State education chief visits schools, praises bilingual programs

Massachusetts Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez toured three Worcester schools Oct. 30, highlighting expanded dual-language instruction and the district’s growing emphasis on biliteracy

BY

Charlene Arsenault

·

Nov 3, 2026

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Massachusetts Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez visited three Worcester public schools Oct. 30, getting a firsthand look at the district’s expanding dual-language programs and other educational offerings.

Martinez joined Superintendent Brian Allen for stops at the Worcester Dual Language Magnet School, Forest Grove Middle School and Doherty Memorial High School, according to an announcement from Worcester Public Schools.

Massachusetts Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez, left, greets a staff member at Worcester Dual Language Magnet School during his Oct. 30 visit. The commissioner toured the school’s classrooms and bilingual library as part of a visit to three Worcester public schools (photo courtesy of Worcester Public Schools)

At Worcester Dual Language Magnet School, the commissioner observed classrooms across several grade levels, including kindergarten, first, sixth and seventh grades, as the school continues expanding its bilingual education model. The school recently extended its dual-language programming to seventh and eighth grades, allowing students to continue developing language skills as they advance through middle school.

Martinez also toured the school’s bilingual library, which district officials described as the first of its kind in Worcester Public Schools.

The visit highlighted the district’s efforts to expand opportunities for students to develop proficiency in more than one language, a goal reflected in its participation in the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy program.

The state recognition is awarded to graduating students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language.

According to the district’s announcement, Martinez praised Worcester’s commitment to dual-language education and its increasing number of students earning the Seal of Biliteracy.

Massachusetts Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez, left, speaks with four students at Worcester Dual Language Magnet School during his Oct. 30 visit. Martinez toured three schools in the district alongside Superintendent Brian Allen (photo courtesy of Worcester Public Schools)

The announcement did not provide specific figures for the growth in biliteracy awards or additional details about the commissioner’s visits to Forest Grove and Doherty.

The Oct. 30 tour offered state education leadership an opportunity to observe the district’s programs firsthand as Worcester continues expanding multilingual learning opportunities for students.

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