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This is the first in a series of Frequently Asked Questions presented by Edison Schools. Our goal is to provide helpful information about the changes that may be taking place in your school. Look for future editions of our FAQ series and visit our web site for additional information, and please do not hesitate to contact us with your questions, concerns or suggestions. What is really going to be different about my school next fall? Philadelphia-Edison partnership schools will be places where children feel safe and are able to focus on learning. High standards will be set for everyone, teachers will be given more support, families and communities will be involved, and students will be highly motivated to achieve. All Philadelphia-Edison partnership schools will share certain core elements to help meet behavioral and academic goals. These include a strong concentration on reading and math instruction, and a focus on meeting the individual needs of students. For example, Philadelphia-Edison partnership schools plan to use one of two proven research-based reading programs––either Success For All or Open Court. Both programs provide support to students who require additional time to acquire required skills, while allowing students who are progressing faster to advance toward new challenges. Also, the phonics-based Wilson Reading effectively addresses the needs of students who are struggling with decoding issues. Visit these web sites to learn more about the following reading programs that we plan to use at our partnership schools: • Success For All Reading • Open Court Reading • Wilson Reading Edison recognizes that implementing a new academic program is not easy, and we are committed to making the transition a smooth one. We will provide all the necessary resources for students and teachers in every subject area, as well as the appropriate professional development and ongoing support to effectively implement these programs. Is it true that all teachers in these schools are going to receive “pink slips” or be terminated? This is completely unfounded and totally false. Edison has successfully partnered with numerous districts and schools across the country in which collective bargaining agreements are in place for school staff, and in none of these communities have we ever done such a thing. Edison will work hard to earn the trust and confidence of teachers in Philadelphia over the coming weeks. We are particularly eager to give teachers in Philadelphia the opportunity to meet with teachers from Edison partnership schools across the county to learn about their Edison experiences. It is our hope that as teachers learn about the mission and design of an Edison partnership school, many will decide this is exactly the kind of environment in which they want to work. What can current principals expect? Principals at all our partnership schools have come to expect the highest levels of professionalism and support from Edison Schools. We believe that strong leaders who can both inspire and manage are the first ingredients of successful schools. We believe that Philadelphia-Edison partnership schools will blossom under the effective leadership and guidance of their principals. Edison’s challenge and opportunity is to earn the confidence of the principals who are leading each of the chosen schools. Over the coming weeks, we will be hosting a series of conference calls for current principals to learn more about us and our vision for our partnership schools in Philadelphia. Our goal is to give each principal as much information as we possibly can––including the opportunity to talk with Edison principals across the country. We will be appointing a dedicated contact person whom principals can call with questions and concerns. Why is all this happening so fast? While Edison recognizes the challenge ahead, we are willing to work tirelessly over the next several months so that students will be able to walk into newly invigorated schools this fall. Every day, from now and through this summer, we will be working to make a world of difference for children in September. Edison is determined to provide significant resources for students and teachers by this fall––including professional development, curriculum materials and a unique learning environment setting new standards for school performance and student achievement. See future editions of our Frequently Asked Questions for discussions of math, science, social studies and other programs that will be offered in Philadelphia-Edison partnership schools. Click here for a printable version of this page. |
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