As thousands of children in Philadelphia return to school today, they will be greeted by a new Learning Network structure. The School District of Philadelphia has reorganized its Learning Network for the 2024-2025 school year, aiming to improve customer service and accelerate academic achievement. The new structure is one of three key drivers for improvement in the upcoming school year.
The reorganization of the Learning Network is a result of extensive collaboration with principals, assistant superintendents, union representatives, and external stakeholders. The new structure is designed to better serve parents and families, place resources closer to schools instead of the central office, decrease travel time for assistant superintendents, increase engagement with grassroots and faith-based organizations, and accelerate academic achievement. This reorganization is part of the District’s five-year strategic plan, Accelerate Philly.
The Learning Network reconfiguration will be rolled out in two phases. In Phase I, effective August 1, 2024, Learning Networks will be realigned to be geographically based along natural borders like rivers, major roadways, or train lines, and with consideration of current catchments. In Phase II, effective later this fall, the District will repurpose and reallocate existing staff resources to support the Learning Networks.
According to the School District of Philadelphia, the schools previously in the Innovation and Acceleration Networks will receive the necessary support under the updated Learning Network structure. This new framework enables the District to enhance support across critical areas including operations, professional learning, talent acquisition, special education, serving diverse learners, student support services, fostering a positive climate, and promoting family engagement.