Boston launches BPS-TV with cable programming about city schools

BOSTON - As part of improved efforts to engage families and the community in the Boston Public Schools, the district will launch "BPS-TV," a series of cable television programs about education reform in the city schools. The increased presence on the City of Boston's cable television channel also will provide opportunities for high school students to gain insight into critical educational policy issues, and for those who are studying television broadcasting, to gain more practical experience for their academic studies.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino provided the support of his Cable Communications Office to launch the project and the use of the City's cable television channel to air the programming.

"We can't rely on the same old ways of getting out the message about what's happening in our schools," Mayor Menino said. "BPS-TV is one of many exciting ways that we are using technology to inform the people of Boston about issues that matter to them."

Elizabeth Reilinger, Chair of the Boston School Committee, explained that BPS-TV is one component of the district's Strategic Communications Plan. Developed over the past year, the plan is designed to improve the delivery of information to students, parents and staff, and to generate greater investment and involvement from the community in educating Boston's public school students.

"We recognize the need to be more creative and more proactive in communicating with all of the constituents who have a stake in the success of the Boston Public Schools," said Dr. Reilinger. "Television is a powerful medium for reaching families and citizens, and we look forward to expanding educational opportunities for our young people in this innovative way."

Michael Contompasis, Interim Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools, explained the educational value of the initiative. He noted that six of the city's public high schools now offer Media and Communications "pathways" that prepare students for higher education and careers in broadcast television and other media fields - for example, Media and Communications Technology High School, one of the four small schools created out of the former West Roxbury High School.

"Boston's high school renewal efforts are focused on providing students with the academic and technical skills to succeed in college and beyond," said Contompasis. "Some of our schools have innovative programs to get young people excited about careers in television broadcast, and BPS-TV creates valuable learning opportunities to complement their studies."

Dr. Reilinger noted that programming for BPS-TV will include broadcasting of Boston School Committee meetings, in order to make the school board's proceedings and decision-making process more accessible to families and the public. In particular, she hopes that high schools will use the broadcasts as learning opportunities to engage students in discussion about educational issues. High school students also will observe and assist with filming of these meetings, and will have opportunities to air the work they produce in the studios at their schools. BPS high school students from the TechBoston Consulting Group designed the logo that will be used for BPS-TV.

During the school day, programming will include instructional programs and teacher professional development provided by Annenberg Media. Other programming will include school and district events, messages from the Superintendent and other school officials, student performances, trainings and workshops for parents and staff, educational activities for students, and more.

Beginning October 9, BPS-TV will air on the City's cable channel (Comcast channel 24 and RCN channel13) as follows:

• Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.;
• Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.;
• Thursday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.; and
• Saturday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

For a complete schedule or more information, visit www.bostonpublicschools.org/bps-tv.

Programs are also simulcast live on the City of Boston website (requires RealPlayer) at www.cityofboston.gov/cable/live.asp.

The Boston Public Schools serves approximately 57,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in 145 schools.