Session 46: From Urban Dysfunction to Urban Promise: A Philadelphia Story

Printer-friendly version

In 1993, Stanton was immortalized in an Academy Award winning documentary as a symbol of urban educational dysfunction. Today the school, which sits in economically devastated North Philadelphia, stands as a symbol of urban educational promise. In just one year, Stanton went from having 13 percent of fifth graders meeting state reading standards to 67 percent—such a dramatic increase that the district retested the children to make sure there was no mistake. The next three years have seen Stanton solidifying and improving its reading proficiency rates. Not only that, but Stanton rocketed forward in math proficiency rates, going from 19 percent of fifth graders proficient in math in 2003 to 83 percent in 2006. Hear how Stanton’s faculty have institutionalized high expectations and high-level instruction to ensure that their students—all of whom are African-American and most of whom are poor—learn to high levels.

Presenters:
Barbara B. Adderley, Principal;
Christina Taylor, Math Teacher;
Katheleen Shallow, Literacy Leader;
Beverly Woodley, Teacher, M. Hall Stanton Elementary School, Philadelphia, PA

Strand 5: Elementary Schools that Work for All Kids

DISPELLING THE MYTH AWARD RECIPIENT

School Contact Information:
M. Hall Stanton Elementary School
2539 North 16th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19132
215-227-4434
Barbara Adderley, Principal