METCO Q & A
The METCO program not only provides the opportunity for enhanced multicultural interaction, it also has helped to broaden the scope and content of professional development by providing access to programs that underscore instructional methods that foster high expectations and achievement for all students in general and minority students in particular. Such programs include the ongoing study of cooperative learning techniques, efficacy training, anti-racism initiatives, and multicultural education.
One of the reasons for METCO’s longevity is the success of its graduates. According to statistics generated by the Massachusetts Department of Education “METCO Student Participation and Achievement Survey (2003-2005)”, cited in the METCO, Inc. Education Policy Initiatives, one-hundred percent (100%) of METCO seniors in the Class of 2004 passed the 10th grade English and Math MCAS tests. Additionally, eighty-seven percent (87%) of Boston students participating in METCO matriculate to institutions of higher learning.
What is expected of METCO parents?
Despite the distance to a participating community or other personal circumstances, METCO parents are expected to participate fully in their child’s total academic and social growth experiences. It is expected that parents will make themselves available to attend all scheduled meetings and functions at their child’s school, pick up their children at school should the need arise (for instance, in the case of sudden illness or school suspension), provide transportation to and from school in the event of an emergency and attend scheduled METCO parent meetings during the course of the academic year.
Are there residency requirements for METCO students?
A: METCO students must reside in the Greater Boston or Springfield metropolitan areas.
Are resident students denied space due to the placement of a METCO student? How many METCO students are there in districts? How many students are in METCO overall? Which grades does METCO service? Can I choose which district my child is enrolled?
Placement of METCO students is based on available seating in each school. Each district has determined a maximum seat allocation number. METCO students may be admitted at this maximum number but METCO enrollment may also be decreased at the discretion of the districts to compensate for increases in resident student enrollment. Currently, Swampscott has 63 seats allocated for METCO students.
METCO generally places students in grades K-12; however, decisions regarding grade level acceptance and placement are generally left to the discretion of the districts and can vary annually based on various factors including, but not limited to, individual class enrollment sizes.
At any given time, there are approximately 3,300 students participating in district METCO programs.
There is a waiting list for students which can be up to 15,000 per year.
Parents are not given a choice of which community their child is chosen for; however, a parent can decline placement for any reason and ask to have their child placed back on the waiting list. Placement preference, by community, may be given to siblings at the discretion of the Director/Coordinator. Placement in the case of siblings is still based on waiting list eligibility and available seating.
Is there a specific grade point average to qualify for METCO ? What if my child has special needs?
Schools in the participating METCO districts are public schools and do not have entrance requirements for resident students, then, by law, any student whose parent signs him/her up for METCO is eligible for placement. No child can be denied placement by any participating district for reasons of attendance, behavior, or special needs – except in the case where a student receiving services and accommodations through an IEP (Individual Education Plan) requires a placement that the district does not offer. Students with special education needs are eligible to participate in METCO if the accommodations and services needed by that student are offered in the participating district.
Who is in charge of transportation?
A: The Swampscott METCO Program contracts with METCO, Incorporated to provide transportation services for METCO students. Questions regarding transportation should be directed to the Swampscott METCO Director.
Is METCO for low-income families?
A: No. Family income is not a determining factor in applying for METCO. The widely assumed misconception that METCO students are from low-income families often stems from the stereotypical generalization that minority families who choose to live in inner city areas are poor. METCO families encompass a broad range of income levels and lifestyles.
How is METCO Funded?
A: The program is funded by a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Funding must be approved annually by the legislature. The METCO program is not a Choice program. The students’ home districts do not transfer tuition funding for METCO participants.
Will my child be the only child of color in the classroom?
A: Since many METCO programs across the Commonwealth are relatively small in student numbers, and since the minority population in receiving districts is usually minimal, there is a possibility that your child could be the only person of color in his or her classroom. However, participating METCO districts try to maintain a heightened sensitivity to the concerns of all students in general, and METCO students and their families in particular, and continue to establish and implement programs and policies that help alleviate alienation and isolation of all students within their population.
For more information about The METCO Program, please visit METCO Inc.