OUR MISSION
The mission of the Massachusetts Urban Project is to build the leadership capacity of urban school districts to improve PreK-12 educational outcomes and life opportunities of students with disabilities while meeting rigorous state and federal mandates.

WHAT WE DO
Founded in 1979 by Dr. David P. Riley, the Massachusetts Urban Project provides special education leaders with a forum to share knowledge, resources, best practices and networks needed to generate sustainable solutions to complex instructional, compliance, management, and leadership challenges faced by urban districts. Contemporary issues that promote successful outcomes for students with disabilities are explored and members are kept abreast of state and national policies, trends, hot topics, laws, and regulations. To facilitate classroom, school, and / or district-level change, local, regional, and nationally recognized educational leaders are invited to discuss “research to practice” and “what’s working and why” in urban special education. The Massachusetts Urban Project also serves as a conduit for the exchange of information and feedback between member district special education leaders and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

WHAT WE BELIEVE
Our work is grounded in the belief that what matters most in achieving positive outcomes for students with disabilities is:

• excellent teachers and access to rigorous and relevant curriculum
• the inclusion of students with disabilities in all aspects of school and community life
• research-based culturally competent teaching and social-emotional learning
• data-based decisions
• effective leadership
• family engagement
• safe and supportive schools
• strong district, school, and community partnership