Education: Kenney’s Universal Pre-K Proposal Sparks Hope, Controversy
Philadelphia’s public school system has long faced academic and financial troubles, resulting in poor standardized test scores and high dropout rates. Now, advocates of Mayor Jim Kenney’s proposition for universal pre-kindergarten say such a program could help put more students on the path to success. But critics don’t like the plan to pay for it: […]
Education: YouthBuild Gives High School Dropouts A Second Chance To Succeed
Jocquelyn Cain, 21, was turned away when he tried to re-enroll in his high school two years after he dropped out. He was too old. The Pennsylvania Department of Education says that only 70 percent of the students in Philadelphia public schools will graduate high school. This is well below the statewide number of 86 […]
Education: Piano Teacher Says Music Plays Key Role in Children’s Development
Patrick Fink, 27, a piano instructor and professional musician, has taught music since 2006. Fink has taught private lessons from his home in Roxborough for nearly 10 years, and has traveled to give lessons in the surrounding Pennsylvania/New Jersey region as well. The majority of his students are from grades nine through 12, but he […]
Education: Young Playwrights’ Program Puts Spotlight on Student Voices
Anthony Martinez-Briggs, 25, is a teaching artist at the Philadelphia Young Playwrights. He is a co-founder of the grassroots organization “I Love Living,” which stems from the local hip-hop band Ill Doots. He also teaches classes through the Arden Theatre Company, InterAct Theatre Company, and will soon start teaching for the Wilma Theater. These organizations […]