Daily postings from the Keystone State Education Coalition now
reach more than 3525 Pennsylvania education policymakers – school directors,
administrators, legislators, legislative and congressional staffers, Governor's
staff, current/former PA Secretaries of Education, Wolf education transition
team members, Superintendents, PTO/PTA officers, parent advocates, teacher
leaders, business leaders, education professors, members of the press and a
broad array of P-16 regulatory agencies, professional associations and
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These daily emails are archived and searchable at http://keystonestateeducationcoalition.org
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The Keystone State Education Coalition is an endorsing member of The Campaign for Fair Education Funding
Keystone State Education Coalition
PA Ed Policy Roundup for March
11, 2015:
The next PA Basic
Education Funding Commission Public
Hearing will be on Thursday, March 12th at 10:00 am in Hearing Room 1, North
Office Building, Harrisburg
Court to hear first arguments
on Pennsylvania
State officials will
argue on Wednesday to have a school funding lawsuit dropped.
Last fall, School District of Lancaster and five other districts filed a
lawsuit against the governor, the secretary of education, legislative
leaders and the State Board of Education in Commonwealth Court . The complaint argued that the state's school
funding system is "irrational" and "does not deliver the
essential resources students need."
Pennsylvania
is one of only three states that do not have a predictable education funding
formula based on student enrollment and characteristics.
Court to weigh fate of Pennsylvania
Centre Daily Times BY MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press March 11,
2015
Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2015/03/11/4644302_court-to-weigh-fate-of-pennsylvania.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy
Lawsuit asks the Court to ensure that all
students -- including those living in low-wealth districts -- have the basic
resources they need to meet state academic standards.
Meet Us in Court on March 11th
On Wednesday, March 11th at 9:30 a.m., the
Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania will hear oral arguments in our school
funding lawsuit which challenges the legislature's failure to adequately support
and maintain Pennsylvania 's
public school system. This historic case, which the Education Law
Center
Please come and support us as we fight for vulnerable students and all public school students across the state. The hearing will be held at thePennsylvania Judicial
Center , 601 Commonwealth Avenue , Courtroom 5001 in
Harrisburg , PA.
Please come and support us as we fight for vulnerable students and all public school students across the state. The hearing will be held at the
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.
Herald Mail Media by Jennifer Fitch
Posted: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 6:45 pm | Updated: 10:49 pm, Tue Mar 10, 2015.
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf toured Benjamin
Chambers Elementary School on Tuesday, taking the opportunity to share more
information about how he plans to reduce property taxes using other forms of
revenue. While many of Pennsylvania’s
500 public-school districts now keep 8 percent to 12 percent of operating costs
in reserve, they would be capped at 4 percent under his “Schools That Teach”
plan unveiled last week, Wolf said.
With additional dollars coming from an increased personal
income tax, an increased and expanded sales tax and a new severance tax on
natural-gas drilling, school districts would need to cut property taxes to stay
within a 4 percent cap for reserves, Wolf said.
“The state is going to play the role the taxpayer has played,”
he said.
Lt. Gov. Stack discusses
state budget at Ridley High School
Delco Times By Barbara
Ormsby, Times Correspondent POSTED: 03/10/15, 11:52 PM EDT |
RIDLEY TOWNSHIP >> Lt. Gov. Mike Stack Tuesday shared
with some seniors at Ridley High School how Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed
budget would impact public education in the state. “I’m visiting the Ridley School District Pennsylvania
ranks 45th in funding for public education and that says we are not investing
in the future. Gov. Wolf wants to restore a billion dollars in funding for
public education. The bottom line is we have to find a better way to fund
public education at a higher level.” In
part, Wolf’s proposed budget would increase basic education funding by $2
billion over the next four years by implementing a 5 percent natural gas
extraction tax, with an eye toward reducing homeowners’ school property taxes
by 50 percent.
By Marcella Kester For Times Leader Last updated: March 10.
2015 3:55PM - 545 Views
By Sara K.
Satullo | The Express-Times Email the author | Follow on Twitter on
March 10, 2015 at 6:45 AM, updated March 10, 2015 at 2:49 PM
Bethlehem
Area School District Superintendent Joseph Roy thinks
the new Keystone Exam project-based assessments are a "disaster waiting to
happen." Starting with the class of
2017, all Pennsylvania
students must pass three-end-of course, subject-based exams. If students fail
to show proficiency on the exam twice, the state has developed a project-based
assessment system. Districts are tasked
with administering these alternative assessments, which will be scored by
statewide panels of teachers, principals and curriculum specialists.
But districts are struggling with how to schedule students to
complete the assessments, Assistant Superintendent for Education Jack Silva said.
