Algebra: A Formula for Success Want to solve an equation for student success, greater economic mobility, and a stronger economy? Teach algebra in 8th grade. Research shows that learning algebra before high school builds the core foundation for higher-level...
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Education
In the Footsteps of the Founders
Education as a Revolutionary Ideal "The good Education of Youth has been esteemed by wise Men in all Ages, as the surest Foundation of the Happiness both of private Families and of Commonwealths." – Benjamin Franklin As we celebrate our country’s 250th...
To Infinity and Beyond…Cellphone Bans
To Infinity and Beyond…Cellphone Bans In the latest Toy Story movie, Woody, Buzz, and Jessie worry about their “extinction” at the hands of Lilypad, a frog-shaped electronic tablet. Together, the gang of toys navigate a new world in which kids are connecting...
When We Fight, We Win
One Week, Three Big Wins for PA Kids FROM THE DESK OF MAI MIKSIC, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR I've been doing policy and advocacy long enough to know that wins don't come easy; it’s a long game. Wins come from years of showing up at hearings, in district offices, in the...
Virtual La-La Land
CYBER CHARTERS: FACT vs. FICTION Cyber charter schools are playing the victim…again. Just this week, our Executive Director, Mai Miksic, took to the airwaves on a panel discussing education funding. Also on the panel was a representative of the cyber charter...
Whose Schools? Our Schools!
Education is a Shared Responsibility Sparks flew at the Philadelphia School Board meeting last week when it voted behind closed doors to approve a $3 billion facilities plan, closing 17 schools and modernizing 169 others. The vote took place shortly after...
TESTIMONY: Children First’s Statement Ride Share/School Closures
Children First’s Statement Ride Share/School Closures Presented to Philadelphia City Council, May 2026 Inella Ray, Director of Parent Advocacy & Engagement Children First DOWNLOAD PDF The District and School Board need to rebuild trust in the process so that City...
Testimony: Philadelphia City Council, Rideshare Fee
Testimony to Philadelphia City Council Presented by Donna Cooper, Executive Director, Children First Re: Resolutions 26025 and 260208 My name is Donna Cooper, I live in Councilman Young’s district, and I am here to speak to the resolutions to enact new taxes on...
FACT SHEET: Meeting the Urgent Demand for Career and Technical Education Instructors
Forty States’ Certification Systems are Better Suited to Retain High School CTE Teachers than Pennsylvania. In 80% of all states, where 2.3 million educators are teaching in public schools, Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers can attain tenure via a...
Is PHL Mayor Meeting the Moment?
Checking the Boxes for Philly Kids While we always want more, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker continues to invest in Philadelphia children and teens. As a candidate in 2023, she pledged to support the comprehensive Kids’ Campaign agenda, and her new fiscal...