt.: Mary Skipper
DNA: Karin Kell Deyo
DES: Norman Townsend
Another Course to College
Boston Adult Tech. Academy
Boston Arts Academy
Boston Community Leadership Acad.
Boston Day & Evening Academy
Boston Green Academy (6, 9-12)
Boston International HS
Boston Latin Academy
Boston Latin School
Brighton High
Burke High
Charlestown High
Comm. Acad. Sci. Health
Community Academy
Dearborn (6-10)
Dorchester Academy
East Boston High
English High

OL: Robert Kleiman, 617-635-8253

SA: June Ramjattan, 617-635-7773
Excel High
Fenway High
Greater Egleston High
Kennedy Acad. for Health Careers
Lyon 9-12
Madison Park Tech Voc High School
Margarita Muiz Academy
McKinley Prep High School
McKinley South End Academy
New Mission High
Newcomers Academy
OBryant Math & Science
Quincy Upper (6-12) (IB)
Snowden International (IB)
TechBoston Academy (6-12)
Urban Science Academy
West Roxbury Academy

DNA
DES
OL
SA

Director of Network Academics

Director of Educational Services (Network G)
Operational Leader
Staff Assistant

IB

Exam School (3)

Horace Mann (in-district) Charter School (6)
Innovation School (8)
Pilot School (20)
International Baccalaureate Program (2)

Adult Education
Re-Engagement Center
EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS
Executive Director: Freddy Fuentes
SA: Vivian Furtado, 617-635-8035
Programs not located in BPS buildings:
ABCD University High School
College Bound Middle School
Dorchester Youth Alternative
EDCO Youth Alternative
Ostiguy High School
St. Marys Alternative School

Produced by the BPS Communications Office

communications@bostonpublicschools.org
617-635-9265
Revised September 4, 2014

20142015 DISTRICT CALENDAR

August 19-21 ........................New Teacher Institute:
First-year teachers report
September 1 ..........................Labor Day: No school
September 2-3 ........... All teachers and paras report
September 4 .......... Students in grades 1-12 report,
including grade 1 in ELCs and EECs:
Full day of school
September 8 ......... All kindergarten students report
(including EECs, ELCs, and special ed.)
October 13 ...Columbus Day (observed): No school
November 11 ................... Veterans Day: No school
November 26 .... Early release for students and staff
November 2728 .. Thanksgiving Recess: No school
December 2431 ............ Winter Recess: No school
January 1......New Years Day (observed): No school
January 2.................... All teachers and paras report

January 5...................... Students return from recess

January 19.................M. L. King Jr. Day: No school
February 16 ................... Presidents Day: No school
February 1720 ............ February Recess: No school
February 23 .................. Students return from recess
March 17 ....................... Evacuation Day: No school
April 3 ................................ Good Friday: No school
April 20 ..............................Patriots Day: No school
April 21-24 .......................Spring Recess: No school
April 27 ........................ Students return from recess
May 25 ...........Memorial Day (observed): No school
June 4 ........................................Last day for seniors
June 17 ......................... Bunker Hill Day: No school
June 18 (or day 179) ........ Early release for students
June 19 (or day 180) ...................Last day of school:
Early release for students

SEPTEMBER 2014
S

June 19 is the 180th school day, if no days are lost

due to cancellations.
June 26 is the 185th day required for calendar
purposes.
No graduation program should be scheduled
before June 4, 2015.
All BPS offices and Welcome Centers closed.
School cancelled due to inclement weather.

