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Rent control demonstration

Description: Byron Rushing (State Representative) addresses a rent control demonstration outside Boston City Hall. He encourages tenants to fight for their rights, urges voters not to support anti-rent control candidates, and advocates a citywide referendum on the issue. Pat Burns (Catholic Connection) speaks about Sojourner House, a shelter for homeless families and the Catholic Connection's support for rent. Boston City Councilors Ray Flynn, Michael McCormack, Christopher Iannella and Maura Hennigan confer in the chambers of the Boston City Council. Boston City Councilors Frederick Langone, Albert "Dapper" O'Neil, Terence McDermott, Bruce Bolling , and Joseph Tierney are also present. The gallery of the chambers is filled with observers, many wearing pro-rent control buttons. Ianella calls the meeting to order and the clerk reads appropriation orders and requests submitted by Kevin White (Mayor, City of Boston) for the approval of the council. The council discusses and votes on orders from the mayor concerning the Public Works Department and the Public Facilities Commission. The clerk reads a request from the mayor concerning the financing of a bond for the Winthrop Printing Company. The Council conducts business on the chamber floor with Langone discussing a proposed law concerning the cleanliness of dumpsters in the city and about building affordable housing instead of high-priced condominiums. Sounds cuts out near the end and then comes back in.
1:00:04: Visual: Byron Rushing (State Representative) speaks into a microphone. He says that working class and poor people need to fight for their rights as tenants. The crowd claps. Rushing says that voters must vote against politicians who do not support rent control; that rent control must be brought to the ballot as a citywide referendum. The crowd claps. Shots of the crowd outside of City Hall. A white woman addresses the crowd, saying that it is not a good idea to classify tenants as elderly, disabled or low-income; that those classes of tenants will have difficulty finding apartments. Shots of two older men in the crowd. One of them is wearing a button which reads, "Rent Control: Continue and Strengthen it. Ban condominium conversion evictions." Shot of the button. Pat Burns (Catholic Connection) addresses the crowd. Burns talks about Sojourner House, which is a shelter for homeless families. Burns says that the Catholic Connection supports rent control in order to stop the increasing number of homeless families. Shot of a man holding a rent control sign reading, "No rent control plus no condo ban equals no housing." Shots of the crowd listening to Burns. Several crowd members are holding pro-rent control signs. 1:02:23: V: The white woman addresses the crowd as they move into the City Hall building. Shots of the crowd as they enter City Hall. One woman holds up a sign reading, "Landlords get the money. Tenants get the shaft." 1:03:33: V: Boston City Councilors Ray Flynn, Michael McCormack, Christopher Ianella and Maura Hennigan confer in the chambers of the Boston City Council. Frederick Langone (Boston City Council) confers with a woman on the floor of the chambers. Langone sits down in his chair, with his cigar in his mouth. The gallery of the chambers is filled with observers. Many observers wear pro-rent control buttons. Albert "Dapper" O'Neil (Boston City Council) joins the group of councilors. 1:05:51: V: Hennigan sits in her chair on the floor of the chambers. She flips through some papers on the table in front of her. Flynn sits down in his seat. Langone lights his cigar. Terence McDermott (Boston City Council) is sitting in his seat on the floor of the chamber. Albert "Dapper" O'Neil (Boston City Council) sits in his seat. The clerk calls the roll of city council members. Ianella brings the meeting to order. 1:08:28: V: The clerk reads appropriation orders and requests submitted by Kevin White (Mayor, City of Boston) for the approval of the council. The council discusses and votes on orders from the mayor concerning the Public Works Department and the Public Facilities Commission. Shots of McDermott; of McCormack; of Langone; of audience members in the Council gallery. The clerk calls the council roll for a vote on the order concerning the Public Facilities Commission. Shot of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council). The clerk reads a request from the mayor concerning the financing of a bond for the Winthrop Printing Company. 1:12:03: V: Shots of audience members in the gallery; long shot of the floor of the Council Chamber from the gallery. Audio is muffled. Langone discusses a proposed law concerning the cleanliness of dumpsters in the city. More shots of audience members. 1:15:45: V: Councilors conduct business on the floor of the Chamber. Langone talks about housing. Shots of Christy George (WGBH reporter); of Bolling, Flynn and Hennigan; of Bolling; of Flynn; of Joseph Tierney (Boston City Council). The Council continues to conduct business. Langone talks about building affordable housing instead of high-priced condominiums.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/15/1982

