#Define Functionally Illiterate

On Tuesday, Philadelphia city councilmembers pressed Superintendent Tony Watlington on a plan to close 20 schools in the city. Watlington said the plan would help the district better use its buildings, but understands the plan is not perfect. Councilmembers, teachers and parents raised many concerns and said they feel this process is moving too fast. Click the link in our bio for more. #philly

📖 March is National Reading Month — but in Philadelphia, this moment also calls for urgency. Far too many children in our city are not reading on grade level, limiting opportunity before students ever reach adulthood. Literacy is one of the strongest predictors of graduation, economic mobility, and long-term health outcomes — and right now, Philadelphia is facing a literacy crisis that demands collective action. 📚 When children read proficiently by third grade, they are more likely to graduate. 📚 When families have access to books and learning supports, communities grow stronger. 📚 When we invest in literacy, we expand opportunity citywide. #NationalReadingMonth #LiteracyCrisis #PhillyReads #EducationEquity #UseLiteracyToDefeatPoverty

At Carver High School of Engineering and Science in North Philadelphia, students in the journalism program are learning how to report on their own school and community. Through a student-run newscast, they are gaining hands-on experience in writing, interviewing, and media production while also challenging the negative narratives often attached to young people in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Neighborhoods reporter Jolie Richards speaks to students about why telling their own stories is important Listen to the full story by Jolie Richards on PhiladelphiaNeighborhoods.com

IN THE NEWS: *From Philly Inquirer* Parents are mobilizing and taking action against the proposed school closures that would close 20 schools throughout Philadelphia. These schools closing would make it that much harder for parents to get their kids to schools farther away from them, with so many already suffering from the affordability crisis. This is exactly why we are meeting with our elected officials this Sunday to push for funding solutions that go into city services and especially our children's education. Take action with us Feb 1 at our city-wide affordability assembly. Link in bio #powerinterfaith #socialjustice #philadelphia #education

This is one of the largest public library systems in the United States. #philadelphia #library #hiddengems #education

Philly Woman speaks on the school closure plan for Philly Schools…thoughts❓🤔🧐 #PhillyFAMETV📺

🎧 New Episode: The school district is proposing major changes to its schools. And it could dramatically impact neighborhoods in the process. Philadelphians have not been quiet about their feelings. District officials say this is all in an effort to address lower enrollment, dilapidated buildings, and overcrowded classrooms. But are parents, students, and teachers’ concerns being heard? Carly Sitrin, bureau chief at Chalkbeat Philadelphia, is here to explain all the shifting parts of the school district’s master plan. Read more of Carly’s reporting about the school district’s Master Plan @chalkbeatorg Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 #philly #phillynews #phillyschools

Have you heard about this ten year plan for Philadelphia School District? Across the city, schools will be getting major upgrades to modernize and improve conditions for schools that need it the most. While this is great news for schools remaining open, several schools are expected to be shut down to make way for the budget. What are your thoughts on this plan? Does this help the overall conditions of schools across the city? Leave your comments below!