A daily roundup of Philadelphia education news.
Notes from the news, May 18
Submitted by Erika Owens on Fri, 05/18/2012 - 08:46 Posted in Notes from the news | Permalink
College for a few The Notebook/NewsWorks
This cover story package from the new edition of the Notebook follows three students who entered Benjamin Franklin High in 2005 and their differing paths through high school and beyond.
See also: Pushing college in tight times The Notebook
The Franklin class of 2009 The Notebook
Education Writers Association conference in town The Notebook blog
The education reporters trade association's annual conference has brought hundreds of reporters and education experts to Penn through Saturday.
Charter school finds success based on intensive teacher training, college focus MLive
Profile of Mastery Charter Schools from a Michigan paper.
Position will help activist fight youth violence The Inquirer
Recent Temple University grad Jamira Burley was just named executive director of the Philadelphia Youth Commission.
Board to resign, Phila. group to take over underperforming Trenton charter school Times of Trenton
Young Scholars will take over the school.
Students dabble in stocks at the Philadelphia exchange WHYY/NewsWorks
Local 5th graders learn lessons in ballroom dance 6 ABC
Unvaccinated kids booted from Pa. classrooms AP via philly.com
A new effort to increase support for J.S. Jenks Chestnut Hill Local
An evening in Africa at Powel Elementary School UC Review
Principal speaks of Burholme school's allure Northeast Times
Students learn to help others Northeast Times
One Letter Per Day: Transparency in Numbers Making the Grade blog
State news roundup Keystone State Education Coalition
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Notes from the news, May 17
Submitted by Erika Owens on Thu, 05/17/2012 - 07:43 Posted in Notes from the news | Permalink
SRC hears questions about charter role The Notebook blog
Part of the contract for Mastery to take over an elementary school as a Renaissance School required it to maintain a multi-disability support program, but the District has allowed it to discontinue to program, citing financial constraints.
A bold plan to fix Philadelphia schools The Inquirer (opinion)
Praise for the transformation blueprint for its plan to use strategies "that have been proven to work" to improve schools.
See also: SRC hears more comments on proposed overhaul The Inquirer
New schools plan: Can’t we do better? Daily News (opinion)
Hostile Witness: Make 'em pay City Paper
SRC plan sparks debate. Will debate help? Daily News (opinion)
SRC hears about struggle to maintain continuity in ELL programs The Notebook blog
At its Monday policy meeting, the SRC discussed programs for English language learners.
Corbett: Schools should use reserves to avert cuts AP via the Beaver Times
On a radio show, Gov. Corbett said districts could avoid cutting programs because "they have the money in reserve, but the parents don't know that."
Penn Partners With KIPP Schools to Promote College Completion in Underserved Communities Penn News
One Letter Per Day: Relationships are important Making the Grade blog
One Letter Per Day: The Time is Now Making the Grade blog
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Notes from the news, May 16
Submitted by Erika Owens on Wed, 05/16/2012 - 08:49 Posted in Notes from the news | Permalink
With protesters nearby, Corbett sticks to message for Phila. Chamber The Inquirer
Hundreds of people rallied to protest Gov. Corbett's cuts to education and social services.
See also: Governor in town; activists to protest The Notebook blog
In Philly visit, Corbett says protesters and businesses should agree WHYY/NewsWorks
Gov. Tom Corbett Protests Begin at 4 p.m. PhillyNow blog
Council brings District back for more questions The Notebook blog
District officials clarified points about the transformation plan under consideration.
See also: School plan widely misunderstood, SRC officials say The Inquirer
Penn to team up with KIPP charters The Inquirer
Penn will become KIPP's 10th higher education partner, and Penn expects to admit 12-15 KIPP graduates a year who meet Penn's admissions requirements.
Obama to meet with Center City high school's seniors Daily News
President Obama plans to meet seniors at the Science Leadership Academy when he is in town for a fundraiser.
FUSD hires 2nd member of controversial Philly team The Fresno Bee
Shana Kemp will join Jamilah Fraser on the communications team in Fresno.