Report on racial violence

Description: Mayor Kevin White releases report on racial violence in Boston. He does not comment on the findings because he has not yet reviewed them. The report was written by a committee consisting of 13 diverse members, chaired by Speaker Thomas McGee and Judge David Nelson. They met ten times over two months to interview 17 community leaders, both supporters and opponents of busing.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/24/1976

Richard Taylor

Description: Carmen Fields reports that Richard Taylor, the Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation and Construction, will preside over the Central Artery/Third Harbor Tunnel Construction Project in Boston. Taylor is one of the few African American Republicans in Massachusetts. Interview with Taylor, who talks about his reasons for being a Republican and his career in business. Taylor talks about his commitment to affirmative action and his plans to encourage participation by women and minorities in the Central Artery/Third Harbor Tunnel Project. Taylor says that he has always pushed for fair and equitable opportunities for minority businesses. Fields notes that Taylor says that his appointment signals a commitment to affirmative action on the part of Governor William Weld. Fields' report is accompanied by footage of Rev. Graylan Hagler and unemployed construction workers at a press conference at a construction site in Roxbury. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Alexandra Marks interviews businessmen Derek Jeter and William Singleton on the challenges faced by minority businesses in Boston
1:00:03: Visual: Footage of Richard Taylor (Secretary of Transportation and Construction) being interviewed. Taylor says that he supports limited taxes, limited regulation, more research, and development and more private sector involvement. Carmen Fields reports that Taylor is a wealthy, well educated entrepreneur; that Taylor is a Republican; that Taylor is also African American. Fields reports that Taylor is part of a small but growing band of African American Republicans. V: Shot of Taylor in his office. Footage of Taylor being interviewed. Taylor says that some have argued that all African Americans should be Republicans; that Abraham Lincoln (former US president) was a Republican. Taylor says that he believes in limited taxation and limited government involvement. Taylor says that the Republican Party encourages people to pursue economic independence; that the Republican Party discourages people from looking to the government for sustainment. Fields reports that Taylor is the State Transportation Secretary; that he presides over the Central Artery-Third Harbor Tunnel Construction Project. V: Shot of Taylor greeting an African American man and a white man as they enter his office. Footage of Taylor at a meeting with the two men and another woman. Taylor talks about the risk of delays in the project. Fields reports that Massachusetts has a high unemployment rate; that the construction project will provide jobs. Fields notes that the Republican Party is often viewed as being anti-minority, anti-women, and anti-civil rights. V: Shots of Taylor at the meeting. Footage of Taylor being interviewed by Fields. Fields asks Taylor if he is against affirmative action. Taylor says that affirmative action is necessary. Taylor says that minority businesses should participate in the project if it strengthens their skills; that minority businesses should be paid for a job well done. Taylor says that affirmative action helps minority businesses be competitive; that affirmative action is part of the remedial process. Taylor says that some affirmative action models are troublesome. Taylor says that he does not support quotas. Taylor says that some affirmative action models do not give minority businesses enough significant responsibility. Fields asks if he will be a reluctant or an enthusiastic supporter of affirmative action. Taylor says that he is inclined to have active and strong participation by women and minorities. Taylor says that he has always pushed for fair and equitable opportunities for minority businesses. Taylor talks about his career in business before entering government.Taylor says that he will do a good job in this area. Fields reports that Roxbury residents halted construction on a new Post Office facility in Dudley Square recently. Fields notes that residents wanted more jobs for community workers on the project. V: Footage of Graylan Ellis-Hagler (Church of the United Community) speaking at a press conference held at the construction site of the new Post Office in Dudley Square. A group of African American men stand behind Hagler. Hagler says that he and the men will not go away with "crumbs." Shots of the construction site. Fields notes that Taylor says that he has learned from the experience in Roxbury. V: Footage of Taylor being interviewed by Fields. Taylor says that the MBTA recently began a $9 million project to renovate Dudley Station. Taylor says that he incorporated some recent provisions from the Post Office project into the MBTA project. Turner says that it is important for the major contractor to be in agreement with the provisions of the contract. Turner says that he hopes that these provisions will be used in the Central Artery Project. Fields reports that Taylor says that his appointment signals the commitment of William Weld (governor of Massachusetts) to affirmative action. Fields notes that Turner believes that there are many opportunities for qualified people of color. V: Shots of Taylor in his office. Footage of Taylor being interviewed by Fields. Taylor talks about a recent business seminar at the Boston World Trade Center. Taylor says that the seminar focused on how minority businesses could participate in the Central Artery Project. Taylor says that he will soon meet with major contractors for the Central Artery Project. Taylor says that he hopes to link minority businesses with the major contractors in order to provide work for minorities.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/29/1991

