August 26, 2009

Senator Edward Kennedy was a tireless advocate for the underprivileged, dedicating his life to advancing causes that promoted equal opportunity for all.

We at Massachusetts 2020 have been fortunate to benefit from his leadership over the years, particularly his advocacy for expanding the school day as a strategy to improve student achievement and enable a well-rounded education, with an emphasis on underserved students. This summer, Senator Kennedy was the lead sponsor of the Time for Innovation Matters in Education (TIME) Act, citing the Massachusetts ELT schools for their pioneering work. This legislation would support other states to replicate the Massachusetts ELT model.

Last year, Senator Kennedy visited the Clarence R. Edwards Middle School in Charlestown, one of the first schools in the state to redesign and lengthen its school day, to celebrate the success of the ELT Initiative in Massachusetts and discuss its national expansion. The Edwards School has risen to one of the higher performing middle schools in Boston after years of lagging behind the state average. Edwards’ students also benefit from expanded opportunities in the arts and other enrichment programming.

Said Senator Kennedy during this visit, “There are few more promising strategies for helping all children get ahead in today's global economy than expanding learning time…The early results of the Expanded Learning Time Initiative here in Massachusetts are impressive and show real promise in preparing all children for a lifetime of success. I believe what we're doing with expanded learning here in Massachusetts is a model for the nation.”

Senator Kennedy’s contributions to education equity are unparalleled and his legacy will serve as an inspiration for us all.