Tuesday, November 17, 2020

PA Ed Policy Roundup for Nov. 17, 2020: Editorial: Reform charter funding in new PA budget

Started in November 2010, daily postings from the Keystone State Education Coalition now reach more than 4050 Pennsylvania education policymakers – school directors, administrators, legislators, legislative and congressional staffers, Governor's staff, current/former PA Secretaries of Education, superintendents, school solicitors, principals, charter school leaders, PTO/PTA officers, parent advocates, teacher leaders, business leaders, faith-based organizations, labor organizations, 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, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

 

These daily emails are archived and searchable at http://keystonestateeducationcoalition.org

Visit us on Facebook at KeystoneStateEducationCoalition

Follow us on Twitter at @lfeinberg

 

If any of your colleagues would like to be added to the email list please have them send their name, title and affiliation to KeystoneStateEdCoalition@gmail.com

 

 

Keystone State Education Coalition

PA Ed Policy Roundup for Nov. 17, 2020

Editorial: Reform charter funding in new PA budget

 

“The state Legislature, which earlier had passed a budget to get the state government through Nov. 30, reconvened this week to craft a budget through the fiscal year, which ends June 30. The overall deficit is between $2.5 billion and $3 billion. As part of the budget, it should help local school districts by reforming charter school funding. Tuition paid by school districts to charters is based on the school district’s cost per student, rather than the charter school’s actual cost per student. Lawmakers should change the formula so that tuition paid by districts reflects the charter’s actual cost, which almost always is far lower than the school district’s cost per student. Lawmakers have dithered on this issue for years, and now it’s an emergency. They should resolve it now in favor of taxpayers rather than charter school operators.”

Editorial: Reform charter funding in new budget

Scranton Times Tribune BY THE EDITORIAL BOARD November 17, 2020

Thousands of Pennsylvania families have decided to eliminate the uncertainty about school schedules, stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, by enrolling their children in online public charter schools. That, in turn, has heightened the funding crisis for public school districts, which must pay tuition to charters for each resident charter-enrolled student. According to the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials, that tuition for the 2020-2021 school year will be $475 million higher than it was for 2019-2020. The increase for the 37 school districts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties will be $36.2 million. School districts face local tax revenue shortfalls due to the COVID-caused economic slowdown. And the Trump administration recently underscored its hostility to public education by rejecting Pennsylvania’s request to use $300 million in federal recovery money to help stabilize school districts. Every year, the state transfers to local school districts a portion of the tax it collects on casino gambling. In 2019-2020, it distributed $621 million to the 500 school districts. Because casinos were closed during the early stages of the pandemic, that revenue will be reduced by about $300 million. The Trump administration’s decision means that the $300 million must be added to the $475 million in increased charter tuition — all of which will have to come from local property taxes.

https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/reform-charter-funding-in-new-budget/article_120c85a0-5a70-5bae-9729-3d8fe3abb32b.html

 

Coronavirus: Tracking The Spread

Spotlight PA Live Corona Virus Tracker Last Updated November 16, 2020

Since the first case of the coronavirus was identified in Pennsylvania on March 6, we’ve been tracking its spread. These numbers tell only part of the story. Tests are still not widely available, and you can have the virus — and transmit it — without feeling sick. The numbers shown here represent known cases. Because of limited testing, undiagnosed cases are probably widespread. Every day, we are compiling data from multiple sources, including state and county health departments, to provide a more comprehensive picture of the coronavirus in the region.

https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2020/03/pa-coronavirus-updates-cases-map-live-tracker/

 

Over 1 million children tested positive for coronavirus in the United States

"As a pediatrician who has practiced medicine for over three decades, I find this number staggering and tragic. We haven't seen a virus flash through our communities in this way since before we had vaccines for measles and polio," AAP President Sally Goza said in a statement.

WITF By Reese Oxner/NPR NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | 7:38 AM

(Washington) — Children now make up at least 1 in 11 of all reported U.S. coronavirus cases.

