Photo: James Rojas (WBZ)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston Public Schools and the Boston Teachers Union have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, it was announced Thursday.
The new contract makes significant strides on inclusion policies and practices, specifically key overhauls in the district's approach to special education such as targeted reductions in class sizes and collaboratively assessing the needs of students who have individualized education plans (IEPs) and/or who are English Learners.
"For far too long in Boston, students with disabilities and their families have faced a system that neither recognizes nor delivers what every child deserves," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "I’m proud of an agreement that supports our educators and takes concrete steps towards building a special education and inclusion model that will help us make Boston a city for everyone."
"As educators, the needs of our students are our number one priority and this agreement lays the foundation to achieve what we call ‘inclusion done right’ for the benefit of all students within the Boston Public Schools," said BTU President Jessica Tang.
Wu and Tang made the announcement at the American Federation of Teachers’ 87th biennial national convention.
In May, the Boston School Bus Drivers Union, in partnership with BPS and the Wu administration, approved a contract agreement with Transdev, the district's private transit contractor. The contract includes a requirement that drivers must report to work before the first day of school to practice their routes, and cannot take time off without advanced warning or permission.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) has more.
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