Sunday, October 29, 2017

Town Council Recap: Vallee recognized for service

Town Councilor Bob Vallee was recognized for 30+ years of service foe Franklin. This was his last Council meeting as he choose to not run again. The recognition was left off the posted agenda so that Bob would participate in the meeting per Council Chair Matt Kelly.

Kelly presented a token of appreciation and mentioned that the Council members has chipped in to purchase a chair with the Town seal on it so he could watch future meetings.

All the councilors took turns in sharing a moment of recognition for Bob.

Representative Roy presented a proclamation from the MA House of Representatives.


Appointments


Two new members were appointed to the Cultural Council. One was present at the meeting, the other had a conflict.

Veterans Recognition

Veterans Agent Dale Kurtz presented three proclamations


1 - Recognition of Post 3402 for accomplishments and awards

2 - Recognition of Ernest Carruthers, Quartermaster of Post by both State and Federal VFW organizations

3 - Recognition of Lawrence P Bederian, Post Commander - All American Team Post Commander

There was also a presentation of a proposed Veterans Walk to be added to the Town Common. The Council was supportive so the formal proposal will come forward in a future meeting.


Arial view of the proposed walkway connecting Main St with Union around  the exiting memorial on the St Mary's side of the Town Common
Arial view of the proposed walkway connecting Main St with Union around
the exiting memorial on the St Mary's side of the Town Common

There were only a few items of legislation and all passed unanimously via roll call vote. Councilor Mercer was participating via remote phone connection.

Additional details from the meeting can be found in the links reported live on Wednesday. When the Town publishes the "Actions Taken" for the meeting, that will be added here as well.


Council Chair Matt Kelly and retiring Councilor Bob Vallee
Council Chair Matt Kelly and retiring Councilor Bob Vallee


Actions Taken

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_october_25_2017.pdf

Franklin Candidates - Facebook pages

The collection of candidate webpage (mostly Facebook) as compiled by Sarah Mabardy and the #voteFranklin group on Facebook.


Facebook



FHS girls cross country take Hockomock Championships, boys 2nd

FHS girls varsity cross country won the Hockomock Championships on Saturday at the Wrentham Developmental Center. The boys varsity team was second to Mansfield. The boys earlier this season handed Mansfield their first dual meet loss in 15 years.

The FHS girls JV team won. The FHS boys JV team was second (also to Mansfield).

The FHS girls frosh won (only 2 full teams entered). The FHS boys frosh won. 

Individual results can be found in the links below:


Hockomock Varsity girls
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/17/ma/Oct28_Hockom_set1.shtml

Hockomock Varsity boys
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/17/ma/Oct28_Hockom_set2.shtml

Hockomock Junior Varsity girls
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/17/ma/Oct28_Hockom_set3.shtml

Hockomock Junior Varsity boys
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/17/ma/Oct28_Hockom_set4.shtml

Hockomock Frosh girls
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/17/ma/Oct28_Hockom_set5.shtml

Hockomock Frosh boys
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/17/ma/Oct28_Hockom_set6.shtml


HockomockSports has published a photo gallery of the boys race
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Fall-2017/2017-Boys-Hockomock-Cross-Country-Championships/

and of the girls race
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Fall-2017/2017-Girls-Hockomock-Cross-Country-Championships-10-28-17/
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Manufacturing Caucus Hosts Second Annual Manufacturing Award Ceremony

Two area manufacturers, Dell Technologies and E.Parrella Company, Inc. (EPCO), each received a Manufacturer of the Year award at a State House ceremony on Tuesday. The companies were nominated by State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy and State Senator Karen E. Spilka.

The Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus hosted its Second annual Manufacturing award ceremony to recognize 53 manufacturers that are truly making it in Massachusetts. The ceremony honored the manufacturers and showcased their innovative and revolutionary manufacturing capabilities and products. The event included companies who make electronic storage systems, spheres, badges, network devices, bicycles, textiles, and even beer.

Lieutenant Governor Karyn E. Polito, Secretary of Housing & Economic Development Jay Ash, Senate President Stanley C. Rosenberg, and House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo offered remarks at the ceremony.

Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes more than 60 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees; encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources; and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors.

“The manufacturing sector in Massachusetts has gone through significant changes throughout our history but has always been able to adapt to the changing nature of our economy. The Senate has always shown our support through workforce development, investments in innovation, and job creation. The fifty-three award winners today are true leaders in our economy,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst).

“The House is proud to support workforce development programs, initiatives that weave together innovation industries with the manufacturing sector like the UMass Innovation Voucher program, and MassMEP,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “The manufacturers recognized today represent the lifeblood of Massachusetts’ economy. They’ve demonstrated that it’s possible to be an enduring force in their local communities while also working to ensure that manufacturing is a responsive, inclusive and dynamic sector. I thank them for their leadership and look forward to continued collaboration.”

“Manufacturers in Massachusetts create high-quality, high-value goods, and are at the forefront of adopting new technology and innovative production techniques,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Our administration is eager to continue working with employers, educational institutions and workforce development organizations to create a highly-skilled workforce, and partner with our colleagues in the legislature to support this critical industry.”

“We recognized 53 manufacturers who have had an impact on our economy, created jobs, and are contributing to the renaissance of manufacturing in our state by truly making it in Massachusetts,” said Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy (D - Franklin), House Chair of the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus. 

"Massachusetts is positioned to be number one in manufacturing in the United States, and these companies are all a large part of our success story. And I am delighted that we had the opportunity to honor them and showcase their innovative and revolutionary manufacturing capabilities and products.”

“Dell EMC and EPCO are shining examples of manufacturing innovation in our community, successfully creating exciting products and boosting our local economy,” said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Encouraging workforce development, job creation and innovation are important priorities for me as a legislator, and I thank these two companies for their leadership and partnership in these areas.”

(L to R) State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Pat Kent, and Paige Fetzer of Dell Technologies
(L to R) State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Pat Kent, and Paige Fetzer of Dell Technologies

Dell Technologies serves a key role in providing the essential infrastructure for organizations to build their digital future, transform IT and protect their most important asset, information. Dell employs over 1,200 employees in Franklin and close to 9,000 statewide. The company has added $2.2 billion GDP and has paid close to $1 billion to Massachusetts suppliers. In addition, its Massachusetts employees have donated $7.3 billion and volunteered 26,000 hours.

Franklin Lions collecting DVDs 4 Vets

DVDs 4 Vets
Help those who have proudly served our Country!
Honey Dew Donuts
East and West Central St locations
7 AM – 11 AM
Saturday November 11th, 2017

The idea to start DVDs 4 Vets came about on Veteran’s Day 2006. With daily reports of severely wounded soldiers returning from Iraq, many were unable to easily obtain the basic entertainment, most civilians take for granted, due to restrictive physical or economic hardships.

Your contribution of new and gently used DVDs will allow our vets to enjoy the same entertainment with their friends, families, and neighbors, while recovering and recuperating from injuries sustain fighting for our Freedom.

Sponsored by the
Franklin Lions
PO Box 3
Franklin, MA 02038
franklinmalions@gmail.com




Franklin Lions collecting DVDs 4 Vets
Franklin Lions collecting DVDs 4 Vets

Friends of the Poor Walk says "Thank you"

The 2017 St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk was held on September 30. We had over 60 enthusiastic participants and were fortunate to have had a short period of good weather from 9:00 - 11:00 on an otherwise gloomy day.

Due to the generosity of the participants and the generosity of those who used our donation envelopes, we were able to raise a total of $8176

All of these funds will be used to accomplish our goal of “Neighbors helping neighbors” to care for God’s people in need.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank everyone for their participation and contributions. We are so grateful to be able to reach out and help our friends in need.

Friends of the Poor Walk says "Thank you"
Friends of the Poor Walk says "Thank you"

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Police Halloween Party rescheduled for Tuesday - Oct 31

SPECIAL NOTICE! 

Due to the weather forecast for Sunday, the Halloween Party is being moved to TUESDAY OCTOBER 31st from 4 PM - 7 PM (still at the Police Station). 

