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Keystone State Education Coalition
PA Ed Policy Roundup for
January 22, 2015:
Pew: At
35.2%, PA state share of public education funding is among the lowest in the
nation
Save the date/heads-up; details/confirmation
on this as they become available...
The next Basic Education Funding Commission hearing
will be held on January 29 in Greenville ,
Mercer County
Tweet
from Circuit Rider Pam Lenz January 16, 2015
All members of the PA Senate
Education Committee are now posted
PA Legislature website
Senate Ed Committee Majority
Chairman Smucker Comments on Education Secretary Nomination
Senator Smucker's website January 20, 2015
Senator Lloyd Smucker (R-13) issued the following statement
today regarding the recent nomination of School District of Lancaster
Superintendent Pedro Rivera
“People in our area should be pleased that Governor Wolf has
picked a prominent local educator to fill this important position. I
congratulate Pedro Rivera for earning this opportunity. Having capably
led the School District of Lancaster, and having worked in the Philadelphia
School District prior to that, he brings needed perspective on the challenges
of education generally and the added problems specific to urban schools.
Many Pennsylvanians identify education as their top concern, the Basic
Education Funding Commission is putting a lot of effort toward rectifying
unfairness in the system, and local officials and residents want to ensure that
state decisions on funding and policy take into account our views. So the
prospect of working to achieve results with an education secretary with whom I
have collaborated frequently and constructively over the years is very
encouraging. Every nominee of a new administration can expect to receive
careful scrutiny and a lot of questions about philosophy, practices, and
priorities, and that is especially true on a subject as consequential and
controversial as education is. As the confirmation process begins,
Pedro’s knowledge, experience, and track record are strengths that mark him as
a well-qualified individual.”
http://www.senatorsmucker.com/2015/01/20/senator-smucker-comments-on-education-secretary-nomination/
"There's a case to be made that Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
DN Editorial: Formula follows
function
Philly Daily News Editorial POSTED: Wednesday, January 21,
2015, 12:16 AM
NEW GOV. Wolf has made increasing state aid to public education
one of his priorities, but to do anything about it now would be putting the
cart before the horse. Before the debate
begins in Harrisburg
over how much to give the public schools, a decision should be made on the
formula by which the money is handed out.
A special commission is looking into the matter and its recommendations
are due in June. One thing everyone agrees on is that the current method is
out-of-date and unfair. In fact, it isn't really even a formula. As a recent study from Pew's Philadelphia Research Initiative pointed
out, Pennsylvania
is one of only three states that does not have a comprehensive school-finance
formula to distribute state money to local school districts.
"Pennsylvania, Delaware and North
Carolina are the only states without funding formulas, according to the Education Law Center
Study: Education funding
formula could level playing field
Education Week Published Online: January 16, 2015
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — An education funding formula could help
remedy wide spending disparities among school districts in Pennsylvania
and would likely mean more state aid for perpetually cash-strapped Philadelphia , according
to a study released Thursday. A formula
that takes into account districts' wealth and its students' needs
"probably would reduce the substantial variations in overall education
revenue among urban, rural, and suburban districts in the state," said the
report by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Education
advocates have been pushing Pennsylvania
lawmakers to devise what they view as a more equitable way to distribute state
aid. A funding formula commission is expected to issue a report by June.
A School Funding Formula for Philadelphia
Lessons from urban
districts across the United States
Pew Charitable Trusts Report January 15, 2015
This report examines
how a new, comprehensive state education funding formula, if adopted by Pennsylvania , would impact the School District of Philadelphia
According to the
report, per-pupil funding for Philadelphia
Moody's: Financially stressed
Pennsylvania
Moody's Global Credit Research - 21 Jan 2015
"Some financially stressed districts have offered recovery
proposals that fundamentally alter the nature of their public school district
operations," says Moody's Assistant Vice President -- Analyst, Dan
Seymour. "The bold plans face near-term execution challenges, but are
positive in the long run as some of these districts would continue to deteriorate
without significant structural changes. The strong measures are more likely to
lead to long-term financial and operational soundness than continuing on the
existing course."
In 2012, Pennsylvania
created Act 141, a state oversight program to assist distressed school
districts by appointing a chief recovery officer who is responsible for
drafting a recovery plan. A key strength of the state's recovery program is
that the commonwealth can take over districts which fail to adopt or implement
recovery plans.
Currently, four school districts -- the York City School
District (Baa2 negative), the Duquesne City School District (unrated), the
Chester-Upland School District (unrated), and Harrisburg City School District
(unrated) -- are under Act 141 and in various stages of developing recovery
plans in an effort to end this negative feedback loop. While not under Act 141,
the Philadelphia School District
Gov. Tom Wolf's outreach to
GOP attracts notice
Turzai says mention in inaugural speech was 'very
gracious'
The heavy lifting of Governor Tom Wolf's administration has yet
to begin, but some took note of a brief bipartisan commendation at the
beginning of Wolf's inaugural address.
