The Worcester Public Schools welcomed new Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner Pedro Martinez for a visit to learn about the student learning happening in our district.
Commissioner Martinez began his visit at Belmont Street Community School, where discussions focused on the school’s approach to student discourse, collaboration, and multilingual strategies that help all learners access grade-level curriculum. Classroom visits highlighted the classroom instruction aligned with these practices. Belmont boasted its more than 60% growth in English Language Arts and math scores, 73% reading growth on STAR assessments, and students with disabilities exceeding state targets in ELA.
At Worcester Technical High School, student ambassadors led a tour through academic classrooms and career technical education shops, including Biotechnology and HVAC. The Commissioner learned how Worcester Tech’s academy model connects classroom learning with hands-on experience to prepare students for college and career pathways.
Members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, state legislators, and Worcester School Committee members were in attendance for the tour, led by Superintendent Brian E. Allen, WTHS Principal Drew Weymouth and Belmont Principal Jennifer Keating.
