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Friday, January 31, 2014

PA Ed Policy Roundup for January 31, 2014: Kerkstra: 8 changes to fix Philly schools before its too late

Daily postings from the Keystone State Education Coalition now reach more than 3080 Pennsylvania education policymakers – school directors, administrators, legislators, legislative and congressional staffers, Governor's staff, current/former PA Secretaries of Education, PTO/PTA officers, parent advocates, teacher leaders, education professors, members of the press and a broad array of P-16 regulatory agencies, professional associations and education advocacy organizations via emails, website, Facebook and Twitter

These daily emails are archived and searchable at http://keystonestateeducationcoalition.org
Follow us on Twitter at @lfeinberg
The Keystone State Education Coalition is pleased to be listed among the friends and allies of The Network for Public Education.  Are you a member?


On Tuesday, February 4th, the Governor will be presenting his proposal for the budget, kicking off “budget season” in Harrisburg.  Will you be tweeting about the PA budget?  Use the #EducationPA and #PABudget hashtags together.



Keystone State Education Coalition
Pennsylvania Education Policy Roundup for January 31, 2014:
Kerkstra: 8 changes to fix Philly schools before its too late

“Pennsylvania has one of the most extensive networks of independently managed cyber charter schools in the country, with 14 such schools currently serving roughly 35,000 students. For-profits, including K12 and Connections Education, a division of publishing giant Pearson, play a major role in many of those existing schools. The companies have lobbied actively in the state capitol, where former K12 executive Charles Zogby now works as the state's budget secretary.  Despite one of the most generous funding formulas in the country, Pennsylvania's cyber charters have been plagued by poor performance, high rates of student attrition, and dramatic examples of fraud.”
Pa. Rejects Cyber Charter Applicants, Citing For-Profits' Role
Education Week Digital education Blog By Benjamin Herold on January 29, 2014 9:13 PM
For the second consecutive year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has denied all the applicants proposing to open new full-time virtual charter schools in the state.
One big factor in the rejections: The department believed that the purportedly independent boards of five of the six proposed schools were too closely tied to for-profit companies poised to receive contracts from the new schools if charters were granted. 
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/DigitalEducation/2014/01/pa_rejects_cyber_charter_applicants.html?cmp=SOC-SHR-TW

Masch: Claim that charters get less money per student than District schools is false
thenotebook by Michael Masch on Jan 30 2014 Posted in Commentary
For years, charter school supporters have been wrongly asserting that Philadelphia charter schools cost much less to operate than District-operated schools, and that charters are being shortchanged, receiving substantially less per-student funding from the School District than the District spends on each student in its own schools.  Among those who have made this assertion are Lawrence Jones, president of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, Robert Fayfich, executive director of that organization, and Robert Morano, a board member of the Achievement House Cyber Charter School in Exton.   Fearful of antagonizing elected officials who support charter schools and wealthy, politically active businesspeople who support charter schools, the School District of Philadelphia has been reluctant to publicly challenge these kinds of claims by charter advocates, even though District leaders have known for years that they simply are not true.
http://thenotebook.org/blog/146865/masch-claim-charters-get-less-per-student-funding-district-schools-false

 “Recently Corbett called on lawmakers need to come up with a better way of dividing education funding to the 500 school districts and other school entities, including charters. But that shouldn't be confused with saying that the school system needs more funding, he cautioned.”
Corbett seeks $10 million more for Pa. early education
WHYY Newsworks BY MARY WILSON JANUARY 30, 2014
Gov. Tom Corbett plans to ask Pennsylvania lawmakers for a $10 million increase for early education grants in his budget address next week.  The proposal would amount to a 16 percent increase in funding for the state's Pre-K Counts program.
"Our Pre-K Counts programs consistently deliver high-quality pre-K education," Corbett said Thursday. "We're not talking just babysitting, we're talking care, we're talking about teaching, we're talking about nurturing."  Going into the fiscal year beginning in July, estimates show a deficit of more then $1 billion. But Corbett has given advance notice of a few other increases he plans to request in his spending plan -- such as more assistance for abuse victims and initiatives serving those with intellectual disabilities.
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/item/64433-corbett-proposes-more-funds-for-?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Corbett wants to give top schools $1M to help low-performing ones
Beaver County Times By Natasha Lindstrom Calkins Media Published: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 6:49 pm | Updated: 12:48 am, Thu Jan 30, 2014.
HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Corbett wants Pennsylvania’s top schools to compete for a share of $1 million to help lower-performing schools get better.  The proposed Governor’s Expanding Excellence Program would establish a new competitive grant fund intended to encourage the highest-performing schools in the state to come up with effective ways of sharing what they do best.  “It allows them to have pride in what they do,” state Department of Education spokesman Tim Eller said. “Schools will be able to secure some additional funding to help offset those costs of sharing their programs and training with other schools, because in education the whole goal is getting all students to achieve success.”  If the state Legislature supports the concept, schools would be able to compete for grants of up to $20,000, which means at least 50 schools could benefit.
http://www.timesonline.com/news/state/corbett-wants-to-give-top-schools-m-to-help-low/article_982dbf17-9b45-5bf0-bc0b-81a828f4aab7.html

GEEPers, More Money for the Rich
by Yinzercation January 30, 2014
You’re not going to believe this. But in his budget proposal next week, Governor Corbett is apparently planning to increase funding for public schools by – wait for it – giving wealthy districts more money. OK, it’s not as simple as that. But in effect, this is exactly what he is proposing.
As we learned two weeks ago, the Governor has been talking about finding $100-$200 million more to put into public education. [“New Year Cheer”] That would be great, though sources close to Corbett say “a decent chunk of that funding will be the state’s share of the pension payments for school employees.” They also report, “One thing is certain, little-to-none will be in the form of an increase of the state budget’s basic education line item.” [Capitolwire, 1-29-14 (paywall), see summary on Keystone State Education Coalition, 1-30-14] In other words, that money is not going to help our public schools hire back teachers or restore any of the programs our students have lost.
http://yinzercation.wordpress.com/2014/01/30/geepers-more-money-for-the-rich/

