rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/petition/save-chester-upland-schools?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-petition-area-save-chester-upland-schools' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Pennsylvania State Education Association https://actionnetwork.org/groups/pennsylvania-state-education-association-3 https://actionnetwork.org//images/generic_facebook.jpg There is a movement afoot to convert some or all of Chester Upland’s neighborhood public schools to charter schools. The students of Chester Upland, despite the adversities they face, come into school every day ready to learn and grow. The teachers and support professionals who educate them and meet their needs are making a tremendous difference in their lives and are dedicated to their success. Charterization of Chester Upland’s public schools would likely result in district educators, support professionals, and other staff being laid off. Researchers say the connection between educators and students is incredibly important. A charter takeover of Chester Upland will force students to switch schools, either by physically changing buildings or by substantially changing the character of a school within the same building. This will disrupt key relationships with teachers and peers. Even one school move can decrease student achievement scores and graduation rates. Charterization of Chester Upland Schools is the last thing we should be doing. Rather than closing district schools and expanding charter schools, Chester Upland should focus on what works. Positive investments in the district’s academic programs are beginning to show results. Uprooting students now could undermine this progress. Sign this petition to show your support for saving Chester Upland’s public schools. The remarkable students of Chester Upland deserve the opportunity to learn in the public schools that have educated this community’s children for generations. https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/save-chester-upland-schools