Pre-K access, teacher race, and more: Five notable facts about Pa. public schools
5th grade students attend class at John Wister Elementary, a Mastery Charter school, in Philadelphia, Pa. (Jessica Kourkounis/For Keystone Crossroads)
Last week, the Pennsylvania Department of Education released a draft of its plan to comply with the new federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Under the new law, states were given more leeway in how to set education policy and spend federal public school dollars. The most notable news within the report was the announcement that PDE plans to unveil a new school quality metric in 2018 that it believes will foster a more holistic student experience, one less narrowly focused on state standardized tests.
But within the 133 page report there were a few other noteworthy facts about Pennsylvania public schools that caught our attention.
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by Keystone Crossroads
Keystone Crossroads
Exploring the stories that matter across the commonwealth with all Pennsylvanians in mind.
The University of Pennsylvania said the new filings in a 2022 class-action lawsuit were meant to embarrass the schools. Ten have agreed to settlements.
25 mins ago
Detroit-based Brilliant Cities to bring early childhood education and tutoring to Philly in 2025
The nonprofit helps children’s learning experience by providing free meals, health services and tutors.
3 days ago
Pennsylvania’s new teacher of the year aimed to be a representative for Black educators
“I’ve poured my heart into this profession," said Leon Smith, a social studies teacher in Delaware County and the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.
3 days ago