Dale Mezzacappa

Citing low reading proficiency scores, advocates have formed a new coalition to push for Harrisburg to invest $100 million in literacy programs, such as the science of reading.

Administrators gave an update to the Philadelphia Board of Education in which they showed that while student achievement in math is improving, big performance gaps persist between student groups.

Pennsylvania does not require students to attend kindergarten. So Philadelphia officials make an extra effort each year to urge parents to enroll their children. There are about 8,300 students in Philadelphia district kindergarten programs this year.

Philadelphia teachers can spend lengthy periods in the ‘rubber room’ after being accused of misconduct. The head of the City Council Education Committee got the green light to investigate the district’s disciplinary process.

Superintendent Tony Watlington says the National Assessment of Educational Progress scores show “there is some real progress occurring.” Yet Philly’s NAEP results are still well below their peers’ scores in Pennsylvania, below the average for all large cities, and below national averages.

The governor’s spending plan would provide an increase for Philadelphia schools of over $200 million. There is more state money for special education, free school meals, student-teacher stipends, and more.

Pennsylvania has more cyber charter students than any other state, and funding reform is needed, says state auditor general.

Trump’s rapid-fire attacks on DEI and school diversity efforts could spell trouble for Philadelphia’s mandatory African American history course. Other district policies, like its high school admissions lottery, could also come in for scrutiny.

Philadelphia board members had some positive things to say about Early College High School’s application, but said Pan American Academy High School’s suspension rate for Black students raised concerns. They voted to deny both applications.

Graduates of the iconic Philadelphia High School for Girls include Gloria Allred and Jill Scott. But after a huge enrollment decline and a graduation ceremony that made news for the wrong reasons, Principal KaTiedra Argro tirelessly recruited students and is trying to bolster the school’s reputation.