Robert Peterkin, English High

Description: Exterior of Boston English High School. Interview with Boston police commissioner Joseph Jordan about how successful he thinks the third year of court-ordered desegregation will be. Interview with Headmaster of English High School Robert Peterkin on the opening of school, and English High School as a magnet school. Interview with two students, Maura and Sharon, about what they like about English High School. Interiors of the school, lockers, students in hallways, on the escalator, in the cafeteria, in the classroom.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/08/1976

Robert Spillane and desegregation

Description: Robert Spillane (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) speaks to an audience in the chambers of the Boston School Committee. He is introduced by Jean Sullivan McKeigue (President, Boston School Committee), who notes that the School Committee will vote on March 5 about whether to keep Spillane in the post of Superintendent. Spillane addresses the issues of school desegregation and school violence. Spillane says past students in Boston Public Schools had been denied a good education due to segregated schools and cynicism among educators. Spillane talks about the continued involvement of Arthur Garrity (federal judge) in the supervision of the Boston Public Schools. Spillane says that the Boston School Department must begin to take responsibility for school desegregation. Spillane reminds the audience that racial discrimination will not be tolerated in the Boston Public School system; that the climate in the schools must be improved. Spillane stresses the importance of faculty integration. Spillane talks about school discipline and the fair implementation of the disciplinary code. Spillane says that a monitoring process will assure that minority students are no longer singled out for disciplinary action. Spillane promises to establish a task force to investigate school violence. Spillane says that school desegregation will have been a failure if quality education cannot be assured. Spillane also talks about additional programs for students, teacher training, teacher evaluation and community involvement in the schools. John O'Bryant (Boston School Committee) is interviewed by the media after the speech. O'Bryant says that Spillane has addressed school desegregation in a courageous manner; that he will vote for Spillane on March 5.
1:00:04: Press and members of the community are gathered in the Boston School Committee chambers. Jean Sullivan McKeigue (President, Boston School Committee) enters the room and announces that the vote on the office of school superintendent will take place on March 5. McKeigue introduces Robert Spillane (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools). Spillane enters the room and sits down. Spillane thanks McKeigue. He acknowledges the fact that the School Committee will be voting on whether to continue his superintendency. Spillane addresses the need for community involvement in Boston schools. Spillane says that he started as superintendent seven months ago; that he was aware of the social, fiscal and educational problems faced by Boston schools; that he has tried to provide constructive leadership. Spillane says that the schools are working with reduced resources; that he is trying to address the educational and social needs of nearly 60,000 students. Spillane refers to school desegregation across the nation. He says that Boston public school students had been denied a good education due to segregated schools and a cynicism among educators. Spillane says that he would like to address two problems today: school desegregation and school violence. Spillane talks about Judge Arthur Garrity's efforts to produce agreement among the parties in the Boston school desegregation case (Morgan v. Hennigan). He says that these agreements aim to secure the advances made by eight years of school desegregation; that these agreements would form the basis of a final set of court orders; that Garrity would cease to supervise the schools after these consent decrees were put in place. Spillane says that the consent decrees provide an opportunity to assess the progress made in school desegregation. Spillane reviews the state of the Boston Public School System before desegregation. Spillane says that he would like to eliminate racial inequality while improving educational quality. Spillane says that he would like to institute a