Philly students say charter school safer, more challenging

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A group of West Philadelphia teens meeting with the nation’s education secretary says their school has become safer and more challenging under charter school management.

The Mastery Charter School students are speaking out as Education Secretary Arne Duncan, the Rev. Al Sharpton and Republican former House Speaker Newt Gingrich begin a nationwide “listening and learning” tour in Philadelphia.

The trio met with about a dozen 11th graders at Mastery on Tuesday morning and are also visiting a second school in the city.

They are discussing President Barack Obama’s education reform initiatives with students, teachers, administrators and parents.

Other tour stops scheduled include New Orleans on Nov. 3 and Baltimore on Nov. 13.