Author: Carly Sitrin

Did you know search engines like Google are changing the way you see news? Keep Chalkbeat’s valuable education coverage at the top of your feeds by clicking here and checking the box next to our name.Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has said he’s “very open” to opting his state into the Trump-backed federal scholarship tax credit program. But he may wait until after the midterm elections to make his official decision.In an October gubernatorial debate appearance, Shapiro said while other governors have “shut the door on it,” he’s not one of them. He said his administration is “continuing to digest” the…

Sign up for Chalkbeat Philadelphia’s free newsletter to keep up with news on the city’s public school system.From the field trips to the childcare, Philly kids and their families say they’re enjoying the summer school programs provided by the school district and the city.But are these programs translating to more success in the classroom? That question has been a tough puzzle to solve for district officials. And a report conducted by the district doesn’t necessarily provide encouraging — or clear — answers. Every summer, thousands of students participate in the bevy of free summer programs Philadelphia offers. They range from…

Sign up for Chalkbeat Philadelphia’s free newsletter to keep up with news on the city’s public school system.The secret to a perfect dirt bowl snack isn’t in the pudding, or the crushed Oreos, or even the gummy worms. It’s about patience, according to Kevin Kelley.That’s something second graders Donte and Chris and first grader Derrick are working on one Wednesday after school with Kelley and Justin Agard, their mentors.“Just a little bit, pour it slowly since it’s a liquid,” Kelley said, watching as the boys cautiously tipped a jug of milk into measuring cups and stirred in whipped topping.“That tastes…

Sign up for Chalkbeat Newark’s free newsletter to get the latest news about the city’s public school system delivered to your inbox.In the wake of Newark Superintendent Roger León’s controversial contract extension, a lone board member spoke out Tuesday night raising legal, ethical, and procedural concerns with the approval.Board member David Daughety called the manner by which the board approved León’s contract extension “dangerous” and said it “reeks of impropriety,” potentially causing the board to be perceived in a “corrosive way.” León’s contract was apparently extended after a board member said last month she would switch her vote from an…

Sign up for Chalkbeat Philadelphia’s free newsletter to keep up with news on the city’s public school system.As Congress considers establishing a national school choice program, Pennsylvania Republicans are trying to revive plans for a statewide school voucher program. State Rep. Martina White, who represents parts of Philadelphia, organized a Republican policy committee hearing on Monday to examine the School District of Philadelphia’s finances, staffing, and possible “waste, fraud, and abuse.” But no school district leaders were present at Monday’s hearing to answer lawmakers’ questions. White and at least one fellow lawmaker said they came away from the hearing with…