long-range plan for the schools; that the plan would be presented to Garrity through the consent decree process. Spillane says that Boston schools must take responsibility for school desegregation; that equal educational opportunities must exist for all students; that the staff must be integrated as well as the students. Spillane says that the schools require strong leadership, a clear curriculum, conscientious teaching and a safe school climate. Spillane says that students must be prepared for higher education or the job market; that schools must work with parents to improve education. Spillane says that racial discrimination cannot be tolerated in and out of school; that he will not tolerate those who say that some children cannot learn. Spillane says that teachers must work hard to educate all children. Spillane says that he supports the integration of school faculty; that school staff must represent a cross-section of American society; that minority staff have been denied access to jobs in the past. Spillane says that African Americans and other minorities will be represented in key positions in the school administration. 1:10:44: Spillane says that youth violence is a problem in Boston's schools and neighborhoods. Spillane says that order must be kept in the schools; that alternative programs must be provided for all students in need of them. Spillane says that violence can stem from a lack of success in school; that school staff must help students to learn and achieve as best they can. Spillane says that fair and equitable disciplinary action must be assured; that minority students may have been singled out for disciplinary action in the past. Spillane says that he will set up a process to monitor disciplinary action and insure fair implementation of the disciplinary code. Spillane says that he will establish a task force to investigate school violence; that the task force can make recommendations on how to counter school violence. Spillane notes that students who are not taught to read and write are victims of another kind of violence; that some students are not encouraged to learn; that all students must be prepared to function as active and contributing members of society. Spillane says that desegregation will be rendered ineffective if quality education is not assured; that urban schools can make a difference in the lives of their students. Visual: Shot of a young African American boy who is fidgeting in the back of the room. Spillane says that teacher training is important. V: Jump cut in videotape. Spillane talks about alternative programs for students with special needs. V: Jump cut in videotape. Shots of audience from Spillane's perspective. Spillane says that a fair process of teacher evaluation will be implemented; that assistance and training must be given to teachers; that superior performance should be recognized and inferior performance should be addressed. V: Shot from the back of the room of Spillane addressing the audience. Spillane talks about the need for high academic standards. V: Jump cut in videotape. Spillane says that he will continue to work with the business community on employment and training programs for students. V: Jump cut in videotape. Spillane talks about the need for good vocational education programs. V: Jump cut in videotape. Spillane addresses the need for strong bilingual education programs. Spillane says that the programs must be assessed to assure that they are meeting the needs of the students. V: Jump cut in videotape. Spillane says that education must be a priority in the city; that civic leaders, parents and school administrators must work together to improve the schools; that all groups concerned about the schools must be listened to. V: Jump cut in videotape. The audience claps for Spillane. V: Jump cut in videotape. John O'Bryant (Boston School Committee) is interviewed by the media. He says that he is impressed with Spillane's growth since his stormy meeting with the school committee on February 8; that he will vote for Spillane. O'Bryant says that Spillane addressed school desegregation in a courageous manner; that very few high-profile officials talk about the beneficial effects of school desegregation in Boston; that few people give Garrity credit for instituting desegregation in Boston schools. O'Bryant says that he is optimistic about Spillane's ability to do the job. The media continues to question O'Bryant.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/02/1982

