In April 2024, the Stoneleigh Foundation hosted a panel discussion on the ways in which gun violence is impacting Philadelphia’s schools and students. Representatives from the School District of Philadelphia presented research that is informing policy and practice and improving public safety.

Speakers included:

• Kevin Bethel | Commissioner, Philadelphia Police Department; Former Stoneleigh Fellow
• Dr. Brandy Blasko | Director of School Safety Operations, The School District of Philadelphia; Stoneleigh Fellow
• Craig Johnson | Interim Chief of School Safety, The School District of Philadelphia
• Dr. Tonya Wolford | Chief of Evaluation, Research, and Accountability, The School District of Philadelphia

A full video of the event is available here:

Dr. Wolford presented research on student attendance, describing how chronic absenteeism is a key early warning sign of future adverse outcomes. View the presentation here:

To read more about student attendance and its impact on learning, and to learn about the barriers to attendance that SDP students face, see these additional resources from the ERA library:

Listening and Learning: Student Attendance

Research Roundup Webinar, April 2023

Focus on Student Attendance