Depending upon whom you ask, the Common Core State Standards are either the coming savior of K-12 education, or an unnecessary intrusion of the federal government into a state and local function that can only dumb down curriculum and harm students.

"If the facts are in question, there can be no informed debate."

The above quote from its new executive director is a pillar on which the Worcester Regional Research Bureau is built.

Ever wonder where your taxes are going? GoLocalWorcester will report monthly on where the big checks are going from the City of Worcester’s coffers. Who is getting the biggest checks each month?

The Worcester Regional Research Bureau is busily transitioning through its first change of leadership in nearly three decades.

WORCESTER — The Worcester Regional Research Bureau has announced the 2014 recipients of the Thomas S. Green Public Service Award, which are given each year to five city employees who have "made outstanding contributions to public service."

Roberta R. Schaefer is a tough woman to interview, and I'm trying to explain why in a diplomatic way.

The topic of an academically selective high school in the Worcester Public Schools is being picked up again as the district enters budget season.

The latest report from The Research Bureau, "Worcester by the Numbers: Public and Charter Schools," contains some eye-opening facts about the city's public schools, including enrollment, achievement, teacher pay, and the relative performance of its only charter high school.

WORCESTER — The Research Bureau has released its annual look at the Worcester public schools by the numbers, and it also includes facts about the two charter schools in the city.

A new report from The Research Bureau shines a light on public and charter schools by looking strictly at the numbers for everything ranging from teacher salaries to graduation rates and more.