The Notebook's mission

The mission of the Notebook is to promote informed public involvement in the Philadelphia public schools and to contribute to the development of a strong movement for educational change in the city.

By providing information and analysis of educational issues, we support the efforts of parents, teachers, students, and communities to organize for improved conditions in their schools. We want to see schools that are affirming of all students, enabling them to become critically thinking, active participants in society.

We place particular emphasis on the needs of schools that serve low-income communities and communities of color, which are the most seriously hurt by the failings of public education. We are committed to transforming our two-track education system, which provides decent schools only for some children. Students should not be denied a quality educational experience because of their race, class, gender, language, or disability.

We believe that public education can fulfill its promise of promoting democracy and social justice. But to bring about positive change in a large urban school system like Philadelphia's will require a massive effort – starting with alliances of people at the grassroots level working to make their schools and the whole system work more effectively. The Notebook plays a vital role by offering a vision of quality public education, and by providing news, dialogue, commentary, and promising strategies to support and inspire people who are working for change.