Philly Schools Don’t Need More Money…

Originally published by The Philadelphia Citizen.

A majority of the Philadelphia students receiving diplomas cannot read or do math at grade level. In 2025, barely one-quarter of 11th graders were proficient in math and only about a third in reading. Yet, thousands of students are told they are ready for life beyond high school.

How is this possible?

As a recent Chalkbeat investigation reveals, it’s not because academic achievement has improved—it’s because the system has changed what it means to graduate.

Instead of passing Keystone exams measuring basic reading and math skills, students can graduate by submitting “evidence” from a state-approved list. In practice, that often means completing short, low-rigor online credential programs. One of the most popular? A two-hour online video about ladder safety.

Read more at The Philadelphia Citizen.