
Avi Wolfman-Arent is an on-air host at WHYY. He joined the station in December 2014. Before shifting to hosting, he was an education reporter for Keystone Crossroads. Avi graduated from Haverford College and grew up in the D.C. area. Despite the latter he’s a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan, devoting an unhealthy portion of his conscious thought to the Sixers, Phillies, and Eagles. He lives in South Philadelphia.
More from the Contributor
Philly’s homicide crisis through a year of virtual school: A memorial to three student lives lost
In this edition of Schooled, we are telling the stories of three students who were killed in the past year during the nation’s other public health crisis: gun violence.
Air Date: March 18, 2021
Listen 34:55The COVID year: A single mom’s fight to keep her kids in school and her family together
A year ago, Tiffani Szabara was managing a restaurant and living a stable life with her four kids in a middle-class suburb. Then COVID struck.
2 years ago
Listen 5:04A flood of money is coming to local schools: How should they spend it?
Billions will flow into districts across Pennsylvania, and they’ll have to spend it quickly. That creates critical questions for school leaders.
2 years ago
As students return to classrooms, Philly officials announce new list of school openings
“Although the pandemic is far from over, beginning to welcome our students back … is a little bit of a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Superintendent William Hite.
2 years ago
Philly on course for educators to be fully vaccinated by early April
In roughly a week, all educators who signed up for a vaccine will have received at least one dose.
2 years ago
District, teachers union reach deal to reopen some Philly school buildings
The deal, announced Monday, calls for pre-K through grade 2 students at about 50 elementary schools to attend classes in-person twice a week, if they choose.
2 years ago
‘This constant wheel’: Philly educators fight to bring truant students back into the fold
In a disconnected world, principals find themselves fighting harder to keep their tenuous ties to families on the fringe.
2 years ago
Listen 4:32Pa. says it will allow public schools to postpone standardized tests until fall
After the federal government said states have to give tests, Pa. said it will comply, but give districts the option to test students early next school year.
2 years ago
In-person classes. Old buildings. Almost no COVID. Are Philly Catholic schools a blueprint?
Philly’s public and parochial school systems have run parallel paths for many decades. But only one has been open during the pandemic.
2 years ago
Listen 4:13Why kindergarten? Pandemic disruption forces big questions about U.S. education system
Kindergarten attendance is down during the pandemic. Is that a good thing? A bad thing? Science and history offer some answers.
2 years ago
Listen 13:22Philly schools delay reopening amid stalled dispute with teachers union
The decision comes amid a dispute with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, which opposes returning to buildings until all inoculated against COVID-19.
2 years ago
As mediator decision looms, Philly school officials try to quell reopening fears
The superintendent argued that students need more academic and social support, citing data showing that younger kids aren’t making expected progress.
2 years ago