"Educational Well-Being of African-American Boys" Lecture Features Arlene Ackerman and Donald Schwarz

March 26, 2009 - Penn GSE is hosting the "Educational Well-Being of African-American Boys: A Philadelphia Story of Challenges and Possibilities" Thursday, April 30, at 3 p.m. at the Inn at Penn. Penn GSE Professor John Fantuzzo will present this lecture with discussants Arlene Ackerman, the superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, and Don Schwarz, Deputy Mayor for Health & Opportunity.

Dr. Fantuzzo will share findings from two research studies that document the challenges and possibilities of African American boys in Philadelphia. Using the Philadelphia Kids Integrated Data System (KIDS), the only municipal system of its kind, research showed that African American boys who participate in formal, early childhood programs evidence better academic and behavioral outcomes in 3rd grade. Furthermore, high-quality early childhood education using a curriculum informed by scientific evidence showed even greater impact.  

Drs. Ackerman and Schwarz will discuss some of the implications of Dr. Fantuzzo's research for strategic, collaborative initiatives in the School District and the City.

This lecture is free and open to the public, but seating is limited.  The Inn at Penn is located at 3600 Sansom Street in Philadelphia.

The "Educational Well-Being of African-American Boys" is the Albert M. Greenfield Memorial Lecture, sponsored by the Albert M. Greenfield Foundation. The foundation supports activities that carry on the humanitarian vision of the late Mr. Greenfield, who chaired the board of Bankers Securities Corp. and the Philadelphia Planning Commission.


Media contact: Jill DiSanto-Haines at 215-898-4820 or jdisanto@upenn.edu