PA Ed Policy Roundup for February 8, 2014: NV, TX, OH, UT, NM, AZ, PA, OR, FL, and AR should be Ashamed of Charter School Achievement!

Daily postings from the Keystone State Education Coalition now reach more than 3100 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

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SB1085: “A review of relevant, rigorous research finds no evidence that higher education authorizers, in particular, correlate with student achievement gains. A comprehensive study of charter school performance in 16 states found lower student achievement in states with multiple authorizers, including non-profit organizations and higher education authorizers.” Research for Action

http://www.researchforaction.org/2014/01/28/rfa-releases-brief-on-higher-eds-as-charter-authorizers/

Keystone State Education Coalition

Pennsylvania Education Policy Roundup for February 8, 2014:

NV, TX, OH, UT, NM, AZ, PA, OR, FL, and AR should be Ashamed of Charter School Achievement!

Not on Twitter yet?  Your legislators and the press are.

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Follow the school privatization money:

“The largest contributions to Denlinger’s campaign were $5,000 from the Certified Public Accountants PAC and from attorney Vaughn Gureghian, who owns a charter school and is described as an online education consultant in the FEC report………  The largest contribution to Aument’s campaign was $2,000 from the pro-privatization Students First PAC”

Denlinger gets an early start in the cash race for state Senate

Lancaster Online By KAREN SHUEY | Staff Writer Posted: Thursday, February 6, 2014 2:21 pm | Updated: 3:49 pm, Fri Feb 7, 2014.

The competition for a state Senate seat in Lancaster County is tight.  Republican Party candidates Ryan Aument and Gordon Denlinger, who are giving up House seats next year to run for this office, are leading the race in different ways.  Aument came out the clear favorite last month when members of the county GOP held informal polls, but Denlinger is winning the competition for cash.  Denlinger outraised Aument by more than 2-to-1 last year in the runup to their campaign for the 36th Senatorial District seat, new campaign finance reports show.

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/denlinger-gets-an-early-start-in-the-cash-race-for/article_d73960e8-8f63-11e3-bd0f-001a4bcf6878.html

How will Philly pay for charter costs?

Philly School files Blog by Kristen Graham FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014, 4:12 PM

My colleague Martha Woodall wrote today that charter school costs will be $25 million more than the Philadelphia School District had budgeted for. The district will spend about $700 million on the 67,315 students enrolled in city charters this school year.

The reasons? It's mostly because charter schools have enrolled about 1,600 more students than their caps say they ought to have.

The district pays charters $8,596 per student, or $22,242 for students who receive special-education services.

The big question is: how will Philly pay this bigger-than-anticipated bill? The answer: the district will have to look for savings elsewhere. That's a huge question mark for a district already cut to the bone, with many schools lacking full-time counselors, nurses and other essentials.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/school_files/How-will-Philly-pay-for-charter-costs.html#ZRKBIt9Kx31ZikLC.99

Blogger’s note: The Walter D. Palmer Leadership Learning Charter School. highlighted in this article as enrolling hundreds more students than it is authorized to, has a PA School Performance Profile score of 39.7, well below most traditional Philadelphia public schools.  That SPP score placed it 2968^th out of 3005 PA schools.

Charters to cost School District $25 million more than anticipated

Story Highlights

• The district may spend nearly $700 million on charter payments by the end of the school year.
• Charters have enrolled 1,600 more students than permitted in their agreements.
• A total of 67,315 students were enrolled in the 86 charters in the city.

MARTHA WOODALL, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER LAST UPDATED: Friday, February 7, 2014, 1:08 AM  POSTED: Thursday, February 6, 2014, 7:28 PM

The Philadelphia School District has seen its charter school costs soar at the same time it is grappling with a deep financial crisis.  Officials this week said the district may spend nearly $700 million on charter payments by the end of the school year - $25 million more than budgeted.

One of the main reasons is that charters have enrolled 1,600 more students than permitted in their agreements.  A total of 67,315 students were enrolled in January in the 86 charters in the city and a handful of cyber and suburban schools.

The charters collect money to educate these students even though their enrollments are higher than agreed to. Other charters have refused to sign agreements that would limit enrollment.

