District hopes for $40m from feds
Complete coverage of the Philadelphia School District by the Philadelphia Inquirer's Kristen Graham.
District hopes for $40m from feds
Kristen Graham
Philadelphia School District officials have their eye on millions in federal funds they hope to earn through grants to be awarded in December.
The Race to the Top program, administered by the U.S. Department of Education, has previously awarded funds to 21 states and the District of Columbia, for programs aimed at boosting student achievement. Now, the feds are offering money to individual school districts that plan to "personalize learning, close achievement gaps and use 21st century tools to prepare students for college and careers."
Philadelphia, in its application, said it would use the money to make learning more personal - through "personalized engagement and the use of mobile devices, such as iPads and response clickers."
Philly could get up to $40 million, which would reach between 25 and 30 elementary and middle schools and five to 10 high schools.
The district proposed different strategies for different grades. In the early grades, the money would go to help intensive literacy programs. Seventh and eighth graders would examine careers through project-based learning and would also get online math enrichment. For high school sophomores through seniors, the money would help pay for student portfolios, career and technical focus, and opportunities to earn credit outside of school.
The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and Home and School Council have signed on to support the district's application. The winning districts - 15 to 25 are expected nationwide - will be notified in December.
Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. said in a news release that he was "excited about our prospects for the award. This opportunity will enable us to implement cutting-edge programs and solid educational practices that can be replicated across the district."
I guess he hasn't learned anything from the last 4yrs of Obama- Hope is not a strategy, he should have done better planning and cost cutting.— Taxpaying Voter- Yea, not much different from Queen Arleen Ackerman except she would have already spent the money, but who's to say that Prince William Hite has not spent it too? I wouldn't count on a lot of money if it's based on achievement. Everybody knows now that the past ten years of "ACHIEVEMENT" measured through "STANDARDIZED TEST RESULTS" is false. The district is doing their best to sweep this all under the rug, but it's about to all come out in an Inquirer Exposé. Nice try Hite. Back to the drawing board with a sharp pencil and a pair of scissors to cut that budget. Hint- Take away the top layer and you will find it easier to do things and there will be less resistance and less people to stab you in the back just as they did to your predecessors.
- I'ze still thinks that The School District needs to close 440 and move all of the folks to school buildings. That was a great cost savings idea. I've worked in private business and there at 440. The folks in business work hard to cut costs and in turn increase bottom line profits. These folks in 440 act like they are some fortune five-hundred company and not some bankrupt hand-to-mouth organization that they really are. They are in denial. They are fat and lazy. They do very little to actually cut costs. They just beg more and more for funds. Granted, they need taxpayers funds to operate, but they act like they have unlimited funding and have no fiscal discipline. If you look at the top-heavy upper management pulling in BIG BUCKS that is way too much for their mediocre performance, and you look at their lucrative contractors, there is the problem. The education of our children is a sideline concern. It's all about the big phony-baloney salaries, the politically inspired contracts and somewhere in the distance..........the students.
Ackerman used to always say that "It is about the children". Truth is, it ain't. And that's no jive.— DarnelX - Hope is not a strategy? Brilliant insight! It's not a strategy, idiot. The PSD is applying for funds for a specific program. No funds and there's no program. Plan what more? It's not about cutting costs. It's about providing the school district the resources it needs to meet its educational mission.— MikeP
- I see what you are a say'in but you are wrong. I've experienced the inside for a while now. I've been at a lot of fiduciary meetings. They plan to fail. They never stay within their financial constraints. There is a lot of phantom, pyramid-scheme style rob Peter to pay Paul tactics going on there. It's quite fascinating and scary at the same time. The plan always depends on coming up short because they knows that they will cry crocodile tears and somebody will give them the extra money. I has a sister-in-law like that. She always is short and begs the rest of the family for money. She gets it because we all feel sorry for her even though we know what she is doing. Same deal with the school district and the politicians. — DarnelX
- This comment has been deleted.— SPOOK
- IPads>MePads>>MinePads = No More Ipads in school
— Mr_Hankey - Hope? the SDoP is a joke. cut some administrative salaries until you come up with $40mil.— Tyrone Biggums
- First headline of story: District provides nothing to feds, still wants Obama money.— Nipsey Russell
- If you're gonna call yourself Nipsey
You have to be both clever and dipsey
From now on, you must take more time
And make sure that your comments rhyme.
That was Nipsey's style bro— Mr_Hankey - You have ONE day left to have your wish granted, after that Fed money will be closely scrutinized under the Romney presidency.— dogman5
- Are they kidding? And what about next year!!
Get your house in order. SMDH— jersey girl - Of course the teacher's union supports the application. Its desperate for money for its members salaries and benefits. But it's too little much too late. The union should have fought against the state takeover BEFORE it happened. Now the union is basically impotent and cowers to a school administration that can impose a contract at-will. The district is broke financially and morally. The kids have been sold out. The teachers have been sold out. This is nothing but a money-grab and has nothing to do with education.— Boru
- We don't need no stinkin Federal money because we're busy repelling from sky scrappers.— Speak-truth-2-power
- Did y'all see that photo of Nutter descending on that line with that goofy look on his face?
I came up with the perfect caption - "Rope A Dope"
Can anyone think of a-nutter?— DarnelX
During the school year, you’ll frequently find her hosting live chats about the district on Philly.com. Please do pass along the scoop about what’s going on at your Philadelphia public school; Kristen welcomes tips, story ideas and witty banter at kgraham@phillynews.com or 215-854-5146.
You can also follow Kristen on Twitter here.