Please share this so people know!





No word yet on the Pumpkins in the Park currently scheduled for Sunday has been CANCELED rather than move to Tuesday

Police Halloween Party rescheduled for Tuesday - Oct 31
Police Halloween Party rescheduled for Tuesday - Oct 31
updated 10/28/17 10:30 AM

Franklin Lions - Candy Drive - Saturday Nov 4

Candy, Candy, Candy, Candy, Candy, Candy!!

Donate Yours
To Our
Troops!!

Saturday November 4, 2017
VFW Hall
1034 Pond Street
Franklin, MA 02038
9 AM to 12 PM

Cards to our service men and woman are welcome!

Sponsored by the Franklin Lions





Franklin Lions - Candy Drive - Saturday Nov 4
Franklin Lions - Candy Drive - Saturday Nov 4

FHS football tops Weymouth, volleyball tops Feehan

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports results on Friday, Oct 27.


Football = Franklin, 26 @ Weymouth, 14 – Final
1st Quarter: (F) Jake Noviello 18-yard pass to Sean Leonard, Matt Zucco XP good.
2nd Quarter: (F) J. Noviello 65-yard pass to Jake Davis, M. Zucco XP good; (F) J. Noviello 16-yard pass to S. Leonard, XP failed.
3rd Quarter: (F) Sean Hofferty 3-yard rush, XP failed; (W) Weymouth 10-yard pass, XP good; (W) Weymouth 5-yard rush, XP good.
4th Quarter: No scoring.

Boys Soccer = King Philip, 1 @ Franklin, 1 – Final
– King Philip senior Larsen Keys headed in a cross from Anthony Bozza in the final minutes of play to help the Warriors pick up a point on the road.

Girls Soccer = Franklin, 0 @ King Philip, 5 – Final
– Chloe Layne scored a brace and Avery Snead had a goal and two assists to lead the Warriors to a big win in the season finale to clinch at least a share of the program’s first league title since 2002. Layne opened the scoring nine minutes into the game off a Snead assist and she added an unassisted goal four minutes after the break. Abby Baker knocked in a third off a Snead assist and then Snead scored on a 20-yard free kick for a 4-0 lead after 53 minutes. Ally Stanton scored the fifth on a first-time shot off an Emma Corcoran corner. KP coach Gary Pichel said, “The team is so excited to be champs after a 15-year drought!”

Field Hockey = King Philip, 3 @ Franklin, 0 – Final
– King Philip’s Claire Lawler scored a pair of goals in the first half and set up the third to help KP cap its Hock schedule with a win on the road. Lawler scored on a corner with 9:25 to play in the first from Nicole Conner, and then scored with 2:39 left in the half, again on a corner, on a pass from Dana Truini. Liz Furfari iced the game, taking a feed from Lawler with 15:29 to play. Franklin junior Christina Luccini made 10 saves in net, including a stop on a penalty stroke.

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 vs. Bishop Feehan, 2 – Final
– Franklin picked up wins in games one, three and five to edge off the visiting Shamrocks (25-17, 22-25, 25-21, 17-25, 15-13). Hailey Sanders and Meaghan Maguire each had eight kills apiece as well as two blocks, while Maggie Doyle chipped in with six kills and four blocks. Junior Lauren McGrath had 33 assists in the win, as well as four ace and two kills.


For all the other results around the Hockomock League on Friday
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-102717/


FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Milford Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Plans for the 28th Annual Auction Spectacular & Gourmet Dinner

The area’s largest community auction event returns for its 28th year as the Milford Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) prepares for its Annual MACC Auction and Gourmet Dinner. Scheduled for Saturday, November 4 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Milford Portuguese Club, 119 Prospect Heights in Milford, MA. 

The event includes both live and silent auctions, several chances to win prizes and a gourmet dinner featuring more than 40 area restaurants and eateries. The Annual Auction Spectacular is the MACC’s largest fundraiser, helping to advance the organization’s mission of fostering a positive business climate in the 10-town area it represents.

