Governor proposes to improve schools

Tahara Baldwin of Holyoke is a mother of three. She sends her children to public school but told 22News she's not satisfied with the education her children are receiving.

Parents like Baldwin may have more charter school options for their children under Governor Deval Patrick's new education improvement plan. In an effort to close the achievement gap in the education system, Governor Patrick is proposing to triple the number of charter school slots and expand the state's authority to intervene in under performing schools.

Under the governor's proposal, struggling students will receive more targeted support. Readiness schools which would adapt to community needs and offer new alternatives in school systems across the state are also a key part of Patrick’s 10-year education plan.

The Education Reform Act of 1993 brought significant improvement to the Massachusetts School Systems. But, there's still a long way to go. The National Assessment of Educational Progress shows Massachusetts has some of the largest achievement gaps between whites, blacks and Hispanics of differing socioeconomic backgrounds.