PSP responds to Helen Gym's commentary on universal enrollment
by thenotebook on Oct 25 2013 Posted in Commentary
by Kristen Forbriger
If the Notebook is going to delve into the proposed universal enrollment process, it should begin with the facts. Start with the purpose of universal enrollment: to simplify the process of applying to schools for families and make access to the city's best schools more equitable. Also note that universal enrollment is a goal of the Great Schools Compact, which was signed by Mayor Nutter, the School District, charter and Catholic school leaders, and the state secretary of education. Philadelphia School Partnership serves as project manager to the Compact Committee, which includes representatives from all of these.
The Compact states:
We will pursue a system of “universal enrollment” – i.e., aligning schools’ application procedures, from public announcements to application materials to lottery dates and other timing, as uniformly as possible. Expanding the number of high performing schools will only truly serve parents and students if they are more readily able to access, understand and apply for the options available to them.
Here are other important clarifications to Helen Gym's commentary:
- The Compact Working Group on universal enrollment is not a private entity, but rather a working group consisting of school operators, representatives of the School District, education nonprofits, and a student advocacy