Major Religious & Cultural Holidays

Sept. 2526Rosh Hashanah
Oct. 4* ............ Yom Kippur
Oct. 4* ............ Eid al-Adha
Oct. 23......... Diwali begins
Nov. 27 .........Thanksgiving
Dec. 17-24 ........ Hanukkah
Dec. 25 .............. Christmas
Dec. 26Jan. 1 .....Kwanzaa
Jan. 1 ........ New Years Day
Jan. 6 ...... Three Kings Day
Feb. 19 .....Lunar New Year

Observance of Jewish and Islamic holidays begins at

sundown of the preceding day. * Estimated

OCTOBER 2014

Th

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

12

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

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NOVEMBER 2014

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26

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23
30

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DECEMBER 2014

Apr. 3 ......... Good Friday

Apr. 4* ..Passover begins
Apr. 5 ................... Easter
Apr. 10 ............Orthodox
Holy Friday
Apr. 12 . Orthodox Easter
May 10 .......Mothers Day
June 18* ......... Ramadan
begins
June 21 ....... Fathers Day
Aug. 9* ........... Eid al-Fitr

Th

FEBRUARY 2015

Th

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MARCH 2015

JANUARY 2015
T

APRIL 2015

MAY 2015

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25

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22

23

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24
31

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JUNE 2015

JULY 2015

Th

AUGUST 2015

Th

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18

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31

25

26

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29

16
17
23
24
30
31

Extenuating circumstances and/or inclement weather may necessitate changes to the calendar during the year.
Visit www.bostonpublicschools.org for current information.
Produced by the Boston Public Schools Communications Office | February 25, 2014

Tips%for%Effective%Classroom%Management!
Adapted$from$Ten$Tips$for$Classroom$Management,$available$at$www.edutopia.org$$
$

Build%
Community

Building!caring!relationships!with!students!is!the!cornerstone!of!good!classroom!
management.!Building!these!relationshipsteacher7student,!student7student,!
classroom7communityand!creating!the!time!and!space!to!do!so!can!make!or!break!
a!classroom.!Get!to!know!your!students!individually,!and!by!name.!Teachers!and!
students!should!begin!learning!one!anothers!names!the!first!day!of!class!and!should!
be!able!to!address!one!another!by!name!within!two!weeks.!Becoming!a!community!
inevitably!leads!to!more!empathy!and!understanding!and,!ultimately,!caring!
relationships!with!a!lot!less!classroom!conflict.%

%
The!right!physical!environment!helps!create!a!positive!learning!community.!When!
students!walk!into!a!classroom,!they!should!have!easy!access!to!organized!supplies!
and!materials.!Moving!desks!and!trying!different!seating!configurations!can!also!
create!a!more!friendly!setting!thats!better!suited!for!collaboration.!This!may!make!
your!classroom!a!bit!louder,!but!it!helps!grow!a!community!of!learners!a!lot!more!
quickly!than!rows!of!desks!facing!the!front!of!the!class.!

Design%a%Safe,%
Well9Managed%
Classroom%
Environment

Include%
Students%in%
Creating%Rules,%
Norms,%and%
Consequences

When!establishing!rules!and!routines,!its!crucial!that!students!both!understand!
what!the!expectations!are,!and!the!why!behind!them.!Students!should!contribute!
to!creating!these!rules!and!norms,!with!the!teacher!facilitating!and!guiding!the!
process.!As!a!result,!students!have!full!ownership!in!what!has!been!decided!around!
class!norms,!expectations,!and!consequences.!Start!by!asking!kids!to!brainstorm!
about!all!the!things!they!see,!feel,!and!hear!in!a!classroom!that!make!them!feel!
comfortable,!safe,!and!happy.!Then,!as!a!whole!class,!and!then!decide!on!rules,!
routines,!and!consequences!together.!!

When!youre!talking!with!the!whole!class,!use!phrases!that!are!empowering!rather!
than!defeating,!accusatory,!or!negative.!As!teachers,!we!must!continually!model!the!
behaviorsand!languagewe!wish!to!see!in!the!children!we!teach.!Students!also!
grow!emotionally!and!socially!as!they!share!their!intellectual!thoughts!and!ideas!
with!one!another.!Explicitly!integrate!as!much!time!for!this!as!possible,!through!such!
activities!as!think7pair7share,!talking7triads,!tea!parties,!and!Socratic!seminars.!When!
it!comes!to!student!groups,!be!mindful!to!mix!them!up!frequently!to!prevent!cliques!
from!forming.!$