The MACC Auction Spectacular & Dinner Buffet draws more than 300 attendees each year. There, attendees enjoy a fast-paced evening bidding on items that range from the practical to the exotic. Popular auction items like a Zulu Nyala African Safari, autographed sports memorabilia and tickets to various professional sporting events will be back, as well as several new items. Included in this year’s offerings is a four-day stay at a Sonoma Wine Country winery as well as a five-day Cape Cod escape.

“There is such a huge range of items available to bid on. There’s definitely something for everyone whether you’re bidding on an item for yourself or one that you’ll give as gift,” said MACC president & CEO, Laura O’Callaghan. “It’s fun to watch folks bid against each other when there is an item they want and our auctioneer Dick Ferruci, multi-media account executive at Myfm 101.3, keeps everyone entertained throughout.”

The gourmet dinner buffet is a much anticipated part of the evening, featuring signature dishes from the area’s finest restaurants, eateries and local assisted living communities, along with a cash bar. Offering a spread from passed appetizers to carving stations and delicious entrees to desserts that satisfy any sweet tooth, the dinner buffet is a smorgasbord for every taste.

“Year after year the dinner buffet gets rave reviews! It’s a wonderful showcase of the depth of culinary talent we have in our area and we can’t thank our participating food donors enough,” O’Callaghan said.

The MACC’s Annual Auction Spectacular and Dinner Buffet is always a sold-out event and those interested in attending are reminded to reserve their seats now. A single ticket is $30, two or more ticket is $25 each and a reserved table of ten is - $225. Call the Milford Area Chamber of Commerce at 508.473.6700 or register online at MilfordChamber.org or http://bit.ly/2wMZYo1.

About the Milford Area Chamber of Commerce

For 90+ years, the Milford Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) has been the voice of business in a ten town area representing hundreds of businesses of all sizes and all industries in Bellingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, and Upton. By fostering a pro-business climate, the MACC helps to attract, retain and grow business while providing vital advocacy, engagement and connections for its membership. Visit MilfordChamber.org.

Annual MACC Auction and Gourmet Dinner
Annual MACC Auction and Gourmet Dinner

In the News: Berry costume drive success; planning rail trail connections to Boston

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The children at Boston Children’s hospital are geared up with hundreds of costumes and accessories for this Halloween, thanks to a costume drive at Berry Insurance. 
Berry was able to collect 300 costumes and accessories this year. Owner of Berry, Kaitlyn Pintarich, said that this is the business’ 11th and most successful year. In its 11-year-run, the business has collected more than 2,000 costumes, said Pintarich. 
“For me, I have four children, all who have been seen at Children’s at some point or another,” she said. “The work that they do there is just incredible. To be able to put a little bit of normalcy into (the patients’) lives when this time could be very scary for them in the hospital, it’s something you just can’t pass up.” 
In addition to the costumes, Berry also raised $1,400 in cash donations. The cash, she said, will be used to buy discount costumes after Halloween to keep the drive going. She also mentioned the business accepts donations all year round."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171027/costume-drive-by-franklin-business-howling-success



"If trail planner David Loutzenheiser had his way, an intrepid cyclist could jump on a bike in Milford and pedal safely to Boston on a network of greenways and rail trails. 
“I’ve been spending the last five years or more mapping the trails throughout the region,” Loutzenheiser told a crowd of MetroWest trail enthusiasts Friday morning. 
The ride to Boston will likely stay a dream a little longer, but, thanks to a new regional initiative, easy bicycle and foot travel through MetroWest is drawing closer to reality. 
Loutzenheiser and dozens of local trail experts gathered under a pavilion in Ashland State Park Friday to kick off the MetroWest Landline Project. The initiative, orchestrated by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and MetroWest Regional Collaborative, looks to close seven trail gaps in the region. Loutzenheiser will act as the chief project coordinator."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171027/initiative-to-close-trail-gaps-in-metrowest

  The SNETT in Franklin and Bellingham is not currently part of this plan
The SNETT in Franklin and Bellingham is not currently part of this plan

Friday, October 27, 2017

Don White goes solo for Circle of Friends Coffeehouse Show - Oct 28







Christine Lavin is unable to perform.
View this email in your browser
Don White

Oct 28th 8PM $25

We just found out that Christine Lavin is ill and will not be able to perform tomorrow night. Don White will be appearing solo. He is an excellent and hilarious performer on his own and we hope you will join us.

