PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia School District is giving students who failed the state Keystone Exam in algebra an incentive to retake the test: cash.
Deputy Superintendent Jermaine Dawson told the school board last week that students who go through an eight-week algebra course and take the test again will be compensated.
“Each of those students that will do that and commit to that will receive a stipend,” he said, though he did not reveal how much that would be. A district spokesperson said it’s not a significant amount.
Dawson said several hundred eligible students are being notified now. Those who take advantage of the incentive would attend extra classes before school, after school or on Saturdays, then retake the test in May.
Although district students have made modest gains in most subject areas, algebra scores on the standardized Keystone Exams dropped last year. Only 27% of Philadelphia students passed — down from 30% the year before.
Dawson said students should know that mastering algebra is essential. “We’re going to be talking to them about the importance of algebra as a gateway for their post-secondary options in whatever they want to do.”
The program isn’t costing the district any money. The stipends will be paid for by the nonprofit Fund for the School District of Philadelphia.