For Parents
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NEWS FROM THE NOTEBOOK
Parents have praise for charters but want better oversight
by Daniel Denvir
Some parents say they choose charters because they are safer, provide a more varied curriculum, or offer a diverse student body. But other parents charge that a Wild West atmosphere has taken root, allowing bad schools to sprout up with little oversight – and achieving meaningful accountability seems an elusive goal.
The Notebook convened a roundtable of parents to ask them about their experiences with charter schools, their reasons for choosing charters or staying at traditional public schools, and the possibilities and shortcomings of these publicly funded institutions managed by nonprofit boards.
The Notebook * Summer 2010
NEWS FROM THE NATION AND REGION
Annandale parents recruited to study 'critical' school crowding
by Holly Hobbs
Parents in the Annandale area have been asked to study overpopulation at their children's schools and offer solutions to alleviate what is being called "critical" crowding in multiple buildings.
The Washington Post * August 12, 2010
As Parents Protest, Chancellor And Panel Leave
by Karen Zraick
Angry parents protested a falloff in test scores at a meeting of a citywide education panel on Monday night, prompting its members and the schools chancellor to walk out.
The New York Times * August 16,, 2010
Stories of interest to parents
More like this
Language issues are central to school overhauls, parents say
by Gustavo Martínez Contreras Posted in Winter 2009 Edition | Permalink
Immigrant parents in South Philadelphia have been vocal in advocating that their families’ needs be addressed as the District rolls out its plans to overhaul some of its lowest-performing schools.
Over the next three years, Superintendent Arlene Ackerman’s Renaissance Schools plan would shut these schools down and reopen them under the management of organizations with a proven record of turning schools around.
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Behavioral health supports are expanding in the District
by Ruth Rouff Posted in Winter 2009 Edition | Permalink
A child’s emotional state can have a profound impact on his or her ability to learn, as any classroom teacher knows. Emotional issues often lead to problem behaviors.
With many of the District’s 167,000 students coming from stress-filled environments, the District and the city Department of Behavioral Health have been collaborating to increase access to school-based behavioral health programs for District students.
Today, almost 100 schools have teams of behavioral health staff, and more than 11,000 students received school-based services last year.
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New program, planned for 20 schools, will be citywide
by Dale Mezzacappa Posted in Winter 2009 Edition | Permalink
Superintendent Arlene Ackerman has embraced the framework known as Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) as an approach to improving school climate in Philadelphia, embedding the program in her strategic plan, Imagine 2014, and decreeing that all schools adopt its key elements.
This is both good news and bad news for the people who have worked the hardest to bring PBS to the city since even before Ackerman arrived.
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New school offers nurturing alternative for expelled students
by Sarah Burgess Posted in Winter 2009 Edition | Permalink
When Benjamin Wright, regional superintendent for alternative education, spearheaded the District’s initiative to open two new schools for expelled students this fall, he envisioned small, nurturing environments.
So far, that’s exactly what he’s getting.
Just ask Shaquil Jones, a junior at Philadelphia Learning Academy South (PLAS).
“It’s smaller and my teachers care more about the students than at the other school,” he says.
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Avenues for enhancing literacy
Posted in Fall 2009 Edition | Permalink
Reading
Babies: Books are great first toys for babies.
Begin with books that:
- can be propped up for a baby to look at.
- have pictures in bright contrasting colors.
- are made of cardboard or cloth to withstand a little chewing and make page turning easier.
Toddlers and pre-schoolers: Toddlers are just able to sit and listen to a complete story. Try books that:
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Language issues are central to school overhauls, parents say
by Gustavo Martínez Contreras Posted in Winter 2009 Edition | Permalink
Immigrant parents in South Philadelphia have been vocal in advocating that their families’ needs be addressed as the District rolls out its plans to overhaul some of its lowest-performing schools.
Over the next three years, Superintendent Arlene Ackerman’s Renaissance Schools plan would shut these schools down and reopen them under the management of organizations with a proven record of turning schools around.
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Selecting a high school: Not a level playing field
by Shani Adia Evans and Dale Mezzacappa Posted in Fall Guide 2009 Edition | Permalink
With the recent creation of many new, themed high schools and the continuing growth of the charter school movement, students in Philadelphia have more public high school options than ever.
But more options haven’t meant that most students are getting into the schools they prefer, or that the available choices meet students’ needs.