“The senate Democrats' plan would restore several line items that Corbett had cut from the state budget: $100 million for accountability block grants; $85 million in charter-school reimbursements to districts; $50 million for tutoring; $40 million for early learning and $25 million for special education.”
Democrats unveil proposals for more money for schools
MARTHA WOODALL, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER  Thursday, January 30, 2014, 5:46 PM
Democrats from Philadelphia's state Senate delegation unveiled a plan Thursday to provide $300 million more for education across the state.  During a briefing at the School District's headquarters, senators said the increased aid for schools would not require any broad-based tax increases.  State Sen. Vincent Hughes, Democratic chairman of the Appropriations Committee, said the proposal "just marks the down payment" on the nearly $1 billion needed over the next three years to restore cuts in school funding since Gov. Corbett, a Republican, took office.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20140131_Democrats_unveil_proposals_for_more_money_for_schools.html#K1Gfrrqm5ym0FB4v.99

Philly's Senate Dems propose $300M extra for education
REGINA MEDINA, DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER MEDINAR@PHILLYNEWS.COM, 215-854-5985 POSTED: Friday, January 31, 2014, 12:16 AM
A GROUP OF state Senate Democrats proposed a budget yesterday that would boost education funding by $300 million for 2014-15 without a tax increase.  The funding was part of an overall budget proposal that offered $1.1 billion in additional revenue and savings, said state Sen. Vincent Hughes, chairman of the Appropriations Committee.  The Democrats' proposed increase comes as Gov. Corbett is expected to present his budget next week. It is a "down payment of a billion-dollar increase that we need to have over the next three years," said Hughes, surrounded by members of the Philadelphia Senate delegation inside district headquarters in North Philadelphia.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20140131_Philly_s_Senate_Dems_propose__300M_extra_for_education.html#7eFzpuerdU0UcflT.99

Pre-K Works, but Only for Those with Access
PCCY Blog Spot Thursday, January 30, 2014
The amount of public funding available for Pre-K in Pennsylvania covers less than 20 percent of the 3-and-4-year-olds that need it.  The annual cost of private pre-k can rival the cost of college tuition, forcing too many families to go without a high-quality program essential to their children’s success.  Public concern over the shortage of high quality pre-k is clearly something that elected officials and candidates are beginning to notice.  Again, the President called for federal investment in pre-k in the 2014 State of the Union Address.  Similarly, New York Mayor Bill de Balsio rallied voters to his side in part by emphasizing his commitment to pre-k.  According to a new poll commissioned by the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania voters overwhelmingly favor increased spending on pre-k, even at the expense of raised taxes.  With every House seat up for election, not to mention many Senate seats in the southeast and a Governor’s race that might hinge on that area; this is the best chance for the Philadelphia area’s children to gain access to high-quality pre-k.
The poll finds that nearly two-thirds of Pennsylvanians support increasing funding to ensure all children have access to voluntary, high quality pre-k programs, with more than half of voters strongly supporting it.  And they are willing to raise their taxes to do so, by a more than two to one margin. This is not a partisan issue, a majority of Democrats, Republicans and independents support expanding access to high-quality pre-k programs.
http://thepccy.blogspot.com/2014/01/pre-k-works-but-only-for-those-with.html

Philadelphia’s School Crisis: A City On The Brink
Unless we fix the schools, Philly is doomed. But what can be done when the city’s leadership class lacks the will to face the problem head-on? Here are eight changes we need to demand right now—before it’s too late.
Philadelphia Magazine BY PATRICK KERKSTRA  |  JANUARY 30, 2014
My family and I moved out of Philadelphia last year. We did so reluctantly, and with a crippling heaping of guilt.  It wasn’t the crime, or the taxes, or the grit. No, we left for the same reason that untold thousands have decamped for the suburbs before us: the crummy state of the city’s public schools, a chronic and seemingly immutable fact of life in Philadelphia.
The failings go way beyond the typical struggles of a big urban district. In December, the latest national assessment found that just 14 percent of Philadelphia fourth-graders were proficient or better at reading, compared to 26 percent in other big cities and 34 percent nationally. Of the 25 largest U.S. cities, Philadelphia ranks 22nd in college degree attainment. Graduates of the School District of Philadelphia are particularly bad off; only about 10 percent of district alums go on to get degrees.
Still, it wasn’t the statistics that drove us away. It was the deflating sense that there was no clear and affordable path for our two young kids to get the education they need—particularly our son, who has some special needs. Despite our love for the city, our belief that Philadelphia is genuinely on the rise, and endless conversations in which we tried to rationalize staying, my wife and I decided we had to leave. The day the moving van arrived, I didn’t feel angry so much as I felt ashamed. That embarrassment is, I think, not entirely uncommon. And it’s a sign that the failings of the city’s schools are damaging Philadelphia even more than in the past.
http://www.phillymag.com/articles/philadelphia-school-crisis-city-brink/?all=1

Dallastown school board member is running to succeed Rep. Ron Miller in state House
By Jeff Frantz | jfrantz@pennlive.com  on January 30, 2014 at 5:53 PM
A Dallastown Area School Board member is seeking the Republican nomination tosucceed Rep. Ron Miller in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.  Kristin Hill resigned from her position as a part-time aide in Miller's office earlier this week and announced her candidacy. Miller, who has represented the 93rd legislative district since 1999, is running for the state Senate seat formerly held by Mike Waugh.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/01/ron_miller_pa_93rd_house_seat.html

