Philly’s hidden school attendance problem
The Philadelphia School District boasts about increasing attendance rates. But at Edison High School, some students are swiping in, then cutting class.
Listen 14:41
Students spill out of Thomas A. Edison High School at the end of the school day. Students who swipe their identification cards in the morning are considered present for the whole day — even when they cut class. (TOM GRALISH / Philadelphia Inquirer)
Listen to The Why wherever you get your podcasts:
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | TuneIn
The School District of Philadelphia boasts about its improved attendance numbers as a sign of success. But at Edison High School, students are swiping in, getting marked present, and then cutting class. Jessica Calefati, an investigative reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, explains why it’s a sign of deeper attendance problems throughout the district.
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 The Why
The Why
There’s more to every story if you take the time to tell it.
Philadelphia Youth Network uses survey to better match summer jobs, students and their goals
Summer jobs, internships help teens gain skills and confidence.
2 weeks ago
Cal Ripken Jr. talked about his legendary father and how the foundation is helping to reduce wealth and race disparities for students who enter STEM careers.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:14
Philly School District reports record enrollment and uptick in graduating seniors
The district implemented an expanded 9th Grade On-Track program and hired an administrator to better coordinate a district-wide dropout reduction strategy.
3 weeks ago