Comments (24)
Committees at work on plans to overhaul 25 troubled schools
by Wendy Harris Posted in Fall 2009 Edition | Permalink
The School District has stepped up its work around its much-debated Renaissance Schools plan – an initiative to transform chronically failing schools – appointing a 50-member panel to help drive the process.
Dubbed the Renaissance Schools Advisory Board, the group has three subcommittees consisting of educators, business and community leaders, District staff, parents, faith-based representatives, and youth advocates.
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No Easy Road, Part 3
by Benjamin Herold Posted in Fall 2009 Edition | Permalink
Ninth grade didn’t finish the way Corey White had hoped.
The high-achieving teen’s final grades at Academy at Palumbo High School included Cs in English and biology.
Concerned, Corey’s mother and great-grandparents moved him out of their Southwest Philadelphia home and in with his grandparents.
It’s the reverse of the move that White’s mother, now 28, made at his age.
“I had Corey when I was 13,” says Robin White, who dropped out of Thomas Middle School in 8th grade.
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Getting parents involved
Submitted by Eric Braxton on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 17:03 Posted in High schools | Permalink
Over the summer I have been thinking a lot about parent involvement in high school reform.
I continue to believe that involving more parents in multiple ways is critical to turning our schools around. Parents need to be not only supporting their own children, but also holding schools accountable for providing quality education.
Comments (17)
Parent resource center opens at District headquarters
by Peak Johnson Posted in Spring 2009 Edition | Permalink
The School District of Philadelphia celebrated the opening of its Parent and Community Resource Center on January 28.
With a staff of three, the center offers eight computers with Internet access, core curriculum guides for grades K-12, printer and fax services, a reading corner for kids, and a series of workshops on such topics as student re-enrollment, financial aid, and becoming a better parent.
The center also has a multilingual component, with literature in Spanish. Other languages will be included.
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Parents continue their push for quality supports for ELLs
by Paul Socolar Posted in Spring 2009 Edition | Permalink
Advocates for English language learners (ELLs) say they are pleased that the School District has honored a commitment to expand the number of bilingual counseling assistants (BCAs) who provide interpretation services for non-English-speaking parents. Now they are trying to make sure the new staff is used effectively.
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FEATURED LINK
- Federal Student Aid
The nation’s largest source of student aid, federal dollars in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs are available to all eligible students pursuing post-secondary education.
PARENT & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
- Philadelphia Home and School Association
For parents and guardians with children in the School District of Philadelphia. - Parents United for Public Education
An independent citywide collective of public school parents who are focused on creating and open and transparent budget process. - ACORN
The nation’s largest grassroots community organization that brings neighbors together to work for stronger, safer, and most just communities. There are chapters in 110 cities and 40 states. - Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) - Philadelphia Chapter
Creates, supports, and promotes efforts to empower Black parents to exercise choice in determining how their children are educated. - Public Citizens for Children and Youth
Works to improve the lives of all children, including those who are homeless and abused, receiving inadequate health care, and whose parents are being taken off welfare. - Education Voters Pennsylvania
An independent, bipartisan organization that is working to hold elected leaders accountable for their actions or inactions on pressing education issues. Our state Constitution says: "The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the Commonwealth." School funding is the beginning of a great public education system. The leadership we elect matters for realizing the long term goal of giving every child the opportunity for a successful life. - Good Schools Pennsylvania
Informs citizens and public officials about the educational needs of Pennsylvania's children, the components of effective education (including accountability), and the consequences of an inadequate education. - Pennsylvania School Funding Campaign
A statewide coalition of individuals and organizations representing parents, students, educators, school board members, administrators and others advocating for comprehensive, systemic reform of Pennsylvania’s public education funding system. - Fair Test: National Center for Fair and Open Testing
Advances quality education and equal opportunity by promoting fair, open, valid and educationally beneficial evaluations of students, teachers and schools. Also works to end the misuse and flaws of testing practices that impede those goals.
