Education

Marty recognizes that our economy depends on a well-educated workforce, and she’s working to ensure that all children have the educational opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

She was the primary architect of An Act Relative to the Achievement Gap. This reform provides educators and communities with tools to make sure students receive the education they deserve. It will lead to the deep and disruptive changes needed to end the state’s persistent achievement gap. It also establishes Innovation Schools, in-district charter schools that give local districts more flexibility in meeting the state’s high education standards.

Marty wrote the nation’s most comprehensive anti-bullying law. It requires strong action when bullying occurs—including notice to police departments when warranted. It requires schools to do much more to prevent bullying by, among other things, offering parents instruction on recognizing and stopping the problem, especially online. The law also recognizes that autistic children are especially vulnerable to bullying and mandates that each child’s Individualized Education Program include skill building so they learn how to deal with bullies. Marty was named 2010 “Legislator of the Year” by Advocates for Autism Massachusetts.

Marty wants Massachusetts to be in the forefront of using computers and the Internet to change where, when, and how students learn. She included virtual schools in the Education Reform law and will continue to push for more of these schools, because not all students are reaching their potential in traditional schools.

Marty fights for adequate funding for early childhood education and K-12 schools. Marty knows that more funding isn’t a panacea, which is why she also supports longer school days and a longer school year. Children need more time to learn, and teachers require more time for professional development so they can provide the high-quality education our children need.

Marty and her colleagues approved a $2.2 billion capital bond bill for the commonwealth’s public higher education system. Not only will this lead to a better learning environment, it will also free up operating funds currently used for building repair and improvement.