Initiatives

Student Information System

A Student Information System (SIS) is a school district’s authoritative source of student data. Our current system is a homegrown amalgamation of 40+ mainframe, Visual Basic and Web-based application systems. The new SIS consists of a suite of software applications that integrate data and business functions across schools, departments, and offices. It will run off a single, authoritative data source to allow for individual departments and schools to easily and efficiently share information. Data collected via the SIS are vital to schools because it arms users with information needed to make informed decisions. Once implemented, it will make data management more accurate, convenient, and easier to access.

BostONEcard

In partnership with the City of Boston, we are piloting a single youth ID card, which serves as school ID, lunch card, library card, public transportation pass, and membership card. Expansion next year will benefit everyone:

• Standardized IDs across all 135 schools.
• Accurate and efficient electronic attendance tracking.
• Students only have to carry one card.
• Cost savings related to card materials, printing, distribution and replacement.

Our Code for America team plans to build on the One Card concept to create a network to incentivize positive engagement. Their plan is to make the card even more valuable by linking its use to discounts at museums, recreational activities and cultural sites.

Laptops for Learning (L4L)

Laptops for Learning (L4L) is a four-year, strategic initiative that provides full-time teachers with a state-of-the-art, dual-platform MacBook for instructional use in the classroom to support the district’s broader academic agenda and pathways to excellence to ensure that all students are college ready and success bound.

L4L establishes a solid technology foundation that teachers can depend on to engage students, differentiate instruction, and inspire learning.

21st Century Leadership Cadres

The 21st Century Leadership Cadres is a year long, hands-on professional development opportunity that enables teams of educators to explore a range of technology tools to advance teaching and learning. The impact of this professional development reaches beyond the Cadre participants as each team shares their learning with colleagues and students at their schools. Workshop content is designed and facilitated by the Office of Instructional and Information Technology and Apple Professional Development.

BPS Cyber Safety Campaign

The BPS is committed to bringing Internet safety strategies to the members of its community. The technology support teachers in every school are required this year to become Internet safety certified through i-SAFE, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the online experiences of youth everywhere.

Project Refresh

Project Refresh is the district's technology donation program that strengthens Boston's ability to put technology resources into the hands of teachers and students. By establishing new strategic partnerships with Boston's business community to acquire donated computers through annual commitments, Project Refresh augments BPS's efforts to create a sustainable computer lifecycle model that provides schools with updated technology tools to help all students meet high standards. Boston welcomes ongoing, annual commitments of recently refreshed computers and technology equipment from Boston businesses and community organizations.

LOG-ON Time: Learning On Line, Graduating ON Time for Underserved High School Students

The Boston Public Schools’ Learning On Line Graduating ON Time (LOG-ON Time) program provides underserved students who are at risk of dropping out with a unique opportunity to reach graduation by offering engaging, “anywhere-anytime” learning options that are individualized to meet the challenges these students face. Building on the successful implementation of BPS’ credit recovery program, and in alignment with the Mayor of Boston’s Community Learning Initiative, LOG-ON Time will leverage youth-centric 21st century skills and tools to turn students on to learning, engaging them in the process while providing flexibility to help ensure that they are college-ready and success bound. BPS’ LOG-ON Time program taps into a learning modality that is intuitive for youth and can revolutionize K12 classrooms by engaging students and teachers in a collaborative and interactive online learning experience that is necessary to succeed in today’s digital society.

Boston Live Wire Community Learning Project

The Boston Live Wire Learning Community project is an innovative, cross-sector approach to transform education by changing expectations of when and where students learn. The Boston Live Wire Learning Community project helps show an entire community -- schools, libraries, community centers and families – that when everyone works together toward common goals, they can help to improve academic achievement, promote creativity and deliver age-appropriate college and career readiness century skills.

Digital A-B-Cs for Early ELLs: Building Capacity in Schools to Infuse Instruction & Assessment with Technology to Support Young English Language Learners

Digital ABC for Early ELLs introduces technology resources and professional development into kindergarten through Grade 2 classes to enable teachers to administer baseline English language skills assessments at the time of district entry, prior to the first available MEPA. Early assessment will enable teachers to individualize lessons and differentiate instruction to meet the needs of limited English proficient (LEP) students, and prepare those students for success as they strive to meet grade level reading and writing requirements through online MEPA in later elementary grades. If successful, the project will a) raise achievement levels for ELL students and b) improve student technology skills for online MEPA testing by Grade 3.

To learn more about technology initiatives in the BPS, visit the OIIT Blog at: http://bostonpublic.blogspot.com.

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