GETTING MONEY FOR YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION
- Loans for Parents
Options for funding the cost of your child’s post-secondary education. - Federal Student Aid
The nation’s largest source of student aid, federal dollars in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs are available to all eligible students pursuing post-secondary education. - nowU Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program
Offers a range of resources to help you save for your child’s college education.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS
- Philadelphia Right to Education Task Force
Examines, enlightens, and empowers special education providers who receive funding from the public school system and the families they serve. - Education Law Center
Advocates for poor children, children of color, children with disabilities, English language learners, kids in foster homes and institutions, and others. - The Arc of Philadelphia
Promotes and improves supports and services for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. - The Right to Special Education in PA: A Guide to Parents
Describes the legal rules that govern the special education and early intervention programs in Pennsylvania for children age three until schooling ends. - Philadelphia Children's Connection
Resources for students, parents, and caretakers of children with special needs. - Parent Guide to Special Education for the Gifted
Explains the rights of gifted children. Also, outlines various issues including how a child’s need for a gifted education is determined and the responsibilities of a school district in meeting their needs. - CanChild
A center for childhood disability research. Focuses on issues that make a difference for children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs and their families. - Institute for Disabilities at Temple University
Offers a variety of programs, training, workshops, and publications about disabilities.
OTHER RESOURCES
- FamilyNet
Allows School District families to gain access to their child’s progress data, report card grades, attendance, and test scores. Can also find instructional resources here. Register for free. - DHS Parent Action Network
Provides a variety of parent support groups throughout the city for individuals who want to enhance their parenting skills. Also helps parents resolve conflict and improve communication with their children. - Pennsylvania Department of Education
Develops and administers policies to regulate and improve the quality of education in Pennsylvania. - Philadelphia High School Directory 2009
Lists neighborhood, charter, and special admissions schools. Also includes information about academic, specialty, and athletic programs, a sample high school application, and tips for parents, guardians, and students on getting through high school. - School Matters
Up-to-date data about student progress and achievement throughout District schools. Information includes PSSA reading and math scores, student enrollment, and school adherence to adequate yearly progress as outlined under NCLB. - The Right to Early Intervention Services for Infants and Toddlers and Their Families in Pennsylvania: A Handbook for Parents
- Pennsylvania Department of Education Academic Achievement Report: 2007-2008
- Philadelphia Inquirer’s Report Card on Schools
School-by-school information from the Inquirer’s Report Card on the schools. - School Data Direct
An online service providing comprehensive education data as well as analytic tools. - Parents United for Public Education Blog
If you are the parent of a Philadelphia public school student, here you can discuss your experiences, express your concerns, and make your voice heard. - The Education Policy and Leadership Center
Focuses on education policy, education leadership, and education advocacy. - Title I Office
Obtain information on public school choice, parental involvement, Adequate Yearly Progress and school improvement, and other important educational issues. - Institute for the Study of Civic Values, Neighborhoods Online
Hosts a variety of links to education-specific organizations and programs such as the Home and School Council, charter schools, and the Mayor’s Commission on Literacy. Also includes links to information about economic assistance, neighborhood services, and youth advocacy groups. - The Pennsylvania Prison Society’s Support for Kids with Incarcerated Parents (SKIP)
The program provides a venue where children can openly express their feelings and learn to cope with them. Children between 8-12 years old who have a parent in prison can attend the 12-week support group, which meets at various schools and community centers for about one hour during or after school. - School District Office of Accountability, Assessment and Intervention
Monitors and reports on the performance of schools and district support functions. Reports student achievement and demographic data to multiple audiences such as central offices, schools and regions, the state and federal governments, and the public. Also collaborates with the District's Office of Information Technology and outside vendors in the design and maintenance of district data systems. - U.S. Department of Education
This extensive site includes resources and data on student achievement and on federal efforts to ensure equal access to high-quality education. - The New York Times Learning Network
A mix of activities for students, parents, and teachers that promote learning. Learn different conversation starters to promote dialogue with your kids and read the latest news.
Recent Comments
- Now will Dr. Ackerman
9 min 16 sec ago - Herb-The Taskforce was made
34 min 28 sec ago - That makes sense. Also,
1 hour 23 min ago - What a crock. Did the task
1 hour 23 min ago - You're getting hung up on the
1 hour 55 min ago - I'm curious about that
5 hours 46 min ago - I hope this change works out
9 hours 48 min ago - It's so disappointing to see
17 hours 32 min ago - I hear what you are saying (I
1 day 1 hour ago - "I don't have any studies
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Renaissance Schools discussion
Urban School NewsFrom Catalyst: Stories from other cities
- Changes to 'value-added' measure may have lowered some districts' scores
- After Class -- Commentary: September 1, 2010
- High-performing charters dominate some markets
- In the News: Limited success with turnarounds; value-added evaluation model exploding
- News from around the state and the nation -- August 31, 2010:
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