Education

Do Record-High Graduation Rates Matter?

  • James Paul
  • January 18, 2016

In America’s high schools, test scores are stagnant while graduation rates are soaring. How can both be true? A December press release from the Department of Education…

Media

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Education

Education Commission Proposes Smarter, Student-Based Spending

  • June 18, 2015

Education Commission Proposes Smarter,Student-Based Spending Commission Tailors Funding to Student Need, Rejects Broken Status-Quo Good afternoon, The Commonwealth Foundation has long advocated for an education funding formula…

Press Release

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Education

Education Spending & Academic Achievement

  • James Paul
  • May 19, 2015

Increased education spending has not led to improved academic performance. This is reflected in SAT scores and NAEP results, as well numerous studies at the state, national, and international level.

Fact Sheet

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Education

More Evidence: Charter Schools Thrive in Philadelphia

  • James Paul
  • March 26, 2015

There’s a reason why Philadelphia families endure charter school lotteries in which less than two percent of 5,000 applicants win seats. These schools are producing terrific results…

Media

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Education

Student Funding Reform

  • February 17, 2015

Pennsylvania ranks among the nation’s leaders in education spending per student. Although spending levels are high, the system for distributing state funding is outdated. Weighted student funding (WSF) is a…

Fact Sheet

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Education

Lawmakers: Mary’s Law is Worth Fighting For

  • January 8, 2015

As a teacher, a father of kids in public schools, and a taxpayer, I urge all our elected officials to join me in standing up for what’s right. Pass a…

Commentary

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Education

Harmed by “Hold Harmless”

  • James Paul
  • December 15, 2014

There are few more egregious examples of political doublespeak than Pennsylvania’s “hold harmless” provision for state education funding. Hold harmless guarantees each school district receives no fewer state education dollars…

Media

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Education

School Funding Reform & Weighted Student Funding

  • James Paul, Nathan Benefield
  • December 4, 2014

Thank you for the opportunity to offer testimony to this commission on the important topic of reforming how we distribute state funding for education. Our written testimony will focus on…

Testimony

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Education

In Education Debate, Let’s Fund Students not Districts

  • December 4, 2014

For Immediate Release Commonwealth Foundation Contact: 717-671-1901 In Education Debate, Let’s Fund Students not Districts Current System Favors Shrinking Districts at Growing Districts' Expense December 4,…

Press Release

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