"Project-based assessments, which must
be done during school hours, can take from eight to 40 hours, depending on how
much a student is struggling. Students take the assessments until they get a
satisfactory score."
Failure on Keystone Exams
concerns BASD officials
By Jacqueline
PalochkoOf The Morning Call March
10,2015
BASD administrators concerned about what happens to seniors who
fail Keystone Exams
Lawmakers keep striking out
on pensions - when will they get a clue?: Stephen Herzenberg
PennLive
Op-Ed By Stephen Herzenberg on March 10, 2015 at 1:00 PM,
updated March 10, 2015 at 3:21 PM
Gov. Tom Wolf is ushering in a new political opportunity in Pennsylvania . His budget
is a home-run for Pennsylvanians, actually focusing on things that matter to
voters - quality education, more and better jobs, government that works. Despite this new opportunity, some lawmakers
want to continue their tired efforts to gut the state's secure pension system
and move employees toward a 401(k)-style plan. They are threatening to
hold the governor's budget hostage until the pension "crisis" is
addressed - under the guise of cutting costs for taxpayers. The problem? Lawmakers not ready to address
education and jobs have yet to offer a pension plan that would save any money.
Neff and Green present a
unified front despite SRC shake-up
Neff on the PFT
contract: "We can't spend money we don't have, and we have to have
work-rule changes."
By Kevin McCorry for NewsWorks on Mar 10, 2015 05:51 PM
In the wake of the recent School Reform Commission shake-up,
Marjorie Neff and Bill Green presented a unified front Tuesday at a
lighthearted news conference at Philadelphia
School District
New SRC chair, same line on
teachers' contract
KRISTEN A. GRAHAM, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER LAST UPDATED: Wednesday, March 11,
2015, 1:08 AM POSTED: Tuesday, March 10, 2015, 5:11 PM
Expect no major position shifts on the reshuffled School Reform
Commission, its leaders said Tuesday. That
means the SRC is still holding a hard line in negotiations with the
Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, said the new chairwoman, Marjorie Neff. "We have to have a contract that is
fiscally responsible. We can't spend money we don't have, and we need work-rule
changes that allow Action Plan 3.0 to go forward," Neff said, referring to
Superintendent William R. Hite Jr.'s blueprint for moving the Philadelphia School
District
Testing Resistance &
Reform News: March 4 - 10, 2015
FairTest website Submitted by fairtest on March 10, 2015 -
1:26pm
Once again, this week's stories come from more than half the
states as the testing resistance and reform movement rapidly accelerates across
the U.S.
and wins more victories.
As
Demand for Welders Resurges, Community Colleges Offer Classes
New York Times By PATRICIA COHEN MARCH 10, 2015
For this event, sponsored by Public Citizens for Children and
Youth (PCCY), local dentists will provide free screenings and cleanings for children.
Give Kids a Smile Day is especially for children who do not have health
insurance or who have not had a dental exam in the last six months.
Appointments are necessary, so please call PCCY at 215-563-5848 x32 to
schedule one starting Monday, March 16th. Volunteers will be
on hand to answer calls. Smile Day information can also be found on the school
district website and on PCCY’s website - http://www.pccy.org/resource/give-kids-a-smile-day/.
Nominations for PSBA offices
now open: Deadline April 30th
PSBA Leadership
Development Committee seeks strong leaders for the association
Members interested in becoming the next leaders of PSBA are
encouraged to complete an Application for Nomination no later than April
30. As a member-driven association, the Leadership Development
Committee (LDC) is seeking nominees with strong skills in leadership and
communication, and who have vision for PSBA. Persons seeking consideration for
a position as an officer or at-large representative of the Association shall
file at PSBA headquarters to the attention of the Leadership Development
Committee chair in an envelope marked CONFIDENTIAL an Application
for Nomination on the form approved by the PSBA Governing Board,
accompanied by a photograph, letters of recommendation and such other
supporting materials as may be specified on the Application for Nomination form
for the purpose of further documenting the candidate’s involvement in
activities of the association, relevant community service and leadership
experiences or other qualifications.
PCCY Spring Training:
Hit a School Funding Home Run for Kids Advocacy Training Workshop
March 18 or 21
This year we have an unprecedented opportunity to make public
education funding more fair and to get more of it for schools across
Pennsylvania. Voters spoke in November when an incumbent governor—widely
perceived to be responsible for drastic education cuts, was unseated while his
opponent ran on the promise to increase school funding. A funding commission
has been established to research and develop recommendations for a new funding
formula. Now is our time to let our elected officials know we take investment
in education seriously.
Please join Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) for
our annual advocacy training to learn how you can win fair and increased
funding for our students.
By participating, you’ll be joining a statewide movement. PCCY
is a part of a statewide coalition of 50 (and growing) organizations committed
to getting a fair funding formula passed by 2016.
