New coalition plans to offer own Philly schools overhaul vision
Jerry Jordan , head of the teachers' union, answers questions from reporters…
Citing frustration with the Boston Consulting Group's recommendations for overhauling the troubled Philadelphia School District, a coalition of students, teachers, and community members said Thursday it would develop its own grassroots plan for transforming city schools.
"As a youth leader, I come here today to tell you there are other options," said Kiara Garcia, a sophomore at Kensington CAPA High School. "After years of being ignored, we are here to say, we will develop a plan that works for our district."
The effort - a plan has yet to be developed - was announced at a news conference outside Spring Garden Elementary by the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, the Philadelphia Student Union,
New code of conduct in Philadelphia schools gives principals more leeway
Lorene Cary
Come September, Philadelphia's public school pupils will have to abide by a new code of conduct, one that gives principals more latitude in meting out discipline and means that students cannot be suspended for infractions such as using profane language or failing to follow a dress code.
School Reform Commissioner Lorene Cary spearheaded the move t