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Category: school climate & support

Elementary students sitting in an auditorium and raising their hands

Contracted Evaluation of the School District of Philadelphia’s Renaissance Initiative

Over the last decade, the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) embarked on a critical effort to improve the outcomes of students in its low-performing schools. This effort, aimed to dramatically improve student achievement by shifting school management to either external charter providers, called Renaissance Charters, or by placing schools in a network that receives additional district supports, is named the Renaissance Initiative. The District selected Mathematica and its partner, Research For Action, to conduct a three-year evaluation from 2017-2020.

Redesigning Schoolyards at Two Schools: A Summary of the Seven Design Phases

Redesigning Schoolyards at Two Schools: A Summary of the Seven Design Phases

In spring 2019, SDP, in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia, was awarded a grant from the William Penn Foundation to redesign schoolyards at three elementary schools into “playful learning areas”–environments designed for children that encourage and reinforce learning outside of the classroom. This brief summarizes the design process.

Youth Risk Behavior Survey: Selected Results from the School District of Philadelphia

Youth Risk Behavior Survey: Selected Results from the School District of Philadelphia

This report uses YRBS data from 2009 through 2019 to show changes in risk behaviors reported by high school students. It provides a general overview of these behaviors, then presents related findings in six sections: mental health, safety and violence, substance use, sexual health, nutrition and physical activity, and physical health. This report also explores how certain students may be more at risk based on their race/ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.

The Relationship Between Teachers’ Perceptions of School Climate and Teacher Retention, 2015-16 to 2017-18

The Relationship Between Teachers’ Perceptions of School Climate and Teacher Retention, 2015-16 to 2017-18

This 11-page brief uses three years of school-level data to explore the relationship between teachers’ perceptions of school climate and teacher retention.

Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (Analysis of 2018-19 Data)

Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (Analysis of 2018-19 Data)

Information about progress related to the Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) grant program and the priorities of SDP staff.

Implementation of the Ninth Grade Academy in 2018-19

Implementation of the Ninth Grade Academy in 2018-19

A report on implementation of the Ninth Grade Academy (NGA) model as described by NGA Assistant Principals at 24 District schools.

Literacy and Learning Centers 2018-19 Evaluation Report

Literacy and Learning Centers 2018-19 Evaluation Report

Implementation, teacher satisfaction and perceptions of student outcomes, and literacy and attendance rates associated with SDP classroom renovations and professional development.

School Support Census Report (2018-19)

School Support Census Report (2018-19)

Results from an annual survey designed to identify the number and nature of external supports in place at each SDP school. This report summarizes District-level findings from the third administration of the Census.

Comparing Perspectives #3: District-Wide Survey Responses about School Safety

Comparing Perspectives #3: District-Wide Survey Responses about School Safety

The third installment in a District-Wide Survey series that examines areas of agreement-–and disagreement–-between students, families, and educators.

Comparing Perspectives #2: District-Wide Survey Responses about Hard Work

Comparing Perspectives #2: District-Wide Survey Responses about Hard Work

The second installment in a District-Wide Survey series that examines areas of agreement-–and disagreement–-between students, families, and educators.