Is new Pa. school rating system fair to learning disabled students? PennLive letters
Penn Live Letters to the Editor  by COURTNEY THURSTON on January 30, 2014 at 2:41 PM
As a high school junior at Commonwealth Connections Academy, an online public charter school, I know each of my peers belongs to many groups, among them Olympic hopefuls, professional dancers, people of faith, aspiring actors and actresses, families from low income areas, budding engineers and scientists, and another equally important group: learning disabled students.
If you don’t believe this group is just as important as the others, congratulations, you’re a part of the problem!
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/01/pennsylvania_school_rating_system_fair_to_learning_disabled_students.html#incart_river

Delco Times Letter: Common Core Standards in public schools require answers from parents
Delco Times LTE by JOANNE YURCHAK POSTED: 01/30/14, 10:05 PM EST |
To the Times:
Common Core State Standards (recently renamed PA Core Standards) is a costly, untested, educational experiment that was foisted on Pennsylvania’s schools without legislative approval. When full math and language arts implementation began in Pa.’s public schools in July of 2013, few educators, school administrators, school board members and legislators understood the particulars of this initiative that will fundamentally transform our educational system. Currently, even fewer parents and taxpayers understand the variety of motives for its formulation, its methodologies, its huge unfunded mandates, and its potential harmful effects on Pennsylvania’s educational system and economy.  Listed below are several questions that citizens should pose to their own district’s school board members and school administrators in order to gain a better understanding of the Common Core initiative and parental and student rights with regard to its mandates.
http://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/20140130/letter-common-core-standards-in-public-schools-require-answers-from-parents

New Hope Academy Charter stay request denied; matter scheduled for arguments in March
Cram Session Blog Posted on January 30, 2014 by Angie Mason York Daily Record Reporter
The docket sheet for New Hope Academy Charter School’s appeal case says that the Commonwealth Court has denied the school’s request to extend its stay in order to remain open throughout the appeal process.  I’m working to track down the full order.
What does this decision mean?  The state Charter Appeal Board originally ordered New Hope to close in January. Then, the board gave the school an extension of sorts to remain open until the end of the school year in June, while the school appealed the board’s decision not to renew New Hope’s charter. New Hope had then asked the Commonwealth Court for a longer extension, wanting to remain open until the court appeals process is complete.
http://www.yorkblog.com/cram/2014/01/30/new-hope-stay-request-denied-matter-scheduled-for-arguments-in-march-2/

PSBA White Paper: The costs of charter and cyber charter schools
Updated January 2014
Research and policy implications for Pennsylvania school districts
White Paper by PSBA’s Education research & Policy Center
This week PSBA’s Education Research and Policy Center issued an update to its charter school funding white paper this week, originally published in October 2010. The net cost to districts for students attending charter schools increased from $434 million in 2006-07 to $1.145 billion in 2011-12. The financial analysis indicates the need for several changes to the current charter law related to funding.
http://www.psba.org/issues-advocacy/issues-research/research-resource-center/Charter_School_Funding-White-Paper_Update_2014.pdf

Franklin & Marshall College Poll
Survey of Pennsylvanians Summary of Findings
Prepared by: Center for Opinion Research, Floyd Institute for Public Policy
January 30, 2014
The January 2014 Franklin & Marshall College Poll of Pennsylvania registered voters finds a majority (62%) believes the state is “off on the wrong track” and only one in four (23%) believes Governor Tom Corbett has performed sufficiently well to deserve re-election. The survey also finds that President Obama’s job approval ratings (30%) in Pennsylvania are the lowest since he took office in January 2009. Nearly one in three (31%) registered voters believes unemployment and the economy is the state’s most important problem, followed by schools and school funding (19%).
http://www.fandm.edu/uploads/media_items/january-2014-franklin-marshall-college-poll-release.original.pdf

“Though affirming that they wholeheartedly support the Common Core standards as “a more rigorous path through pre-kindergarten to grade twelve for all students,” the superintendents wrote that there are serious problems with the introduction of the reforms. They specifically cited the fact that Maryland plans to continue using an outdated test — the Maryland School Assessments — while the state has shifted to a new curriculum that isn’t aligned with the old test. They also said it is inappropriate for new test-based teacher evaluations and accountability measures to roll out before the reforms have been fully put in place.”
Md. superintendents criticize implementation of reforms
Washington Post Answer Sheet Blog BY VALERIE STRAUSS January 30 at 4:33 pm
Nearly all of the superintendents of Maryland school districts have signed a statement that criticizes federal and state education officials for forcing them to implement several major reforms, including the Common Core State Standards, on what they say is an unrealistic timetable.  The document, signed by 22 of Maryland’s 24 superintendents from districts educating more than 800,000 students, asks for more time and resources to put the reforms in place, including the use of new Common Core tests expected in the 2014-2015 school year. The letter represents the first time that such a high percentage of schools chiefs in Maryland have come together to publicly call out education officials over school reform.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/01/30/md-superintendents-criticize-implementation-of-reforms/

Text of Maryland superintendents’ document on school reform
Washington Post Answer Sheet Blog BY VALERIE STRAUSS January 30 at 11:00 pm
Here is the text of a document approved by 22 of Maryland’s 24 local schools superintendents expressing concern about how federal and state officials are forcing school districts to implement specific school reforms. You can read more about the document and why the superintendents, through the Public School Superintendents Association of Maryland, decided to make public their concerns in this post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/01/30/text-of-maryland-superintendents-document-on-school-reform/?wpisrc=nl_cuzheads

Early Education Spending By The Feds Has Not Really Risen Since Obama Took Office
The Huffington Post  |  By Rebecca Klein Posted: 01/29/2014 7:43 pm
Further proof that words aren't enough: President Barack Obama has advocated for the importance of early educationsince his first presidential campaign, yet overall federal spending on America’s littlest learners has seen only a slight increase since 2008.  Instead, a recent report from the New America Foundation shows that after early education received a funding injection from the 2009 stimulus package, policymakers failed to keep up that increased investment. The 2009 spending hit a high of $32.6 billion, but the real tale lies in the comparison between the 2008 and 2013 figures: $20.7 billion then and only slightly higher at $21.5 billion last year.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/29/early-education-obama_n_4690712.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003&ir=Education



