WHYY News

Delaware schools that helped end segregation are now part of a national historic park

Three Delaware schools that played a key role in the fight against segregation have been added to the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park.

No more distractions: Delaware lawmakers back effort to seal away cell phones in the classroom

Lawmakers approved $250,000 for schools to test out ways of ending the distraction caused by cell phones in the classroom.

Residents demand transparency, accountability from Great Valley School District amid TikTok controversy

One parent said her daughter was targeted on TikTok a month after teachers fell victim to an online harassment campaign. She said the Pennsylvania district’s response was lackluster.

Philly teacher testifies at U.S. Senate about solutions to teacher shortage

About a decade ago, Gemayel Keyes started his career as a bus attendant in the Philadelphia School District and later became a paraprofessional in the classroom. Today, Keyes is a special education teacher at Gilbert Spruance Elementary School in the city’s Northeast section.

More than 30 Pa. schools detected high levels of toxic ‘forever’ chemicals in their drinking water

For the first time, Pennsylvania schools with on-site wells have been required to test drinking water for PFAS. Some rely on private wells because they are far away from public water.

Philly’s pilot program for year-round school is starting to take shape

For the school year starting in the fall of 2025, the calendar will be extended beyond the traditional dates for the 20 pilot schools. Keeping schools open all year will cost more money and will require air conditioning in a district where many schools do not have it.

Service cuts are hurting Delaware student wellness centers, especially at high needs schools, advocates say

State funding for high school wellness health has remained stagnant, and there’s no financial support to expand centers in elementary schools.

From teacher shortages to funding, Philly superintendent discusses district’s current challenges

One of the challenges schools are facing now is teacher shortages. Watlington says the district and other schools nationwide are having difficulty recruiting and retaining teachers.