Michelle Higinio Armstrong

This document serves as a comprehensive user guide for the SPOTlight (School Performance Outcomes Table) and the School Progress Report on Education and Equity (SPREE) for the 2024-2025 reporting period. It meticulously details the reports' layout, main components, and scoring methodologies for various metrics. The guide also outlines the four core domains of evaluation—Reading/ELA, Math/Science, College & Career, and Climate, Culture, and Opportunity—and explains the distinct performance labels and six-level performance categorization used to assess and report school progress and outcomes.

The event, titled 'The 2026 School District of Philadelphia State of Schools,' featured student testimonials highlighting positive high school experiences, including personal growth and exposure to various experiences like technology immersion, history exploration, and opera participation. A future engineer discussed career goals focused on environmental impact through carbon-efficient airplane design. The address by the Mayor of Philadelphia emphasized the city's commitment to public education, highlighting sustained, long-term financial investments, including shifting a cumulative 1.5% of property tax revenue to the school district over two years. Key progress metrics mentioned were rising test scores, improving attendance, and declining dropout rates. The importance of the educator workforce was stressed, noting an increase in teachers of color to 38.5%, the highest rate since 2001, reflecting efforts to build stronger pipelines and support retention.

The Math Goal 3 strategic plan aims to increase the percentage of students in grades 3-8 who are proficient on the state math assessment from 21.6% in August 2019 to 52.0% by August 2026. The plan focuses on implementing a new, high-quality, standards-aligned curriculum for K-8 math, evidence-based professional learning cycles, common planning time, and improved Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). The district-wide approach emphasizes Tier 1 MTSS, including grade-level instruction and evidence-based school-wide climate programming, to ensure all students engage in culturally appropriate instruction in a safe and welcoming environment.

The 9th Grade Academy Logic Model for The School District of Philadelphia focuses on ensuring all students pass their courses, maintain high attendance, and avoid suspensions to prepare them for college and careers. Key strategies include systematic time management in professional learning groups, proper course rostering, freshman orientation and seminars, academic advising, behavior support, and creating a dedicated 9th-grade space. The plan also emphasizes district-level support through data-driven decisions, summer bridge programs, collaboration opportunities, professional learning, and recognition for 9th Grade Assistant Principals.

The Board of Education authorized the School District of Philadelphia to execute and perform a contract with various vendors for taxicab and van transportation for students, including attendants for routes as required by the Individual Education Plan. The original RFP was released in January 2019. The board also approved an amendment of contract with various vendors for cab and school vehicle transportation for students. The demand for transportation for students with IEPs and other special education-related requirements has significantly increased, resulting in capacity growth of the number routes serviced by these vendors.