WHEREAS
, On August 22, 2005, The School District of Philadelphia released their 2004-2005 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) test results from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, showing District students’ third consecutive year of PSSA score growth; and
WHEREAS
, The District’s overall Math and Reading scores increased by 8.5 percentage points and 2 percentage points respectively from the 2003-2004 test results; and
WHEREAS
, Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education shows that over the past three years, gains of 17 to 21 percentage points in Math and 10 to 16 percentage points in Reading were achieved across racial and economic demographic groups; and
WHEREAS
, The recent accomplishments made on the state achievement tests proves the combined efforts of the District and the School Reform Commission to be successful in strengthening Philadelphia’s educational performance; and
WHEREAS,
The District’s instructional program has played a vital role in improving test scores through initiatives including increased standardized professional development, data instruction characterized by six-week benchmarks and assessments and increased instructional time for language arts and mathematics during and after the regular school day and year; and
WHEREAS
, George DiPilato, President of the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators stated, “Philadelphia is building a solid foundation in education reform and the principals are proud to set an example of leadership within the District building. We look forward to continued progress in the future as the hard work continues;” now; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,
That Council does hereby honor and commend The School District of Philadelphia for their third year of growth on State Achievement Tests.
FURTHER RESOLVED
, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Paul Vallas, School District of Philadelphia CEO and James Nevels, Chairman of the School Reform Commission as a token of evidence of this legislative body’s sincere appreciation for their dedication and efforts in improving The School District of Philadelphia’s academia and student success.
End