Dumping the Know-Nothing Amendments [PDF file]
Church, State and School Reform
Author(s): Raymond Flynn — Publication date: 2011-05-16
Category: Education
Abstract: The problems Catholic schools in Massachusetts face are exacerbated by the existence of so-called anti-aid, Know-Nothing or Blaine amendments to the state’s constitution. The 1854 Know-Nothing amendment is a relic of the anti-Catholic bigotry that arose in the mid-19th century after the Irish potato famine brought a wave of immigration to our shores. In brief, it prohibits state funds from being directed to sectarian schools, closing off one of the options for helping Catholic schools carry out their mission of providing needy students with a quality education. Lessons for Education Policy Makers [PDF file]
Author(s): Thomas Birmingham and E$.D. Hirsch — Publication date: 2011-04-29
Category: Education
Abstract: Professor Hirsch offered recommendations during a recent guest lecture to an education
policy class taught by former Massachusetts Senate President Thomas Birmingham. The transcript includes introductory remarks by President Birmingham, chief architect of the
Commonwealth's landmark 1993 education reform law (MERA). The law increased education funding for cities and towns in exchange for high-quality state curriculum frameworks and rigorous student and teacher assessments. Keep Moving: Transportation Reforms Beyond Revenues [PDF file]
Author(s): — Publication date: 2011-02-17
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Pioneer and the Center for Strategic Studies at the College of Business at Northeastern University are pleased to release “Keep Moving: Transportation Reforms Beyond Revenues,” an edited transcript of a 2010 forum featuring national transportation leaders. Six industry leaders convened to discuss how innovative technology can improve customer service, enhance operating efficiencies, and increase revenues for transportation users. The Sacred Fire of Liberty [PDF file]
Author(s): — Publication date: 2010-09-21
Category: Better Government
Abstract: ANDREW ROTHERHAM: Good afternoon, I’m Andrew Rotherham, a co-founder and partner at Bellwether Education. We’re a national non-profit organization committed to dramatically improving educational outcomes for low-income youngsters in this country. We are a hybrid organization, part think tank and part support organization, working directly with leading-edge ventures and leaders around the country. Core Academic Knowledge [PDF file]
Author(s): — Publication date: 2009-03-24
Category: Education
Abstract: Following a recent meeting of national experts in Washington D.C. and a March 4, USA Today article that questioned the merits of the "21st century skills" movement, Pioneer Institute today released Core Academic Knowledge, a transcript of the Institute's recent event, held in conjunction with MassINC and Harvard University's Program on Education Policy and Governance. Driving Questions [PDF file]
A Forum on Transportation Strategy in Massachusetts
Author(s): Joseph M. Giglio — Publication date: 2007-09-14
Category: Better Government
Abstract: This discussion forum was organized around the release of Northeastern
University Professor Joseph M. Giglio’s latest book, Driving Questions:
Developing A National Transportation Vision, which raises important
strategic questions about the planning and funding of the transportation
system in Massachusetts. Presidents, Politics and Supreme Court Appointments [PDF file]
Lovett C. Peters Lecture Series
Author(s): Robert P. George — Publication date: 2006-12-05
Category: Better Government
Abstract: The 2006 Lovett C. Peters Lecture in Public Policy was delivered by Professor Robert P. George. Professor George is one of the nation’s leading constitutional law scholars, and a profoundly influential voice in American intellectual life. As a professor, author, essayist, and member of the President’s Council on Bioethics, Professor George is a defender of the timeless rational and moral principles that are the foundation of American law, and Americans’ freedom.
Professor George spoke about “Presidents, Politics, and Supreme Court Appointments.” He provided a historical perspective on the federal court appointment process, and also and discussed the contemporary politics of the Supreme Court. His Lecture explained that the politicization of the Court, and the pressure to expand Court power beyond its proper Constitutional role, are issues as old as the nation itself. Professor George also offered insight on recent Court appointments and speculated about the future of such controversial decisions as Roe vs. Wade. Has Education Reform Stalled in Massachusetts? [PDF file]
Keynote Address to 11/2/06 Pioneer Education Event
Author(s): former Senate President Tom Birmingham — Publication date: 2006-11-02
Category: Education
Abstract: "The bloom is off the rose of education reform," says former Senate President Tom Birmingham in his provocative address to a recent Pioneer Institute education policy forum. This key architect of education reform warns that we jeopardize our students' hard-won gains by neglecting the "core principles"—adequate funding and standards-driven accountability—responsible for reform's success. Pres. Birmingham's address offers a succinct history lesson on Massachusetts public education and explains why he believes that, as a state that lives "by our wits," our public schools are the cornerstone of our economy. A Blueprint for the Future [PDF file]
The Massachusetts Health Care Reform
Author(s): — Publication date: 2006-06-13
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Massachusetts is the first state to require that individuals purchase health insurance,
and the first to propose a “Connector,” or state-mandated health insurance
market for consumers and small businesses. As part of the well-regarded Colby
Hewitt Health Care Series, Pioneer held “A Blueprint for the Future” featuring an
in-depth presentation by Health and Human Services Secretary Tim Murphy, as
well as presentations by two nationally recognized health policy leaders:
Professor Regina Herzlinger of Harvard Business School and John Goodman,
President of the National Center for Policy Analysis. Myths About Markets and Education [PDF file]
Author(s): John Stossel, ABC News Correspondent and Co-anchor of “20/20” — Publication date: 2006-05-18
Category: Education
Abstract: Ideas matter-even, and maybe especially, when they are the wrong ideas. Investigative reporter John Stossel has spent his career dispelling myths. At this event, Mr. Stossel confronted myths about American public education in his signature provocative fashion. Technology and Innovative Finance [PDF file]
Creating "Mobility"
Author(s): Joe Giglio — Publication date: 2006-05-11
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: The transportation landscape has changed significantly in the first years of the
new century, with substantial completion of the Big Dig, funding changes due to
SAFETEA-LU, and the issuance of the Governor's 20-year transportation plan.
