Charter Schools

This month's show features: Youth artists & organizers create an album to tackle the drop-out crisis; Kansas City students see half of their public schools shut down; Highlights from PSU's official launch of the Campaign for Non-violent schools; West Philadelphia High students put forward their hopes & concerns for the Rennaissance 'turnaround' of their school; Plus music & other education news.

Over at the PSU blog students have been following recent decisions by school districts across the country. Topping the news, Kansas City is making plans to shut down 26 schools, nearly half of those in the district.

Last week Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, the Reverend Al Sharpton and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich came to our city as part of their  “Listening and Learning Tour” regarding a national agenda for public education reform.  Students, parents, teachers, and community organizations were left wondering who the group was really listening to, since none of us were included in the tour’s agenda.  We were only able to speak with them through a locked and guarded wrought-iron fence.

New Media Technology Charter School in Northwest Philly is facing a probe as it's charter is up for renewal based on article in today's Philadelphia Inquirer.