Register Now! EPLC’s 2014 Education Issues Workshops for Legislative Candidates, Campaign Staff, and Interested Voters
EPLC’s Education Issue Workshops Register Now! – Space is Limited!
A Non-Partisan One-Day Program for Pennsylvania Legislative Candidates, Campaign Staff and Interested Voters
Tuesday, February 25, 2014 in Harrisburg, PA
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 in Monroeville, PA
Thursday, March 27, 2014 in Philadelphia,PA
http://www.eplc.org/2014/01/register-now-eplcs-education-issues-workshop-for-legislative-candidates-campaign-staff-and-interested-voters/

Come to Harrisburg February 4th for the Governor's Budget Address
Show your School Spirit with PCCY!
On February 4th the Governor will introduce his budget plan for 2014-2015.  Based on past performance, the next budget may do little to meet the needs of Pennsylvania’s public school students.  School districts in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery remain underfunded by the state by a combined $161 million.  That is why we need YOU to stand up for your school in Harrisburg on February 4th to demand equitable funding for our schools.  To really make our point, please wear local school colors, jackets or sweatshirts to show your school spirit!  
Click here to sign-up and get details.  For more information please email Shanee Garner-Nelson at shaneeg@pccy.org.
http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/51084/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=75391

PDE chief Dumaresq LIVE budget presentation, PSBA Conference Center, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m
PSBA’s website 1/13/2014
Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq will be at the PSBA Conference Center on Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. to present a special state budget overview.
Find out how the proposals of the fiscal year 2014-15 Pennsylvania budget impact your school district the day after the governor delivers his address to the General Assembly. Secretary Dumaresq will review the governor's plan and answer your questions. In addition to the live presentation, members across the state also can participate through streaming media on their computers.
To register for the LIVE event, Wed., Feb. 5, 2 p.m., at the PSBA Conference Center, Mechanicsburg: https://www.psba.org/workshops/register/?workshop=150
To register for the WEB event: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7884287076736574210
- See more at: http://www.psba.org/news-publications/headlines/details.asp?id=6842#sthash.6jG84BK0.dpuf

Auditor General DePasquale to Hold Public Meetings on Ways to Improve Charter Schools
Seeks to find ways to improve accountability, effectiveness, transparency
The public meetings will be held:
  • Allegheny County: 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, Commissioners Hearing Room, Ross Township Municipal Center, 1000 Ross Municipal Rd., Pittsburgh
  • Northampton County: 1 to 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27, City Council Chambers, 6th Floor, City Hall, One South Third St., Easton
  • Cambria County: 1 to 3 p.m., Thursday, March 6, Commissioners Meeting Room, Cambria County Court House, 200 South Center St., Ebensburg
  • Bucks County: 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, March 7, Township of Falls Administrative Building, Suite 100, 188 Lincoln Highway, Fairless Hills
  • NEW: Philadelphia: 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, March 14, City Council Chambers, Room 400, City Hall
Time is limited to two hours for each meeting. Comments can be submitted in writing by Wednesday, Feb. 19, via email to Susan Woods at: swoods@auditorgen.state.pa.us.
http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/Department/Press/PRPublicMeetings01152014.html

2014 PA Gubernatorial Candidate Plans for Education and Arts/Culture in PA
Education Policy and Leadership Center
Below is an alphabetical list of the 2014 Gubernatorial Candidates and links to information about their plans, if elected, for education and arts/culture in Pennsylvania. This list will be updated, as more information becomes available.
http://www.eplc.org/2014-gubernatorial-candidate-plans-for-education-and-artsculture-in-pa/

The Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools invites you to a screening and discussion of "Standardized: Lies, Money, and Civil Rights".
Thursday, February 6 - 6:00 p.m.Ritz East - 125 S. 2nd St. Philadelphia, PA

NPE National Conference 2014

The Network for Public Education
The Network for Public Education is pleased to announce our first National Conference. The event will take place on March 1 & 2, 2014 (the weekend prior to the world-famous South by Southwest Festival) at The University of Texas at Austin.  At the NPE National Conference 2014, there will be panel discussions, workshops, and a keynote address by Diane Ravitch. NPE Board members – including Anthony Cody, Leonie Haimson, and Julian Vasquez Heilig – will lead discussions along with some of the important voices of our movement.
Details and registration here: http://www.networkforpubliceducation.com/conference/

The National School Boards Association 74th Annual Conference & Exposition April 5-7, 2014 New Orleans
The National School Boards Association 74th Annual Conference & Exposition will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.  Our first time back in New Orleans since the spring of 2002!
General Session speakers include education advocates Thomas L. Friedman, Sir Ken Robinson, as well as education innovators Nikhil Goyal and Angela Maiers.
We have more than 200 sessions planned! Colleagues from across the country will present workshops on key topics with strategies and ideas to help your district. View our Conference Brochure for highlights on sessions and focus presentations.
·                             Register now! – Register for both the conference and housing using our online system.
·                            Conference Information– Visit the NSBA conference website for up-to-date information
·                             Hotel List and Map - Official NSBA Housing Block
·                             Exposition Campus – View new products and services and interactive trade show floor
Questions? Contact NSBA at 800-950-6722 (NSBA) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST. 

Join the National School Boards Action Center Friends of Public Education
Participate in a voluntary network to urge pan style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial'> 

Join the National School Boards Action Center Friends of Public Education
Participate in a voluntary network to urge your U.S. Representatives and Senators to support federal legislation on Capitol Hill that is critical to providing high quality education to America’s schoolchildren

Lawrence A. Feinberg
Keystone State Education Coalition
Follow us on Twitter at @lfeinberg

Are you a member of the Network for Public Education?
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Thursday, January 30, 2014

PA Ed Policy Roundup for January 30, 2014: What do Groundhog Day and the PA pension debate have in common?

