Day 2 - Computer Science for ALL in MA Public Schools - Dr. Conti, Superintendent of Schools

Superintendents across Public School Districts in Massachusetts are working together to expand, and in some cases introduce, computer science as a foundational skill for all students.  Our efforts, through our state organization – The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) – do not mean we are attempting to limit creativity or forget other content, especially the arts.  What we believe is that contributing citizens will require a general knowledge of computer science in order to be successful in 2018 and beyond.  We also believe that we are in a 50 state competition to create the skilled workforce needed to fill unfilled jobs and to drive the state’s knowledge-based economy.  

Massachusetts has already adopted Digital Literacy and Computer Science Standards for districts to follow.  Even our skilled tradespeople will be working alongside robots needing programming. Local investment in expanding computer science education will only strengthen the Massachusetts Economy, bolster local revenues, and, most importantly, help children have better futures as adults.

Superintendents are not alone in our efforts.  Governor Baker with Secretary Peyser, the business community, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, MA Higher Education, and The MA Computer Attainment Network (MassCAN) are partnering with us.  All together we hope to make Massachusetts Public Schools the leader in computer science education in addition to maintaining our first-in-the-nation ranking on existing academic measures.  

Day 91 - An Open Letter to Students - Dr. Conti - Superintendent of Schools

This post first appeared on Dr. Conti's Blog 

An Open Letter to Burlington Students:

It is hard not to hear many adult conversations and see news reports around you regarding the recent restrictions on immigration.  Many people are struggling with questions of belonging.  Some question if everyone belongs and whether we can be safe.  Please be assured that all of you belong in the Burlington Schools.  Our commitment to educating all of you has never been more unyielding and important.

In my opinion, adults simply need to look inside our classrooms and learn from you.  I see classrooms where everyone is accepted regardless of faith, culture, ability, economic standing, and other differences.  You all believe in the best of your classmates and their intentions.  What you may not realize is that these lessons have been at the heart of public schools for a long time.

A part of the answer to the question of who belongs in public school can be seen in the Supreme Court’s decision of Plyler v. Doe (1982).  In Plyler, the Supreme Court determined that children belong in our public schools no matter how the children came to live in a community.  In other words, a child’s immigration status is not relevant.  You are all learners first.  If you live in Burlington, you are welcome in school.  You belong in school.  You are safe in school.  You are loved in school.

Moreover, nearly 75 years prior to the Plyler decision, John Dewey, a great American philosopher, psychologist and educational reformer, said:

“The intermingling in the school of youth of different races, differing religions, and unlike customs creates for all a new and broader environment. Common subject matter accustoms all to a unity of outlook upon a broader horizon than is visible to the members of any group while it is isolated. The assimilative force of the American public school is eloquent testimony to the efficacy of the common and balanced appeal.”

― John Dewey, Democracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education

Please know that all of you belong, and together in Burlington, we are creating a broader horizon for everyone.

Thank you, Eric Conti  

Day 83 - Mr. Marino’s Science Show Pilot - Dr. Conti - Superintendent of Schools

This post first appeared on Dr. Conti's Blog

Mr. Marino’s Science Show Pilot provides a glimpse into his middle school classroom.  What a great example of engaged learning.   Thank you Mr. Marino.

Our emphasis continues to be on creating engaging instruction across all levels of the district.  Mr. Marino’s efforts well represent the efforts of all of our talented teachers.  The planning and preparation of creating engaging lessons and opportunities for personalized learning can often go unrecognized.  In other words, like all talented professionals, our teachers make this work seem effortless.

A teacher’s time with students is only a small part of the job.

Day 1 - First Day 2014 - Eric Conti, Burlington Public Schools Superintendent

This post first appeared on Dr. Conti's Blog

The first day is always filled with excitement and lots of smiles.  Burlington students are fortunate to oftentimes be picked up by the same driver for their entire career at a particular level.  The familiarity and the comfort of the students and parents is evident on my ride with Dottie Yeadon.  She and I often comment that largest smiles at the stops on the first day are always on the parents.

Thank you to all of our bus drivers from A&F Transportation.  The school day starts when students step on the bus.

Day 1 - Riding With Dottie (Part 5) - Eric Conti, Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Conti and Dottie

This post originally appeared on Dr. Conti's Blog 

You can also follow Dr. Conti on Twitter - @EricConti

I am always excited the first day of school. While not every student outwardly shares my enthusiasm, I know that inside they can’t wait to see their friends and to get back to school. The only other group that is happier for the start of the school year is the parents. The smiles on the faces of parents at the bus stops are priceless.

The opening day bus ride also reminds me of one of the many special characteristics of Burlington. There are countless school districts who operate with anonymous bus drivers. Clearly, Burlington parents prefer celebrity bus drivers. Drivers like Dottie are an important start and end to the first day back as well as every day that follows.

Thank you to A&F Bus Company and drivers like Dottie for another successful first day.