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Two Temple students, Tyler Grady and Claire Fuller, advanced to the Hollywood stage of "American Idol," the top rated TV show in America. Another Temple student, School of Communications and Theater Ph.D. candidate Amanda McClain, is exploring American identity and the way it's portrayed in "American Idol" as part of her dissertation. "For example, the idealization of celebrity is a prominent theme of the show — and in life too," McLain said.

February 23, 2010 | Associated Press

The overhaul of chronically failing schools is likely to become more common because of more money from Washington, a growing consensus, and newfound willingness on the part of teacher unions. Philadelphia's turnaround effort is backed by a new union contract that requires teachers at failing schools to reapply for their jobs; eliminates their seniority rights upon rehiring; and extends the school day by up to an hour. Critics say the contract doesn't go far enough to attract teachers to its worst schools. Operators can hire only those who apply, and the longer days may not appeal to the best and most experienced instructors, said Heidi Ramirez, director of Temple's Urban Education Collaborative and a former member of the city school board.