The district pays the charters $8,596 per student, $22,242 for those who receive special-education services.  The Walter D. Palmer Leadership Learning Charter School is authorized to enroll 675 students at its two campuses in North and Northeast Philadelphia, the district says. It has 1,302. Palmer has maintained it is entitled to enroll the students under state law.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20140207_Charters_to_cost_Philadelphia_School_District__25_million_more_than_anticipated.html#5gARXVWdRiTBuhHs.99

Check out how PA charters stack up in the CREDO study that this blog posting covers…

NV, TX, OH, UT, NM, AZ, PA, OR, FL, and AR should be Ashamed of Charter School Achievement!

Cloaking Inequity Blog February 7, 2014 | Julian Vasquez Heilig

The Texas Insider recently reported the following about the Stanford CREDO charter school study:

The results reveal that the charter school sector is getting better on average, and that charter schools are benefiting low-income, disadvantaged & special-education students,’’ said Director Margaret Raymond of the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) language learners more than their peers in other groups, a study shows.  Overall, charter school students are faring better than they were four years ago, surpassing those in traditional public schools in reading gains and keeping pace in math, notes the Stanford University Report, which calls closing low-performing schools ‘‘the strongest tool available to ensure quality across the sector.

Maybe the Texas Insider thought that we might not click on the link to the actual study and look at the statistical results. Well, a Cloaking Inequity reader brought Table 14 in the report to my attention. This table shows how students in charters are performing overall state by state. CREDO sorted the state alphabetically, but I have sorted the states by the the amount of impact. I will begin with the reading results.

If I was a Nevadan, I would be piping hot because charter reading achievement is negative 108 days (See Table 1). Wow. In Texas, Oregon, Arkansas, Arizona and Pennsylvania, charters have more than 20 days of negative impact on students. Ohio, Florida and Utah are not far behind in terms of negative impact on reading. New Mexico and New York City are a push, no improvement.

http://cloakinginequity.com/2014/02/07/nv-tx-oh-ut-nm-az-pa-or-fl-and-ar-should-be-ashamed-of-charter-school-achievement/

Corbett's 'Ready to Learn' education budget favors wealthier schools, advocates say

WHYY Newsworks BY KEVIN MCCORRY FEBRUARY 7, 2014

Here's an accurate headline you could have written about Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett's budget address earlier this week: Corbett calls for $387 million in increased state education funding.  But many education advocates are quick to say that hardly tells the full story.

They say the majority of this proposed funding increase is a one-time influx of cash that's delivered with many strings attached.  Corbett's "Ready to Learn" grant initiative calls for $240 million to be distributed to the state's 500 school districts by way what the governor's team calls a predictable, transparent, student-based formula.

http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/item/64712-corbett-budget-education?linktype=hp_topstory

Analysts wonder if state can meet 4% revenue growth included in Corbett's budget

By Jeff Frantz | jfrantz@pennlive.com on February 07, 2014 at 8:40 AM

Gov. Tom Corbett built his budget proposal on the estimate that Pennsylvania will bring in an extra 4 percent in revenue next fiscal year.  But what if revenue growth is closer to 3 percent?

The difference between what Corbett and other analysts are expecting is about $300 million. With revenue collection already below projection for the current fiscal year, analysts outside the administration -- both partisan and nonpartisan -- said they're going to watch next year's revenue numbers very closely.

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/02/pennsylvania_state_budget_tom_2.html

Acting education secretary explains why budget keeps subsidy unchanged

Citizens Voice BY MICHAEL P. BUFFER (STAFF WRITER) Published: February 7, 2014

DALLAS TWP. - Gov. Tom Corbett did not propose an increase in the basic education subsidy for school districts because the state needs a new formula to determine the subsidy, Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq said Thursday.  The $12 billion proposed education budget shows a $387 million increase over the current year, and the majority of the increase, $241 million, would be added to the existing $100 million accountability block grant to create a Ready to Learn Block Grant that schools could spend on specific programs.

"We elected to put the money in the block grant because one of the concerns … is that the basic instructional subsidy formula is broken," Dumaresq said after an event presenting the Governor's Award for Excellence in Academics to Wycallis Elementary School and Dallas Elementary School.  Corbett supports "a piece of legislation moving" that would take "a look at a new funding formula" that relies on factors such as growth, shrinkage and poverty, Dumaresq said.

http://citizensvoice.com/news/acting-education-secretary-explains-why-budget-keeps-subsidy-unchanged-1.1630327

“The formula, said state Sen. Andy Dinniman, is problematic.  "The poorest school districts do not appear to be doing very well on it," he said.  Any funding increase should be driven out to districts based on the formula used for the existing block grant in the education budget, because it accounts for problems typically found in low-income school districts, said Dinniman, D-Chester.”

