A travesty in education occurred today. The School Reform Commission eliminated the Talent Development Model (TDM) from Philadelphia High Schools. The reason given was that its cost at $300 per student was too high. The Talent Development Model developed by Johns Hopkins has been proven using the scientific method to double high school graduation rates, and double the succesful completeion rate of 9th grade algebra. Just today, Education Week featured a story how successful the Talent Development Model has been at Philadelphia's Strawberry Mansion High School.

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2005/05/25/38talent.h24.html?

Instead of funding a proven successful $300 per student program, The SRC elected by a 3 - 2 margin, to pay Educational Management Organizations (EMOs) $750 per student. Based on this price tag being more than twice as high as the TDM, we should expect amazing results. But what have we gotten. In the SRC's tenure the results are middling at best. NO EMO stands out as being superior to district managed schools despite receiving $20,000 more per classroom.

http://www.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/communications/press_releases/2004/06/09/tnManagementype.xls

(note 2005 results are not yet available. 2005 tests were taken beginning of May).

Mr. Vallas has demonstrated positive things can happen with more money as both the state and city have added funds to our school district since the state takeover. What happened today was a political statement, an action not done in the best interests of our children and the data demonstrates it. Our vigilence is required.

Why was this travesty allowed to happen? Because not enough citizens acted to prevent it. There will be more battles to fight down the road, and this mistake can be corrected.  If you would like to become involved to insure our public schools get the funds they deserve, and compete on an even playing field, please contact me at  knwmn@yahoo.com.

Thank You.

Keith Newman

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