Always%Be%
Calm,%Fair,%and%
Consistent

Create%a%
Variety%of%
Communication%
Channels

Trust!is!essential!to!a!functioning!classroom.!Without!it,!classroom!management!is!
nearly!impossible,!as!is!building!relationships!with!students.!A!calm,!fair,!and!
consistent!teacher!is!a!trusted!one.!Always!keep!a!calm!and!steady!demeanor,!even!
if!your!head!and!heart!are!telling!you!to!act!differently.!(Dont!ever!match!a!childs!
rage,!sarcasm,!or!anger.)!Kids!do!not!trust!reactive!teachers,!and!often!they!dont!
respect!them.!While!you!are!teaching,!you!should!be!demonstrating!compassion,!
caring,!patience,!and!self7control!every!chance!you!get,!as!students!watch,!listen,!
learn,!and!then!repeat!the!behaviors!they!see.

%
!
BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)$

%
When!you!start!by!looking!at!your!own!background!(economics,!culture,!education,!
and!gender),!you!will!be!able!to!acknowledge!the!lens!through!which!you!view!your!
students.!For!example,!if!you!grew!up!middle!class!but!teach!students!whose!
families!live!mainly!below!the!poverty!line,!take!time!to!learn!about!their!specific!
challenges.!The!Education!Alliance!has!produced!an!online!guide!to!culturally!
responsive!teaching:!http://www.alliance.brown.edu/tdl/tl7strategies/crt7
principles.shtml.!When!we!do!our!best!to!exhibit!all!of!these!qualities,!we!are!
including!all!children,!especially!those!we!most!struggle!to!understand.!

Know%the%
Students%
You%Teach

Address%
Conflict%Quickly%
and%Wisely

Dont!let!conflict!fester.!That!means!you!should!be!sure!to!address!an!issue!between!
you!and!a!student!or!between!two!students!as!quickly!as!possible.!Bad!feelingson!
your!part!or!the!studentscan!so!quickly!grow!from!molehills!into!mountains.!
When!students!have!conflicts!with!each!other,!remain!neutral.!Use!neutral!language!
as!you!act!as!a!mediator!to!help!them!resolve!the!problem!peacefully.!Educators!for!
Social!Responsibilities!maintain!an!Online!Teacher!Center!with!a!variety!of!resources!
and!classroom7ready!materials!that!focus!on!resolving!conflict:!
http://www.esrnational.org/otc.!!

Its!more!common!in!elementary!grades!that!the!day!will!begin!with!a!community7
building!activity,!but!getting!off!to!a!good!start!is!important!at!all!ages.!You!can!start!
the!class!by!asking!for!a!few!volunteers!to!share!something!good!that!has!happened!
to!them!at!home!or!at!school.!Or!ask!students!to!say!one!word!that!describes!how!
they!are!feeling!today.!Start!with!a!volunteer!and!then!whip!around!the!room.!
Positive!rituals!and!community!building!activities!will!bring!you!and!your!students!
together.!

Integrate%
Positive%
Classroom%
Rituals

Keep%It%
Real

Children!are!not!just!empty!vessels!waiting!to!be!filled!with!information.!All!learners!
offer!a!wealth!of!prior!knowledgeconventional!and!unconventionalfor!the!
teacher!to!build!on.!Teachers!should!encourage!students!to!actively!construct!new!
ideas!based!upon!their!current!and!prior!knowledge,!and!what!is!real!to!them!in!
their!day7to7day!lives.!Using!big,!overarching!essential!questions!will!help!connect!
learning!with!the!lives!of!your!students.!Authentic!assessmentusing!the!kind!of!
tasks!students!might!be!required!to!do!if!they!were!actually!working!in!the!field!of!
studyis!another!way!of!making!learning!real!for!students.

BPS$Visual$&$Performing$Arts$Department:$Guide$to$Effective$Partnerships,$2014C2015$(October$2014)$