Pa. Dems take issue with Corbett school funding plan

BY MARY WILSON FEBRUARY 8, 2014

State Democratic leaders are beginning to make finer points of disagreement with Gov. Tom Corbett on the centerpiece of his budget proposal.

The governor has defended his proposed $240 million block grant for Pennsylvania's public schools as a way to ensure money is being funneled into classrooms for academic improvement.

It differs from an existing $100 million state block grant to schools in two ways -- how it can be spent and how it is doled out to school districts, also known as its formula.

http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/item/64727-dems-take-issue-with-corbett-plan-for-funding-pa-public-schools?linktype=hp_topstory

School leaders like funding bump, pensions savings proposed in Gov. Tom Corbett's state budget

By Charles Thompson | cthompson@pennlive.com  on February 07, 2014 at 9:30 AM,

Northern Lebanon School District Superintendent of Schools Don Bell always looks forward to a gubernatorial election year, and not because he’s some kind of political junkie.

As a career school administrator, he simply knows that – all things being equal – it is the public schools’ best chance in any four-year cycle to get a bigger bite of the state funding pie.

“We always look forward to the election year bump that we see,” Bell said Thursday.

Gov. Tom Corbett has not disappointed on that front.

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/02/school_leaders_like_funding_bu.html

Education Voters of PA says Governor Education Budget Proposal “A mixed bag”

Governor heard people’s “frustration,” Questions still remain about details
Statement of Susan Gobreski, Education Voters of PA, Executive Director:

“Governor Corbett has clearly heard that people across Pennsylvania have been very frustrated about the program cuts being experienced and how much people want this to be a priority of state policy and the budget. Pennsylvania needs a funding formula and enough money in it to provide every child with an opportunity to learn.  The $241 million increase to ABG funding proposed in the Ready to Learn program is clearly a nod to public sentiment and at the same time, it is enough money to be more than a gesture.  But we need to see what conditions and strings are attached to the money, whether or not it moves us substantially toward meeting the learning needs of every single child. Given how far behind we are, there is a lot of ground that needs to be covered when it comes to restoring services.  That said – we are glad that we have gone beyond lip service.

http://www.educationvoterspa.org/index.php/site/news/education-voters-of-pa-says-governor-education-budget-proposal-a-mixed-bag/

Paying for It

Yinzercation Blog February 7. 2014

In our analysis earlier this week, we concluded that Governor Corbett’s proposed education budget is “More BAD than GOOD.” But the way he intends to pay for it is just plain WRONG.

First, the governor depends on an overly rosy picture to balance his spreadsheet. He is counting on having $216 million left over at the end of this fiscal year in June to carry forward, yet state revenue collections are already $41 million below where they were projected to be as of January. [Unless otherwise noted, all numbers from PA Budget and Policy Center, “Proposed Budget Overview,” 2-4-14] What’s more, “The governor’s budget relies on more than $1 billion in one-time revenue sources that will not be available for future budgets.” [Sharon Ward, PBPC Commentary, 2-5-14]  Pennsylvania students deserve adequate, equitable, and sustainable funding for their schools. That means tricks like inflating year-end projected balances or finding one-time sources of funding won’t cut it.

http://yinzercation.wordpress.com/2014/02/07/paying-for-it/

Corbett's education grants aren't enough, NE Pa. superintendents say

Pocono Record By SARAH HOFIUS HALL The Citizens' Voice February 06, 2014

A new state grant program will not keep the lights on, prevent layoffs or restore the millions area school districts have lost in funding the last three years.  On Tuesday, after Gov. Tom Corbett proposed $241 million for the new grant program in his 2014-15 budget, superintendents said they would rather spend that money on what their districts need most.  Basic education funding, the largest funding allocation districts receive and money districts use to pay the bills, is at the same level as this year.  "It's the same old song and dance, unfortunately," said Bronson Stone, the superintendent of Susquehanna Community School District. "Basic education has been decimated by this governor."  Along with the new grant program and flat funding for basic education, Corbett proposes additional funding for early education programs, hybrid learning and special education.  "Every child in this state should be ready to learn — ready to grow and ready to succeed, and my budget sets an agenda in that spirit," Corbett said in his address to the Legislature.