Daily postings from the Keystone State Education Coalition now reach more than 3075 Pennsylvania education policymakers – school directors, administrators, legislators, legislative and congressional staffers, Governor's staff, current/former PA Secretaries of Education, PTO/PTA officers, parent advocates, teacher leaders, education professors, members of the press and a broad array of P-16 regulatory agencies, professional associations and education advocacy organizations via emails, website, Facebook and Twitter

These daily emails are archived and searchable at http://keystonestateeducationcoalition.org
Follow us on Twitter at @lfeinberg
The Keystone State Education Coalition is pleased to be listed among the friends and allies of The Network for Public Education.  Are you a member?



The Network for Public Education Press Release
NPE National Conference at University of Texas at Austin March 1 & 2



Keystone State Education Coalition
Pennsylvania Education Policy Roundup for January 30, 2014:
What do Groundhog Day and the PA pension debate have in common?



“We don’t need more choices in public education. We need great public schools in every community, that any parent would be happy to send their children to, and that meet the needs of local families. We don’t really have any choice at all if our local public school is not a high quality option.”
The Problem with Choice
Yinzercation Blog January 29, 2014
We Americans love choice. Just look at the cereal aisle in Giant Eagle. You could choose a different box every day of the month and still have more varieties left to try. But public schools are not corn flakes. Here’s the problem with “choice” when we’re talking about public education.
When we’re in the cereal aisle, we are consumers looking for our favorite brand, the best price, or perhaps grabbing a box of sugar filled junk with a toy surprise inside to appease our screaming two year old who won’t stay in the cart (been there). But schools are public goods, not consumer goods. Think about other public goods and services that you use, such as public safety. We don’t want to choose from different police providers, we want our local police department to be great: to offer high-quality service that meets the needs of our local community.
http://yinzercation.wordpress.com/2014/01/29/the-problem-with-choice/

“It won’t be long before it is impossible for most districts to cut enough to pay for the increase and maintain any type of education program that could be considered high quality.”
What do Groundhog Day and the pension debate have in common?: John Callahan
PennLive Op-Ed  By John Callahan on January 29, 2014 at 4:30 PM
John Callahan is the Senior Director of Government Affairs for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.
Like the inevitable time loop in the movie "Groundhog Day," once again we recognize that Pennsylvania’s escalating public pension crisis has not gone away and that the General Assembly, like anchorman Phil Connors, has one more opportunity to relieve the growing burden on state and local school district budgets.   Will legislators be able to break the cycle and finally enact meaningful pension reform?
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/01/what_do_groundhog_day_and_the_pension_debate_have_in_common_john_callahan.html

Comprehensive and sustainable pension reform is elusive in Pennsylvania: Richard Dreyfuss
PennLive Op-Ed  By Richard Dreyfuss on January 29, 2014 at 1:00 PM
Richard Dreyfuss, a former director of compensation and benefits for the Hershey Co., has written about pensions and healthcare. He has also testified before Congress and the Pennsylvania General Assembly on the issue.
As the state closes in on the start of the 2014-15 fiscal year, there have been several reports of estimated state budget deficits in the range of $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion. Approximately $600 million is due to higher pension contributions to PSERS (Public School Employees’ Retirement System) and SERS (State Employees’ Retirement System). 
Specifically, these costs relate to the state’s approximately 55 percent share to PSERS and 100 percent to SERS. 
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/01/comprehensive_and_sustainable_pension_reform_is_elusive_in_pennsylvania_richard_dreyfuss.html#incart_river

“The employers contribution rate, the amount districts are on the hook for as a percentage of employees salaries, was 5.64 percent in 2010-11. That number is expected to rise to 21.4 percent in 2014-15. Increases are projected to continue for the following 21 years, reaching 31.43 percent in 2034-35, and continuing to exceed 30 percent for another 17 years.”
Centennial SD calls on state to fix pension mess
By Gary Weckselblatt Staff Writer | Posted: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 5:30 pm
The Centennial school board wants Gov. Tom Corbett and the state Legislature to solve a pension crisis that is “crippling” school districts.  “We need relief or we’re going to put people out of their homes,” Jane Schrader Lynch, Centennial’s school board president, said Wednesday. “We can’t sustain the cost of this pension fund.”  The board unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday night that urges lawmakers to reform the Public School Employees’ Retirement System. The resolution calls for the creation of a hybrid pension system with a defined benefit and defined contribution for school employees “without transferring the burden to future generations.”
“We can’t sit for three, four, five more years like this,” said Superintendent Joyce Mundy. “It’s not fair to students and families to pay more and receive less. It’s simply the position we’re being put in. The state is offering us very little relief and no solutions.”
http://www.theintell.com/news/local/centennial-calls-on-state-to-fix-pension-mess/article_c983213f-e1a1-59e5-a9ef-8e39fa69cb5a.html?mode=print

“What we found when we looked at the research is that there was no evidence to support the idea that having a higher ed institution authorize charters would actually improve student outcomes,” RFA Executive Director Kate Shaw said.
SB1085: Senate Bill Would Give Colleges Authority To Approve Charter Schools In Pennsylvania
CBS Local By Mike DeNardo January 29, 2014 7:00 AM
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Part of a bill pending in the Pennsylvania senate would give universities the authority to approve new charter schools. But one non-profit says there’s no evidence that would improve student performance.  Right now only traditional school districts can authorize brick-and-mortar charter schools in Pennsylvania. The state approves cyber charters. But Senate Bill 1085 would give roughly 100 higher education institutions the power to approve charters. The non-profit group Research for Action looked at the 12 states where higher eds can okay charters, and found that students in those schools didn’t perform any better.
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/01/29/senate-bill-would-give-colleges-authority-to-approve-charter-schools-in-pennsylvania/