That’s according to data from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association. On Monday, the AAP said more than 1 million children have tested positive for the coronavirus in the United States. “As a pediatrician who has practiced medicine for over three decades, I find this number staggering and tragic. We haven’t seen a virus flash through our communities in this way since before we had vaccines for measles and polio,” AAP President Sally Goza said in a statement. The data are compiled from state reports and show 1,039,464 children have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Nov. 12. In the one-week period ending that day, there were nearly 112,000 new cases in children, the largest one-week increase.

The virus has had a disproportionate impact on Black and Hispanic children, the AAP said. They have suffered a higher number of infections and are more likely to be affected by economic harms and lack of access to education and other critical services.

https://www.witf.org/2020/11/17/over-1-million-children-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-in-the-united-states/

 

A+ Schools report shows bright spots among many challenges facing PPS

ANDREW GOLDSTEIN Pittsburgh Post-Gazette agoldstein@post-gazette.com NOV 16, 2020 6:27 PM

A+ Schools, a local group that advocates for equity in education, released on Monday its annual “Report to the Community” on the Pittsburgh Public Schools. The report shows that the district continues to grapple with long-standing inequities — often caused at least partially by outside systems — but also highlights bright spots where there has been improvement. “When we talk about systemic inequities, what we’re really saying is that every system is perfectly designed to get the results they get,” James Fogarty, executive director of A+ Schools, said during a virtual presentation of the report. The report examines the lasting impact of policies outside of the district’s control that has led to the de facto segregation of students at city schools and widened the achievement and opportunity gaps between Black children and white children. The report looks at how redlining policies from the mid-1900s caused many neighborhoods to be deeply divided along racial and socioeconomic lines and concentrated poverty in certain areas.

https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/11/16/A-Plus-Schools-Report-to-the-Community-2020-Pittsburgh-PPS/stories/202011160086

 

This Philadelphia teacher asks his students for their autograph. Here’s why.

Chalkbeat Philly By Dale Mezzacappa  Nov 16, 2020, 6:02am EST

How do teachers captivate their students? Here, in a feature we call How I Teach, we ask great educators how they approach their jobs.

Stephen Flemming knew from the time he was five or six years old that he wanted to teach. It was not a common ambition for a Black boy, but one that only grew stronger as he got older — nurtured by his parents, his teachers, and his church community. Flemming, 38, grew up in Southwest Philadelphia and attended Philadelphia public schools. By 13, he was in charge of a summer camp run by his Pentecostal church, organizing field trips and activities, and supervising students both younger and older than he was. “I always knew I wanted to do something in which I could have a long-lasting impact on youth,” he said. “Teaching was it. I never considered anything else seriously.” I met him three years ago when I wrote about the impact of Black male teachers and visited Flemming’s classroom at John B. Kelly elementary school in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood.

https://philadelphia.chalkbeat.org/2020/11/16/21564462/philadelphia-teacher-autograph

 

Philly Board of Education Member Appointment Process Begins

For immediate release: November 10, 2020Published by: Philadelphia Board of EducationOffice of the Mayor Contact: Mayor's Office of Communications press@phila.gov 

PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia is launching the formal process to appoint three new members of the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. The appointment process will begin with the convening of the Educational Nominating Panel on Tuesday, November 17 and a three-week application window.  The Nominating Panel will consider applicants for the Board and submit a final list of names for Mayor Kenney’s consideration. The timeline is as follows:

https://www.phila.gov/2020-11-10-board-of-education-member-appointment-process-begins-2/?mc_cid=a25169fbbd&mc_eid=13c01e54fb

 

Eyes on the Philly Board of Education: November 19, 2020

Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools by Karel Kilimnik

”The movement is a testament to the fact that courage is contagious.”  Opal Tometi, Black Lives Matter Organizer

