Partnerships for College Success
The University of Massachusetts, Boston and the
Dorchester Education Complex
The University of Massachusetts Boston (UMB) and Dorchester Education Complex (DEC) (formerly Dorchester High School) have a longstanding partnership. Dorchester, which serves as a professional development school for teachers and administrators-in-training at UMB, is also strongly linked to the university through an innovative guaranteed admission program for underserved students. Through Nellie Mae support, UMB and DEC will build upon their existing relationship to expand college access and readiness for DEC students.
The Partners
In 2003-04, what had been Dorchester High School became three small schools within a single facility—the Dorchester Education Complex. DEC is now made up of the Academy of Public Service, the Edward G. Noonan, Jr. Business Academy, and the TechBoston Academy. These schools serve a total of some 880 students with broad cultural and ethnic diversity. Eighty teachers, nine administrators, and six paraprofessionals within the schools provide daily instruction.
The University of Massachusetts, Boston was established in 1964 as the only public university in the city. It brings the resources of a major nationally recognized university to area residents of all backgrounds, offering 120 fields of study in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Program Activities
Relying on faculty/professor development and involvement, improved data collection and management processes to increase student achievement, and greater involvement of UMB students in assisting DEC students, UMB and DEC are addressing such areas as student achievement in math and language arts, early student preparation for advanced study and careers, and ongoing needs for professional development of the faculty. This unique partnership is being developed by expanding tutoring, mentoring, and advising services, including the development of a tutor training course, expanded student assessment services, additional opportunities for students in AP courses and UMB courses, parent partnering programs, and program assessments to evaluate progress.
People
Joan Becker, Associate Vice Provost at UMass Boston, is the primary contact person for the UMB-DEC partnership. She may be reached at (617) 287-5841. Other contacts are Lisa Gonsalves of UMB’s Curriculum & Instruction faculty at (617) 287-7642, and Megan Fidler-Carey, Partnership Coordinator, at (617) 438-0772.