Less than two minutes into the speech, Republican House Speaker
Mike Turzai got a shout-out.
"Let me say a special thanks to Speaker Mike Turzai, for
reminding us when he was sworn in as speaker of the House that we 'cannot take
lightly the great history of democracy of which we are a part,' and
encouraging, as he said that, all members of the legislature to meet with people
across the aisle," said Wolf. "That's important." No other legislative leaders were similarly
recognized, and the reference got the attention of those who have been paying
close attention to the way the incoming administration has tried to woo a legislature
controlled by Republicans. Those efforts include an informal dinner with
Republican and Democratic legislative leaders, as well as handwritten notes and
phone calls to individual honchos.
"He's already building a relationship, and you can see
that up there," said Democratic House Minority Leader Frank Dermody,
calling the Turzai quote a "little touch that makes a difference.
Reed and Corman: In Pa.
Legislature, speaking softly and carrying no sticks
WHYY Newsworks BY MARY
WILSON JANUARY 21, 2015
As a Democrat settles into the governor's office, Republicans
in Pennsylvania 's
Legislature are loaded for bear, with bigger majorities and newly elected
leadership. House Republicans felt
pretty good after the November election. A press release referred to their
growing caucus, "119 strong" – more than enough to dominate the
203-member chamber. And who did they
pick to be their majority leader, to work in tandem with the speaker to guide
the caucus? Who would carry them to further victories, through policy thickets
and budget battles?
Meet Dave Reed: Republican. Policy wonk. Introvert.
Thorough and Efficient: Pennsylvania
Arguing that our state has failed to ensure that essential
resources are available for all of our public school students to meet state
academic standards.
Will new Pennsylvania
Education DIve By Allie Gross | January
21, 2015
·
Dive Brief:
·
Incoming Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has
appointed Pedro Rivera, a former Philadelphia
School District administrator and
current Lancaster
superintendent, to serve as the state's education secretary.
·
Given the number of financially strapped
districts in the state, like Philadelphia ,
some education advocates hope Rivera's background will bring much-needed
change.
·
Wolf says he selected Rivera because of
recognition for his "efforts to improve urban education" and
commitment to strong public education. Rivera was also honored in September by
the White House as one of the nation's top Hispanic leaders.
Are the Best Charters
Actually Whiter & Wealthier?
Fact-checking our own Insider’s take.
PhillyMag Citified BY PATRICK KERKSTRA | JANUARY
20, 2015 AT 1:54 PM
Yesterday, English teacher (and Citified insider) Andrew
Saltz argued that
the highest-performing charter schools do as well as they do in large part
because they enroll students with fewer challenges than typical district
schools. Saltz zoomed in on MaST, in Northeast
Philadelphia , to make his case.
Wrote Saltz: The biggest difference between the “horrendous”
public school and its charter alternative isn’t the teachers or the curriculum,
it’s the student body. “Elite” charters, like MaST, tend to have student bodies
that are significantly more white and much less likely to be enrolled in free
lunch than neighborhood schools such as Disston-Hamilton. Saltz’s take is a controversial one. We’re
expecting a response to it sometime soon from MaST CEO John F. Swoyer III.
But a lot of the criticism has focused on the question of whether or not Saltz
is factually correct.
Read more at http://www.phillymag.com/citified/2015/01/20/are-elite-charters-actually-whiter-and-wealthier/#kJlaoSRWJCHMRllv.99
Kampf to reintroduce pension
reform legislation
By Pennsylvania
Business Daily Reports January 20, 2015 8:27 PM
Pennsylvania State Rep. Warren Kampf (R-Montgomery/Chester) recently announced his intention to reintroduce legislation meant to reform the state’s two underfunded pension systems.
Pennsylvania State Rep. Warren Kampf (R-Montgomery/Chester) recently announced his intention to reintroduce legislation meant to reform the state’s two underfunded pension systems.
One part of Kampf’s proposed legislation would create a
mandatory Defined Contribution (DC) plan for all future state employees while
another would create a mandatory DC plan for all future school district
employees. Included in Kampf’s
legislation would be a 4 percent employer match and a mandatory employee
contribution. “These are the types of
retirement plans the vast majority of our constituents have in their own
lives,” Kampf said. “These are plans that businesses across our country use in
their budgets to avoid financial obligations that cannot be planned. We are
simply asking public employees to follow the same plans used by those in the
private sector as a way to stop the growing havoc public pension systems have
created for taxpayers all across the country.”
Recognition given to Pittsburgh
By Eleanor Chute / Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette January 21, 2015 7:57 PM
It was recognition all around at the start of the Pittsburgh
Public Schools board meeting tonight.
