WHYY

Pa. may ban cellphones in schools. Some educators say they’re already seeing results—without pouches

The “bell-to-bell” bans face skepticism from students and parents. After going phone-free, early adopters say the difference is striking.

Rising computer costs threaten school-issued laptop programs

COVID funding provided underfunded Philly-area schools with laptops. ‘RAMageddon’ might send them back in time as the worldwide computer memory shortage drives up the cost of laptops.

How the costly digital age is leaving behind rural, underfunded schools

Matthew Splain, superintendent of the Otto-Eldred School District, said his schools are struggling to keep aging, refurbished laptops from dying on students. The district’s struggles are not isolated.

Universal breakfast law makes Delaware one of few states offering free school meals

Delaware will spend about $3.2 million to expand free breakfast to 83 schools, so every student has access without cost.

Most Philadelphia Mastery high schools improved graduation rates in the last 5 years

Five of six city charter high schools operated by Mastery Schools showed improvement in their four-year graduation rates in the last five years.

Penn program offers artificial intelligence training to Philadelphia school district teachers

As artificial intelligence makes its way into classrooms as a tool to assist educators, the University of Pennsylvania plans to offer AI training for School District of Philadelphia teachers and administrators.

Studies show links between arts programs and positive academic outcomes, skills

For years, researchers have documented the positive impact of arts programs when it comes to students’ self-esteem, wellbeing and interpersonal skills–and good citizenship. Now, it seems, they also impact overall academic success.