Chalkbeat's journalism is made possible by our sponsors.
Interested in becoming one? Reach out here.
|
Hello! It’s Rebecca here with Chalkbeat Philly.
Since Pennsylvania overhauled graduation requirements four years ago, teachers say there's been a troubling trend: Students are getting low-value industry credentials, like one in ladder safety, just to check off graduation requirements.
This happens most at schools with large shares of high-needs students and in resource-poor districts. But no officials are tracking it.
As one charter school teacher put it: “I feel like we’re kind of just saying, you don’t have to learn anything to graduate.”
Do you have thoughts on this story, or other ideas of what we should cover? Reach us anytime at [email protected]. If you want text updates about the Philadelphia Board of Education, you can text SCHOOL to 215-709-9650.
Local News
How dubious high school credentials like ladder safety are boosting Pennsylvania’s graduation rate
Philadelphia teachers say students rapidly earning low-value credentials to meet Pennsylvania graduation requirements is now the norm.
Shootings are falling in Philly, but kids make up a growing share of gun-violence victims
Easy access to firearms like “ghost guns” and social media pressure mean children remain at a high risk of being shot, even as gun violence in Philadelphia declines.
Around Chalkbeat
Trump administration improperly canceled $36 million in school grants over trans policies, judge rules
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to reconsider its plan to cancel $36 million in grant funding for NYC schools over the city’s trans student policy.
Why Sal Khan’s AI revolution hasn’t happened yet, according to Sal Khan
Khan Academy’s AI-powered chatbot, Khanmigo, has struggled to motivate students. Sal Khan said he now sees the limits of AI’s impact on schools and learning.
NYC’s new 2-K program will offer free child care 10 hours a day, 260 days a year, Mamdani says
Programs will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 260 days a year. Officials are launching 2-K in fall 2026 with 2,000 seats in high-needs neighborhoods across four boroughs.
|
What We’re Reading
City Council members are trying to save Lankenau High School from closure with zoning legislation, The Philadelphia Inquirer (Paywall)
|
|
Thumbnail image by Rebecca Redelmeier/Chalkbeat.
|