Phila. Schools targeted for turnaround announced

At today’s School Reform Commission meeting, the Philadelphia School District named fourteen low-performing schools that are eligible to become so-called “Renaissance Schools,” targeted for new management. The long-awaited, controversial announcement is a key piece of the School District’s reform plan.

At today’s School Reform Commission meeting, the Philadelphia School District named fourteen low-performing schools that are eligible to become so-called “Renaissance Schools,” targeted for new management.  The long-awaited, controversial announcement is a key piece of the School District’s reform plan.

The list (pdf) includes schools that are eligible to become Renaissance schools. If selected, they’ll be re-tooled over the summer and open next fall with new management.

Some may still be run by the District, but with no more than 50 percent of the same faculty….others may become contract or charter schools and will be responsible for hiring a new staff which could include an unlimited number of teachers from the original school.

Advocates say the plan will help poorly performing schools improve.  Opponents — including many teachers — are unhappy that the administration at the “Renaissance schools” will be able to require teachers to work longer days, some Saturdays, and part of July.

District officials say they’ll meet next month with the staff and community of the schools on the Renaissance-eligible list.  A final list of Renaissance schools is expected in March.