Paul Jablow
Paul Jablow is a freelance writer and former Philadelphia Inquirer reporter who contributes regularly to the Notebook.
Universities and public officials join with schools to implement programs and conduct research.
Pottstown and the Mastery charter network have made it a priority. And several Philadelphia District schools have programs and partnerships.
“The world of thinking about trauma, the importance of school climate and social-emotional learning is 20, 30, 40 years behind the world of instruction.”
This year, some 8,000 students spent between 120 and 160 hours at one of about 1,000 work sites throughout the city.
“First impressions go a long way.”
“I definitely felt that what I was doing was valuable and important.”
“We learned to help each other.”
“You have to be there to experience how much beauty there is in medicine.”
Impressions and attitudes are developed very early, so it is important for parents and teachers to deal with the issue directly.
Recruitment, workshops, and “challenging” discussions about racism are all part of the effort.
Sixty students from 22 District schools throughout the city spent their senior year taking courses at CCP.