Pa. Education Department defends its treatment of Chester Upland The Inquirer
Eight city schools named among best in state The Philadelphia Tribune
William H. Shoemaker Junior High School The Philly History blog
College debt a ticking time bomb — or two, or three Daily News (opinion)
House Democratic Policy Committee Meets in Philly PFT Blog
Communities Raise Red Flags on Schools Overhaul Our City, Our Schools blog
State news roundup Keystone State Education Coalition
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Notes from the news, May 15
Submitted by Erika Owens on Tue, 05/15/2012 - 09:10 Posted in Notes from the news | Permalink
Why students drop out of college & what can be done to help them graduate Radio Times
This morning at 10 a.m. Radio Times will discuss college completion, which is the focus of the next edition of the Notebook.
Same school budget crisis, different year WHYY/NewsWorks
In this It's Our Money podcast, reporters discuss the transformation plan and role of Harrisburg with the District's budget.
See also: For city schools, a century of struggle The Inquirer (opinion)
Plan for schools can be improved The Inquirer (opinion)
District vows to preserve resources for bilingual education The Inquirer
The School Reform Commission held another roundtable-style meeting yesterday and discussed services for English language learners.
Philly plans a friendly reception for Corbett, eviscerator of education and social services The Naked City blog
Gov. Corbett will be in town to give a speech at the Prince Theatre this afternoon and several groups are planning to be there to protest budget cuts.
Student activist wins Gates scholarship The Notebook blog
Bach Tong, a student at Science Leadership Academy and co-founder of the Asian Students Association of Philadelphia, described what it means to him to receive the prestigious scholarship.
Pennsylvania charter school law needs an upgrade The Patriot-News (opinion)
Jonathan Cetel, director of the new organization PennCAN, writes that the charter law should be improved to create more high-performing charter schools.
After midnight, Trenton picks Duran as superintendent The Trentonian
Francisco Duran was assistant superintendent in charge of Promise Academies.
Philadelphia’s Online Charters gaining interest Voices of Philadelphia
West Philly May Kindergarten Open Houses West Philly Local
Pennsylvanians can expect heated negotiations over proposed state budget The Patriot-News
Community College a ticket to freedom The Inquirer
One Letter Per Day: Use Money Wisely Making the Grade blog
State news roundup Keystone State Education Coalition
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Notes from the news, May 14
Submitted by Erika Owens on Mon, 05/14/2012 - 08:59 Posted in Notes from the news | Permalink
The Remaking of Philadelphia Public Schools: Privatization or Bust COLORLINES
An overview of the potential impact of the transformation plan to close dozens of schools and set up "Achievement Networks."
See also: Budget Woes Could Close Philly's Problem Schools NPR Morning Edition
The end of public education in Philadelphia Daily News (opinion)
School reorganization gets poor reception The Philadelphia Tribune
Will Philly Close 80 Public Schools? Fox 29
Fairness must be Nutter’s goal The Inquirer (opinion)
Philly teachers union protest over possible school closures The Inquirer
Philadelphia SRC adds enrollment to three charters, approves new pacts for four others The Inquirer
The SRC resumed weekly meetings to consider charter renewals on Friday.
See also: SRC approves five more charter renewals The Notebook blog
Central High has new principal from Furness High The Inquirer
Central's longtime principal is stepping down and his replacement will come from a neighborhood high school in South Philly.
'About time,' Butkovitz says of Masch's leaving Philly schools The Inquirer
City Controller Alan Butkvotiz says former District Chief Financial Officer Michael Masch "failed" at his task of keeping District spending in line.
Last call: Submit your Student Journalism Awards entry [Friday]! The Notebook blog
Every year at our June event we honor the best in high school journalism at Philadelphia public schools.
Germantown elementary school grounds one step closer to being 'transformed' WHYY/NewsWorks
Philadelphia School District Searches For New Superintendent Amid Budget Crisis CBS Philly
Making Public Schools Work Metropolis
Back to the future: Youth and the Orchestra Broad Street Review
A Kid Like Xavier A Good Day Teaching blog
One Letter Per Day: Protest the Governor Making the Grade blog
State news roundup Keystone State Education Coalition
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Notes from the news, May 11
Submitted by Erika Owens on Fri, 05/11/2012 - 09:06 Posted in Notes from the news | Permalink
Philly teachers union protest over possible school closures The Inquirer
The protest of the transformation plan happened early this morning.
