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: […]
Arts & Entertainment: The Race for Mayor and The Potential Impact on the Arts in Schools
As we get closer and closer to the Philadelphia mayoral election, one of the focal points of discussion will be the candidate’s plans for bettering education in Philadelphia. Yearly budget cuts have plagued schools, resulting in layoffs, lack of adequate supplies and the removal of after school programs. Many outside organizations with a connection to the arts are […]
Education: Without Counselors, Students in Philadelphia Face A Challenging Path
Being a teenager in high school is complicated, but being a teenager in a Philadelphia public school can been even more challenging. Trying to juggle classes, homework, a personal life and then college applications on top of it all can be difficult without proper guidance and counseling. “My counselors became more like mentors and people […]
City Hall: Parents and Advocates Demand State Provide Adequate Education Funds
Philadelphia education advocates, parents and students braved the numbing cold on Nov. 18 to gather in room 400 of City Hall for a hearing organized by the local nonprofit Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY). “Public education is not a privilege but a right,” said Jamira Burley (right), executive director of the Philadelphia Youth Commission. […]
South Philly West: Data Shows Lack of Quality Pre-K Childcare
Data released in March suggests residents in South Philadelphia west of Broad Street severely lack access to quality pre-kindergarten care. The Childcare Map is an interactive tool that allows people to search an area of Philadelphia and view options for early childcare. The data comes from Fund for Quality, which aims to expand availability to […]