Using Research to Create Champions and Drive Action

• In Event: Imagine a School: How Researchers Can Support Community-Based Groups’ Visions for Philadelphia Public Schools

Abstract

Objective
Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) is a non-profit youth workforce organization that serves as a catalyst for collective action to improve educational and economic outcomes for youth. PYN’s vision is that all of Philadelphia's young people will take their rightful places as full and contributing members of a global economy. To pursue this vision, they work with employers, the School District of Philadelphia, and community based organizations to support a range of youth focused programs.

Methods and Data
PYN staffs Project U Turn (PUT), the city’s campaign to reduce the number of disconnected youth ages 16-21 in the city. In 2005, PUT commissioned ground-breaking research by Ruth Neild and Robert Balfanz, Unfulfilled Promises, that documented the scope and scale of the dropout population in Philadelphia. This research has guided the work of the PUT collaborative for the last six years. PUT has recently commissioned a new series of studies to update the 2006 research, provide evaluation data on the interventions that have been deployed since 2006, and extend the research to include postsecondary and workforce outcomes for Philadelphia’s public and charter school students. It will also look at some additional subgroups (e.g., ELL, homeless, SPED, foster care, delinquent, teen parents). The research team includes Robert Balfanz (JHU), David Rubin (Policy Lab), and Paul Harrington (Drexel). The PUT research will use student level data from DHS, the District, PDE, L&I, the National Student Clearing House, and DPW.

Both the original 2006 study and subsequent evaluations of specific interventions have informed the work of the community by shaping the programming they deliver and generating new program models. PYN has commissioned several program evaluations and also collects data on a set of indicators annually for the Council. Some of this data comes from the agency partners and some PYN manages internally.

Theory
Data is central to PYN’s theory of action. The 2006 study launched Project U Turn and has continued to provide a framework for action, as well as the inspiration for leaders to stay involved. The annual collection of indicator data for the Mayor’s Council for College and Career Success, which PYN staffs, helps renew the commitment of the participating systems.

Conclusions and Significance
Philadelphia continues to have a significant dropout problem, largely driven by its comprehensive high schools. Through PUT, a number of alternative schools and programs have been developed to reengage students. These serve about 4,000 students per year, but another 5,000 seats are needed to meet demand. The biggest obstacle to institutionalizing and expanding these programs has been churn in District and City leadership, as well as the economic downturn. An import lesson learned is that a multi-system approach with multiple champions is essential to maintaining momentum over the type of time period necessary to address such a large and complicated problem.

Author

• Candace E. Bell, Pathway Strategies, LLC