As part of School Director Recognition Month, board members
received artwork done by early childhood students and copies of the book and
DVD for "Twelve Years a Slave," which is part of the curriculum in
African-American history classes. Some of the district's principals were on
hand, applauding as board members received certificates. Each board member went
through a long line of hugs. Superintendent Linda Lane
read a resolution of appreciation for the board members, noting their
dedication and that they have to attend sometimes "lengthy and challenging
meetings." She got the audience to vote a loud "aye."
What should Gov. Wolf focus
on first? Our readers say it's getting rid of the school property tax
Lehigh Valley Live By Jim
Flagg/opinion editor on January 21, 2015 at 2:50 PM
In an inauguration day poll, we asked readers at
lehighvalleylive.com to pick the most pressing item on Pennsylvania Gov. Tom
Wolf's to-do list. We listed six choices, and suspected that the number of
options might produce a muddled mandate, flattening out any prospect for
consensus.
We were wrong. An
overwhelming majority bypassed the first five selections to vote for
eliminating the school property tax. With 282 people voting (as of 2 p.m.
Wednesday), 59.2 percent said property tax reform should be 'job one' for the
new Democratic governor and the Republican-controlled Legislature.
Lawmakers should help
desegregate York
State Reps. Stan Saylor, Seth Grove and Sen. Scott Wagner wrote
in these pages on January 7, 2015, “Status quo unacceptable for York schools.” Certainly,
we can all agree. My opinions herein are addressed primarily to the three of
you, and include an appeal to you and area school boards and superintendents to
take action to save city schools while at the same time improving those
adjacent to the city. I believe the action I seek could also contribute to
restoring the prosperity of York
city. My appeal to all of you is meant to be respectful of your
dedication to the welfare of the York
area. It includes no blame for York city
schools’ problems and comes from a fellow citizen of York County
Today, York
city is a poverty center, and as such its schools will not likely succeed
without revolutionary change. I don’t think charter schools will bring that
change, only an integration/consolidation of area schools resulting in a
racially and socio-economically balanced school environment will do that.
Residents air concerns over
taxes in Garnet Valley School District
By Susan L. Serbin, Delco
Times Correspondent POSTED: 01/21/15, 9:59 PM EST |
“So many people came out (to the meeting) because of the tax
hike. Social Security went up only 1.5 percent. I had to lower my cable bill,”
Ken Gerrken said in describing his financial adjustments. Gerrken’s reference to the Social Security
increase was directed at the school district’s Act 1 index of 1.9 percent. That
is the maximum amount set by the state that the district can raise taxes
without a public referendum or taking permitted exceptions on pension and
special education costs.
Ousted Cheltenham
superintendent will keep getting paid
KATHY BOCCELLA, INQUIRER
STAFF WRITER LAST UPDATED: Thursday, January 22, 2015, 1:08 AM POSTED: Wednesday,
January 21, 2015, 6:09 PM
No shortage of reasons why so
many can't read
"It's layer
on top of layer," says one official in behavioral health. Educators and
psychologists agree.
the notebook By Paul Jablow on Jan 21, 2015 11:58 AM
To figure out why some of his elementary school students
struggle with reading, Daun Kauffman sometimes has learned as much in home
visits as in his classroom. Kauffman now
teaches 2nd grade at Juniata Park Academy ,
but for more than a decade he taught in his own neighborhood in Hunting Park Hunting
Park
Philly middle school students
poised to quit standardized tests in droves
Citypaper By Daniel
Denvir Published: 01/21/2015
Parents of 17 percent of all students at Feltonville School of
Arts and Sciences have opted their children out of controversial standardized
tests, according to a statement from teacher and parent activists. In recent
years, tests like the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) have
played an increasingly larger role in judging not only student academic
achievement but also whether individual teachers and entire schools have made
the grade — or are deemed failures.
Roat says that 90 parents at the middle school have signed
letters affirming that "standardized testing is against our religious
and/or philosophical beliefs" and that they "will be refusing all
standardized testing" for their children, including the PSSAs and other
assessments.
"Are there too many tests? Are they
the right tests? Are the stakes for failing them too high? What should Washington , D.C.
Federally mandated testing at
heart of education law debate
KIMBERLY HEFLING, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Wednesday, January 21, 2015, 10:08 AM
WASHINGTON (AP) - A Republican-controlled Senate committee
began work Wednesday on revising the landmark No Child Left Behind education
law, focusing first on federally mandated testing of America 's schoolchildren. The chairman, Sen. Lamar Alexander, said at
the heart of the debate is whether there is too much testing. Alexander said he
is open to discussion on whether the federal government should dictate
standardized testing or leave it up to states.
