
Philadelphia to Pay Students to Retake Keystone Exam says Inquirer
Jan 22
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According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia School District is launching an initiative to pay high school students who previously failed the state's Algebra I Keystone exam to retake the test. Starting in February, up to 500 students will be invited to participate in an eight-week algebra refresher course at their respective high schools, culminating in a retake of the Keystone exam in May. A virtual class option is also under consideration.

Deputy Superintendent Jerome Dawson emphasized that the financial incentive is modest, describing it as a "token." The stipend aims to offset potential income loss for students who might otherwise work part-time jobs, encouraging them to invest time in their academic improvement without financial strain. The funding for these stipends will come from the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, the district's nonprofit arm, rather than the operating budget.
Keystone State Exam
This program addresses a concerning decline in algebra proficiency among students. In the 2023-24 school year, only 27.2% of students passed the Algebra I Keystone exam by 11th grade, a decrease from 30.1% the previous year and significantly lower than the district's peak of 38.4% in the 2017-18 school year. Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. highlighted algebra as a critical area needing improvement, noting that while other subjects have shown progress, algebra scores have continued to decline.
Algebra: Gateway Course
Algebra I is considered a "gateway course," essential for preparing students for higher-level math and developing critical thinking skills. Failure to demonstrate proficiency can limit future academic and career opportunities. By offering this program, the district aims to provide students with the necessary support to succeed, emphasizing the importance of algebra in their educational trajectory.
Final Say
Eligible students will receive letters inviting them to enroll in the refresher course, which will be taught by district teachers with proven success records. Classes are scheduled before and after school hours, as well as on Saturdays, to accommodate students' varying schedules. The district hopes that this initiative will encourage students to retake the exam and achieve proficiency, thereby enhancing their academic standing and future prospects.