We are sorry for any inconvenience.  If you have already purchased tickets and would like a refund please reply to this email.

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Tickets for this shows are $25.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.
Upcoming Shows
Nov 4         Eric Schwartz
Nov 18       Richard Shindell
Dec 9         Winterbloom

Jan 6         Gretchen Peters
Jan 27       Seth Glier


Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA



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Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 10/27/17 - THU 11/2/17

FRIDAY 10/27/17
11am-1pm   Senior Center: Halloween Part @ Franklin Senior Center
12-6pm   LAST Franklin Farmers Market @ Town Common
3:30-5pm   Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza (registration required, ages 18 months-10 year olds) @ Franklin Recreation Dept.
4pm   Annual Franklin SEPAC Halloween Ride (must be registered in advance) @ Tangerini’s Farm in Millis
6-8pm   Math Spooky Open House @ Russian School of Mathematics
6:30pm-8pm   Spooky Games at the Y - Free event for all @ Franklin YMCA
7pm   Night of Spiritual Readings with Stephanie McBride @ Franklin Music,  Movement and Mindfulness
7:30pm   FPAC performs Monty Python’s Spamalot @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 10/28/17
9:30am-3:30pm   Christian Zen Retreat @ McMahon Guest House, 1061 Upper Union Street
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10am-12pm   No Shame - Erasing the Stigma Rally, #2069 @ Wrentham Town Common
10:30am   Take a Walk in the ‘Meadowlands’ @ meet at Oak St Extension
2-5pm   Howl-O-Ween @ Pour Richard’s
3-7pm   The Cake Bar Halloween Party @ The Cake Bar
4-6pm   The Canine Joint - Halloween Costume Contest @ Destination Dog
6-10pm   Today’s Special, Inc - Bakery: Halloween Spooktacular @ Lake Pearl, Wrentham
7:30pm   FPAC performs Monty Python’s Spamalot @ The Black Box
8pm   Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Christine Lavin and Don White @ FUSF

SUNDAY 10/29/17
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
2pm   Kids Halloween Party @ Tranquil Souls Yoga
2:30pm   FPAC performs Monty Python’s Spamalot @ The Black Box
4-7pm   Franklin Police Halloween Party @ Franklin Police Department
6:30pm-8:30pm   Pumpkins In The Park @ The Sculpture Park

MONDAY 10/30/17
6:30pm   High School Parent Forum with Superintendent Ahern @ FHS Media Center
7pm   Franklin Interfaith Council presents Refugee Immigration Ministry @ St. Mary’s Parish
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 10/31/17
9:30am   High School Parent Forums with Superintendent Ahern @ FHS Lecture Hall
5pm   Historic Cemetery Tour (Union St Cemetery) @ meet at Franklin Historical Museum

WEDNESDAY 11/1/17
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
7pm   Franklin Art Association Monthly Meeting @ Franklin Senior Center

THURSDAY 11/2/17
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA
7:30pm   FYBO Board Nominations Night @ East Coast Driving School

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

Town of Franklin: Specimen Ballot for Nov 7, 2017 Election

You've seen the candidate listing, here is a specimen or sample ballot for the Nov 7, 2017 election.




Absentee Ballot Information: 

Absentee ballots are now available in the Town Clerk’s office. A registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on Election Day due to the following reasons may vote absentee in the Town Clerk’s Office up to 12:00 noon Monday, November 6, 2017

  1. absence from your city or town during normal polling hours; or
  2. physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or
  3. Religious belief.


To request an Absentee Ballot:

  1. Email: (tburr@franklinma.gov) to request an absentee ballot form
  2. Visit the Town Clerk’s website at (franklinma.gov) to print out an Absentee Ballot request form and either email or fax (508)520-4913.


