Gina Sedita

​

Below is an annotated list of resources that provide information, support, and opportunities to Boston Public School (BPS) families and students. I compiled this list of resources to help us as future history teachers in BPS to better serve our students. I specifically focused on resources for adolescences, but information for students of all ages and in all subjects can be found on each website, so it is appropriate for all subjects and grade levels.

I think resources like these should be made available to all students and families, so I plan to share these sites in my future classroom. I chose to compile a list of website resources because I think it is the most relevant and accessible way for students and families to get information. I think it is developmentally supportive because it allows students to explore their rights and options. The strength of compiling a resource bank like this is that students and families can be more in control of students education. They can also retrieve information, support, and opportunities that they may otherwise not know about. The only weakness that I see in a resource bank like this is that it will never have all the resources that each student will need. I would modify a list like this to include student and family contributions.

Resources for Parents/Families

http://www.bpsfamilies.org/parentuniversity
Boston Public Schools Parent University:
“Parent University is an opportunity for parents to sharpen their skills as they work in one of life's most important and demanding roles. Sessions focus on child development, what children are learning in schools, advocacy, parent leadership and effective parenting skills.”

http://www.bpsfamilies.org/
Boston Public Schools Office of Engagement Homepage: This site offers resources for community members, students, families, and educators. On this site you can find a vast amount of resources for everyone involved in Boston Public School education, such as how to register for schools, how to get involved in the parent council, how to access the BPS school calendar, etc.

http://www.bpsfamilies.org/families
Boston Public Schools Office of Engagement: Families
“Your involvement in your child's education will impact how well your child performs in
school. Boston Public Schools provides many ways to partner with your child's school
and teacher to ensure that your child develops into a strong, healthy, well-educated BPS
graduate. Below are some tools and information that can help guide your partnership with BPS.”

http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/domain/280
Boston Public School Welcome Centers:
“If you have a question about the Boston Public Schools registration and enrollment process, our BPS Welcome Centers are here to help. We serve the registration needs of all Boston families and perform other important services for those currently enrolled in BPS. The Welcome Centers are a part of the BPS Office of Welcome Services. The Welcome Services mission is to support families with school choice, registration, and the successful transition into the Boston Public Schools.”

http://www.pta.org/parents/content.cfm?ItemNumber=2583&navItemNumber=3363&gclid=CjwKEAjwtLO7BRDax4I4_6G71USJAA6FjN1UIyhQPqVn78DozmDizJr56ITUe03q-
AhtX6MPKW3yxoCOXDw_wcB
National PTA:
This site offers many resources for families that help them to get involved in their student’s education. This site has information about everything from parents’ rights to how to get involved in your school’s PTA.

http://www.massfamilyties.org/
“Family TIES of Massachusetts provides information and referral services, emotional
support, and trainings to parents of children and youth with special needs - just like you, we are caring for our children and aim to light your way.”

​

http://thearcofmass.org/

“Our mission at The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We accomplish this through advocacy of supports and services based in the community. Through advocacy and collaboration with others, The Arc of Massachusetts has helped to establish and maintain significant legislation and funding on both the state and federal levels.”

Resources Specifically for Students

http://www.bpsfamilies.org/forstudents
Boston Public Schools Office of Engagement: Students
“As Students, you are the most important members of the Boston Public Schools.  You are valued and have the right to be respected, be included and welcomed in your school
community. The BPS Office of Engagement works every day with your school, teachers,
family and community to help you realize BPS's vision for every student and graduate.”

http://nhd.org/

“National History Day is a learning adventure that teaches critical thinking, writing and
research skills and boosts performance across all subjects – not just history.  To facilitate
this, NHD provides a framework and curriculum materials for teachers and guidance for
students.”

http://besthistorysites.net/general-history- resources/
“Best of History Web Sites aims to provide quick, convenient, and reliable access to the
best history-oriented resources online in a wide range of categories and has been designed to benefit history teachers and their students”

​