The Board of Education has issued a brief agenda this month. APPS members again urge the Board to listen to teachers and parents, particularly in its compliance with the Hite administration on its proposed reopening plan. The Hite administration continues to implement corporate education practices, even more so behind the Covid Curtain. As Covid cases surge in Philadelphia,  we see again the racial inequities inherent in our society. Unemployment, sickness and death have devastated Black and Brown communities. District leadership must be held accountable for decisions that affect those communities. Educators know that in-person learning works best for students, but the health and safety of students and staff are not negotiable. 

https://appsphilly.net/eyes-on-the-board-of-education-november-19-2020/

 

Decline in Scranton School District enrollment could affect finances, school closures

Times Tribune BY SARAH HOFIUS HALL STAFF WRITER Nov 17, 2020 Updated 1 hr ago

An 8% decline in enrollment in the Scranton School District could lead to funding shortfalls and job losses or help officials craft a plan on which schools to close. The current enrollment of 9,216 students is the lowest in 15 years, and a nearly 800-student drop from a year ago. “Of course we are concerned,” Superintendent Melissa McTiernan said. “I believe a lot of parents are really concerned about sending their kids to school. There are just so many factors right now.”

As the district operates virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic, the decline of 776 students can be attributed to:

decrease in kindergarten enrollment from 765 to 611, as many parents opted to delay sending their children.

The elimination of the district’s 3-year-old preschool program this year and planned closure of the 4-year-old program for next year. Preschool enrollment dropped from 401 to 112 students.

38% jump in charter school enrollment, mostly to cyber charter schools. The district must pay the tuition for the 253 additional students.

Families moving out of the area or enrolling their children in private schools that offer in-person instruction.

The decline in students could eventually affect state funding, which is largely based on enrollment. District leaders are also preparing a school consolidation plan and expect to present it at the Dec. 7 school board meeting. McTiernan said she and others are looking at both current and prepandemic enrollment figures.

https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/decline-in-scranton-school-district-enrollment-could-affect-finances-school-closures/article_24598386-a715-5ccf-bca6-dd5addb7f266.html

 

Charter schools a great solution for many Chester County families

MediaNews Group Daily Local News Opinion by Dr. James Hanak, November 16, 2020

Dr. James Hanak is CEO of PA Leadership (cyber) Charter School and Executive Director, Public Cyber Charter School Association.

I found it encouraging to  read about U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan’s recent forum, “How to transform the education system in the wake of COVID-19”. During this forum, Nithyua Joseph shared, “The research shows us that in order to advance student success…we have to focus on safe environments.” One of the most significant reasons I found this inspiring is that, Rep. Houlahan and her supporters were adding their voice to a dynamic that West Chester-based Pennsylvania Leadership (cyber) Charter School (PALCS) has been espousing for 19 years, and with an investment of millions of dollars: creating an environment that keeps its students safe. It will always be a source of pride—and motivation—for us that our school’s incidences of violence are nonexistent, something that, sadly, is an ongoing struggle in traditional brick and mortar schools.

https://www.dailylocal.com/opinion/charter-schools-a-great-solution-for-many-chester-county-families/article_3daa0282-2810-11eb-a0d8-1f93c9d1d5a0.html

 

Status of seventeen districts listed here….

More Pittsburgh-area school districts move back to remote learning as COVID-19 cases surge

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE NOV 17, 2020 6:10 AM

This list was updated at 6 a.m. on Nov. 17, 2020.

More schools and districts in southwestern Pennsylvania are transitioning to remote instruction as the region continues to experience a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Here are the districts that have announced changes:

https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/11/16/western-pennsylvania-allegheny-county-school-districts-reacting-learning-surge-COVID-19-cases/stories/202011160088

 