See also: Why Isn't Closing 40 Philadelphia Public Schools National News? Truthout
Masch to leave district The Notebook blog
Michael Masch will leave his current position on executive staff as of May 31. He was the Chief Financial Officer for the District.
See also: Budget expert Masch leaving school district The Inquirer
School Gives Autistic Student The Wrong Medicine Fox 29
The student was given medicine by his principal because the school nurse was not available that day due to budget cuts.
Crime lurks in little-used areas of Philadelphia schools The Inquirer
According to the Inquirer's analysis, 45 serious incidents from 2005-11 took place in the basement or stairwells at Germantown High.
Commentary: Understanding privatization - What Thomas Knudsen doesn't get The Notebook blog
Charter schools are public schools, but they are also part of an effort to create a marketplace for education, said Ron Whitehorne.
O'Brien's outburst: Former speaker wants to know "What the hell is up" with Harrisburg plan for five years of no increase for schools. The Naked City blog
City Council considered the District's budget this week, and Councilman O'Brien questioned the role the state plays in funding these schools.
See also: Council Can Give the SRC the Money to NOT Privatize the System Young Philly Politics
Last Notebook happy hour of the year The Notebook blog
Join us on May 18 and colleagues from across the country who will be in town for the Education Writers Association's national conference being held in Philly this year.
City Year embraces educational mission The Philadelphia Tribune
School commissioners endorse tax reform plan The Philadelphia Tribune
One Letter Per Day: Visit our schools Making the Grade blog
State news roundup Keystone State Education Coalition
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Notes from the news, May 10
Submitted by Erika Owens on Thu, 05/10/2012 - 09:07 Posted in Notes from the news | Permalink
Advocates urge Council to approve money, but reject reorganization plan The Notebook blog
After District officials testified before City Council on Tuesday, members of the public shared their thoughts about the plan on Wednesday.
See also: Parents speak out about Philadelphia school budget WHYY/NewsWorks
Unions, parents blast school austerity plans The Inquirer
Teacher’s Union President Slams School Reorganization Plan CBS Philly
Taxpayers talk school cash in Council Daily News
Corbett willing to negotiate on Pa. Senate plan to spend more on higher ed WHYY/NewsWorks
The state Senate is considering a plan to use additional revenue to stem higher education, accountability block grant, and general assistance cuts.
Enon meeting draws upwards of 2,000 people The Notebook blog
On Tuesday evening, Enon Tabernacle church hosted a meeting to discuss the budget and the transformation plan.
See also: Passionate Crowd Discusses School District's Money Woes Chestnut Hill Patch
Barred for LIfe City Paper
A new law made the regulations about what types of criminal offenses bar someone from working in schools more stringent.
Budget woes can’t stop city’s best young musicians Daily News
The All Philadelphia Middle School Festival takes place tonight.
Turning pavement into green spaces around Philly Daily News (opinion)
The School District is announcing plans to make school yards much greener.
See also: EPA grant to make Nebinger greener South Philly Review
Chester Upland pleads case in federal court The Inquirer
Rookie Roxborough Students Dazzle Greenfield Film Festival Roxborough-Manayunk Patch
Philly Community Mobilizes Against School Privatization Open Salon blog
Jackson School tries Goldilocks South Philly Review
One Letter Per Day: Over/under capacity Making the Grade blog
State news roundup Keystone State Education Coalition
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Notes from the news, May 9
Submitted by Erika Owens on Wed, 05/09/2012 - 09:04 Posted in Notes from the news | Permalink
Council, SRC grapple with ‘tsunami’ The Inquirer
School District officials testified before City Council yesterday about the budget and transformation plan. Today the public will testify before Council.
See also: Ramos: Reorganization proposal not a 'done deal' The Notebook blog
City Council Tests SRC on Budget Questions NBC Philadelphia
Philadelphia City Council grills school officials pleading for more money WHYY/NewsWorks
Philadelphia Schools Say $94M More From Property Taxes Next Year Won’t Be Enough CBS Philly
Turnaround plan for schools needs assent from administrators Philadelphia Business Journal
Kristen Graham tweets council hearing on schools' budget Philly School Files blog
Philly School District goes to Supreme Court in charter case The Inquirer
The District seeks to overturn a lower court's ruling that it can only impose caps on charter school enrollment that have been agreed to in writing.
