Students in Partnership Schools can expect to see additional staff and Temple students in placement present in the schools, working closely with school leadership, teachers and support professionals. Students may also encounter additional resources and supports during their time in school, including mental health resources, enrichment opportunities and programming in support of educational transitions. Students and their families should also expect to receive information from the TPSN.

This initiative is unrelated to the Facilities Master Plan proposed in January 20206. The inclusion of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune School in the Network refers to the existing K-8 school at the Bethune site, rather than the forthcoming year-round school mentioned in the announcement.

We hope to continue to add other schools to the Network over time, but at the time of the launch, we are beginning with these two schools. Conversations will continue with School District leadership to evaluate additional opportunities while we continue to fundraise for expansion.

Philanthropic support for the Partnership Schools Network is crucial for sustaining this level of engagement. We are grateful for the major contributions that have helped us launch the network, including donations to our Community Scholars in Residence program, and we invite those interested in supporting these efforts to join our community of donors.

The resources provided for the school communities will be a direct reflection of continuing input from teachers, school leadership, students and families. Together with these key constituencies, Temple staff and faculty will continue to iterate and adjust in order to best meet the needs and make best use of the shared assets.

Each university in Philadelphia that works closely with specific schools has different parameters for their initiative. The Temple Partnership Schools Network is rooted in the Professional Development School model, which emphasizes a collaborative partnership designed to improve student learning, prepare future educators and provide continuous professional development.

While the work of the Partnership Schools Network will certainly involve Temple faculty- and student-conducted research alongside school-based educators, this is only one goal of the partnership, and will only be done with input from school leadership, families and students.  

This partnership has no bearing on admission to Temple University. However, through selective programs like Temple Future Scholars (TFS), which welcomes applications from students at both Duckrey and Bethune, students can receive supportive academic year and summer opportunities to help them reach their potential and get ready for college. TFS students who apply and are admitted to Temple, and who qualify under the terms of the program, will benefit from reduced financial barriers through the Temple Promise scholarship.

Our Director of Philadelphia School Collaborations and Community Engagement, M. Meghan Raisch, has led the establishment of a protocol to manage all expressions of interest and possible school collaborations. Through this protocol, each school’s working group (which includes school leadership, teacher leaders and community members) have opportunities to evaluate and approve these collaborations. Please visit our expression of interest form (link coming soon) to share your interest and initiate the process.