Role models for black youth

Description: Marcus Jones reports on efforts to provide positive male role models for young African American boys through the Paul Robeson Institute for Positive Self-Development. Third and fourth grade boys attend the Institute every Saturday, and 25 men from diverse backgrounds assist the boys in developing their understanding of math, science and history. Interviews with Pamela Brodie and Delores Wilson, who are both teachers at the Holland Community School. Both teachers praise the program. Brodie talks about the need for positive male role models. Interview with Keith Motley, a member of the Paul Robeson Institute, about the program. Motley says that programs like this one can help to end the violence on the streets. Interviews with two African American boys who attend the Institute. Following the edited story is additional footage of Brodie and her students in class at the Holland School.
1:00:14: Visual: Footage of students in a classroom at the Holland Community School in Dorchester. Shot of students are getting out their textbooks. The students are seated at their desks. Pamela Brodie (teacher, Holland Community School) stands at the front of the room. Shot of students raising their hands to be called on. Most of the students are non-white. Marcus Jones reports that the majority of students in public elementary schools in Boston are non-white. Jones reports that most of the teachers are female. Jones notes that male authority figures are limited; that African American male authority figures are virtually absent. V: Footage of Brodie being interviewed. Brodie says that most school systems have a lot of female teachers. Brodie says that it is important to have positive male role models for students; that some students do not have a male role model at home. Brodie says that schools need more male role models. Jones reports that elementary school students are in their formative years. Jones reports that a group called Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts visit the Holland School to help students make the right choices. V: Shots of students eating lunch at their desks. Shots of an African American boys walking around the classroom. Footage of Keith Motley (Paul Robeson Institute) being interviewed. Motley says that the group wants to fight against violence; that education is necessary to end violence. Footage from the Paul Robeson Institute. An African American man addresses a group of African American boys. The man speaks from a podium, while the boys sit in seats. The man encourages the boys to be the best people they can be. The man says that the future depends on them. Jones reports that the organized effort to provide positive role models is called The Paul Robeson Institute for Positive Self-Development. Jones reports that African American boys from the third and fourth grades in the Holland and Fifield Schools are involved in the program; that the boys visit the African American Institute at Northeastern University on Saturdays. Jones reports that 25 men from diverse backgrounds assist the boys in developing their understanding of math, science, and history. Jones says that the Institute focuses on African American history. V: Shot of an African American man speaking to a group of African American boys in a classroom. The boys are seated at desks. Shot of a sign for the African American Institute on the exterior of a building. Shot of an African American man standing at the front of a classroom. African American boys are seated at desks. A second African American man leans on a chalkboard as the other man teaches. Shot of a group of African American boys in orange T-shirts standing in a circle. The boys hold hands. An African American man stands in the center of the circle. African American men stand in a circle surrounding the boys. Footage of an African American boy being interviewed by Jones. Jones asks if the teachers at the institute are teaching him to be proud of himself. The boy says yes. Footage of another African American boy being interviewed by Jones. The boy says that the program has taught him that he can do something else besides sell drugs on the street. Shots of Brodie standing in her classroom; of an African American boy flipping through a textbook. Jones reports that the Robeson Institute has been operating for a year; that the Robeson Institute has earned praise from parents and teachers. V: Footage of Delores Wilson (teacher, Holland Community School) being interviewed. Wilson talks about one of her students who has behavior problems. Wilson says that the student's behavior has improved since attending the Robeson Institute. Wilson says that the student now helps other kids. Footage of Motley being interviewed. Motley says that programs like the Robeson Institute should be promoted and encouraged; that men and women should get involved. Shot of the African American boys at the Institute standing in a circle while holding hands. African American men form a circle around the boys. An African American man stands in the center.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/13/1990

