Secretary of Education Joins Coalition to Strengthen School-Based Partnerships Across Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Secretary Pedro A. Rivera met with education stakeholders, including teachers and administrators, field experts, and organizations including the William Penn Foundation to develop a system of school-based partnerships around the commonwealth. The group met in Philadelphia to examine school support systems and discuss new research on effective school-based partnerships.

"Research has shown that success stems from strong partnerships, with significant benefits passed on to students and schools," said Sec. Rivera. "By working together, we can address the critical needs schools currently face and, in turn, provide an investment in Pennsylvania's public education system."

According to the William Penn Foundation, "school-based partnerships have many benefits, including exposing students to more diverse learning opportunities, improving student social and academic outcomes, and providing added resources and staff support." 

As part of his promise to create "schools that teach," Gov. Wolf has made a commitment to the commonwealth's schools to restore critical funding and support all students from pre-k to post-secondary programs. The governor and Sec. Rivera have traveled the state in support of this mission on the Schools That Teach tour, meeting with students, community members, and educators to strengthen relationships and foster open communication. Over the first two years, the Wolf Administration has secured nearly $640 million in increased funding to invest in public education at all levels, from early childhood to post-secondary.

"As we have met with teachers, administrators, and support staff across Pennsylvania, we have learned firsthand of their needs and priorities. Using available resources and tools to foster strong partnerships will help us better serve the schools and students of the commonwealth," said Sec. Rivera.

The William Penn Foundation was started in 1945 to improve education for low-income children and foster creative and engaged communities around Philadelphia.

MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman, 717-783-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education