The Great Schools Network (GSN), launched in early 2008, was born from two earlier initiatives:  Mass Insight’s Great Schools Campaign, which emphasized in its report, The Unfinished Agenda, that MA public education must move beyond the standards that shaped the first decade of school reform; and the Coalition for Higher Standards/The Great Schools Coalition, which has successfully advocated for more state funding for math and science education in order to build the capacity of member districts to provide world class math and science (and now, English) education. 

The Great Schools Network connects member districts and their schools to leading education research, advocacy, innovative programs and services, and active partnerships in a comprehensive approach to permanently raise student achievement in math, science, & English.  Many Network schools and districts are also engaged with Mass Insight and its Mass Math & Science Initiative through our AP Training and Awards Program.

The goals of GSN are:

• Increase Achievement: Raise academic rigor through higher standards and aligned curriculum and instruction in mathematics, science and English
• Improve High School and College Readiness: Increase student success and provide wider access to advanced curriculum and courses in grades 6-12
• Create a High Performing Education Network:  Build lasting and highly productive partnerships with schools/districts, colleges/universities, and business and foundation partners

All GSN programs and services are designed to promote systems-thinking and create system coherence within schools and districts around higher standards, rigorous skill development, and improved instruction.

The GSN offers the following programs and services to our members:

• Pre-AP teacher training institutes in math, science and English (grades 6-12)
• Curriculum maps with fully integrated Pre-AP/AP, PSAT/SAT, and College Readiness standards
• Pre-AP/AP Vertical Team guidance and training
• “Shared Accountability” Partnerships
• Customized AP Summer Institutes 
• Teacher Recruitment Network
• School-specific MCAS data analysis
• Quarterly regional review and planning meetings
• Online Teacher and Administrator Forums
• Mass Math & Science Initiative Newsletter