If you have any questions, please contact Teresa M. Burr, Town Clerk at (508)520-4900 or
Email (tburr@franklinma.gov)



For all the information leading to the election, visit
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/election-collection-2017.html

Franklin Election Collection - 2017
Franklin Election Collection - 2017

Take an Historic Cemetery Walk on Halloween

Learn a little bit about Franklin's history and it's former residents. 

Dean College History Professor Rob Lawson will conduct a tour of the Union Street Cemetery Tuesday afternoon, October 31st. 

Anyone interested should meet on the steps of the Franklin Historical Museum at 5:00 PM and join the tour that will walk to the cemetery. The tour should take about an hour.


Take an Historic Cemetery Walk on Halloween
Take an Historic Cemetery Walk on Halloween

Spamalot at THE BLACK BOX - 3 shows - Oct 27, 28, 29



Friday, Oct. 27, 7:30 PM
Saturday, Oct. 28, 7:30 PM
Sunday, Oct. 29, 2:00 PM
THE BLACK BOX



Monty Python's Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail. Inspired by the classic comedy film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical also diverts a bit from more traditional versions of the legend. Instead, Spamalot features shennanigans including a line of beautiful dancing girls, a flatulent Frenchmen and killer rabbits. Outside, there is plague with a 50% chance of pestilence and famine. 
Throughout the show, Arthur, traveling with his servant Patsy, recruits several knights to accompany him on his quest, including Sir Bedevere, Sir Robin, Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad. Besides the rabbits and farting Frenchman, they meet such characters as the Lady of the Lake, Prince Herbert, Tim the Enchanter, Not Dead Fred, the Black Knight and the Knights who say Ni. 
The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including “Best Musical” and received 14 Tony Award nominations.

 
Spamalot at THE BLACK BOX - 3 shows - Oct 27, 28, 29
Spamalot at THE BLACK BOX - 3 shows - Oct 27, 28, 29

MassBudget: Report examines strategies for educating English Language Learners` (ELL)





MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.



Report examines strategies for educating English Language Learners



Evidence favors bilingual education over English-only; quality of instruction matters most
High-quality public education in Massachusetts has played an important role in expanding opportunity and creating a strong, high-wage state economy. In its newest paper, Excellence for All: Supporting English Language Learners in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) explores strategies for improving the education of English Language Learners (ELL).

Excellence for All examines the data on what has been happening in our schools with respect to ELL students and the evidence on best practices nationally. Massachusetts policy since 2002 has emphasized English immersion as the primary approach to ELL education. A balanced review of the research reveals, however, that there is generally more evidence supporting bilingual programs. The evidence also suggests that the most important factor for helping ELL students to succeed is the quality of the programs offered.
While Massachusetts schools generally lead the nation in academic achievement, we have not reached our standard of success for ELL students. Among ELL students, Massachusetts ranks 19th in 8th-grade reading and 10th in math. Although we have been making progress in raising ELL achievement levels, including a 12 percent increase in ELL graduation rates between 2008 and 2015, too many ELL students are falling behind.

Well-designed programs, including bilingual approaches that support learning in English along with other languages, have been shown to benefit ELL students. Rigorous research has found that effective programs include a number of strategies, such as:
  • Increasing the professional development of educators - not only English or English as a Second Language teachers, but also training for other content teachers (e.g. science, math) - on how to effectively support ELL students
  • Employing research-backed approaches to improving reading and literacy
  • Providing tutoring for struggling students
  • Implementing family outreach and student support programs, under the direction of ELL coordinators dedicated to these initiatives
A number of schools in Massachusetts and nationally have shown strong results implementing these types of strategies. With adequate funding, technical assistance, and the flexibility to create programs that best fit the needs of local students, more schools could make meaningful progress in helping all of our ELL students thrive.

To read the full report, click here.
The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. Through the Roadmap to Expanding Opportunity project, MassBudget has examined proven education strategies for helping all kids learn effectively and be successful over the long term.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER
15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108


Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact