Story perspectives

Philadelphia Schools See Math Gains, ELA Skills Needed

10/10/2025

Summary

Story summary

Tony Watlington, Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, notes a 12.9 percentage point rise in third-grade math proficiency to 33.7%.
Reading scores for third grade have stagnated at 31.4% proficiency.
Jermaine Dawson, Deputy Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, says the district needs enhanced foundational English Language Arts skills and will provide coaching and resources to improve ELA.
Final state assessment results will be released next month.

History

Historical Context

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty, aimed to reduce educational disparities by allocating over $1 billion in federal funding, primarily through Title I for low-income schools. This legislation laid the groundwork for ongoing reforms, including the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, which continues to address educational equity and standards across the U.S.

1 of 2

Story summary

Tony Watlington, Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, notes a 12.9 percentage point rise in third-grade math proficiency to 33.7%.
Reading scores for third grade have stagnated at 31.4% proficiency.
Jermaine Dawson, Deputy Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, says the district needs enhanced foundational English Language Arts skills and will provide coaching and resources to improve ELA.
Final state assessment results will be released next month.

1 / 2