This statement is in response to the School Reform Commission special meeting for charter applications February 18th. “I too believe in OPTIONS. Fair options like being able to send my children to schools that are safe with the basic items are provided like books, nursing, counselors, and adequate staffing. Yet under the current budget you … Continue reading
Category Archives: Smart stuff
Smart people, smart ideas
Thank You to Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia
It was an honor to speak for the clients of PILCOP during their Annual Gala – A Celebration of Civil Rights. The work that is being done here is vital to ensuring civil rights are being addressed, inequities corrected, and inclusion for all. Here are my remarks: Thank you for the opportunity to speak with … Continue reading
Brown, Garner and other tragedies under the Michael Jackson Microscope
Today my ten year old son brought home a writing assignment. His instructions were to print out the lyrics of his favorite song and write about what it means to him. Sounds simple enough. My son happens to be a fan of Michael Jackson thanks to Mom and Dad’s old CDs and “The Experience” dance … Continue reading
Robin Roberts: High stakes testing is an inhuman and uneducated practice
Today, our partners at the Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools helped sponsor a City Council hearing on high stakes testing. A capacity crowd turned out for the hearings, which were co-sponsored by Councilman Mark Squilla and Council Education Committee Chair Jannie Blackwell. Parents United leader Robin Roberts spoke on behalf of parents everywhere in this outstanding … Continue reading
Tomika Anglin to PA officials: Reduce inequity. Don’t reinforce it.
Today the Basic Education Funding Commission held the second part of a controversial two-day visit to Philadelphia to collect testimony that will inform the possibility of a funding formula for Pennsylvania’s schools. The Commission had refused to hear from parents, students or community members representing concerns about adequate funding in the Philadelphia public schools. According to a spokesman, … Continue reading
Happy GOTV news of the day
Nate Silver of 538 gives Tom Corbett a statistical probability of 1% to win tomorrow’s gubernatorial election in Pennsylvania. Let’s get out and vote! Continue reading
Sept. 20th: Special Education know your rights workshop
Our attorneys at Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia are hosting a day-long special education “boot camp” with everything you need to know to be an advocate and supporter of your special needs child. Appropriate for educators, attorneys and advocates as well. Pay as you go admission for those in need. $100 general admission. $50 webinar. … Continue reading
Smart read of the day: Lisa Haver on why real accountability goes both ways
“The question then is: Is accountability applicable only to those in the classrooms? Why do we not hold those in leadership positions accountable? It is the responsibility of the Superintendent and the SRC to make sure that we have a functioning system which meets all of the needs of our students. It is their responsibility … Continue reading
Philly’s own Taney Dragons are THE feel-good story of summer!
There’s plenty of dreadful news going around these days – no question – but today for a few hours, we’ll be celebrating our own feel-good story of summer, the Taney Dragons: Philly’s first Little League team to win the state championship and who will be on ESPN live today at 11 a.m. to vie for … Continue reading
“Revival from the Roots”: A listening tour of Philly Schools with Parents United and PFT’s Jerry Jordan
I was deeply moved in watching the final cut of “Revival from the Roots,” a listening tour Parents United did with Media Mobilizing Project and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. We wanted to hear from parents, staff and students who live the consequences of the policies we enact on our public schools. Here we toured … Continue reading
