Innovative Strategies and Policies for the 2nd Suffolk District Public Schools

Introduction

Public education needs “Transformational” changes. Too often, students are left behind because their schools do not have the resources they need to thrive. The 2^nd Suffolk District school system is not meeting the needs of its diverse student population as it continues to fail to address the core curriculum and provide equitable resources for all students. We need a leader in the Senate Seat with experience in this area who is committed to ensuring that all children in the 2nd Suffolk District have the opportunity to get a quality education equivalent to the more affluent districts.

The Systematic Problems

The public school system in the 2nd Suffolk district has, rightly so, been accused of not providing quality education to its students. The educational system has failed to meet the needs of these students, especially those with special needs.  Additionally, it is failing to provide all students with a rigorous and interesting, yet challenging curriculum that will adequately prepare them for college or a career.  The lack of support and resources for students in this district has contributed to their poor academic performance and overall well-being.  This is a problem because without these adequate resources these students will continue to lag behind their peers in other districts because they are unable to learn and grow at the same rate as other districts.

There are many factors that contribute to why this district has low rankings. An example borrowed from the public records on the 2021 School Report Card for English High School located in Jamaica Plains, MA 02130, https://reportcards.doe.mass.edu/2021/00350535 serving grades 9-12 identifies this school with a disproportionately high number of students that are ‘economically disadvantaged’ within the school, itself, and within the district compared to the state of Massachusetts.   ‘Economically Disadvantaged’ could be considered as code words meaning there are more minority (low-income black & brown) students than white students enrolled in this district. This might be the root cause of why there are a lack of resources within most schools in this district.

 

The Impacts

The 2nd Suffolk District has been ranked as one of the worst districts in Massachusetts, and this is a problem because it is not just an issue with the schools in this district, but also with how these students are being educated for the sustainability of their futures.  The curricula is outdated, and the schools are not up to date with the latest teaching methods or technologies. 

The schools in this district have been found to be unsafe for the students. There has been an increase in bullying and harassment among the students. The lack of a proper curriculum is also an issue with these schools because the schools are not only not getting enough funding but also the curriculums need an overhaul so good money will not be thrown at ineffective curriculums that do not hold the interests of the students. 

 

 

This school district has a high rate of student absenteeism, which is a sign of poor student engagement in the classroom and an indication that the district’s curriculum is not engaging enough to keep students engaged.  The district’s low-income population also impacts its ability the students’ ability to learn, as these children are more likely to experience difficult life circumstances like hunger or homelessness.  These reasons and others may be why there has been very low graduation rates (dropout rates) within the school and within the district when compared to the state of Massachusetts.

 

Solutions

In the 2nd Suffolk District, public schools are not as effective as private schools. The district is mostly composed of low-income families and has a high percentage of students with learning disabilities.  Other related issues reportedly plaguing the 2^nd Suffolk District include:

The schools in this district do not have enough qualified teachers, they are understaffed, and they are not well-equipped to teach

their students. They also lack resources, such as textbooks and other teaching materials.

These schools focus on standardized tests and ignore other aspects of a child’s development such as social skills, emotional

intelligence, and creativity especially because these children are dealing with so much more adversity in their daily lives.

 

In the 2nd Suffolk District, public schools are not as effective as private schools and those parents who can afford to put their children in private schools do so.  For those ‘economically disadvantaged’ students who must remain in the public school system, they need a say-so in how they can best remain engaged with the educational system.  Luckily, there is a White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans (and brown) that was created to strengthen the nation by improving educational outcomes for Black & Brown Americans of all ages to help ensure that this population would receive an education that prepares them for college and productive careers to contribute to the well-being of society.  If you haven’t guessed it by now, when black & brown students are not properly cared for in our society, it becomes a rippling effect where the whole society suffers the impacts.

The White House Initiative works with individuals and organizations throughout the country to highlight and share effective national and local programs, policies, and practices that support the development and success of Black & Brown students. Specifically, the Initiative highlights and mobilizes youth voices by providing platforms for Black & Brown youth to make recommendations on actions that can be taken to ensure all students feel and are safe, supported and engaged in schools, within in communities, and in life. 

To date, the Initiative (https://sites.ed.gov/whblackeducation/) has focused on the following three guiding principles:

To provide platforms for youth (and other impacted populations) to make recommendations regarding the policies, practices and

programs designed to accelerate learning and development,

To highlight people, programs and practices facilitating the learning and development of African Americans students; and

To serve as a liaison between and among communities supporting Black students of all ages.

 

In Conclusion

If I am elected for the State Senate seat, I will ensure our youths’ voices are heard on how they can best stay engaged in the public educational system and make legislative recommendations regarding Innovative Strategies and Policies, Practices, and New Programs designed to accelerate their learning and development.  My recommendations will include a wholistic solution that also ensures all students feel and are safe, supported and engaged in schools, within communities, and in life. 

 

James Grant

State Senate – 2^nd Suffolk District Candidat