Rushing vs. Duffy

Description: Marcus Jones reports that State Rep. Byron Rushing and Republican candidate Mike Duffy are competing for the state representative seat in the ninth Suffolk District. Interviews with both Rushing and Duffy. Rushing accuses Duffy of lying about Rushing's political record. Rushing says that Duffy cannot find issues on which to challenge him. Duffy says that Rushing is arrogant and out of touch with his constituents. Duffy calls Rushing presumptuous for declaring himself "the lesbian and gay candidate." Duffy is openly gay in a district with a high percentage of gay and lesbian voters. Rushing has been endorsed by several gay and lesbian activists. He adds that lesbian and gay voters may decide the race. Jones reviews the candidates' positions on the issues. Jones notes that Rushing must prove himself to voters. He adds that there is hostility toward incumbents on the part of many voters during this election season. Jones report is accompanied by footage of both candidates campaigning and by footage of both candidates at their campaign headquarters. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Winnie Mandela speaks at the Twelfth Baptist Church
1:00:05: Visual: Footage of Byron Rushing (State Representative) campaigning in the street. Rushing speaks to an African American man and an African American woman who are seated on the front steps of a building. Shot of Rushing shaking hands with an African American man and a white woman on the street. Marcus Jones reports that Democrats outnumber Republicans ten to one in Rushing's district. Jones notes that Rushing is campaigning hard against Mike Duffy (Republican candidate for state representative) in the Ninth Suffolk District. Jones notes that Duffy is a twenty-seven year old Republican. V: Shot of Duffy working at a desk. Duffy answers the telephone. Footage of Rushing being interviewed on the street. Rushing says that he is taking the campaign seriously. Rushing accuses Duffy of lying about Rushing's political record. Rushing says that Duffy is waging a "dirty campaign." Rushing says that Duffy does not deserve to get any votes. Footage of Rushing campaigning on the street. Rushing shakes hands with an African American woman on the street. A Rushing supporter stands nearby, holding a campaign sign. Rushing approaches a white woman on the street. He shakes her hand. Jones reports that the Ninth Suffolk District includes parts of the South End, the Fenway, Back Bay, and lower Roxbury. Jones reports that the race may be decided by lesbian and gay voters in the district. Jones reports that Duffy has been going door-to-door in order to introduce himself to voters. Jones notes that Duffy has never denied his homosexuality. Jones reports that Duffy believes that his homosexuality may give him an advantage. Jones adds that the district has a high concentration of gays and lesbians. Jones reports that Duffy proposes to increase the government's role in the fight against AIDS. V: Footage of Duffy knocking on the door of a housing development building. Duffy enters the building and climbs the stairs. Duffy knocks on an apartment door. Footage of Duffy being interviewed. Duffy says that the state government needs to do more to fight AIDS. Jones reports that Rushing is not conceding the lesbian and gay vote to Duffy. Jones reports that Rushing is not gay; that Rushing has been endorsed by several lesbian and gay activists. V: Shot of Rushing in his office with a campaign worker. Shots of Rushing's campaign literature; of a campaign flyer which reads, "Rushing is the lesbian and gay candidate." Footage of Rushing being interviewed on the street. Rushing says that most of his lesbian and gay constituents support him. Rushing says that he wanted his campaign literature was prepared by lesbian and gay supporters. Rushing says that he wants his campaign literature to focus on his support in the gay and lesbian community. Footage of Duffy being interviewed by Jones. Duffy says that Rushing's campaign literature is offensive; that Rushing should not call himself the "gay and lesbian candidate." Duffy says that it is unthinkable for a candidate who is not African American to run as the African American candidate. Duffy says that Rushing is presumptuous; that Rushing's campaign is offensive and demeaning. Jones reports that the two candidates differ on issues of affordable housing, crime prevention, and the budget. Jones notes that both candidates oppose the tax-rollback petition. V: Shot of Duffy and a group of campaign workers folding campaign literature. Shot of a campaign sign opposing the tax rollback; of a campaign sign for William Weld (Republican candidate for governor of Massachusetts) and Paul Cellucci (Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts). Jones reports that Duffy has accused Rushing of being out of touch with the people who have elected him. Jones notes that Rushing may be vulnerable to attacks on that issue. Jones adds that there seems to be hostility toward incumbents during this election season. V: Shot of Rushing waving to cars passing by on the street. Footage of Duffy being interviewed by Jones. Duffy says that voters harbor a great degree of resentment toward Rushing. Duffy says that Rushing is arrogant; that Rushing has not been there for his constituents. Footage of Rushing being interviewed. Rushing says that Duffy cannot find an issue on which to disagree with him. Rushing says that Duffy is now lying about Rushing's record. Jones stands on a street in the Ninth Suffolk District. Jones reports that the Ninth Suffolk District is evolving socially; that the district may be evolving politically. Jones notes that Rushing must prove to voters that he is still in touch with them.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/22/1990

Saxon Theater

Description: Man gives scholarly history of theater architecture in Boston, commenting on Boston's Theater District - Saxon (Majestic), Colonial, Wilbur, Tremont, Music Hall (Metropolitan). Includes interior details of Saxon - red velvet curtains and rails; gilded rococo balconies; relief of fruit, flowers, leaves, masks, angels.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/17/1977

