Pa. releases list of 414 worst-performing schools

The state Education Department has published a list of Pennsylvania’s lowest-achieving schools, whose students may now qualify for scholarships to enroll elsewhere.

The list revealed Wednesday includes 414 public schools in 74 districts statewide. School District of Philadelphia schools make up about a quarter of the list.

Their status among the bottom 15 percent is based on math and reading scores from last year’s state standardized tests.

Students at the schools whose families meet income guidelines are eligible to apply for scholarships of up to $8,500, or up to $15,000 for special education students.

The scholarships will be funded through a $50 million tax credit approved by Pennsylvania lawmakers last month.

The Education Department says the program has the potential to affect more than 242,000 students.