ORE Planned Research Agenda, 2023-24
Our planned 2023-24 research and evaluation projects are listed here by topic. If a project spans multiple topics, we have organized it by its primary topic.
Expand each project description to learn more about the questions we’re asking.
Description of year-over-year PSSA performance among the cohort of 7th grade students who completed the PSSAs in 2022-23
This is a knowledge-building study. The questions we’re asking include:
- What was the change in the cohort’s PSSA performance level distribution from 2018-19 to 2022-23?
- What percentage of students maintained, improved, or had decreased performance year-over-year ?
This study was removed from the agenda.
Description of 2022-23 PreK Gold Assessment results
This is a knowledge-building study. The questions we’re asking include:
- Do PreK 4 children in SDP programs who meet or exceed expectations on the Teaching Strategies GOLD Literacy and Math domains also perform well on the Star and KEI assessments in kindergarten?
This report was published internally for use by the program office.
Curriculum and Instruction
Evaluation of the implementation of standards-aligned core instructional materials for math
This evaluation is related to strategic action 3.2 in the Accelerate Philly strategic plan. The questions we’re asking include:
- Year 1: Do teachers, school leaders, and central office support staff believe they have enough materials, training, and support to implement Illustrative Math with integrity/fidelity (as intended)?
Illustrative Math Implementation Study 2023-24: Focus Group Findings
Implementation and outcomes of the Together is Better program: 2022-2023
This evaluation is required by a grant. The questions we’re asking include:
- To what extent were teachers satisfied with the support provided by SupportEd?
- To what extent did teachers collaborate and engage in practices that result in quality instruction in support of ELs?
- What are participants’ beliefs about teaching EL students and their school’s approach to teaching EL students?
- What did participants perceive to be the benefits of and challenges to co-teaching, and what supports are needed for co-teaching in general?
A Summary of District-Wide Assessments Administered to SDP Students During the 2022-23 School Year
High School Graduation and Beyond
Descriptive information from the 2022-23 Senior Exit Survey
This is a knowledge-building study. The questions we’re asking include:
- What post-secondary education plans do students have within one year of graduation?
- What support systems did students have to help them navigate career and post-secondary education options?
2022-23 Senior Exit Survey: District-Level Report
Descriptive information from the 2024 graduate follow-up survey
This is a knowledge-building study. The question we’re asking is:
- What are the post-graduation experiences of recent SDP graduates (classes of 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22)?
Results from the 2024 Graduate Follow-up Survey
Descriptive information from the 2022-23 Career & Technical Education (CTE) follow-up survey
This is a knowledge-building study. The question we’re asking is:
- What do recent CTE graduates report about their post-graduation experiences, and the extent to which those experiences are related to their CTE pathway?
Results from the Spring 2023 CTE Graduate Follow-up Survey
Descriptive study of students perspectives on school climate and instructional environment using 2021-22 PSES data and cognitive group interviews
This is a knowledge-building study. The questions we’re asking include:
- What are student responses on the key school climate issues covered in the Philly School Experience Survey (PSES), including school safety, relationships with staff and peers, and physical school environments?
- How do student experiences in school safety and climate differ by school?
- To what extent do qualitative findings from student focus groups corroborate or offer further insights on findings from quantitative data from the PSES?
Understanding and Measuring Perceptions of School Climate and Safety: Insights from the Philly School Experience Survey
Evaluation of Schoolyard Redesign Project
This evaluation is required by a grant. The questions we’re asking include:
- What student activities are happening on the playground during school hours and how have these activities varied before and after redesign
- What school staff activities are happening on the playground during school hours and how have these activities varied before and after redesign?
- Are there any changes to school climate or achievement after playground installation?
Redesigning Schoolyards at Two Schools: Summary of Interviews and Observations
Descriptive study of student perceptions of Youth Court
This is a knowledge-building study. The questions we’re asking include:
- What are student perceptions of potential benefits of Youth Court in their school
- Are there ways in which students think Youth Court could be improved at their school?
- Is there a relationship between schools implementing a YC and the rate of suspensions?
Student Outcomes and Perspectives on Youth Court in the School District of Philadelphia
Summary of Philly School Experience Survey 2022-23 results
This is a summary of survey results. The questions we’re asking include:
- What were the main system-level trends in results for PSES core topics in 2022-23?
- What do PSES results tell us about school conditions related to the Accelerate Philly priority areas?
2022-23 Philly School Experience Survey Results
Descriptive study of Philly School Experience Survey 2022-23 support staff survey results
This is a knowledge-building study. The questions we’re asking include:
- What are District support staff perceptions of school climate, school leadership, equity and inclusion, and their professional capacity?
- To what extent do these perceptions vary by school?
This project was removed from the 2023-24 agenda.
Study of Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) grant funded activities during 2022-23 school year
This study is required by a grant. The questions we’re asking include:
- During the 2022-23 school year, did ECYEH approaches result in the identification of school-age students as experiencing homelessness at some point during the year?
- How many students did ECYEH support in terms of the following services: enrollment assistance, uniforms, school supplies, and transportation assistance?
- Was ECYEH able to implement the TEEN program for students in addition to professional development opportunities for educators, school personnel, and others?
- How do students experiencing homelessness compare to other District students on measures of attendance and achievement?
Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (Analysis of 2022-23 Data)
Study of graduation rate trends over time
This is a knowledge-building study. The questions we’re asking include:
- What are the graduation rates for the 2019-20 9th grade cohort for different public school sectors in Philadelphia?
- What are the longitudinal trends in graduation rates?
2022-23 Four-Year High School Graduation Rates in Philadelphia
Descriptive information from the October 2023 enrollment snapshot
This is a knowledge-building study. The questions we’re asking include:
- What are the enrollment numbers for different public school sectors in Philadelphia in 2022-23 school year?
- What are the year-over-year and long-term trends in enrollment?
Philadelphia Public School Enrollment, 2023-24
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Priorities Survey results
This is a stakeholder engagement effort designed to inform budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2025. The questions we’re asking include:
- What issues and resources do students, staff, families and other stakeholders view as the highest priorities for the SDP?
- How do stakeholders perceive the budget development process?
- What are stakeholders’ priorities for federal title grant investments?
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Priorities Survey Results
Study of the relationship between student performance on 2023-24 Star and Keystone assessments
This is a knowledge-building study. The questions we’re asking include:
- What is the correlation between Star and Keystone performance?
- How accurately did Star predict performance on the Keystone?
Study of the relationship between student performance on 2023-24 Star and PSSA assessments
This is a knowledge-building study. The questions we’re asking include:
- What is the correlation between Star and PSSA performance?
- How accurately did Star predict performance on the PSSA?
Study of the Relationship between the Philly School Experience Survey and Measures of School Improvement
This is a knowledge-building study. The questions we’re asking include:
- What is the relationship between the six core PSES topics and measures of student learning, attendance, dropout and staff retention?
- To what extent are school scores on the six core topics associated with improvement in measures of school improvement over time?
Last modified: August 21, 2025