Helping homeless students tackle barriers to academic success
by Charlotte PopeIt’s not always easy for a homeless student to push past the stigma and focus on academics.To increase understanding about the barriers to educational success for homeless students,...
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Commentary: It's time to adopt a common enrollment system, starting with high...
This is a guest blog, and the ideas expressed are solely the opinions of the author. The Notebook invites guest blog posts on current topics in Philadelphia education from its readers. Send...
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Saul teacher receives honor for work with school’s agricultural program
by Charlotte PopeEvery week, the White House recognizes Americans who are doing extraordinary things in their communities through its “Champions of Change” program. Earlier this month, Jessica...
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Green Woods Charter breaks ground at new Roxborough location
by Matthew Grady, for NewsWorks, a Notebook news partnerSchool officials, political leaders and a handful of lucky students broke ground Wednesday morning at the new site for the Green Woods Charter...
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What to do with tainted PSSA scores?
Howard Wainer poses a question:If you measured the height of a group of kids and later found out some had been standing on a stool, what would you do?“The statistical approach would be to try to...
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Quicktakes: Is cheating on standardized tests a problem in the District?
We also asked how anyone caught cheating should be handled.
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A distorted reality
In July 2010, when Saliyah Cruz was named principal of Communications Technology High, state test scores said the small citywide admission school in Southwest Philadelphia was one of the best in the...
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Selling of vacant schools is underway
With dozens of new school closings looming, the School District of Philadelphia has started selling off some of its properties that are already vacant. Three building sales were approved by the School...
View ArticleCheating: Time for answers
For nine years in a row, up through 2011, every summer brought cheery news that test scores went up in Philadelphia schools. Sure, performance wasn’t where it should be, but things were on the right...
View ArticleWill the system really decentralize?
Response to the October 2012 edition article “A new blend of public and private”I think the decentralized approach to school management that is a component of the portfolio model is questionable due...
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District creates new office to address student concerns
Since coming to Philadelphia, Superintendent William Hite has emphasized the importance of community input and involving students in decision-making. This fall, Hite created the Office of Student...
View ArticleCoalition developing alternative to consultant’s plan for District
Education advocates worked this fall to ensure a community voice in the discussion about the future of Philadelphia schools: The Philadelphia Coalition Advocating for Public Schools (PCAPS) sought...
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Reaching out in print and online
Notebook readers can still find the bimonthly print publication at 750 distribution sites throughout the city, including all District and charter schools. But to increase access to the paper, the...
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Coalición reúne opiniones de la comunidad sobre planes de reforma
Este otoño los defensores de la educación trabajaron para asegurar que se tomara en cuenta la opinión de la comunidad en la discusión sobre el futuro de las escuelas de Filadelfia: la Philadelphia...
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Test security: Philadelphia gets strictest treatment
Heightened security measures are expected to again be in force throughout the School District of Philadelphia when state standardized tests are administered next spring. Changes are unlikely at least...
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Investigations at 53 schools continue without resolution
Pennsylvania’s investigation of possible cheating on state tests in Philadelphia is entering its second year with no results announced and with little information about its scope and depth.So far, no...
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Deadline for high school applications fast approaching
by Charlotte PopeThe deadline for applications to attend citywide admission or special admission high schools, or to transfer to District neighborhood schools is Friday, Nov. 30.All students in grades...
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Ethics complaint questions legitimacy of BCG reform plan, school closures
by Bill Hangley, Jr. With the shadow of dozens of possible school closures looming in the background, a group of public school advocates has formally filed an ethics complaint challenging the...
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