More area schools shifting to virtual learning amid surge in COVID-19 cases

Inquirer by Melanie Burney, Updated: November 16, 2020- 7:28 PM

Haddonfield School Superintendent Charles Klaus began sounding the alarm last week that he was close to shutting down the district’s high school because of the rising number of positive COVID-19 cases. By Sunday, the numbers had worsened — two more confirmed cases, and as many as five pending. Klaus made the call to shift the school’s nearly 900 students to virtual learning for two weeks, starting Monday. “These decisions are hard,” Klaus said. “The risk is getting too high. Ultimately, we want everyone to be safe and healthy.” Across the region, school officials are grappling with whether to take similar action in the wake of a spike in coronavirus cases — New Jersey reported 2,232 cases last weekend; in Philadelphia, the city’s seven-day average last week reached as high as 751 new cases per day, up from less than 100 two months ago, city data show. The mounting COVID-19 cases prompted new restrictions announced Monday. New Jersey is prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people indoors and 100 outdoors, and Philadelphia is closing indoor dining, gyms, and museums until Jan. 1.

https://www.inquirer.com/education/nj-education-schools-virtual-learning-shift-coronavirus-spike-remote-hybrid-20201116.html

 

Easton, Emmaus, LCTI, Northampton

Track latest Lehigh Valley school closures due to COVID-19

By MORNING CALL STAFF  THE MORNING CALL | NOV 16, 2020 AT 4:28 PM

Several schools in the Lehigh Valley have shifted temporarily to remote learning in light of positive COVID-19 cases. The closures come as both Lehigh and Northampton counties are classified by the state as areas of “substantial” coronavirus spread. The Pennsylvania Department of Education and Department of Health recommends districts move to fully remote learning when there is substantial community transmission for two consecutive weeks. Despite the classification, school districts around the Lehigh Valley have announced they intend to continue with their hybrid programs, at least for now. Here’s the latest list of temporary closures:

https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-coronavirus-lehigh-valley-school-closures-20201116-bgf53onsbvczfl6e3sfvquckmy-story.html

 

More than 390 COVID-19 cases have been reported at Lancaster County schools. Here's where they are [update]

Lancaster Online by ALEX GELI | Staff Writer NOvembeer 16, 2020

More than 390 cases of COVID-19 have been reported at Lancaster County schools so far into the 2020-21 school year. The cases come from 16 school districts, plus a brick-and-mortar charter school in Lancaster city and the county's career and technology center.

And that might not be all.

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/more-than-390-covid-19-cases-have-been-reported-at-lancaster-county-schools-heres-where/article_3df9f520-f90e-11ea-a2d4-cb2cf761df4e.html

 

Schools In Central And Northern Pa. Move To At-Home, Hybrid Learning As COVID-19 Spreads

WPSU By ANNE DANAHY November 16, 2020

A growing number of school districts in central and northcentral Pennsylvania are switching schools to remote learning, even if temporarily, as COVID-19 case numbers in that part of the state increase sharply. Hollidaysburg Area School District moved its junior and senior high schools to remote learning this week, as it faced rising numbers of students testing positive and in quarantine because of possible exposure. The district hopes to return the schools to in-person learning Dec. 1. Forest Area School District also moved to remote learning starting today because of "a substantial level of community transmission for COVID-19." The district will continue remote learning at least through Dec. 4.  The nearby Altoona Area School District transitioned schools to a hybrid of remote and in-person learning, instead of fully in-person, because of the rising number of COVID cases. 

https://radio.wpsu.org/post/schools-central-and-northern-pa-move-home-hybrid-learning-covid-19-spreads

 

As coronavirus cases climb, Octorara switches to remote learning

Daily Local by Fran Maye fmaye@21st-centurymedia.com November 16, 2020

WEST FALLOWFIELD — Due to an increasing number of coronavirus cases and an increase in employee absences related to COVID-19, Octorara Junior-Senior High School will return to virtual instruction, at least until the end of Thanksgiving break. The transition to remote learning includes the suspension of all in-person athletic and extracurricular activities. "We are also anticipating that large groups of students may be required to quarantine as a result of the outside incidents reported this weekend to OASD," said Michele Orner, superintendent of Octorara Junior-Senior High School. "At best, contact tracing at the Chester County Health Department has become complicated because of the increase in the number of potential cases reported by Octorara to the health authorities. The system is becoming overwhelmed which impacts the ability for both organizations to make timely decisions."

