Boston Public Schools to Partner with Boston Big Picture School to Reimagine 7-12 Learning

Boston Public Schools to Partner with Boston Big Picture School to Reimagine 7-12 Learning

Funding and management assistance from NewSchools Venture Fund will fuel efforts to launch new, innovative school models

Boston - Friday, May 5, 2017 - Boston Public Schools Superintendent Tommy Chang is proud to announce a partnership with Boston Big Picture School to launch the development of a new, innovative school model that will incorporate personalized student learning plans that build off the student's passions and the integration of real-world problem solving through internships. Boston Big Picture School is a part of the Big Picture Learning Network, a Rhode Island-based educational nonprofit that provides a framework for school design and support to schools that are seeking to rethink the way they educate students. The initiative was selected as one of 29 organizations to receive financial grants this year from NewSchools Venture Fund. In addition to the funding, NewSchools will provide management assistance and create a forum for sharing best practices among the grant recipients. As part of its commitment, Big Picture Learning will work closely with the Boston Public Schools (BPS) to design an innovative school model that creates an academic setting that meets all students where they are, helps them succeed, and inspires them to create a brighter future. The initiative will be integrated with other BPS planning processes, such as BuildBPS, the district's 10-year educational and facilities master plan, and the district's work to redesign the high-school learning experience to better prepare BPS students for college, career and lifelong success. "Boston is a city of innovation across many sectors. In teaming up with BPS, Boston Big Picture School will help bring new innovation to the education of our children and provide them with 21st century skills to flourish in our city," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "Its concepts will help inform decisions around school-building investments as we continue to implement BuildBPS." Boston Big Picture School will focus on designing a school that will serve BPS students in grades 7-12. In its model, students will pursue a personalized academic program rooted in his or her unique curiosity, passion and goals. Through a range of project based learning, internships and blended learning experiences they will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to gain access to competitive colleges and careers. "Last year, Big Picture Learning had an opportunity to present to the Boston School Committee its visions for an innovative school that would transform how children are taught," said School Committee Chairperson Michael O'Neill. "We are interested to see this project further develop into a new school archetype that could dramatically improve the educational outcomes of our children." Superintendent Chang said he looks forward to collaborating with Boston Big Picture School to develop a new school design that could help reimagine how children learn. "The instructional model that it is developing could reinvent education as we know it," Dr. Chang said. "It will foster relationship building between students, advisors and families; promote individualized learning by identifying student's passions, goals and needs; and promote 21st century skills by providing work-based learning." Boston Big Picture School will also establish and nurture a culture of trust, respect, equality, and empowerment so that all members of the community are learning and valued as we build a community rooted in democratic values. The design team for the Boston Big Picture School is being lead by Kevin Brill, the associate headmaster of Fenway High School who has worked as a teacher and administrator in the Boston Public Schools for over 20 years. "Boston Big Picture School is excited to be selected as a member of the 2017 'invent cohort' by NewSchools Venture Fund and to partner with the Boston Public Schools and Big Picture Learning in developing a school model that will provide a unique choice for students within the city of Boston," Brill said. NewSchools Venture Fund is funding projects like Boston Big Picture School as part of a movement to rethink education in the 21st century. "Too many of today's schools were built for a different time and purpose," said Scott Benson, managing partner at NewSchools Venture Fund. "We believe schools can be reimagined to better prepare young people for the future. That's why NewSchools is proud to invest in these teams of educators who are thinking boldly and creating new opportunities to set students up for success, regardless of where they're from." "We at Big Picture Learning are thrilled to bring our experience to bear in support of Boston Big Picture School's innovative new school design," added Andrew Frishman, Co-Executive Director of Big Picture Learning. "This school model, like those all across our national and international network, will have at its core the local needs of the vibrant community it serves. We're excited for what's next."

STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL MAURA HEALEY ON THE HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT

STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL MAURA HEALEY ON THE HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT

BOSTON – Today, Attorney General Maura Healey issued the following statement:

“In Massachusetts, we believe that everyone should have access to health care. Clearly President Trump and Speaker Ryan disagree. The Republican bill would make it harder for sick people to access treatment and for healthy people to stay well. It would jeopardize access to reproductive health care for women. And in the midst of the national opioid epidemic, it would cut vital addiction and mental health services. The House has ignored the concerns of health care experts, doctors, nurses, and the millions of Americans who depend on the Affordable Care Act. I urge the U.S. Senate to reject this bill.”

FIVE ARRESTED IN JOINT FEDERAL-STATE TAKEDOWN OF MAJOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING OPERATION, AUTHORITIES PLEDGE SUPPORT TO TRAFFICKING VICTIMS

FIVE ARRESTED IN JOINT FEDERAL-STATE TAKEDOWN OF MAJOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING OPERATION, AUTHORITIES PLEDGE SUPPORT TO TRAFFICKING VICTIMS

AG’s Office, FBI Worked with Local Authorities to Dismantle Sex Trafficking Operation in Boston, Cambridge, North Reading, and Quincy

BOSTON – A joint investigation and takedown by Attorney General Maura Healey’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division has resulted in the arrest of five individuals in connection with a major human trafficking and money laundering operation that extended throughout Greater Boston. Victim specialists in the FBI’s Office for Victim Assistance and AG Healey’s Victim Services Division are working with victim service organizations to ensure victims have the assistance and services they need.

Pingxia Fan, age 40, of Boston, Timothy Hayes, age 50, of Gloucester, SimonShimao Lin, age 59, of Boston, Biqun Xiao, age 47, of Deerfield, N.H., and Robert Mozer, age 65, of Deerfield, N.H., were all arrested today in connection with trafficking women for sex at brothels in Boston, Cambridge, North Reading and Quincy.

“Today’s arrests follow a tragic pattern we are seeing in our neighborhoods—vulnerable individuals being preyed upon and sexually exploited for profit,” said AG Healey. “We want victims to know that they will not be prosecuted and that our offices will work to make sure they receive the services they need and deserve.”

“Sex trafficking is without a doubt, the most common form of modern-day slavery and it’s big business,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “As alleged, Fan and her co-conspirators were offering sex for a fee on a large-scale basis in brothels across Massachusetts, exploiting women, many of whom were transported here from out of state. This case demonstrates the problem is right here within our communities, impacting victims, the safety of our neighborhoods, and our quality of life. Together, with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to identify and locate the criminal enterprises that are perpetrating these egregious crimes.”

Fan, Hayes and Lin were each charged with one count of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude, Deriving Support from Prostitution, Money Laundering, Keeping House of Ill Fame, and Conspiracy. Mozer and Xiao were charged with one count each of Conspiracy to Traffic Persons for Sexual Servitude. 

Fan and Lin were arrested this morning in Boston. Hayes was arrested in Gloucester and Mozer and Xiao were arrested in Quincy.

Fan, Lin, Hayes and Mozer were all arraigned today in Woburn District Court where they pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Bail was set at $150,000 cash for each Fan, Lin and Hayes. Bail was set at $50,000 for Mozer. The condition of release for all four defendants are as follows: surrender passport; GPS monitoring; stay away from victims, co-defendants and buyers; and no internet use. These defendants are due back in Woburn District Court on June 2 for probable cause hearings.

Xiao will be arraigned in Cambridge District Court tomorrow morning. 

Today’s arrests are the result of an extensive investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Human Trafficking Division.

           

The investigation revealed that the five defendants ran a sex trafficking and money laundering operation involving multiple brothels—two in Quincy, and individual ones located in Boston, Cambridge and North Reading. The defendants allegedly posted online advertisements offering sexual services and used multiple vehicles to transport sex trafficking victims, money and supplies.

The defendants allegedly arranged for women to meet with men at the brothel locations to provide commercial sexual services in exchange for cash. Authorities allege the majority of the money from these encounters went to the defendants, which they laundered into the business to perpetuate the daily operations of the criminal enterprise.

