Education: Trying the Old-Fashioned Way

Philadelphia's tough Fitler School is getting remarkable results

At the Edward H. Fitler Elementary School, an old building of dirty granite in working-class Philadelphia, teachers insist that boys and girls form orderly, separate lines when entering or leaving class. "Sure, it's old-fashioned and sexist," says School Principal William R. Crumley Jr., 47, "but our parents did it, and we do it." In fact, teachers, parents and pupils are trying to turn back the educational clock at Fitler, with strict student dress codes, tough grading and plenty of attention to individual students. One result: though...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!