https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/as-coronavirus-cases-climb-octorara-switches-to-remote-learning/article_c2775530-2808-11eb-bdc4-bfb4d789a080.html

 

Exeter School District to consider return to virtual learning because of rising coronavirus numbers

Pottstown Mercury By David Mekeel dmekeel@readingeagle.com @dmekeel on Twitter Nov 16, 2020

With cases of COVID-19 continuing to rise in Berks County and across Pennsylvania, the Exeter School District is considering returning to fully virtual learning. The district began the school year virtually, but on Nov. 2 shifted to a hybrid model where students have a mix of in-person and virtual classes. On Monday, Dr. Kimberly Minor, district superintendent, sent a message to families in the school district saying that the school board will consider a motion at its Tuesday meeting to shift back to full virtual. If passed, it would take effect Dec. 1 and run through Jan. 15.

https://www.pottsmerc.com/news/coronavirus/exeter-school-district-to-consider-return-to-virtual-learning-because-of-rising-coronavirus-numbers/article_569ea24e-88c2-5558-917b-c2b9b46ca47b.html

 

Emmaus High School closed until Dec. 1 due to coronavirus cases

By MICHELLE MERLIN THE MORNING CALL | NOV 16, 2020 AT 6:45 PM

Emmaus High School will be closed through Dec. 1 due to the number of coronavirus cases over the last two weeks. East Penn School District previously announced the school would be closed through Nov. 17, but on Monday said the closure will be extended through the end of the month. Instruction for students will continue remotely. “As a result of the number of positive cases within the past 14 days, in conjunction with the PA Department of Health, we have made the decision to extend the Emmaus High School closing through the Thanksgiving holiday,” Superintendent Kristen Campbell said in a statement.

https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-emmaus-high-school-closed-coronavirus-20201116-zoxhylmdg5godeyiphcmz75iti-story.html

 

LCTI closes for a week after 4 positive COVID cases in 14 days

By JACQUELINE PALOCHKO THE MORNING CALL | NOV 16, 2020 AT 7:08 PM

Lehigh Career and Technical Institute will close for a week because it has had four positive COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days. In a letter sent to families, the school said it anticipates reopening Nov. 23. Last month, LCTI closed for a week after three staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-lcti-closure-covid-cases-20201116-wu4szz7yvvcdhiioxvgkxarsym-story.html

 

Bristol Township OKs staggered hybrid return to classes

Bucks County Courier Times From staff reports November 16, 2020

The Bristol Township School Board voted Monday night to begin hybrid for students, with some heading back to classrooms as early as next week. The plan staggers the start of hybrid classes by grade levels, and the earliest students returning have schedules that include half days. Last month, the township board of education voted down a proposal to have students return to classrooms under the hybrid model, which includes some in-person learning mixed with days of virtual classes.  The board said it would revisit the issue at the meeting held Monday night, and reversed its decision. Starting Monday, Nov. 23, students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, third, sixth and ninth grades will begin hybrid. On Nov. 30, students in first, second, seventh and 10th start hybrid. 

https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/11/16/bristol-township-oks-hybrid-return-students/6321392002/

 

Carbondale Area School Board sets plan to move into hybrid learning

Times Tribune BY KATHLEEN BOLUS STAFF WRITER Nov 16, 2020

The Carbondale Area School Board approved the next step in the district’s reopening plan which gets students back into the classroom part time. Students who are currently learning fully online will begin a hybrid program that combines in-person and remote instruction a week after Lackawanna County remains in moderate status for two weeks. The state Department of Health designated Lackawanna County’s level of transmission of COVID-19 “substantial” again Monday. The tiers are calculated by incidence rate and the percent positivity of diagnostic testing. The state Department of Education recommends school districts remain virtual when designated substantial.

