Philadelphia Public Schools
A work stoppage among food service and school climate workers could present a major challenge.
Voluntary busing for desegregation, labor peace, standardized curriculum: Clayton left a palpable legacy but, like others, could not significantly move student achievement in one of the nation’s poorest school districts
The commission will deliver a report to Gov. Josh Shapiro in November to guide development of a fairer, more adequate funding system.
Outward Bound programs have taken on new weight after a series of difficult years for Philadelphia students and staff.
The increases are relatively small, but they’re giving school leaders hope that Philadelphia students can continue to boost their scores in the years to come.
The new school year will also feature new curriculum materials and a revamped plan to make students safer.
New standards for test scores, attendance, and grades are coming to Philadelphia’s selective schools
The new process will take effect for the 2024-25 school year, but it could cause controversy.
Philadelphia’s school safety chief said getting more students into out-of-school activities can also help keep them out of trouble.
Watlington said this coming school year he’s focused on accelerating reading and math performance, school safety, and high-impact tutoring.
Karen Howell-Toomer, principal of Universal Vare Charter School, said she hopes the temporary building will be like a “boutique” for students.
The number of schools with elementary-age children that have play equipment has risen in recent years, the district said.
The disparity is most acute in urban areas and largely due to underfunding, said report author Edward Fuller.
Under the revised system, selective schools will still use minimum test scores for admissions, but individual schools’ requirements are still being worked out.
Nearly 200 students were shot during the past school year in Philadelphia. State Attorney Michelle Henry discussed the situation with students and her office’s attempts to help.
The district will get $2.5 million to help with data collection and support from the city to complete their required facilities inspections.
The 11-stop tour that helps families prepare for the first day of school marks Superintendent Tony Watlington’s second year on the job, after an inaugural year marked by several challenges.
Math teachers will use the materials in the upcoming school year as part of what Superintendent Tony Watlington called an “historic investment.”
Pennsylvania House Democrats’ refusal to pass a budget bill with a school voucher program halted negotiations but Shapiro vowed to line-item veto the voucher program when a budget bill hits his desk.
At a six-hour meeting, the board also nixes a charter renewal, spends $205 million, and mandates Juneteenth instruction
Pennsylvania already has two statewide private school choice programs. But if enacted, the Lifeline Scholarship Program would be the first such program funded directly by the state.
Corinne Scioli’s vision is in sync with the school district’s strategic plan, which calls for accelerating academic achievement and increasing students’ ‘global awareness.’
Students at Frankford High School celebrated their graduation on Tuesday after more than two years of remote learning.
The district said the decision to close schools to students was made “out of an abundance of caution.” Staff are still expected to report to school buildings on Friday.
As smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets the Northeast, Philadelphia school leaders say outdoor activities like field trips and athletics should be moved inside or canceled.
While they’re unsure why participation is low, district officials say they’re working to reach more students next school year.
Board members approved millions in spending on technology, summer programming, and curriculum. They also denied a charter school application.
Although asbestos is only considered a health hazard when it starts to flake, several school closures linked to the material this year have caused serious concern among Philadelphia parents and others.
Cherelle Parker and Tony Watlington haven’t shared details about how big changes to the academic calendar would work.
Parker — who is poised to become the first woman to serve as Philadelphia’s mayor — has big ideas for schools, but the teachers union and other power players will help determine their fate.
The report also includes measures of equity, including a racial breakdown of suspensions and access to Advanced Placement courses.
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