Pilot school agreements (Boston and Los Angeles)

In 1994, Boston Public Schools designed “pilot schools” in an effort to retain teachers and students after the Massachusetts Legislature passed a state chartering law in 1993. Under the pilot agreement, the BPS Superintendent delegates authority to pilot schools’ governing boards to try new and different means of improving teaching and learning in order to better serve at-risk urban students. The potential exists for the boards to put more decision-making in teachers’ hands. Some boards have done this in the years since, to varying degrees.

All Boston Pilot Schools take part in network led by Center for Collaborative Education. CCE provides schools with coordination support and assistance, including coaching services, professional development, advocacy, and research and evaluation. As part of this work, CCE developed the Five Conditions of Autonomy for schools.

In 2007, the United Teachers of Los Angeles and the surrounding community launched the Belmont Zone of Choice, modeled after Boston Pilot Schools (link to our section about). After initial success, UTLA “overwhelmingly” voted to expand the number of schools in 2009. In 2010 a new Kennedy Zone of Choice emerged.

School Sites

Another Course to College

To further engage students, teacher-created curriculum is encouraged and valued. An engaged teacher leads to engaged students. Giving teachers the freedom to craft their own curriculum, guided by the high expectations of the school’s college prep mission, helps create energy in the classroom, job ...

Boston Arts Academy

All academic curricula are developed by Arts Academy faculty working in cooperation with ProArts faculty and other outside resources with an eye to state and national standards. BAA sets its own calendar and operates on a four term, two semester schedule. Term and semester dates do not necessarily c...

Boston Day and Evening Academy

Boston Day and Evening Academy (BDEA) is a unique, innovative, year-round alternative public high school. It serves 350 students who are over-age for grade level and who are either at high risk for dropping out or have already dropped out of high school and are returning to earn a BPS diploma.

Boston Teachers Union School

The BTU School teaches a broad curriculum, with a focus on integrated, thematic units. Students receive instruction in English, mathematics, science, history, geography, Spanish language, the arts, and physical education.

Civitas School of Leadership

Unknown. The learning program was unclear in our interview, and E|E has not been able to reach the school for follow-up.

Fenway Pilot High School

Teachers develop their own lesson plans, projects and materials to give students “multiple points of entry” to the curriculum. In other words, teachers use different modes of instruction e.g., lecture, project-based learning, small group discussion, individual research and writing so that every ...

Mission Hill K-8 School

Learning program is based on John Dewey and W.E.B. Du Bois’ ideas that we learn from experiences. Learning is a continual process. We’re always learning, regardless of age. Focus is on how to foster opportunities for learning, leadership, and citizenship for both students and adults.

Other Belmont and Kennedy Zone of Choice Schools

UCLA Community School (UCS)

UCLA Community School is an innovative K-12 learning environment that prepares all students for college, work, and civic participation. The instructional program is community-based, learner-centered, and university-assisted. Building on the strengths of the local neighborhood, the school is bilingu...

Education|Evolving

Teachers as Owners