https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/carbondale-area-school-board-sets-plan-to-move-into-hybrid-learning/article_3bf74d3d-8225-5a56-adf4-45b2f0d01022.html

 

Tunkhannock Area sees COVID-19 outbreak, dismisses early

Robert L. Baker Times Tribune Nov 16, 2020

Tunkhannock Area Schools dismissed early Monday and will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday after two people tested positive for COVID-19 at the intermediate center and another person tested positive at the high school. Superintendent Heather McPherson said the district had been in touch with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to begin contact tracing. In an abundance of caution, all schools in the district will close for two days; students, teachers and paraprofessionals will work remotely, she added.

https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/tunkhannock-area-sees-covid-19-outbreak-dismisses-early/article_bb26fccf-fa4d-518e-bb02-22526bfbf9c8.html

 

Susquehanna Township School District schools moving to virtual learning

All district schools will reopen for in-person learning on Jan. 11, 2021

FOX43 Newsroom Published: 10:26 PM EST November 16, 2020

DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — All Susquehanna Township School District schools will temporarily close for in-person learning beginning on Nov. 23, and students will transition to All Remote Access (ARA) the district's virtual learning model, the administration announced.  All district schools will reopen for in-person learning on Jan. 11, 2021. Parents and guardians that opted to remain virtual for the 2nd marking period will continue with ARA classes. School officials say the decision was made based on the district’s Health and Safety Plan and School Closure Decision Matrix, which are based on guidance from the PA Department of Education (PDE) and PA Department of Health (PA DOH). Teachers and staff will continue to report to their buildings to deliver virtual instruction for all students. Offices will remain open to serve parents, guardians and members of the community.

https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/susquehanna-township-school-district-schools-moving-to-virtual-learning/521-08f2dd23-988f-4516-a4a1-a39115ba5ef2

 

South Western School District officials closing an elementary school because of COVID-19

Shelly Stallsmith York Daily Record November 16, 2020

Baresville Elementary School is going to online learning until after the Thanksgiving break.

South Western School District Superintendent Jay Burkhart confirmed Monday night that the school is closing because of COVID-19 cases. Baresville will reopen when students return to class on Dec. 1. "As of right now, we have three confirmed cases," Burkhart said, "with multiple pending."

https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/11/16/south-western-school-district-officials-close-elementary-school-covid/6320208002/

 

Chambersburg Area Middle School North will transition to virtual instruction Tuesday

Carley Bonk Chambersburg Public Opinion November 16, 2020

Due to COVID-19, Chambersburg Area Middle School North will transition to all virtual learning starting Nov. 17 with a tentative return on Dec. 3, according to a press release from the district. Late Monday, the Chambersburg Area School District administration was notified of one positive case of COVID-19 at the Chambersburg Area Middle School North. As a result, a significant number of teachers and teacher assistants at CAMS North will be unable to provide in-person instruction due to staffing limitations and subsequent quarantine measures as outlined by the CDC and PA Department of Health. The decision follows a series of closures across the district.

https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2020/11/16/due-case-covid-19-chambersburg-area-middle-school-north-going-virtual/6319773002/

 

How Will Biden Approach School Reopenings?

Answer: Schools over restaurants, for now.

New York Times By Amelia Nierenberg and Adam Pasick Nov. 16, 2020

Several months into the 2020-2021 school year, things are bad and getting worse. Most American children are not in classrooms, with many suffering ill effects. The country seems doomed to face increasing coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. There seems to be little chance of improved conditions for the rest of the year. So what will President-elect Joe Biden do about it when he takes office on Jan. 20? The incoming president’s coronavirus task force has said it would prioritize open schools over open businesses like restaurants, bars and gyms. “I would consider school an essential service,” Dr. Celine Gounder, a member of the task force, told our colleague Apoorva Mandavilli. “Those other things are not essential services.” Biden has promised money — lots of money — to help schools function safely. He has backed plans to send at least $88 billion to local and state governments, which would pay for protective equipment, ventilation, smaller classes and other expenses.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/16/us/biden-coronavirus-school-reopenings-task-force.html

