Good Schools Pennsylvania E-Update
Putting the public in public education
March 31, 2008
In This Issue
All "Eyes on Education" in Philadelphia
Students, Educators Take Stand for Schools
Weekly Wrap Up: Pa. School Funding Campaign
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Good Schools Pennsylvania 
It's March and that can mean only one thing: March Madness. Across the state, we are certain that many Pennsylvanians are tuned in to televisions ablaze with college hoops and are closely tracking their brackets with wins and losses.
 
But if the madness of March gets to be too much (or if your alma mater has already been eliminated), we have a different kind of "Final Four" for you to track -- the final months of the legislative session and budget process. Read on to learn how advocates around the state are sending the message to their legislators that public education deserves a win this year.
April 7: All "Eyes on Education" in Philadelphia
Students display outdated textbooksAt Good Schools Pennsylvania, we speak often about the impact of underfunding public education in many schools across the commonwealth. But what does that underfunding actually look like? This is your opportunity to find out.
 
Fifteen Philadelphia public school students involved in Youth United for Change were given 35mm cameras and the opportunity to record what they thought was important for the public to know about their education. Their stories compose the "Eyes on Education" student photography exhibit, opening on April 7 at 4:30 pm at the Gallery at Market East in Philadelphia. Be sure to join us at the opening reception to meet the students, view their photos, and hear remarks from Dr. Lori Shorr, Philadelphia's chief education officer. ... MORE
Students, Educators Take Stand for Schools
Lou DeVlieger testifies as John McKelligott and Larry Feinberg look on"I am not here today to convey concern for saving AYP," said Lou DeVlieger, assistant superintendent of Upper Darby School District. "I am here today to convey concern for saving the country."
 
DeVlieger's testimony at the House Education Committee hearing at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on March 26 amplified the importance that a sound school funding has on schools, communities, the state and the country. Joining him in testifying to the committee were other administrators, educators, community leaders and students from Philadelphia public schools. ... MORE
Weekly Wrap Up: Pa. School Funding Campaign
PA School Funding Campaign
There is no more important priority this spring than for the Pennsylvania General Assembly to enact a permanent school funding formula. But our legislators are not yet convinced that enacting that formula should be the state's top priority during this budget season. They must hear from you! Visit the Pennsylvania School Funding Campaign's website to send a letter to your lawmaker or use our tool to plan a legislative event and help us to spread the word that the time is now for education reform.
 
Whether you represent an organization, school, faith community or just yourself, be sure to visit the website to sign on to the campaign and work with us to make sure this is the year we finally achieve our goal of a quality education for every Pennsylvania student.
Stay Connected 
Our website is updated frequently with news, opportunities and links to keep you informed about our work to change public education funding in Pennsylvania. Be sure to add the Good Schools Pennsylvania homepage to your favorites and check back often.
 
If you're not on our mailing list, be sure to click the Join Our Mailing List! button in the top left column of this E-Update to receive all of our organization's communications.
Good Schools Pennsylvania
Good Schools Pennsylvania is a statewide network of citizens who are informed and mobilized in support of public education. We believe that we can improve our schools when we join together in calling for adequate funds that are equitably distributed, proven educational practices to meet a standard of excellence, and effective accountability measures. Visit our website.