Connect in Your Community
Student Voices
In 2007-08, Good Schools Pennsylvania and the Education Law Center worked with students to document what they thought was important for the public to know about their education and community. These are their stories...
Eyes on Education: A student photo-documentary project
A set of voices that often go unheard in politics have joined education advocates in calling upon the General Assembly to enact Pennsylvania's first school funding formula in nearly two decades. Those voices belong to public school students from across the Commonwealth.
During the past year, Good Schools Pennsylvania and the Education Law Center asked students to share their hopes and goals and comment on how adequate school funding allows them to reach their aspirations.
Their stories are told through photography, through video, and have been crafted into a 30-second public service announcement set to air in several Pennsylvania media markets.
Interactive
State Budget 101: A lesson plan for students to solve Pennsylvania's budget problems (without politics)
Good Schools Pennsylvania's Take Your Legislator to School Toolkit
Photography
Eyes on Education: A student photo-documentary project
Video
Student voices on Pennsylvania school funding reform
Good Schools Pennsylvania presents "Saving Whoville" in the Capitol
Public service announcement
Student voices speak up to support education reform - :30 second PSA
Philadelphia Cross City Campaign releases success story brochure
The Philadelphia Cross City Campaign for Education Reform, composed of community organizing groups and education organizations in Philadelphia, collected hundreds of anecdotes to document the successes, celebrations and educational gains made by students, parents, teachers, administrators and community leaders as a direct result of Pennsylvania's school funding formula. Be sure to access Community Account to read the stories of how one of Pennsylvania's most historic reforms in recent years has made a difference in so many lives and in so many communities.
UPDATE: Students from the Sto-Rox School District who participated in the "Eyes on Education" photo exhibit and advocacy day were awarded for their efforts. Pennsylvania's Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll recognized their work with a Proclamation of Recognition, which read in part:
"Through your dedication and hard work, you embody the spirit of community as you promote the principles of good character and purposeful living. It is inspiring to see such unyielding devotion and selflessness in upholding the time-honored precepts of community involvement and your efforts to extend awareness about the effects of under-funding of public schools....all of Pennsylvania is now benefiting as a result of your dedication and efforts."