PHILADELPHIA -- The Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania will partner with three low-performing West Philadelphia schools under an agreement with the Philadelphia School Reform Commission.

Penn GSE will receive funding to help improve student achievement at Henry C. Lea Elementary School at 47th and Locust streets, Alexander Wilson Elementary School at 46th and Woodland streets and William C. Bryant Elementary School at 60th and Cedar streets.

"We are proud to be a partner in improving Philadelphia public schools and believe that Penn GSE's involvement will provide many benefits to the children and teachers in the community," said Nancy Streim, associate dean.

Penn is one of seven organizations that signed agreements with the School Reform Commission, along with Edison Schools, Inc. and other private and public entities who are participating in the state's experiment with using multiple models to improve the city's worst performing schools

These new partnerships augment Penn's involvement in Philadelphia public schooling, including the Penn-Assisted School at 42nd and Spruce streets, which will eventually serve pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The Penn- Assisted School opened in September 2001 with kindergarteners and first-graders as the newest public school in West Philadelphia. It is a demonstration school and joint venture of the School District of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and Penn.

Under the terms of the School Reform Commission agreement to partner with Lea, Wilson and Bryant schools, Penn GSE will not manage the schools, but will advise, assist and provide services to the schools in curriculum, professional and leadership development; parental and community involvement; student assessment; and student academic support and enrichment.