New charter schools would help close the achievement gap
October 13, 2015 | The Boston Globe
Massachusetts has some of the best public schools in the nation, but persistent achievement gaps offer stark evidence that far too many students are not benefiting from them. The desire of families to gain entrance to Commonwealth charter schools demonstrates how strongly they want an alternative to their traditional district schools.
New BPS superintendent Tommy Chang should be bold
July 2, 2015 | The Boston Globe
Boston Mayor Martin Walsh’s inauguration was 18 months ago, but the Walsh era in Boston Public Schools truly began this week with Dr. Tommy Chang’s first day as superintendent. As we stand on the threshold of this new period, it is time to put aside old ways in BPS and find the courage necessary to seek the profound changes our students deserve.
With receivership, there is opportunity for Holyoke schools
May 8, 2015 | The Republican
No one wants the state to come into a community to take control of local schools. There are times, however, when state intervention is the best outcome for children. For Holyoke, that time is now.
Ensuring privacy in the mailbox
January 25, 2015 | The Boston Globe
“We’re not seeing the full benefits of universal coverage because patients are afraid to use their insurance,” said president Marty Walz. We’re not seeing the full benefits of the Affordable Care Act either, which allows those under 26 to stay on parents’ plans.
Decline is good, yet disparities require solutions
December 27, 2014 | The Boston Globe
The declining teen birth rate in Massachusetts underscores the fact that young people make healthier choices when they can get accurate information about sexual health and a wide range of affordable birth control options, including long-acting reversible contraception