Kristen Hughes, Principal of Milton Bradley School in Springfield, Massachusetts
“Under Kristen’s leadership, our school exited Level 4 status in the 2017-18 school year, the first year it was eligible to move up. It met 90% of state accountability targets,and increased from 18th percentile to 30th percentile in one school year (from 21-22 to 22-23). In 2021-2022 we partnered with PBLWorks to begin school-wide implementation of project-based learning because of its success in supporting deeper learning, engagement and academics, especially for Black and Brown students. We also partnered with our district’s “Portrait of a Graduate” team to reimagine instruction and were named a Springfield Portrait of a Graduate Spotlight School.”
Milton Bradley Elementary School is a Pre-K-5 School in an urban community in Springfield Massachusetts with a diverse student body of 515 students. More than 95% of students are Black or Brown, 93% are low-income and 19.4% are English Language Learners. Kristen Hughes was appointed principal in 2015 following a period of significant administrative turnover (four principals in five years) and academic struggles (in 2013 we were rated a Level 4, or “underperforming” by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education). Hughes led a massive turnaround, and garnered amazing results.
As principal of an inner-city school, Hughes has always held the belief that all children, when provided the rights supports, can achieve. PBL has brought her beliefs around equity to the forefront. Since adopting PBL, Hughes has developed and equipped our teachers with the tools necessary to engage our students in four high-quality PBL projects this school year. Through PBL the school has seen students begin to really shine, specifically in the areas of critical thinking and problem solving. Students are more engaged and invested. Hughes knew PBL would be a great vehicle to improve and expand Milton Bradley’s growth towards equity for all of our students.
Visit spsmbs.ss18.sharpschool.com.