            Authorities today executed search warrants at the five brothel locations at which ten victims were identified. Search warrants were also executed at residences in Boston and Gloucester.

Various units from the Massachusetts State Police provided assistance in this case. The Boston, Cambridge, Gloucester, Newton, North Reading, Quincy and Revere Police Departments also provided assistance.

This investigation remains ongoing. These charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

AG Healey has a dedicated Human Trafficking Division that focuses on policy, prevention and prosecution and includes a team of specialized prosecutors, victim advocates and Massachusetts State Police troopers who handle high impact, multi-jurisdictional human trafficking investigations and prosecutions across the state. Through the Human Trafficking Division, the AG’s Office has charged more than 30 individuals in connection with human trafficking since the law was passed.

The FBI Boston Division's Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force is one of 12 DOJ-funded task forces in the country with the mission to combat sex and labor trafficking. Nationally, the FBI participates in over 100 human trafficking task forces and working groups. The FBI believes in a victim-centered approach to human trafficking investigations, where identifying and stabilizing victims of this heinous crime is equally as important as providing resources to help them.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Nancy Rothstein and Jeffrey Bourgeois, both of the AG’s Human Trafficking Division, with assistance from Nikki Antonucci and Rebecca Auld of the AG’s Victim Services Division and Investigator Jillian Petruzziello of the AG’s Financial Investigations Division. It was investigated by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Human Trafficking Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force, with assistance from the AG’s Digital Evidence Lab. The Massachusetts State Police and the Boston, Cambridge, Gloucester, Newton, North Reading, Quincy and Revere Police Departments also provided assistance.

CAPAC Chair Judy Chu Decries “Heartless” ACA Repeal Vote

CAPAC Chair Judy Chu Decries “Heartless” ACA Repeal Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House of Representatives today voted 217-213 to pass H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act (AHCA), the Republican plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Initial estimates from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found that the underlying legislation will take away coverage from 24 million Americans over the next decade, including up to 2 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) voted against the bill and released the following statement:

“I am incredibly saddened and outraged that Republicans ignored the expressed opposition from doctors, hospitals, patient advocates, health experts and even members of their own party to pass this heartless bill. It is unconscionable to me that they would charge ahead with – and then celebrate – a vote that they know will force millions off their insurance and raise prices for people with preexisting conditions. Worse, their rush to vote on this bill meant there wasn’t even time for the Congressional Budget Office to score the fiscal and human costs of the final version. The haste to act and then immediately hop on a bus to the White House shows that they were more concerned with helping Trump keep a campaign promise than with actually improving healthcare.

“This bill will have serious consequences for the American people. This bill threatens to kick 7 million veterans off their insurance, shortens the life of Medicare, allows people aged 50-64 to be charged 5 times more than young people, and eliminates coverage for 24 million Americans, including nearly 2 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the country. It defunds Planned Parenthood for one year, and would once again allow being a rape or domestic violence victim to be a pre-existing condition. This bill creates a  “women’s tax” that would permit insurance companies to charge women more than men for essential coverage like pregnancy. Trumpcare would also cut $838 billion from Medicaid, endangering care for individuals with disabilities, low-income children, and seniors in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. In the midst of the worst opioid epidemic our nation has ever seen, it rips mental health and addiction services away from those who need it most. Trumpcare does all this while giving the 400 richest families in America an annual tax break of $2.8 million.

“As we have said in the past, Democrats remain willing and eager to work to improve the Affordable Care Act. But this was not an improvement. This was a cruel attack on vulnerable Americans, especially those with preexisting conditions. An improvement is a plan that will increase access for all Americans, keep costs down, and ensure that being sick or a woman or a senior is not an excuse to be denied coverage.”