Greatness on the ground The Notebook blog
Coming out of the Teacher Action Group/OneVoice curriculum fair is a unified campaign for an educator-led reform effort in Philly schools.
Lawmakers want casino money sent to schools Daily News
Two state representatives suggested the plan say it could bring $88 million to the Philly schools, temporarily.
See also: Rep. Youngblood backs bill to use gaming revenue for School District funding WHYY/NewsWorks
Pennsylvania Senate plan reverses education cuts The Morning Call
The state Senate wants to apply additional revenue that was collected to offset cuts to higher education and Accountability Block Grants for public schools.
See also: Senate budget plan floor-bound after unanimous committee vote WITF
May 10 Meeting. Come Out. Speak Up. OnBlast
Philadelphia Student Union members will be at the community budget hearing tomorrow evening at West Philly High.
Boy accused of raping fellow Germantown High freshman Daily News
Autistic Child Disappears From Philadelphia School Fox 29
High schoolers, mentors make perfect match The Philadelphia Tribune
School District Honors NW Philly High School Teachers Mt. Airy Patch
City To Convert Blacktop Into Parkland At Philadelphia Schools CBS Philly
The Jackie Robinson of Public School Teachers Forbes
One Letter Per Day: The "Heavy Lift" Making the Grade blog
State news roundup Keystone State Education Coalition
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Notes from the news, May 8
Submitted by Erika Owens on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 08:59 Posted in Notes from the news | Permalink
87 names in hopper for superintendent job The Notebook blog
The superintendent search committee hasn't released the names, but hopes to be on track to have a permanent superintendent by next school year.
City Council grills Philadelphia School District on its budget today Daily News (opinion)
Council will hear from District officials today and there will be public testimony tomorrow.
What the research says about portfolio management models Research for Action blog
Research for Action has released a brief assessing the research on multiple provider management for districts.
Why Divide Your Thanks, Mr. President? Practical Theory blog
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week as well as National Charter School Week.
See also: Thoughts on Teacher Appreciation Week Philly Teacher blog
Teacher Appreciation Week Building a (great) School blog
Restructuring Philadelphia's schools: Have administrators overlooked anything? WHYY/NewsWorks
Tony Auth is now creatiing political art for NewsWorks.
Hearings continue for Chester schools Philadelphia Tribune
Chester Upland school district is fighting the state in court for more adequate funding.
See also: School suit could ripple across Pennsylvania WYTV
Youth Media Summit in Philly [Today] Voices of Philadelphia
The summit will include the voices of a variety of stakeholders in the media literacy space, including Notebook teacher blogger Samuel Reed.
Everyone protested Corbett in Harrisburg today The Naked City blog
Despite better than expected Pa. tax revenues, Corbett sticking to school spending cuts WHYY/NewsWorks
Investigation Into Sexual Assault at Germantown High Ongoing Mt. Airy Patch
Advocating For Better Education CBS Philly
Community meetings and presentations this week West Philly Local
One Letter Per Day: For Us, By Us Making the Grade blog
State news roundup Keystone State Education Coalition
Please email us if we missed anything today or if you have any suggestions of publications, email lists, or other places for us to check for news.
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Notes from the news, May 7
Submitted by Erika Owens on Mon, 05/07/2012 - 09:05 Posted in Notes from the news | Permalink
Vibrant debate over District blueprint continues The Notebook blog
People from the higher education community met to discuss the plan last week and several organizing groups have meetings and other actions planned for this week.
See also: Unequal Spending Per Pupil Is Killing Urban Public Schools Keystone Politics
One Letter Per Day: Change by Us Making the Grade blog
'Shining lights in the public schools' The Inquirer
The annual Lindback awards for excellent teachers will be given to 63 public school teachers Tuesday.
See also: Philadelphia School District High School Lindback winners The Inquirer
Asian Americans United marks South Philadelphia High legacy through exhibit Voice of Philadelphia
The exhibit opened at the Philadelphia Folklore Project on Friday and runs through the summer.
District tells charter to end $45 fee The Inquirer
Communities In Schools of Philadelphia student receives full Gates Millennium Scholarship Philadelphia Sun
State news roundup Keystone State Education Coalition
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