Last month Education Reform Now released their report “No Commencement for the Commonwealth” and as usual in the world of public education — the news is not good for black or latino families in Massachusetts. (This was a perfect cover, because reading yet another analysis about how the system is screwing my kids gave me a damn headache.) Commonwealth Magazine…
MPU Parent Spotlight: Chhunlay Heng of Lowell!
Chhunlay Heng, a 78 year old Lowell resident, has been an active member of Massachusetts Parents United since December of 2017. Originally from Cambodia and a proud father to 8 children, Chhunlay has spent his spare time learning English, volunteering for community organizations, and most importantly, working with his neighbors to bring to light critical issues affecting the wellbeing and…
You Get What You Get, And You Don’t Get Upset: Life as a Special Ed Mom
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked why I’m so hard on our public education system — and why I’m so adamant about parent choice. The truth is, the system has made me this way. Although I have a long and storied reputation as the Cruella deVille of Public Education and the Queen of Charter Schools in…
Parent Spotlight: MPU Champion Marta Rentas is a fighter for families!
This week we are excited to highlight our MPU Parent Champion, Marta Rentas! “I was surprised and so happy to learn of this recognition. I do what I do because I love it. I love to help other parents.” An active member of MA Parents United Lawrence Chapter, Marta advocates for quality education and safe communities. Recruited by Altagracia Mayi…
Massachusetts Charter Schools are Producing Some Serious Troublemakers
… passionate, inspired and beautiful troublemakers. This week, the Massachusetts High School Democrats selected Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School senior Keith Chatinover for the High School Activist of the Year Award. This award is being given out by the Massachusetts High School Democrats for Keith’s tremendous work to conserve the environment and educate about environmental issues. His work is being…
The Truth About Massachusetts Charter Schools: A First-Hand Perspective
By Reily Connaughton, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, Master of Public Policy, Class of 2018 In 2016, Massachusetts education advocates were divided over a ballot question that would have lifted the cap on the number of charter schools sanctioned by the Commonwealth. Throughout the campaign many voters and organizers became disillusioned with the level of debate. The truth was stretched, allies…
Breakfast After the Bell: Don’t pass up a chance to do the right thing for kids
Last week a critical report card was released, one that inspired hope — but also gave me pause about significant challenges that still lie ahead. No — it wasn’t a report card for one my three boys — but instead the Massachusetts School Breakfast Report Card, “Ending Hunger in Our Classrooms,” that outlines how Breakfast After the Bell initiatives are…
MPU Parent Voices: We’re on the Move
By Rodolfo Aguilar, MPU Parent Leader When we talk about public education in Massachusetts, Governor Baker is proud that we are rank among the top states with improved scores in math, science and language, the statement is true but falls short in describing that there are two types of public education, the suburban public education where schools are better equipped…
Padres Unidos en Massachusetts: Estamos en movimiento!
Cuando hablamos de educación pública en Massachusetts, el Gobernador Baker se enorgullece de que estamos entre los primeros estados con puntajes mejorados en matemáticas, ciencia y lenguaje, la afirmación es cierta, pero no llega a describir que hay dos tipos de educación pública, la educación pública suburbana donde las escuelas están mejor equipadas y los estudiantes obtienen una educación de…
Here Comes the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss
The Massachusetts Teachers Association elected a “new” president in Boston this weekend — former Concord Teachers Association President and Barbara Madeloni-anointed-candidate, Merrie Najimy. So now what? Let’s dig in. A faithful lieutenant to Madeloni, Najami lost her bid to become Madeloni’s #2 two years ago to Erik Champy. This year Najimy bested him for the MTA’s top spot by about…