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140206/NEWS90/402060302/-1/NEWS

Nutter applauds Corbett’s education spending in budget

Philly Trib by  Damon C. Williams Thursday, 06 February 2014 19:22

Local and statewide reaction to Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget proposal was predictable and swift, with party-line loyalty and ideological alliances on full display.  Corbett released details of his budget proposal on Tuesday, and reaction poured in soon after Corbett’s announcement — especially regarding public education, as Corbett has made public education a highlight of his budget proposal.  ….In Philadelphia, Mayor Michael Nutter was among the first to respond, applauding Corbett for finally addressing public education funding, but refrained from the much more confrontational approach employed by state Democrats.

http://phillytrib.com/newsarticles/nutter-applauds-corbett%E2%80%99s-education-spending-in-budget.html

Scott Armstrong: Rising costs, poverty burden Allentown School District

Morning Call Opinion by Scott Armstrong 5:58 p.m. EST, January 24, 2014

Scott Armstrong is a member of the Allentown School Board.
Simply put, the Allentown School District is in real trouble. Again last year, the district saw its expenses rise at a faster rate than its revenues. That unfortunate scenario will play out once more this year and for the next few years after that. That is the reality facing the district, and just hoping for the best will not effectively alter the course leading to insolvency.  Three threats to the school district must be recognized and addressed if catastrophe is to be avoided. They are the district's increasingly unsustainable employee costs, the flawed charter school funding formula, and the city's rapidly rising poverty rates.  The primary problem facing the district annually is balancing the budget. Despite considerable employee furloughs (371 since 2009-10, a 16.5 percent staff reduction) expenditures have continued to rise at more than 3 percent annually and, according to projections, are forecast to grow by 5 percent in the next few years.

Read more: http://www.mcall.com/opinion/yourview/mc-allentown-school-budget-armstrong-yv-0125-20140124,0,1862161.story#ixzz2sfaFcZoD

Letter: Six qualities needed for school board candidates

LTE Delco Times POSTED: 02/07/14, 10:33 PM EST |

To the Times:

On January 29, 2014, the Upper Darby School District conducted public interviews for the open position for school board director. Six individuals were interviewed, all of whom displayed passion and commitment to the district.  At the conclusion of the interviews, the current directors publicly stated their thoughts on the candidates and the qualities that were most relevant to the position. These qualities included a track record of involvement in the school district, a passion for public education, the ability to build relationships with key decision-makers, and a commitment to our community. There was no invitation for public comment.

As parents who are active in our schools and community, we would like to highlight the six qualities that we believe the new Upper Darby School Board director should possess. These qualities are ranked in order of highest priority.

http://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/20140207/letter-six-qualities-needed-for-school-board-candidates

“One of the most exciting and powerful aspects of the campaign is the broad base of support we have. Beyond business leaders, there are school district superintendents, law enforcement officials, and even retired military leaders making the case for investment in high-quality pre-k in Pennsylvania.”

Where We Are, Where We’re Going: Pre-K in PA

World Class Greater Philadelphia Blog February 7, 2014

Pre-k is a hot topic right now. As evidence piles up that high-quality pre-k is a wise investment with a lasting impact, it’s been the subject of high-profile op-eds in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal and featured in the President’s two most recent state of the union speeches. Currently, 39 states have publically funded pre-k, among them Pennsylvania. The good news is Pennsylvania has high-quality public programs that have been proven effective. The bad news is that public funding allows for fewer than 20 percent of 3- and 4-year-olds to be served. 

Given the growing chorus of support on the issue and the upcoming gubernatorial and state legislative elections, there is a unique opportunity to increase access now, which is where the Pre-K for PA campaign comes in.  Last month, a statewide coalition, including the Economy League, launched the campaignat events in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia. The campaign’s goal is that all children in the Commonwealth are ready to succeed in school by ensuring that every 3- and 4-year-old has access to high-quality pre-k. To achieve this, the campaign will make pre-k a key issue in the upcoming state elections. Following the elections, coalition members will work with the administration and legislature to expand access and increase the number of quality slots.

http://worldclassgreaterphila.org/blog/2014/02/07/where-we-are-where-we-re-going-pre-k-in-pa

PA Early Learning Investment Commission

Business Leaders Supporting Quality Early Childhood Education

The development of an effective system of early care and education is critical to Pennsylvania’s future economic and workforce development. Because the input and perspective of business leaders is essential to the development of such a system, the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission was established through Executive Order in September 2008.

