Editing School District of Philadelphia (section)

== Reform Efforts ==

Multiple reform initiatives have attempted to improve Philadelphia schools over recent decades. State takeover in 2001 brought outside management and expanded charter schools. Subsequent initiatives have emphasized school choice, teacher evaluation, curriculum standardization, and various improvement strategies. Results have been mixed, with some improvements in graduation rates and test scores while persistent gaps remain between Philadelphia students and state averages.<ref name="sdp"/>

Current initiatives emphasize building improvements, expanded programs, and community schools that provide wraparound services addressing needs beyond academics. The district's strategic plan identifies goals for academic achievement, equity, and operations. Whether these efforts will produce transformational improvement remains to be seen, as Philadelphia schools continue working to provide quality education despite substantial challenges.<ref name="sdp"/>