Primary Education | Penn Today

A young girl doing a math problem at a whiteboard. The numbers 25, 49, and 14 are visible.

Children persist less when parents take over

According to research from Penn psychologists, kids ages 4 to 7 persevere longer when allowed to struggle through a challenging activity than if a grown-up steps in.

Handmade drawing of the U.S. Capitol building.

How teachers can talk about violence at the Capitol

Sigal Ben-Porath outlines a strategy for discussing the historic events with students according to grade and knowledge levels, focusing on the facts of what happened and why it matters.

Early data shows hopeful signs for pandemic learning in Philly, but huge questions remain

Michael Gottfried of the Graduate School of Education said it’s difficult to quantify how school is going for students amid the pandemic. “We’re sort of building the plane as we fly it,” he said. “Everything’s up in the air now. Everything’s been disrupted just from the measurement side.”

What principals have learned from COVID-19’s ‘stress test’

The Consortium for Policy Research in Education, housed in the Graduate School of Education, has published five briefs about how U.S. school districts and principals have dealt with the pandemic. “The principals are doing all these amazing things, which are serving urgent needs of kids and families. That’s not taken into account in what we think of as a good school. There is an imbalance between our metrics for assessing quality and the actual role of schools in society,” said Jonathan Supovitz.

Aerial view of Penn campus and Philadelphia skyline in daylight.

Penn pledges $100 million to the School District of Philadelphia

The contribution represents an unprecedented commitment to the City and its public schoolchildren, and is the largest private contribution to the School District in its history.

Smiling person holding an apple, standing in front of a red screen.

A role model for the changing face of science

Jennifer Stimpson, a chemist, teacher, and recent alumna of the Graduate School of Education’s mid-career program, was named an IF/THEN ambassador. The initiative aims to empower women in STEM to inspire the next generation of learners.

Two handmade signs in a window that read VOTE NOVEMBER 3 and PLAN YOUR VOTE.

Talking to your kids about the election

Penn GSE’s Caroline Watts offers advice on how to realistically support children during uncertainty. “Don't try to pretend there isn’t uncertainty in the country,” she says. “Be reassuring. No matter what is happening in the outside world, you will take care of the family.”

Two key questions teachers should ask students after the election

Sigal Ben-Porath of the Graduate School of Education wrote about how teachers can address questions that arise after the polls close and votes are counted. “Emotionally charged moments can be at the foundation of powerful learning experiences,” she said. “Teachers can use these moments to help their students develop their voices and direct them toward possible action, regardless of the students’ political views.”

Young child on a laptop at the kitchen table.

Creating a positive home environment, and other tips for uncertain times

Experts at Penn GSE share ways to help parents and teachers care for their students and their own mental wellness during the pandemic.

Penn President Amy Gutmann stands with three other people.

Three educators celebrated at Penn GSE as winners of the McGraw Prize in Education

In the first celebration of the McGraw Prize in Education since the Graduate School of Education became its home, President Amy Gutmann said this year’s three winners are among the “great minds devoted to improving education through innovation."

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