哈佛訪問學人以臺灣死刑存廢爭議 鼓勵多元思考

哈佛訪問學人以臺灣死刑存廢爭議　鼓勵多元思考

年頂大訪問學人講座，延續第一場邀請朱惠足教授主講的成功經驗，在4月30日邀請目前在哈佛大學燕京學社訪問研究的中央研究院法律研究所許家馨博士擔任主講人，講述「從台灣死刑爭議出發談民主審議的倫理」，討論臺灣死刑存廢議題引發之思考論辯。這場活動同樣由哲學星期五主辦籌劃，與紐英崙中華專業人員協會及駐波士頓辦事處教育組共同合辦，期待吸引不同族群共同討論臺灣相關議題。

許家馨博士首先說明臺灣廢除死刑運動現況，也分享他過往與廢除死刑運動主要成員對話交流的經驗。根據民意調查，臺灣約有80%的民眾不贊成廢除死刑，而主張廢除的推動人士雖然占少數，但其推動能量卻是強大的。近幾年隨著重大社會案件，如無差別殺人事件的發生，臺灣死刑存廢議題受到媒體的報導與大眾的關注與議論。許博士說明，臺灣推動廢除死刑的基本論述為生命是可貴的，同時也希望不要有誤判的情形發生。他也解說其他國家推動現況，如歐洲國家屬於廢除死刑的先鋒，而美國在死刑存廢議題上，是先進國家中屬於較保守的國家，目前仍有部分州法律存在死刑及執行死刑。而亞洲的日本則是採取逐步廢除死刑的方式。

在思考死刑存廢議題上，許博士提出6項思考層次，從道德、違反憲法與否、政策執行的目的與手段、執行死刑的特定政治體及特定共同體等面向，引領聽眾以多元角度思考死刑存廢議題。他說，多元的思考層次可以創造出與持不同意見立場的人溝通的空間，搭起交流的橋樑，打破二元思考對立的模式。同時，他指出思考也會受情緒影響，如不同的角度（被害者或加害者），或歷史因素等，將導出不同的意見。許博士說道，除存廢死刑兩種選擇上，或許也可以透過法律的規範，在執行面上設立許多限制或較嚴苛的審判標準，限縮死刑執行的漸進方式。

從死刑存廢這樣重大公眾議題討論裡，許博士接著解釋理想的民主審議過程，經過不同社群，如公民、政治、經濟及專家等社群多元的思辯後，議題逐漸去蕪存菁達成共識，進而成為政府的執行政策。許博士也說，這是理想狀況，如果當某一社群無法發揮功能，議題去蕪存菁的能力就會降低，民主審議的成效也就有限。

聽完許博士精彩的演說分享，聽眾在問答時間，也熱烈地提出推動臺灣廢除死刑主要成員特色、司法判決實務面可改進地方及面對不同意見立場的族群時，如何建立交流溝通的橋樑等問題與心得，許博士也就自己參與公共議題討論的經驗及法律哲學研究等角度，與參與民眾分享及討論。會後，許多聽眾更進一步與許博士深度交流，充份呼應本次公眾議題討論的主題。(駐波士頓教育組提供)

Charlie Baker disappointed at congress' vote on passing Ameerican Health Care Act

Governor Baker Releases Statement On American Health Care Act

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker released the following statement on the passage of the American Health Care Act:

“Massachusetts leads the nation in health care coverage and I am disappointed by today’s vote as this bill would significantly reduce critical funds for the Commonwealth’s health care system.  As the U.S. Senate takes up this bill, we will continue to advocate for the Commonwealth’s priorities so that all residents have access to the health coverage they need.  Maintaining flexibility through the Medicaid program is critical to the Commonwealth’s ability to provide coverage for the needy and I urge Congress to reject this bill in its current form.”

Martin Walsh disappointed on congress' vote to repeal Affordable Care Act

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR MARTIN J. WALSH

BOSTON - Thursday, May 4, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today released the following statement: "I am disappointed that Congress voted today to repeal the Affordable Care Act. This action will hurt people living with pre-existing conditions, deny access to essential benefits including substance use treatment and recovery services, and trigger large reductions in vital funding to Massachusetts. I stand with our Congressional Delegation in opposing this harmful proposal and vow to continue working to ensure that our residents have access to adequate, affordable health care."