EDITORIAL: Quality Education

The efforts of University students,The efforts of University students,faculty and staff have helped resurrectThe efforts of University students,faculty and staff have helped resurrectShaw Middle School and establish anThe efforts of University students,faculty and staff have helped resurrectShaw Middle School and establish aninnovative educational program.The efforts of University students,faculty and staff have helped resurrectShaw Middle School and establish aninnovative educational program.___________________________________ In conjunction with University students, faculty and staff, Shaw Principal Al Bichner has implemented a revolutionary program aimed at educating his students using a cluster system -- smaller, interdisciplinary learning communities based around a central theme. These clusters, including journalism and desktop publishing, environmental science and health care, create an environment in which students can more readily learn and excel. Cofounded with a new discipline system that emphasizes reform rather than punitive punishment, this program has brought about a remarkable atmosphere at Shaw in which students can fulfill their potentials. But Bichner did not make these strides alone. The improvement at Shaw Middle School is due in no small part to the effort of the University community. Twenty-two University faculty members have been matched with Shaw students as part of a mentoring program. Wharton junior John Seeg and College junior Abby Close have been instrumental in developing the Science Alliance learning community. University staff members helped the school district prepare a federal grant proposal that would deliver $250,000 to the West Philadelphia middle schools over the next three years. And the University's Center For Community Partnerships aided in procuring a $49,000 grant from the Philadelphia Urban Resource Partnership. We applaud everyone who has played a part in invigorating this school. These efforts will help these children get future jobs, receive scholarship money for college and show them that hard work and an investment in education can carry them a long way. Although the University is involved in numerous community assistance programs, this project is especially noteworthy because the time and energy donated by the community not only helps students currently attending Shaw, but forges an academic structure and learning environment which will allow hundreds of future students to succeed and prosper. The relationship between Shaw and the University has been extraordinary and should serve as a model for all large urban cities. We encourage those involved to continue to strive for their most noble goals.