Guiding Principles for Reform in Philly

18 months ago the School District of Philadelphia went through a change of leadership. The School Reform Commission (SRC), with members selected by the Governor and the Mayor, replaced the former School Board.

James Nevels, the chairman of the SRC, set forth some principles to guide reform of the Philadelphia School District, which we're reprinting here.

EDUCATE CHILDREN FIRST
A quality education gives all children the opportunity to do great things. So when it comes to education, we must put our children first. We must begin by providing a better and safer environment for children to learn and felonious violence must stop. Children need direct instruction, new books and better curriculum. The goal has to be an improved education system, measured by attendance and improved test scores.

TREAT TEACHERS AS EDUCATORS
Teachers must be involved in any effort to reform our schools. We must begin by attracting and retaining education professionals. We must work with educators collaboratively to improve curriculum. And we must provide them with the necessary training and resources to do their job well. Accountability will be critical if we are to succeed in improving education for all Philadelphia school children. The children's futures are at stake.

ENGAGE FAMILIES AS PARENTS
Learning doesn't stop at the end of the school day. We need to better involve and engage parents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, grandparents, neighbors and friends -- the entire extended and non-traditional family network -- in our effort to educate kids. Their support will be critical to our long-term success the success of our children.

GREAT EDUCATION EMERGES FROM SOUND FINANCIAL PRACTICES
In order to employ sound financial procedures, we must take steps to review and reform the finances of the School District.