School Committee favor student assignments

Description: Hope Kelly reports that the Boston School Committee voted to restructure the student assignment system in the Boston Public Schools. She notes that the rigid geocode assignment system will be eliminated. School Committee members Thomas O'Reilly and Juanita Wade drafted a general plan that was accepted by the Committee. Some Committee members had reservations about the plan. Footage of the Boston School Committee meeting. Committee member John Nucci superintendent Dr. Laval Wilson speak out in favor of the plan. Committee member Jean McGuire criticizes the plan. Interview with Committee member John O'Bryant, who cautions the Committee not to act hastily. The members of the Committee vote on the plan. Three of the four minority members of the Committee voted against the plan. Interview with Wilson about the plan. Wilson says that he will work to resolve the concerns of Committee members who voted against the plan. The specifics of the plan have yet to be decided.
1:00:11: Visual: Shots of the members of the Boston School Committee seated at the front of the School Committee chambers during a meeting. Audience members are crowded into the room. Hope Kelly notes that the audience was packed into the chambers of the Boston School Committee for a meeting tonight. Kelly notes that the School Committee voted to eliminate the rigid geocode system of student placement. V: Footage of John Nucci (President, Boston School Committee) saying that the city has been waiting for a new plan for a long time. Footage of Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) saying that it is time for a change. Kelly notes that some School Committee members had reservations. V: Footage of Jean McGuire (Boston School Committee) saying that the new plan will restructure the school system. McGuire adds that the new plan does not implement great improvements. McGuire notes that the schools will still lack adequate foreign language programs, music programs, advanced studies programs, and computer access. McGuire says that the schools lack adequate funding. Kelly reports that some members were concerned about the hasty implementation of the new plan. V: Footage of John O'Bryant (Boston School Committee) saying that the city of Seattle has taken two full years to implement a similar plan; that the city of Boston needs to take its time. Kelly reports that School Committee members Thomas O'Reilly and Juanita Wade drafted a general plan; that the plan was approved by the members. V: Shots of Nucci, O'Reilly and Wade conferring before the vote. Shots of the School Committee members casting their votes for the plan. Kelly reports that ten members voted to approve the plan; that the plan was rejected by three of the four minority members of the School Committee. V: Footage of Kelly interviewing Wilson. Kelly asks if the vote broke down along racial lines. Wilson says that there was biracial support for the plan; that some African American members of the committee voiced concern over the plan. Wilson says that he will work to resolve those concerns before he returns to the School Committee with recommendations. Kelly stands in the School Committee chambers. Kelly reports that tonight's vote was an endorsement of a general plan; that the specifics of the plan have yet to be decided. Kelly notes that Wilson has until January to work out the specifics of the plan. V: Shot of School Committee members seated in the chambers.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/28/1988

School Reform and Literacy

Description: Hope Kelly reports that Superintendent Laval Wilson must improve the reading skills of students in the Boston public schools. Students of all different races read a statement about the importance of literacy. Wilson speaks about the importance of reading skills at a press conference. He says that students are reading below target levels. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Princess Zenani Dlamini and her husband Prince Thumbumuzi Dlamini will attend Boston University
1:00:00: Visual: Shot of a typed document. The first paragraph of the document summarizes the educational mission of the Boston Public Schools. The last line of the document reads, "For young people to be successful, they have to be literate." Footage of students of different ages and races reading the document. Hope Kelly reports that Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) believes that the Boston Public Schools must improve the reading skills of its students. V: Footage of Wilson at a press conference. Wilson says that students are reading below target levels. Footage of students reading the document. One boy has trouble with the word "literate." Kelly asks him what the word means. The boy answers correctly. Footage of an African American female student says that Wilson is right in saying that students need to be literate; of an Asian American male student saying that students must know how to read in order to get a good job. Footage of an African American male student and an Asian American male student standing together. Both boys say that students need to know how to read. Footage of Wilson says that not all of the schools are performing at the same level. Footage of an Asian American male student saying that he needs to read more books in order to become a better reader; of an African American male student saying that he is "a little good at reading, but not a lot." Footage of an African American male student saying that he is an average reader. Footage of an African American female student saying that her learning environment is not ideal; that her school needs better books. Footage of Wilson saying that school promotion standards are not rigorous enough. Footage of a group of female students. A white female student reads a portion of Wilson's speech about the need for improved reading skills; of an African American female student saying that everyone cannot be expected to read at the same pace. Footage of a white female student saying that her father is not a native English speaker; that he taught her to read. Footage of an African American female student saying that Wilson's standards should not be too strict; that high school students may drop out of school if strict standards are imposed. Footage of a male student saying that a parent is responsible for his or her child's performance in school; of an Asian American male student saying that the student is responsible for his or her performance in school. Footage of an African American male student saying that parents need to take responsibility for their children's performance in school; that parents need to help children with their homework every night. Footage of a white female student saying that she would like to be a doctor when she grows up; of a male student saying that he would like to be a basketball player; of an African American male student saying that he would like to be a lawyer.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/13/1987