 

NSBA joins National Organizations in Call on Congress to Invest in Schools During Lame Duck

NSBA Website November 16, 2020

With COVID19 Worsening, Schools Need Federal Aid Now More Than Ever 

National Organizations Call on Congress to Invest in Schools During Lame Duck 

NSBA joins organizations representing state and local officials, education leaders and other educators in the release of the following statement regarding federal COVID19 relief for educators:  “As the U.S. breaks domestic and international records for new COVID19 cases each day, schools continue to deliver education in virtual and inperson settings. States and school districts are expending significant resources to protect students and educators as state and local revenues continue to decline precipitously.   School districts are working diligently to reopen and stay open for inperson instruction where public health guidelines allow. Parents continue to sacrifice as they balance providing for their families and helping their children learn from home.   Educators continue to strive to deliver a highquality education to students across all grades. They are putting their health at risk to reach students who cannot learn in an online setting. Meanwhile, declines in state and local revenues that are outpacing the Great Recession a decade ago, have made educator job loss among the hardesthit sectors during the COVIDfueled economic crisis.   Yet, despite the sacrifices of schools, parents, and educators, Congress continues to fail to reach an agreement to help.  

https://nsba.org/News/2020/NSBA-joins-national-organizations-in-call-for-school-investment

 

How Will ESSA Hold Up During COVID-19? Pandemic Tests the Law's Resilience

Education Week By Andrew Ujifusa on November 16, 2020 3:04 PM

The Every Student Succeeds Act was enacted in 2015 after years of painstaking negotiations and compromise. But one thing the people who wrote it didn't include in the law, or talk about when they wrote it, was how it would be affected by a pandemic. As the coronavirus surges nationwide, some schools that had reopened for in-person instruction, or planned to, are reconsidering their options. Children who haven't swapped out public schools for other choices, or dropped off the radar altogether, still face major disruptions. And the pandemic has wrought huge changes if not chaos on educators in terms of where they can direct their time and energy. The main federal K-12 law focuses on accountability, but otherwise doesn't engage in a lot of micromanagement of how schools work. It has a limited amount of power by design. Will that structure help it endure? And how, and how much pressure could the pandemic put on the law's assumptions and foundations?

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2020/11/coronavirus-every-student-succeeds-act-test.html

 

 

Adopt the 2020 PSBA resolution for charter school funding reform

In this legislative session, PSBA has been leading the charge with the Senate, House of Representatives and the Governor’s Administration to push for positive charter reform. We’re now asking you to join the campaign: Adopt the resolution: We’re asking all school boards to adopt the 2020 resolution for charter school funding reform at your next board meeting and submit it to your legislators and to PSBA.

Resolution for charter funding reform (pdf)

Link to submit your adopted resolution to PSBA

 

324 PA school boards have adopted charter reform resolutions

Charter school funding reform continues to be a concern as over 300 school boards across the state have adopted a resolution calling for legislators to enact significant reforms to the Charter School Law to provide funding relief and ensure all schools are held to the same quality and ethics standards. Now more than ever, there is a growing momentum from school officials across the state to call for charter school funding reform. Legislators are hearing loud and clear that school districts need relief from the unfair funding system that results in school districts overpaying millions of dollars to charter schools.

The school boards from the following districts have adopted resolutions calling for charter funding reform. 

https://www.psba.org/2020/03/adopted-charter-reform-resolutions/

 

Know Your Facts on Funding and Charter Performance. Then Call for Charter Change!

PSBA Charter Change Website:

https://www.pacharterchange.org/

 

The Network for Public Education Action Conference has been rescheduled to April 24-25, 2021 at the Philadelphia Doubletree Hotel

 

Any comments contained herein are my comments, alone, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any other person or organization that I may be affiliated with.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.