History

The Boston Public Schools has focused intently on school-based improvement efforts. The work of Boston school leaders and school-based leadership teams has focused on holding all students to high academic standards and organizing schools and the entire school system to provide the supports that students need to achieve these standards. Boston has been recognized nationally as one of the urban districts in the country with the most coherent and comprehensive improvement strategy that demonstrates results. To that end, Boston has realized steady improvements in student achievement and has made significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

At the beginning of Boston’s improvement effort, it identified the characteristics of schools that are effective in teaching urban students. Through analysis of effective urban schools and review of the effective schools literature, Boston has identified Seven Essentials of Whole School Improvement, which drive the school district's work. These Essentials have guided improvement efforts in schools and have shaped a reorganization of central resources to support schools.

Seven Essentials of Whole School Improvement

Core Essential: Effective instructional practice and a collaborative school climate lead to improved student learning.

Essential: Student work and data drive instruction and professional development.

Essential: Investments in professional development improve instruction.

Essential: Shared leadership sustains instructional improvement.

Essential: Effective resource use supports instructional improvement and improved student learning.

Essential: Schools partner with families and community to support student learning.

Essential: High levels of effectiveness, efficiency, and equity must be maintained in our operations.