Gov. Corbett indicates what some of his new education funding will be.
Capitolwire Under the Dome January 29, 2014 (paywall)
Not that long ago, The Philadelphia Inquirer indicated sources close to the budget had told the newspaper that Gov. Tom Corbett planned to add about $200 million to basic education funding as part of his 2014-15 state budget proposal. Since then, Capitolwire – and likely every other news organization – has been trying to find out more regarding that rumored funding which Capitolwire has been told will be much more than $200 million in funding for schools, although a decent chunk of that funding will be the state’s share of the pension payments for school employees. One thing is certain, little-to-none will be in the form of an increase of the state budget’s basic education line item, according to several sources. And on Tuesday, Corbett helped to solidify that second assertion a bit when he “scooped” himself again by announcing – during a York County event honoring two Red Lion Area School District schools for their academic performance - his budget proposal would include the creation of a new competitive grant program for schools: The Governor's Expanding Excellence Program. According to Corbett, the program would provide competitive funding to schools that have attained a 90 or higher on the Department of Education’s new School Performance Profile, and are willing to analyze and share best practices that have proven to raise student achievement. Grant recipients will be responsible for supporting schools across the state that strive to replicate these strategies and techniques, said the governor.

Could public comment be allowed at hearing for Bill Green's nomination to head SRC?
MARTHA WOODALL, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER LAST UPDATED: Thursday, January 30, 2014, 1:08 AM  POSTED: Wednesday, January 29, 2014, 3:15 PM
The Republican leadership of the state Senate is considering allowing public comment at a hearing on City Councilman Bill Green's nomination to be chairman of the Philadelphia School Reform Commission.  Last week, the advocacy group Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools asked State Sen. Joe Scarnati (R., Jefferson), the president pro tempore, to allow public comment on Gov. Corbett's nomination of Green.  Erik Arneson, spokesman for Senate Republicans, said Tuesday no decision had been made. The committee, he said, could take up the nominations next week.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20140130_Could_public_comment_be_allowed_at_hearing_for_Bill_Green_s_nomination_to_head_SRC_.html#weDEL5mCCDDkYqO2.99

"When we can't do the biggest performance of the year, what does that say? It says the arts aren't a priority," said Bjornson, 17.
Time running out for CAPA to fund a student musical
KRISTEN A. GRAHAM, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER Thursday, January 30, 2014, 1:07 AM
Time has almost run out for CAPA students' hopes of putting on a musical, the centerpiece of their school year.  With just a few days left until the deadline to raise enough money to produce a show, the High School for Creative and Performing Arts' parents group is about $6,000 short.
That the city's premier arts school will go a second year without its signature performance breaks senior Maya Bjornson's heart.  "When we can't do the biggest performance of the year, what does that say? It says the arts aren't a priority," said Bjornson, 17.
At schools around the city, the Philadelphia School District's dire budget has meant unprecedented losses in programs and staff. Many schools now lack full-time counselors and nurses, and have no extracurricular activities.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/20140130_Time_running_out_for_CAPA_to_fund_a_student_musical.html#FzqULFYJgTsxqmkj.99

Horseshoes or homeroom? Bill would shift $250 million from horse racing to school districts
By Jeff Frantz | jfrantz@pennlive.com  on January 29, 2014 at 2:31 PM
Since money from slots started pumping up purses for horse racing in Pennsylvania, the owners who took home a payday have included a sheik, a prince from the Middle East, millionaires and billionaires.  Proposed legislation would take nearly all of the money from the state's Horse Racing Development Fund and redirect it to school districts that receive less than 35 percent of their funding from the state. Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery County) said his bill would provide relief for local property taxpayers and address the imbalance in the state's school funding formula.  Stephens' bill would shift $250 million from the development fund to school districts receiving less than average state funding.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/01/pennsylvania_horse_racing_scho.html

Acting Secretary of Education Presents Governor’s Award for Excellence in Academics to Math Science Academy in Harrisburg
PDE Press release January 29, 2014
Harrisburg – Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq today presented the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Academics to Math Science Academy in Harrisburg School District, Dauphin County.  “I congratulate Harrisburg School District and the local community for working together to ensure that students are growing academically and being prepared for postsecondary success,” Dumaresq said. “Math Science Academy is an example of the high-quality learning that is taking place in classrooms across Pennsylvania.”  Based on the 2012-13 School Performance Profile, www.paschoolperformance.org, Math Science Academy attained a score of 92.2 percent – the highest score in the district.
Read More Here

“There are just 16 librarians in all 214 district schools– and two of them are paid by anonymous donors”
Students, Librarians Speak Up For Lack Of Libraries In Phila. Schools
By Pat Loeb January 28, 2014 5:23 AM
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Librarians in town for a national conference joined Philadelphia public school parents, students and staff, yesterday, to call attention to the lack of libraries in district schools.  Inspired by the historic setting of Philadelphia, the group gathered at the Library Company and signed a “Declaration for the right to libraries.” There are just 16 librarians in all 214 district schools– and two of them are paid by anonymous donors.
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/01/28/students-librarians-speak-up-for-lack-of-libraries-in-phila-schools/#.UughH8kk3mY.twitter

“Ranking high on the list was what they perceived to be insufficient education funding, budgeting problems and an overall negative opinion of his leadership.”
F&M poll: Corbett out of step with voters
Lancaster Online By KAREN SHUEY | Staff Writer January 30, 2014 12:15 am
Tom Corbett could use some relationship advice.
A new Franklin & Marshall College survey found that few people believe the Republican governor can be trusted to make the right decisions or that he cares at all about ordinary people.
The poll of 580 state residents show that the governor is falling short when it comes to understanding and fighting for the issues that matter the most.
http://lancasteronline.com/lancaster/news/f-m-poll-corbett-out-of-step-with-voters/article_90ad0cb4-8933-11e3-b033-001a4bcf6878.html

