MAYOR NUTTER, DR. ACKERMAN BRIEF COMMUNITY LEADERS ON SCHOOL GAINS, PREVIEW KEY PRIORITIES FOR THE 2010-11 SCHOOL YEAR

Philadelphia, July 8, 2010- Mayor Michael A. Nutter and Philadelphia Schools Superintendent Dr. Arlene Ackerman held the first in a series of community briefings today to review progress on the School District’s Imagine 2014 strategic plan and preview priorities for the coming school year. The briefing was convened by Mayor Nutter and Superintendent Ackerman and included leaders from the city’s civic, business, and government sectors. rnrn“It is important that we all stay informed of the significant gains that our public education system is making,” said Mayor Nutter. “Philadelphians must understand what role we all can play in accelerating those educational gains so that all our students graduate and are prepared for college and career success.”rnrnSome of the student achievements Dr. Ackerman highlighted include:rnFor the first time, 50% or more of Philadelphia students are meeting or exceeding state standards in math and reading.rnThe city’s lowest-performing schools (Empowerment Schools) have made even faster gains than the district average.rnThe District’s six-year graduation rate continues to rise, now at 60%. rnrn“These gains are not only the result of hard work by students, teachers and school administrators but also many important improvements within the School District,” said Dr. Ackerman. “More than a year ago, we released a comprehensive five-year plan that asked staff, parents, students, and citizens to imagine a public school system that prepares all students for 21st century opportunities. Today, we begin delivering results to the community.” rnrnBusiness leader Anthony Bartolomeo, President and CEO of Pennoni Associates, welcomed Dr. Ackerman’s progress report saying: “In business, when progress is made, we share the news with our employees, stock holders and partners. This builds a supportive culture, which in turn paves the way for continued progress and rnrnsuccess. For that reason, I am pleased to see the City and the District are making these educational gains known to everyone, so each of us in turn can help set the stage for further growth and success.”rnrnKey accomplishments during the past year include:rnrnProviding more personal attention to students, including smaller class sizes in kindergarten through grade 3 for Empowerment schools and extra middle school and high school counselors.rnAdding extra learning time, including a significantly expanded summer school program (58,000 students enrolled) and an extra period of instructional time in all comprehensive high schools.rnIncreasing support for struggling students, including a more structured curriculum in Empowerment Schools, 11 Student Success Centers at the comprehensive high schools, and a dropout recovery program that has reached more than 3,600 former students.rnBetter involving parents in their child’s learning, including the nationally recognized Parent University that has enrolled more than 12,000 parents.rnSigning a new contract with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. This landmark agreement gives more schools the flexibility to hire their own teaching staffs and provides outstanding educators in selected schools with the ability to earn additional compensation based on student performance.rnSelecting 13 of the city’s lowest-performing schools for turnaround through an inclusive community-led process.rnrnLooking ahead to the coming school year, Dr. Ackerman shared the District’s major priorities:rnrnMore academic and enrichment options for students, including an Early College High School, a second regional Talent Center for the performing arts, three Newcomer Learning Academies to help new immigrant students, and Gifted and Talented opportunities in every elementary school.rnAdditional support for students, including additional counselors in elementary schools, five new Student Success Centers, a new Re-engagement Center to help high school dropouts, and in-school suspension and peer mediation in 10 more schools.rnExpanded support for parents, including Parent Resource Centers across the city, expanded Parent University offerings, Regional Enrollment Centers to support multilingual families, one additional Regional Early Childhood Center, and one additional Early Childhood Center in a high school.rnImplement turnaround school models in the six Promise Academies (managed by the District) and seven Renaissance Schools (managed by high-quality charter organizations).rnMore support for educators, including a Peer Assistance and Review program for new and struggling veteran teachers and a Leadership Institute for aspiring and veteran leaders.rnContinued, high-quality service from Central Office for parents and schools.rnCompletion of a Facilities Master Plan to ensure that the School District is using its school buildings effectively and efficiently.rnrnAdditional briefings for parents, principals, teachers, and community members will be held throughout the summer and fall. Materials from this briefing will be available at: www.philasd.org.