June 2007

Volume 1 Number 7

Research for Action: More than Just a Name

Research for Action's mission statement begins - "Through research and action, RFA seeks to improve the education opportunities and outcomes of urban youth...." Last month, once again, we proved that we take the action part of our mission and name seriously. Two of our researchers gave public testimony in two separate forums. Eva Gold, a principal and founder, spoke before the School Reform Commission reminding the commissioners of RFA's research on the diverse provider model in light of pending contract renewals for the Educational Management Organizations. Suzanne Blanc, senior research associate, testified before City Council, citing the need for additional funds to keep the momentum for change in the School District of Philadelphia. Excerpts from both testimonies are below.

Jolley Bruce Christman, Ph.D. and Eva Gold, Ph.D. - Founders and Principals

Eva Gold's Testimony to the School Reform Commission, May 9, 2007

Today, I am here to address you as you face the decision about whether to renew the contracts with the six providers that are responsible for 45 of our district schools. You face a difficult decision in a time of fiscal constraints and leadership change. However, there is a solid research base on Philadelphia's Diverse Provider Model that can inform your decision-making.

Research for Action collaborated with the RAND Corporation in a study that examined, for the first time, student outcomes across the providers. Our research and another from Johns Hopkins showed the same results. Despite additional per-pupil resources, provider operated schools did not produce increases in student achievement that were any larger than those seen in the rest of the district.

A competitive market was not established in Philadelphia. There was little competition among providers because students were assigned to schools, rather than families having choice. In addition, thin management greatly reduced provider autonomy.

In three separate studies one recommendation was the same. Decisions about contract renewal for private providers should be made school-by-school and not by provider. In other words, examine each school to see if adequate improvement is occurring. Make a research informed decision. If it isn't working, don't keep them.

Suzanne Blanc's Testimony to Philadelphia City Council, May 23, 2007

The School District of Philadelphia has made important progress since 2002 when the current reform began. We at Research for Action believe that substantial increases in average per-pupil spending between 2002 and 2005 helped to make this improvement possible and we have serious questions about whether this improvement can be maintained without additional funding. We are particularly concerned because achievement at 5th and 8th grade levels appears to be flattening out and because achievement at the high school level has barely begun to improve.

Teachers need content-based professional development if more students are to reach proficiency in literacy and math. Teacher coaches and literacy and math coaches are essential parts of the equation to improve teaching and learning. Without such support student performance is in danger of stalling or even rolling back.

Twenty-six small high schools have been created in Philadelphia since 2002. Additional funds are needed to provide planning time for new and transitioning high schools, for hiring principals in advance.

There has been quantifiable progress in teacher quality since 2002. However attracting experienced and highly qualified teachers to schools serving Philadelphia's most impoverished communities remains a serious challenge as does long term teacher retention. Funding is needed to keep assistant principals where they currently exist and replace those that have been eliminated, to replace new teacher coaches, and to hire and train more minority teachers.

RFA in the News

A Daily News article by Mensah Dean highlighted a recent report by authors Elizabeth Useem, Robert Offenberg, and Elizabeth Farley titled - Closing the Teacher Quality Gap in Philadelphia: New Hope and Old Hurdles. Click here to read the article, "Report hails teacher hiring, but it cites 'gap' at minority-dominated schools."

Inquirer reporter, Sue Snyder's article, "Smaller Schools Make Grade" cited a study by authors Rebecca Reumann-Moore and Tracey Hartmann titled, Going Small - Public/Private Collaboration in Restructuring High School Education in Philadelphia.

Editors' Note

RFA eNews is a publication of Research for Action. Please email us your thoughts and comments at info@researchforaction.org. We respect your privacy and will not share your contact information. To unsubscribe or change your options, please go to this URL: http://gossamersoft.com/mailman/listinfo/researchforaction

Editors - Gail E. Danckert and Morgan Riffer