"Engaging with Public Art"

Over the last decade, the common perception of street art has shifted. Murals once viewed as unlawful are now seen as revitalizing for many communities; however, putting paint on a wall can’t transform a crime ridden neighborhood or a struggling school all by itself. For sustainable impact, youth must forge meaningful connections with the art around them by interpreting symbolism, analyzing tone, characterizing the artist, and determining his or her point of view…

Learning in the digital age: Worcester schools prepare for new MCAS

In March, more than 1,800 third graders will take the computer-based English Language Arts MCAS test in Worcester for the very first time. Students as young as 9 will be expected to highlight, drag, drop, scroll, toggle and type their answers under high-pressure conditions, and Superintendent Maureen Binienda intends for students to be prepared…

Project-based learning from home

In over a decade as a public school teacher, I have never experienced a moment like this.

Sheer access to technology has been shifting what classrooms looked like in Massachusetts since long before the coronavirus. Now, ready or not, all stakeholders have been thrust into the digital learning space with the gentle grace of a flailing belly flop. Welcome to the future…