Phila. parents make deal over enrollment in suburban school
CAROLYN DAVIS, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER LAST UPDATED: Wednesday, January 29, 2014, 1:08 AM POSTED: Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 9:05 PM
A case that became a national cause célèbre for public school choice ended Tuesday in Montgomery County Court with lesser charges, dismissed charges, and a restitution agreement. But there was no jail time for the mother and father of a child who attended a Lower Moreland school even though they lived in Philadelphia.  "I admit I unlawfully enrolled my child in the Lower Moreland School District," Hamlet Garcia, 42, told Judge Garrett D. Page after pleading guilty to a lesser charge that averted a trial and a possible prison sentence if a jury had convicted him.
"Even though you might want better schools," Page told Garcia, "you can't rip off the taxpayers" who finance the public education system in Lower Moreland.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20140129_Philadelphia_parents_make_deal_after_enrolling_daughter_in_Lower_Moreland_school.html#8geXRD30WIsD1G2L.99

“This won't benefit District parents and students, but rather operators and administrators of non-District-run schools. By allowing the public school system to promote seats and place students in non-district schools, the District would lose even more students and funding, much to its detriment.”
Blindsided by Philly universal enrollment plan: How did we get here?
Notebook by Christine Carlson on Jan 29 2014 Posted in Commentary
Christine Carlson is a public school parent and the founder of the Greater Center City Neighborhood Schools Coalition.
It came in like a wrecking ball ...
I’ve been subjected to hearing my 10-year-old daughter play Miley Cyrus’ song "Wrecking Ball" many times. Some parents hear this song and envision the provocative music video. I’ve come to relate it to the universal enrollment plan being proposed for Philadelphia's schools. It seemed to come out of nowhere, and I was blindsided.  I consider myself a fairly informed public school parent. I attend School Reform Commission meetings, participate in various workgroups, and faithfully read this publication's morning news roundup. So when the Great Schools Compact, an education-reform initiative that seeks to replace poor-performing seats with high-quality alternatives, released its agreement at the end of 2011, I didn’t recall any red flags about universal enrollment as a plan to privatize the School District’s placement office and assign students to one school. 
http://thenotebook.org/blog/146862/blindsided-plans-universal-enrollment-how-did-we-get-here


Civil rights hero launches ‘American Child’s Education Bill of Rights’
Washington Post Answer Sheet Blog by VALERIE STRAUSS  January 29 at 3:20 pm
Calling modern school reform “catastrophically misguided and ineffective,” civil rights icon James Meredith is launching what he calls the American Child’s Education Bill of Rights, a 12-point declaration of obligations that he says the nation owes every public school child.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/01/29/civil-rights-hero-launches-american-childs-education-bill-of-rights/

“Early education is one of the best tools for breaking the poverty-to-poverty trap. Unfortunately, it only works if it’s high quality, and high quality is expensive. Yet very little of this newfound enthusiasm comes with serious money attached.”
How Preschool Got Hot
New York Times Opinion by Gail Collins JAN. 29, 2014
All of a sudden, early childhood education is really, really popular. Everybody’s favorite. If early childhood education were an actor, it would be Tom Hanks or Meryl Streep. If it were a video game, it would be Candy Crush or Angry Birds, minus the spyware.  The other night at the State of the Union speech, President Obama mentioned “high-quality early education” and John Boehner applauded. Boehner applauded early education! Paul Ryan likes it, too. Prekindergarten is so in, the guys on “Duck Dynasty” would probably have a good word for it.
Kudos, guys! We certainly don’t want to complain about this.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/30/opinion/collins-how-preschool-got-hot.html?hp&rref=opinion&_r=0

Pre-K, the Great Debate
New York Times Opinion Nicholas Kristof JAN. 29, 2014
Against all odds, prekindergarten is gaining ground.
President Obama called again in his State of the Union address for Congress to support high-quality preschool for all, noting that 30 states are already moving ahead on this front (including New York).  “Research shows that one of the best investments we can make in a child’s life is high-quality early education,” Obama said. The House speaker, John Boehner, who sat stonily through most of Obama’s speech, applauded that line. Congress also unexpectedly increased financing this year for early education.  Aside from apple pie, preschool may also be the only issue on which voters agree. A poll last year found that 60 percent of Republicans and 84 percent of Democrats support expansion of prekindergarten. Republican-led states like Oklahoma have been leaders in early education for a simple reason: It works.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/30/opinion/kristof-pre-k-the-great-debate.html?hp&rref=opinion

How to Get More Early Bloomers
New York Times Opinion By DANIEL T. WILLINGHAM and DAVID W. GRISSMER JAN. 29, 2014
WHEN New York City’s mayor, Bill de Blasio, went to Albany earlier this week to talk about his program for universal preschool, the discussion reportedly focused on funding, not on whether or how preschool would actually help children. President Obama seemed equally confident when he introduced his plan for universal preschool last year, flatly stating, “We know this works.” But the state of research is actually much murkier. And unless policy makers begin to design preschool programs in ways that can be evaluated later, the situation won’t get any clearer.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/30/opinion/how-to-get-more-early-bloomers.html

Strauss: U.S. Education Dept. decides Politico Pro costs too much
Washington Post Answer Sheet Blog by Valerie Strauss January 30,2014
The U.S. Education Department wanted to buy an annual subscription toPOLITICO Pro to read its education coverage but decided that it was too expensive.  According to this solicitation , the department’s Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO) wanted to “purchase a subscription to POLITICO Pro, a subscription-based news service distributed by email and accessible online.” It says:
Read full article >>

Strauss: Education Department changes charter school lottery rules
Washington Post Answer Sheet Blog by Valerie Strauss January 29,2014
The Education Department on Wednesday released new guidance that allows charter schools receiving federal funds to change their student admissions lotteries so that low-income and educationally disadvantaged students can have more weight in an effort to create more integrated schools. Explaining the changes in this post are Richard D. Kahlenberg and Halley Potter, both of The Century Foundation and co-authors of “A Better Direction for Charter Schools: Restoring the Original Vision of Charter Schools by Empowering Teachers and Integrating Students,” due out later this year from Teachers College Press.
Read full article >>