The goal of the Commission is to build a public-private partnership of business leaders across Pennsylvania who advocate for quality early childhood investment. The Commission identifies and creates opportunities for Pennsylvania business leaders to inform the public, opinion leaders, and government officials about the critical importance of preparing all children with the knowledge and skills required for success in the 21st century. Click on each member’s title to view their ELIC bios.

http://www.pa-elic.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=53

Hite and Green are ‘in sync’ on new action plan

The superintendent and SRC chair face a difficult budget season and a likely showdown with teachers.

Notebook by Dale Mezzacappa February 7, 2014

Midway through one of the most tumultuous years ever in Philadelphia public education, Superintendent William Hite is presenting a new “action plan” – his vision for the future – as he faces an unstable budget situation and prepares for determined new leadership at the School Reform Commission.  Focused on improving student achievement, teacher and principal development, and financial stewardship, the plan “is going to require some investment,” Hite said.   Councilman Bill Green, Gov. Corbett’s choice to be SRC chair, said in an interview that his and Hite’s goals “are completely in sync.”  “The discussions we’ve had … we’re in broad agreement.” 

http://thenotebook.org/february-2014/146915/hite-and-green-are-sync-new-action-plan?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=twt&utm_campaign=social

Fleetwood Area School District Report: The Need for Pension Reform

Berks-Mont News By Dr. Paul Eaken, Fleetwood Superintendent POSTED: 01/31/14

Each February, school districts across Pennsylvania must approve a preliminary budget or pass a resolution that the district will not raise school taxes above the state determined index. The index is based upon a formula containing state-wide and regional wage data, along with specific district funding potential. For the 2014-15 school year, the Fleetwood Area School District’s index is 2.8%. Considering the low level of inflation, this initially sounds reasonable.  There is one expenditure, however, that continues to pose a significant challenge to school districts in their attempt to balance the budget. Public school districts across the state have been notified that the cost to fund the state mandated pension are increasing 27.52% for the 2014-15 school year. The state pays for a little over half of this increase leaving districts with a 12.7% increase. For Fleetwood, this amounts to an additional $387,689.00 for next school year. The contribution rate for school districts will continue to climb over the next ten years.

http://www.berksmontnews.com/social-affairs/20140131/fleetwood-area-school-district-report-the-need-for-pension-reform

Weather forces state to extend PSSA testing period

Snowy weather leads state to extend period by five days.

Morning Call Staff and wire reports 9:08 p.m. EST, February 7, 2014

Thanks to a winter filled with cancellations, delays and early dismissals, the state Education Department is giving school districts more time to administer statewide tests.  Districts will now have an extra week to give the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, according to a news release issued Friday.

The PSSA Math/Reading testing period was to have run March 17-28. The testing window will now be extended to April 4.  The PSSA Writing testing period was to have run March 31 to April 4, but will now end April 11.  Testing periods for the PSSA Science and the Keystone Exams will not change. The PSSA Science period remains April 28 to May 9 while the Keystone Exams period remains May 12-23.

Read more: http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/bad-weather-could-delay-start-of-pssa-testing-in-b-20140207,0,1998976.story#ixzz2sjBQP7lZ

U.S. Sen. Toomey Takes Sen. Williams’ ‘Pass The Trash’ Bill to Washington

PA Democratic State Senate website HARRISBURG, Feb. 4, 2014

State Sen. Anthony H. Williams’ fight to prevent school districts from “passing” teachers suspected of sexual misconduct to other schools instead of the police packed new muscle Friday morning when U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey and state Attorney General Kathleen Kane joined the conversation.  Williams and Kane teamed up with Toomey at Polyclinic Community Health Center in Harrisburg to endorse the federal lawmaker’s legislative effort in Washington D.C.  Toomey’s bill mirrors Sen. Williams’ Senate Bill 46, which has been unanimously approved by Pennsylvania’s Senate and would close the loophole that now allows school districts to hire employees who have an undisclosed history of investigations and dismissals for abuse or sexual misconduct.

http://www.pasenate.com/2014/02/04/u-s-sen-toomey-takes-sen-williams-pass-the-trash-bill-to-washington/