Attend our training to:
·
Learn
o
Why education funding in PA is broken and how a
funding formula can fix it
o
Best practices for amplifying your voice for PA
kids
o
How to develop an advocacy plan tailored to fit
your schedule and strengths
·
Connect with
·
Others throughout our region who are as
passionate about public education as you are
·
Leave
·
Inspired and ready to take action for PA
Workshop Details:
When: The same workshop will be offered on two different
days for your convenience.
Wednesday, March 18th, 6:00-8:00pm or Saturday,
March 21st, 9 am - Noon
Where: United Way Building, 1709 Benjamin Franklin
Pkwy., Philadelphia, 19103
For additional information, email info@pccy.org.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is
requested. Children are welcome.
Click here to sign up:
Public Interest Law Center of
Philadelphia offering two special education seminars in March
Leaving Gifted Kids Behind Tuesday, March 24, 2015 1:00
-- 4:00 P.M.
In this session, participants will learn how Pennsylvania law affects and supports gifted children, as well as practical tips for ensuring gifted services. We will also discuss race and gifted services.
In this session, participants will learn how Pennsylvania law affects and supports gifted children, as well as practical tips for ensuring gifted services. We will also discuss race and gifted services.
This session is co-sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania
School of Policy and Practice, a Pre-approved Provider of Continuing Education
for Pennsylvania
licensed social workers.
Children with Emotional Problems: Avoiding the Juvenile Justice
System, and What Does Real Help Look Like? Friday, March 27, 2015 1:00
-- 4:00 P.M.
This session will focus on giving you the tools you need to
support children with emotional problems, including those in the foster care
system or those in the juvenile court system.
Note: This session was originally scheduled for February 17,
but had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather. Tickets purchased for the
original date still apply.
United Way Building 1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
Philadelphia, 19103
Tickets: Attorneys $200
General Public $100 Webinar $50
Pay What You Can" tickets are also available
2015 Pennsylvania Budget
Summit
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 Hilton Hotel, Harrisburg
Pennsylvania
PA Budget and Policy Center
The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center will host its Annual
Budget Summit on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at the Hilton Harrisburg. Join us
for an in-depth look at the Governor's 2015-16 budget proposal, including what
it means for education, health and human services, and local communities. The
Summit will focus on the leading issues facing the commonwealth in 2015, with
workshops, lunch, a legislative panel discussion, and a keynote speech.
Space is limited, so fill out the form below to reserve your
spot at the Budget Summit.
The State of Public Education
Funding in Pennsylvania
Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia Tuesday, March
17, 2015 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
United
Way Building, 1709 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-state-of-public-education-funding-in-pennsylvania-tickets-15816877707
Education Voters of PA will
hold a forum about public school funding in Lancaster County Tuesday, March 17,
at 7:00 pm at Millersville University
More info/registration: http://www.educationvoterspa.org/index.php/site/news/2015-events/
Education Voters of PA will
hold a forum about public school funding in York: Wednesday, March 25th, 6:30pm
to 8pm at the York Learning Center, 300 E. 7th Avenue, York.
More info/registration: http://www.educationvoterspa.org/index.php/site/news/2015-events/
More info/registration: http://www.educationvoterspa.org/index.php/site/news/2015-events/
Education Voters of PA will
hold a forum about public school funding in Cumberland County: Wednesday, April
1, 7:00 pm at the Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center, 340 North 21st
Street, Camp Hill.
More info/registration: http://www.educationvoterspa.org/index.php/site/news/2015-events/
More info/registration: http://www.educationvoterspa.org/index.php/site/news/2015-events/
PSBA 2015 Advocacy Forum
APR 19, 2015 • 8:00
AM - APR 20, 2015 • 5:00 PM
Join PSBA for the second annual Advocacy Forum on April 19-20,
2015. Hear from legislative experts on hot topics and issues regarding public
education on Sunday, April 19, at PSBA headquarters in Mechanicsburg. The next
day you and fellow advocates will meet with legislators at the state capitol.
This is your chance to learn how to successfully advocate on behalf of public
education and make your voice heard on the Hill.
Agenda/Speakers: https://www.psba.org/event/advocacy-forum-day-hill-2015/
Sign-up for weekly email updates from the
Campaign
The Campaign for Fair
Education Funding website
PA Basic Education Funding
Commission website
Thorough and Efficient: Pennsylvania
Education Funding Lawsuit website
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.
Sign up for National School Boards Association’s Advocacy Network
Friends of
Public Education http://p2a.co/nsbac
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.
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
NPE 2015 Annual Conference –
Chicago April 24 - 26 – Early Bird Special Registration Open!
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:
This short article posted only at the web site is truly good.Yale Writer
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