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The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

"High School Quiz Show"

To:Members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
From:Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D., Commissioner
Date:June 11, 2010

As you may recall, last fall I reported on our work with WGBH and WGBY-Springfield, and presented you with details on several projects our two organizations planned to launch together to support the work of teachers. Since that time our relationship has grown into a strong partnership that serves to benefit educators from across the Commonwealth in a variety of ways.

This month WGBH President and CEO Jon Abbott, and WGBY-Springfield Vice President and General Manager Rus Peotter will be at our meeting to discuss "High School Quiz Show," an academic game show that launched in November. The show was modeled after the long-running "When Schools Match Wits" in western Massachusetts, and featured student teams from 20 eastern Massachusetts high schools. Our curriculum team worked closely with the show's developers and reviewed questions to ensure they were accurate and aligned with the curriculum frameworks in literature, history and science.

Since last fall the show has grown in popularity, and is now supported by an inter-active web page that features a play-at-home version of the game, and a strong social media presence. In addition, local teams have generated tremendous support and have filled the studio with supporters.

Executive Producer Hillary Wells will present a clip of the show, introduce this season's winners, and present them with their championship trophy.

We are fortunate to have WGBH/WGBY as a resource and partner for education in Massachusetts, and I am eager to continue to expand our partnership. I look forward to discussing this and other initiatives with the Board in June.