“There are two worlds. Contractors,
consultants, academics and experts and plenty of officials at the federal and
state level,” said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). “And the other world is of
principals and teachers who are actually providing education to students. And
what I’m hearing from the second world is that the footprint of the first world
has become way too big in their lives.”
Senate begins debate on
education law, focuses on testing
The Senate began its most
serious attempt in years to rewrite the country’s main education law
with a hearing Wednesday focusing on an issue that has caused an uproar
nationwide: Whether states should be required to test students every year. An overflow crowd listened as witnesses
described standardized testing as helpful and as harmful to learning, and
lawmakers grappled with how much control the federal government should exercise
over the nation’s 100,000 public schools.
Teachers Rally Against
Standardized Testing At No Child Left Behind Hearing
Huffington Post by Joy Resmovits Joy.resmovits@huffingtonpost.com Posted: 01/21/2015 2:14 pm
EST Updated: 01/21/2015 2:59 pm EST
At the end of every school year, Stephen Lazar, a New York City social
studies teacher, would stand in front of his students and apologize to them for
turning into a "bad teacher" to prepare them for the Regents exams. On Wednesday morning, he spoke of this
experience to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which
was addressing a major question in American education: Are annual standardized
tests necessary? While almost every
committee member in the overflowing hearing room said the burden of
standardized testing must be reduced, Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren (Mass. ) and Patty Murray (Wash. ) argued they are still needed, noting
that tests can hold states accountable when it comes to teaching the most
disadvantaged kids.
Testing Resistance &
Reform News: January 14 - 20, 2015
FairTest Submitted by fairtest on January 20, 2015 -
1:03pm
Responding to pressure by the grassroots assessment reform
movement (check out this week's stories from 22 states!), Congress finally
takes up overhauling "No Child Left Behind" this month.
Now is the time to make your voice heard by contacting your U.S. Senators
and Representative to support a significant reduction in federal testing
requirements.
Register
Now! EPLC 2015 Regional Workshops for School Board Candidates and Others
The Education Policy and Leadership Center, with the
Cooperation of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) and
Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO), will
conduct A Series of Regional Full-Day Workshops for 2015
Pennsylvania School Board Candidates. Incumbents,
non-incumbents, campaign supporters and all interested voters are invited to
participate in these workshops.
Pittsburgh Region Saturday, February 21, 2015 – 8:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120
Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120
Harrisburg Region Saturday, March 7, 2015– 8:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Pennsylvania School Boards Association Headquarters, 400 Bent Creek Boulevard, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Pennsylvania School Boards Association Headquarters, 400 Bent Creek Boulevard, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Philadelphia Region Saturday, March 14, 2015 – 8:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, 2 W. Lafayette Street, Norristown, PA 19401
Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, 2 W. Lafayette Street, Norristown, PA 19401
INVITATION:
Twitter Chat on Pennsylvania
The first monthly Twitter chat of 2015 with Pennsylvania ’s major education leadership
organizations is set for Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. The January chat
will focus on a fair, predictable public school funding formula and the ongoing
work of the state’s basic education funding commission. Use
hashtag#PAEdFunding to participate and follow the conversation.
On the last Tuesday of each month at 8 p.m., the following
organizations go to Twitter to discuss timely topics, ask questions and listen
to the public’s responses:
·
The Pennsylvania
Association of School Administrators (PASA);
·
The Pennsylvania
School Boards Association (PSBA);
·
The Pennsylvania
Association of School Business Officials (PASBO);
·
The Pennsylvania
Association of Rural and Small Schools (PARSS); and
·
The Pennsylvania
Association of Intermediate Units
January 23rd–25th, 2015 at The Science Leadership
Academy , Philadelphia
EduCon is both a conversation and a conference.
It is an innovation conference where we can come together, both
in person and virtually, to discuss the future of schools. Every session will
be an opportunity to discuss and debate ideas — from the very practical to the
big dreams.
NPE 2015 Annual Conference – Chicago
January 4, 2015 NPE 2015 Annual Conference, NPE National Conference
Early-bird discounted Registration for the Network for
Public Education’s Second Annual Conference is now available at this address:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/network-for-public-education-2015-annual-conference-tickets-15118560020
These low rates will last for the month of January.
The event is being held at the Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago
There will be a welcoming social event 7 pm Friday night,
at or near the Drake Hotel — details coming soon. Featured speakers will be:
§
Jitu Brown, National Director – Journey
for Justice, Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, Network for Public
Education Board of Directors
§
Tanaisa Brown, High School Senior, with
the Newark
Student Union
§
Yong Zhao, Author, “Who’s Afraid of
the Big Bad Dragon?“
§
Diane Ravitch in conversation with
§
Lily Eskelsen Garcia, NEA President and
§
Randi Weingarten, AFT President
§
Karen Lewis, President, Chicago
Teachers Union
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