Register Now! EPLC’s 2014 Education Issues Workshops for Legislative Candidates, Campaign Staff, and Interested Voters
EPLC’s Education Issue Workshops Register Now! – Space is Limited!
A Non-Partisan One-Day Program for Pennsylvania Legislative Candidates, Campaign Staff and Interested Voters
Tuesday, February 25, 2014 in Harrisburg, PA
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 in Monroeville, PA
Thursday, March 27, 2014 in Philadelphia,PA
http://www.eplc.org/2014/01/register-now-eplcs-education-issues-workshop-for-legislative-candidates-campaign-staff-and-interested-voters/

Come to Harrisburg February 4th for the Governor's Budget Address
Show your School Spirit with PCCY!
On February 4th the Governor will introduce his budget plan for 2014-2015.  Based on past performance, the next budget may do little to meet the needs of Pennsylvania’s public school students.  School districts in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery remain underfunded by the state by a combined $161 million.  That is why we need YOU to stand up for your school in Harrisburg on February 4th to demand equitable funding for our schools.  To really make our point, please wear local school colors, jackets or sweatshirts to show your school spirit!  
Click here to sign-up and get details.  For more information please email Shanee Garner-Nelson at shaneeg@pccy.org.
http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/51084/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=75391

PDE chief Dumaresq LIVE budget presentation, PSBA Conference Center, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m
PSBA’s website 1/13/2014
Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq will be at the PSBA Conference Center on Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. to present a special state budget overview.
Find out how the proposals of the fiscal year 2014-15 Pennsylvania budget impact your school district the day after the governor delivers his address to the General Assembly. Secretary Dumaresq will review the governor's plan and answer your questions. In addition to the live presentation, members across the state also can participate through streaming media on their computers.
To register for the LIVE event, Wed., Feb. 5, 2 p.m., at the PSBA Conference Center, Mechanicsburg: https://www.psba.org/workshops/register/?workshop=150
To register for the WEB event: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7884287076736574210
- See more at: http://www.psba.org/news-publications/headlines/details.asp?id=6842#sthash.6jG84BK0.dpuf

Auditor General DePasquale to Hold Public Meetings on Ways to Improve Charter Schools
Seeks to find ways to improve accountability, effectiveness, transparency
The public meetings will be held:
  • Allegheny County: 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, Commissioners Hearing Room, Ross Township Municipal Center, 1000 Ross Municipal Rd., Pittsburgh
  • Northampton County: 1 to 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27, City Council Chambers, 6th Floor, City Hall, One South Third St., Easton
  • Cambria County: 1 to 3 p.m., Thursday, March 6, Commissioners Meeting Room, Cambria County Court House, 200 South Center St., Ebensburg
  • Bucks County: 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, March 7, Township of Falls Administrative Building, Suite 100, 188 Lincoln Highway, Fairless Hills
  • NEW: Philadelphia: 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, March 14, City Council Chambers, Room 400, City Hall
Time is limited to two hours for each meeting. Comments can be submitted in writing by Wednesday, Feb. 19, via email to Susan Woods at: swoods@auditorgen.state.pa.us.
http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/Department/Press/PRPublicMeetings01152014.html

2014 PA Gubernatorial Candidate Plans for Education and Arts/Culture in PA
Education Policy and Leadership Center
Below is an alphabetical list of the 2014 Gubernatorial Candidates and links to information about their plans, if elected, for education and arts/culture in Pennsylvania. This list will be updated, as more information becomes available.
http://www.eplc.org/2014-gubernatorial-candidate-plans-for-education-and-artsculture-in-pa/

The Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools invites you to a screening and discussion of "Standardized: Lies, Money, and Civil Rights".
Thursday, February 6 - 6:00 p.m.Ritz East - 125 S. 2nd St. Philadelphia, PA

DELAWARE COUNTY INTERMEDIATE UNIT - GOOGLE SYMPOSIUM 2014
FEBRUARY 1ST, 2014
The DCIU Google Symposium is an opportunity for teachers, administrators, technology directors, and other school stakeholders to come together and explore the power of Google Apps for Education.  The Symposium will be held at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit.  The Delaware County Intermediate Unit is one of Pennsylvania’s 29 regional educational agencies.  The day will consist of an opening keynote conducted by Rich Kiker followed by 4 concurrent sessions. 
https://sites.google.com/site/dciuchromesymposium/home

NPE National Conference 2014

The Network for Public Education
The Network for Public Education is pleased to announce our first National Conference. The event will take place on March 1 & 2, 2014 (the weekend prior to the world-famous South by Southwest Festival) at The University of Texas at Austin.  At the NPE National Conference 2014, there will be panel discussions, workshops, and a keynote address by Diane Ravitch. NPE Board members – including Anthony Cody, Leonie Haimson, and Julian Vasquez Heilig – will lead discussions along with some of the important voices of our movement.
Details and registration here: http://www.networkforpubliceducation.com/conference/

The National School Boards Association 74th Annual Conference & Exposition April 5-7, 2014 New Orleans
The National School Boards Association 74th Annual Conference & Exposition will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.  Our first time back in New Orleans since the spring of 2002!
General Session speakers include education advocates Thomas L. Friedman, Sir Ken Robinson, as well as education innovators Nikhil Goyal and Angela Maiers.
We have more than 200 sessions planned! Colleagues from across the country will present workshops on key topics with strategies and ideas to help your district. View our Conference Brochure for highlights on sessions and focus presentations.
·                             Register now! – Register for both the conference and housing using our online system.
·                            Conference Information– Visit the NSBA conference website for up-to-date information
·                             Hotel List and Map - Official NSBA Housing Block
·                             Exposition Campus – View new products and services and interactive trade show floor
Questions? Contact NSBA at 800-950-6722 (NSBA) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST. 

Join the National School Boards Action Center Friends of Public Education
Participate in a voluntary network to urge your U.S. Representatives and Senators to support federal legislation on Capitol Hill that is critical to providing high quality education to America’s schoolchildren

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