Vulnerable Populations

An illustration of a school on a green background

School Enrollment School Enrollment

Homeless students needed help. Schools showed them the door.

Pennsylvania schools tried to disenroll students who said they were homeless. ‘Being punished for poverty just does not seem right,’ one parent wrote.

By Amy DiPierro, The Center for Public Integrity and Corey Mitchell, The Center for Public Integrity

A girl in a light shirt and dark pants wearing a face mask walks towards a doorway in a colorful school hallway.

Broke in Philly Broke in Philly

Racial slurs, dress codes, few Black teachers: How Black girls say Philly schools are failing them

Based on girls’ comments in focus groups, a Pennsylvania advocacy group is calling for more Black teachers and staff, an end to overly harsh dress codes that made one girl feel “sexualized,” and courses that highlight Black achievement.

By Nora Macaluso

Three young people talking in front of a crosswalk

discipline policies discipline policies

More school counselors would improve juvenile justice system for girls, Philadelphia DA says

Larry Krasner’s report also found that 95% of girls arrested in the city are children of color.

By Dale Mezzacappa

A boy plays in a classroom, just behind a large globe. There are two adults speaking and other kids playing in the classroom.

Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Education

Philadelphia’s early childhood education workers ‘on the brink of a breakdown’ advocates say

In Philadelphia, 83% of early childhood programs are currently facing a staffing shortage and nearly 3,000 children are on a waitlist.

By Carly Sitrin

A listing of states in a chart on the left and a map of U.S. on the right depicts states based on the degree of inequity in their educational opportunity resources.

Broke in Philly Broke in Philly

Pennsylvania has nearly the worst education ‘opportunity gaps’ in country

Black and Hispanic students less likely to have access to quality teachers, good school climate and rigorous courses

By Dale Mezzacappa

A preschooler listens to instructions for a painting activity during a preschool class at Little Scholars child care center.

Philadelphia Early Childhood Education Guide Philadelphia Early Childhood Education Guide

This is a critical moment for early childhood education

By Chalkbeat Staff

Diversity & Equity Diversity & Equity

In landmark school funding case, Pennsylvania lawmakers try to block evidence of racial disparities

By Dale Mezzacappa

An orange sign says “testing in progress, do not disturb” as students work in the background.

standardized testing standardized testing

Pennsylvania wants to allow districts to delay standardized testing until fall

By Dale Mezzacappa

Broke in Philly Broke in Philly

Philadelphia widens free internet eligibility for families with children in school

By Dale Mezzacappa

A man in a light shirt and dark suit with a purple pocket square and wearing glasses points his finger while giving a speech at a press conference.

Broke in Philly Broke in Philly

Philadelphia to widen eligibility for free internet access for students

By Dale Mezzacappa

The outside of the Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg, PA.

Broke in Philly Broke in Philly

Coronavirus relief method cost poor districts millions, report says

By Dale Mezzacappa

Student wearing headphones sits at a table with a laptop.

Remote learning Remote learning

Brave new world: Students from immigrant families in Philadelphia give inside view on adjustment to remote learning

Immigrant students and parents have had to adjust to remote learning during the coronavirus, dealing with language barriers and technological hurdles.

By Samaria Bailey

Diversity & Equity Diversity & Equity

Pennsylvania has left soaring special education costs to districts, report says

By Dale Mezzacappa

Gun Violence and Schools Gun Violence and Schools

In a virtual classroom, how do you care for kids threatened by gun violence?

By J. Brian Charles, The Trace

Protestors walking down the Art Museum steps holding a large cardboard sign that reads Black Lives Matter.

Diversity & Equity Diversity & Equity

Philadelphia district launches equity initiative

By Dale Mezzacappa

If you value Chalkbeat, consider making a donation

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to providing the information families and educators need, but this kind of work isn’t possible without your help.

Donate

Find your next education job.

Jobs