Ask The Superintendent

Dr. Rachel Monárrez speaks with Caleb Encarnacion-Rivera, the Director of Equity and Isha Adan, a student at South High Community School about how Worcester Public Schools is adopting culturally responsive practices in teaching and learning.

00:00 Intro

02:15 Dr Monárrez asks: What is cultural responsiveness in curriculum and instruction, and how does it positively impact student learning and engagement?

08:30 Dr Monárrez a...

In this episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council at Burncoat High School came up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.

00:00 Intro

00:29 1. In a district that has so many different schools and a variety of communities within each one, how do you make sure that all of them are represented and supported by the district and its policies? In what ways do you ensur...

Each episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council come up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.

00:00 Intro

00:21 What areas of the school budget do you believe need more funding?

05:18 How can the district support more after-school and youth programs, both in and outside of schools? How do you ensure that students participate and engage in these programs?

07:...

Each episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council come up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.

00:31 What are your thoughts on standardized tests, and do you believe this data used to improve educational outcomes rather hinders creativity in classrooms?

5:13 Here at South High, we emphasize the aspect of 'community'. What are your goals or ideas regarding bringing Worces...

Each episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council come up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.

00:00 Intro

00:28 Now that MCAS is no longer a requirement for graduation, why do students still have to spend so much time testing. For example, we spend 6 days Star Testing, 3 days Access Testing, and up to 8 days MCAS testing. What is the purpose of these tests?

0...

Each episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council come up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.

00:00 Intro

00:27 How do you ensure that students' voices and perspectives are included in decision-making within the district?

02:53 What is your impression of the new Doherty?

04:51 If you could go back in time and have a conversation with your high school self, w...

Each episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council come up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.

00:00 Intro

00:29

1. As students, there is not always transparency around what goes on at the administrative level. Do you feel the changes to the budget made the intended impact? And what benefits do you see from the changes?

03:12

2. Safety seems to be a recent c...

Students from the Superintendent's Advisory Council get to know Dr. Monárrez.

In this episode students from Burncoat High School ask:

1. Can you tell us about your leadership style as a superintendent? How have you motivated and inspired others to achieve your goals? (00:30)

2. Burncoat High School has an expectation (Safe, Positive and Respectful) and what does that mean to you? (02:32)

3. What do you believe is the most e...

Students from the Superintendent's Advisory Council get to know Dr. Monárrez.

In this episode students from Worcester Technical High School ask:

1. You have had some big changes in the past few years, what has been the biggest challenge during this transition? Do you have any guidance or tips for students who are going through transitions or challenges?

2. Thinking back to when you were in high school - what advice would ...