De Blasio Tests Political Might in Pre-K Push

New York Times By JAVIER C. HERNÁNDEZ and NIKITA STEWART FEB. 7, 2014

He has phoned titans of finance and real estate to ask for donations. He has called on labor leaders to tap their war chests and lend their muscles. He has lined up endorsements from actors, musicians and movie producers.  Mayor Bill de Blasio, after climbing to the top of New York City’s political world by assailing the gap between rich and poor, is now seeking to revive the populist zeal of his mayoral bid for a new campaign: persuading state lawmakers to back a tax increase to pay for prekindergarten

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/08/nyregion/de-blasio-tests-political-might-in-pre-k-push.html?ref=education&_r=0

The Koch Brothers Left a Confidential Document at Their Last Donor Conference

Moyers & Company by Andy Kroll and Daniel Schulman February 6, 2014

There’s one main rule at the conservative donor conclaves held twice a year by Charles and David Koch at luxury resorts: What happens there stays there.

The billionaire industrialists and their political operatives strive to ensure the anonymity of the wealthy conservatives who fund their sprawling political operation — which funneled more than $400 million into the 2012 elections — and to keep their plans private. Attendees of these summits are warned that the seminars, where the Kochs and their allies hatch strategies for electing Republicans and advancing conservative initiatives on the state and national levels, are strictly confidential; they are cautioned to keep a close eye on their meeting notes and materials.

But last week, following the Kochs’ first donor gathering of 2014, one attendee left behind a sensitive document at the Renaissance Esmeralda resort outside of Palm Springs, Calif., where the Kochs and their comrades had spent three days focused on winning the 2014 midterm elections and more. 

http://billmoyers.com/2014/02/06/the-koch-brothers-left-a-confidential-document-at-their-last-donor-conference/

Have you considered signing this petition yet?

PENNSYLVANIA PROPERTY TAX PAYERS: OPPOSE PROPOSED SB1085 CHARTER SCHOOL LAW REFORM

Petition by Denise Kurnas

To be delivered to The Pennsylvania State House, The Pennsylvania State Senate, and Governor Tom Corbett

This petition is designed to keep charter school oversight in local district control instead of allowing other entities or the Pennsylvania Department of Education to spend our property tax dollars without input from our locally elected school board officials. 

http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/pennsylvania-property

Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center 2014 Pennsylvania Budget Summit

Harrisburg Hilton Thu, Feb 20, 2014 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center will host its Annual Budget Summit on Thursday, February 20th to provide an in-depth look at the Governor's spending plan and an update on the federal budget — and what it all means for communities and families across Pennsylvania.

As in previous years, the Budget Summit will be at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Harrisburg. 

Additional information, agendas, and workshops will be posted in the new year.

http://org2.salsalabs.com/o/6751/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=69456

Register Now! EPLC’s Education Policy Forums on Governor Corbett’s 2014-2015 State Budget Proposal for Education

The next EPLC education policy forums will be held on the following days and in the following locations.  These forums will take place shortly after Governor Corbett’s February 4th presentation of his proposed 2014-15 state budget and will focus on his plans for education.

Thursday, February 13, 2014 – Pittsburgh, PA

Monday, February 24, 2014 – Philadelphia, PA

Wednesday, February 26, 2014 – State College, PA

Thursday, February 27, 2014– Harrisburg, PA

Space is limited for each event and an RSVP is required. Anyone wishing to receive an invitation should inquire by contacting The Education Policy and Leadership Center at staff@eplc.org or 717-260-9900.

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

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/

RESCHEDULED: PDE chief Dumaresq LIVE budget presentation, PSBA Conference Center; new date Feb. 13

PSBA website Feb 4, 2014

Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq will be at the PSBA Conference Center on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2:30 p.m. to present a special state budget overview. The program has been rescheduled in advance of anticipated severe weather conditions.  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, Thu., Feb. 13, 2:30 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.EhFhjsIb.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/

Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia February Seminars

Dear Parents and Advocates:

This month we are offering TWO great special education seminars. 

Charter Schools

Learn about special education provisions in charter schools, 

including how one's rights differ from school to school. 

Tuesday, February 11, 2013 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities  

Audience members will learn about the legal needs of children with dyslexia, and other learning disabilities, and hear from expert presenters on the latest research and trends. 

Tuesday, February 25, 2013 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Full Session 

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Abbreviated Session 

Click here to purchase your tickets!

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 74^th Annual Conference & Exposition April 5-7, 2014 New Orleans

The National School Boards Association 74^th 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

http://nsbac.org/?page_id=1873