Education
Beware of Backpack Charity
Cheap backpacks that fall apart by October? A Philadelphia public school teacher advises charitable donors to choose quality over quantity
By Lydia Kulina-Washburn
A Path to “Jobs That People Love”
PECO’s workforce development initiative is, little by little, making solid middle class careers easier to get for Philadelphians who look like their customers
By Natalie Pompilio
How to Really Run a City
In the latest episode of our podcast, former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed talk to education reformer and former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza on what students really need … now.
Should PA Ban Cell Phones in Schools?
And, is it any surprise that legislation on the matter remains stuck in limbo in Harrisburg?
By Richard Koenig
Powering Up Mentorship
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ local CEO is spearheading the group’s first efforts in Philadelphia schools, with the aim of providing every middle schooler with a much-needed mentor
By Rachel Wisniewski
John Fry and the City
The appointment of Philadelphia’s preeminent change maker to lead Temple University has the potential to disrupt Philadelphia’s status quo — an outcome rooted in the eloquent example of his unlikely hero
By Larry Platt
Something Doesn’t Add Up at UArts
University of the Arts’ former CFO wants answers about the suddenly-closed school’s $40 million funding gap
By Louis J. Mayer, EdD
The Pay Paradox of Early Childhood Educators
A policy advisor and former pre-K teacher calls for more investment in our children’s first educators — a proven investment that pays off for all of us.
By Lyssa Horvath
PA’s Fair Funding Champion
Deborah Gordon Klehr oversaw the Education Law Center’s successful case mandating better funding of public schools throughout the state. But it’s her work outside the courtroom that has been indispensable for Pennsylvania students
By Malcolm Burnley
The Great School Vouchers Debate
Progressive Councilmembers Thomas, Gauthier, O'Rourke and Brooks protested them. Jay-Z begged to differ. And Mayor Parker tried to bring folks together. Who’s got students’ backs? A week on the frontlines of the school choice wars
By Larry Platt