The Transportation Finance Commission also continues its work to produce a
strategic vision for transportation and suggest the means to pay for it. This
Pioneer Institute conference posed key strategic questions: What kind of transportation
infrastructure do we need? How we will pay for it? And what role can
technology play in improved service? School Choice and Education Reform in Massachusetts [PDF file]
Competing in the 21st Century
Author(s): — Publication date: 2006-01-31
Category: Education
Abstract: On Tuesday, January 31, 2006, Pioneer Institute held an event entitled “School Choice and Education Reform in Massachusetts: Competing in the 21st Century,” featuring a presentation by
Chris Whittle, CEO/President of Edison Schools. Creating Successful Schools [PDF file]
The 2005 Lovett C. Peters Lecture in Public Policy
Author(s): Angus McBeath — Publication date: 2005-11-01
Category: Education
Abstract: Superintendent Angus McBeath has revolutionized public education in Edmonton, Canada through extensive school choice and competition for students, empowerment of principals, merit pay for teachers, and parental involvement. Edmonton schools are frequently held up as an example of what public schools can and should be. Urban School Reform: A Case Study [PDF file]
Author(s): Rick Hess — Publication date: 2005-07-01
Category: Education
Abstract: Excerpts from a Pioneer Forum on the near-overhaul of the San Diego public schools under superintendent Alan Bersin
Preeminence in Peril: Bolstering Science and Math Education [PDF file]
Author(s): Robert Herbold — Publication date: 2005-01-01
Category: Education
Abstract: Edited transcript of 2004 Lovett C. Peters Lecture in Public Policy by Robert Herbold on serious shortcomings in American math and science education and the need for bold measures
Water Management and the MWRA [PDF file]
Author(s): Fred Laskey, Executive Director, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority — Publication date: 2004-04-28
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) currently supplies water from the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs to 50 municipalities. What if the MWRA expanded its service to communities with water supply concerns, such as those within the Ipswich, Charles and Sudbury-Assabet-Concord (SUASCO) river watersheds?
Common Sense School Reform [PDF file]
Author(s): Charles Glenn — Publication date: 2004-04-01
Category: Education
Abstract: Excerpts of a Pioneer Forum on a new book of the same title A 'No Excuses' Look at Education Reform [PDF file]
Author(s): Abigail Thernstrom — Publication date: 2004-01-01
Category: Education
Abstract: Excerpts of a Pioneer Forum on a new book titled No Excuses: Closing the Racial Gap in Learning
A Judicial Declaration of Independence [PDF file]
Author(s): — Publication date: 2002-04-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Excerpts from the Pioneer Forum marking the release of Pioneer's White Paper "A Declaration of Independence: Reaffirming the Autonomy of the Third Branch"
Of Markets, Government, Lawyers, and Freedom [PDF file]
Author(s): John Stossel — Publication date: 2001-12-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Excerpts from the keynote at the 2001 Better Government Competition Awards Dinner Expanding Economic Opportunity in Boston [PDF file]
Author(s): — Publication date: 2001-04-01
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: Excerpts from the Pioneer Forum marking the release of a study titled "Giving a Leg Up to Bootstrap Entrepreneurship The Power To Take: A Primer on Eminent Domain [PDF file]
Author(s): — Publication date: 2001-02-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Excerpts from the Pioneer Forum marking the release of Pioneer's White Paper "The Power to Take: The Use of Eminent Domain in Massachusetts"
Services for Urban Microentrepreneurs [PDF file]
Author(s): — Publication date: 2001-02-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Excerpts from the 1st annual Center for Urban Entrepreneurship conference Civil Service Reform in Massachusetts [PDF file]
Author(s): Jonathan Walters, Governing magazine — Publication date: 2000-11-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Excerpts from the Pioneer Forum marking the release of Pioneer's White Paper "Toward a High-Performance Workplace: Fixing Civil Service in Massachusetts"
Collective Bargaining and Education [PDF file]
Author(s): Dale Ballou — Publication date: 2000-08-01
Category: Education
Abstract: Excerpts from the Pioneer Forum marking the release of Pioneer's White Paper "Terach Contracts in Massachusetts"
Health Care Today: How Did We Get Here? What Now? [PDF file]
Author(s): Dr. Jerome H. Grossman — Publication date: 2000-08-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Excerpts from the Pioneer Forum marking the release of Pioneer's White Paper "An Economic History of Health Care in Massachusetts"
Charter Colleges: Pro and Con [PDF file]
Author(s): Robert O. Berdahl, Terrence J. MacTaggart, and Jeffrey A. Miron — Publication date: 2000-02-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Excerpts from the Pioneer Forum marking the release of Pioneer's White Paper "Charter Colleges: Balancing Freedom and Accountability"
Competition in Education: An Update [PDF file]
Author(s): — Publication date: 2000-01-01
Category: Education
Abstract: Excerpts from the Pioneer Forum marking the release of Pioneer's White Paper "Competition in Education: A 1999 Update of Interdistrict Choice"
Transition From Communism: A Decade After [PDF file]
Author(s): Vaclav Klaus — Publication date: 1999-07-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Excerpts from the inaugural Lovett C. Peters Lecture in Public Policy [PDF file]
Special Education: Viewpoints on the Massachusetts Situation
Author(s): — Publication date: 1995-06-01
Category: Education
Abstract: |
