Through extensive collaboration with the Assistant Superintendents and curriculum coordinators, the Chief of Academics and Schools shapes and leads the vision and direction for the Teaching and Learning Framework and the district’s approach to academics.
The Office develops the short- and long-term instructional strategies to establish a culture of high expectations and shared responsibility for equitable access to high quality and culturally relevant instruction. The Office also monitors the progress of school performance, student achievement objectives, and academic excellence indicators to align strategies for school improvement.
Scheduling Audit
During the 2022-2023 school year, Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) worked collaboratively with New Solutions K-12 to complete a scheduling audit with the intention of better understanding how time was leveraged to support learning within and across our schools. The audit was prompted by:
- SY17-18 program review of elementary schools revealed that CPS has less in-school time (1,080 hours/year) than national peer districts.
- A key finding of Dr. Greer’s 2021 Entry Plan was that inconsistent literacy schedules, practices, curriculum, and assessment was hindering the growth and success of CPS students and educators.
- Concerns from families about the amount of time for reading instruction across the district.
- Concerns from educators, who asked that before considering extending the school day we needed to first better understand if CPS is making the best possible use of the time currently available.
On Tuesday, August 8, the Office of Academics & Schools presented the scheduling audit to the School Committee.