Christen Smith

Christen Smith is the Pennsylvania News Editor for The Center Square and has more than a decade of experience covering state and national policy issues from all angles.

Public Education
Antisemitic allegations hit Philadelphia’s school district

(The Center Square) – Several concerned residents believe teachers and students in the School District of Philadelphia express antisemitism without impunity, including in an off-campus educator event they say excluded… Read More

February 5, 2024
Public Education
Report: Test scores still lagging post-pandemic

(The Center Square) – New research suggests reading and math test scores still lag prepandemic levels as schools grapple with ongoing learning loss, an unconstitutional funding model and growing discontent… Read More

December 1, 2023
Legislation
PA Senate OKs parental warning for explicit school content

(The Center Square) – The Pennsylvania Senate remains divided over a proposal that asks for parental permission before students can view sexually explicit content at school. In the end, a… Read More

October 25, 2023
Legislation
Philly lawmaker again crosses aisle to support school vouchers

(The Center Square) – A state lawmaker crossed the aisle live on talk radio to support a scholarship program for students in low-performing schools to attend private institutions instead. The… Read More

August 3, 2023
Legislation
Bipartisan school choice embrace reframes state budget negotiations

(The Center Square) – Bipartisan embrace of a state-funded school choice program reframed budget negotiations this week as Gov. Josh Shapiro stands by a campaign promise that’s riled many of… Read More

June 26, 2023