Wednesday, December 27, 2017

PA Ed Policy Roundup Dec. 26: Three members of Youth United for Change – ages 17, 18, & 19 - conducted 20 interviews over 4 weeks to better understand Pennsylvania’s failed school funding system and what can be done about it.

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, Wolf education transition team members, 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
Follow us on Twitter at @lfeinberg

Keystone State Education Coalition


CHIP gets a funding reprieve, but it's only temporary
KATE GIAMMARISE Pittsburgh Post-Gazette kgiammarise@post-gazette.com 1:52 PM
DEC 22, 2017
As lawmakers left Washington until January, a continuing resolution Congress passed this week would fund the Children's Health Insurance Program — but only through March. Federal funding for the program, which insures more than 180,000 Pennsylvania children, expired months ago, when Congress failed to act by a Sept. 30 deadline. In a statement Friday, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and Acting Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller called the temporary fix disappointing. “[T]his partial funding is not the answer and Congress’ failure to do the right thing and fully fund this critical program is appalling,” they wrote. A number of advocates said they were relieved for the short-term fix, but emphasized the program needs long-term funding to provide stability to state officials and insurers and peace of mind for the families whose children are insured. “Congress just put a Band-Aid on a life-threatening gaping wound," said Joan Benso, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children.

Partisan harping over CHIP program is shameful | Editorial
By Express-Times opinion staff Updated Dec 24; Posted Dec 24
Of all the bargaining chips called into play by congressional Republicans and Democrats over budget differences, the worst and most inexcusable is health coverage for kids. The all-but-depleted Children's Health Insurance Program was brought back from insolvency Thursday, when the House and Senate passed a short-term budget resolution to keep the government operating, and keep CHIP going for two or three more months. Why the stop-gap fix? Why not a five-year reauthorization? CHIP is the rare federal health program that enjoys bipartisan support in Congress. It provides assistance -- doctor's appointments, immunizations, care for life-threatening illnesses -- for children whose parents make too much to qualify for Medicaid, yet can't afford private insurance. Working families trying to survive.

 Realizing Our Potential: Building Power to Win the School Resources We Deserve
Youth United for Change Posted by Alia Trindle on December 22, 2017
Over the summer of 2017, three members of Youth United for Change – ages 17, 18, and 19 - conducted twenty interviews over four weeks to better understand Pennsylvania’s failed school funding system and what can be done about it. We sat down with public education advocates, community organizers, reporters, school board members, and other elected officials who are all widely considered experts in the field. Each person interviewed spends a significant portion of their time on phone calls, in meetings, sitting down with legislators, and writing reports on how to ensure every child in Pennsylvania has access to a quality public education. Why is our system of funding schools so broken? Why aren’t there more young people at the table helping to come up with solutions? Why are we battling over crumbs when the quality of our lives is at stake? These are the questions that have guided this project, the summation of which you hold in your hands. Investing in a school funding system that addresses both equity and adequacy is critical to giving all Pennsylvania’s young people the chance to develop to their full potential. What will it take to achieve this? Students, parents, teachers, and community members coming together to demand the resources we need and deserve.

Pittsburgh's Karen Farmer White appointed new chair of Pa. Board of Education after predecessor resigns
COURTNEY LINDER Pittsburgh Post-Gazette clinder@post-gazette.com 3:42 PM DEC 22, 2017
The Pittsburgher appointed by the governor to head the State Board of Education has held several board positions for educational institutions and headed a nonprofit that assists poor black communities. Following the resignation of the former longtime State Board of Education chair amid sexual misconduct allegations, Gov. Tom Wolf appointed Karen Farmer White to the position on Friday. Ms. Farmer White, who previously served for two terms on the State Board of Education and the Board’s Council of Basic Education, will become the first African-American chair.

Pittsburgh City schools no longer will suspend youngest students
ELIZABETH BEHRMAN Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Lbehrman@post-gazette.com 9:59 PM  
DEC 20, 2017
Beginning next fall, Pittsburgh Public Schools no longer will suspend its youngest students for minor infractions. The school board approved the policy in a 7-2 vote Wednesday night, clearing the way to ban suspensions for nonviolent offenses for students in kindergarten through second grade starting next school year. The policy passed after nearly two hours of debate and months of discussion and study. A dozen supporters rallied before the meeting to urge the board to pass the measure, then the meeting itself contained some tense moments as board members argued over how specifically to implement the change.  “It would be unfair to our children and staff to put this policy in place with having all of our T’s crossed and I’s dotted,” said board member Cynthia Falls, who voted with Terry Kennedy against the measure because there is not yet a concrete implementation plan or a guarantee about what other classroom supports will be provided to teachers and administrators. But other board members said they were confident the plan would be formalized by the district administration by the Sept. 1 implementation date. 

Charter School Discussion in Philly Jan 11, 2018 8:00 - 9:30 a.m
PCCY Email December 26, 2017
Serious flaws in Pennsylvania’s charter school law put the quality of charter schools on the back burner.  Join PCCY for a discussion of how other states’ laws are doing a better job and explore what makes sense in Pennsylvania. January 11, 2018 from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m, at the United Way Building 1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 19103
Featured speakers include:
·         Representative James Roebuck (D), PA General Assembly, Democratic Chairman - Education Committee
·         Representative Jordan Harris (D), PA General Assembly
·         Veronica Brooks-Uy, Policy Director, National Association of Charter School Authorizers
·         Sharif El-Mekki, Principal, Mastery Charter Schools
·         Jeff Sparagana, Ed.D, Former Superintendent Pottstown School District
·         Doug Carney, Former Springfield School Board Member (24 years), SVP Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
·         Donna Cooper, Executive Director, Public Citizens for Children and Youth
·         Tomea Sippio-Smith, Education Policy Director, Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY)

Pennsylvania: Low-Performing Charter Gets Renewed for 9 Years While Bankrupting Local School District
Diane Ravitch’s Blog By dianeravitch December 23, 2017 //
In the bizarro world of charters in Pennsylvania, the receiver of a bankrupt district (Chester Upland) granted a nine-year renewal to a low-performing charter school (The Chester Community Charter School), pushing millions towards its sponsor. The charter enrolls 70% of the primary school students in the district. It has been the prime mover in bankrupting the district, drawing away resources and students. In exchange for not opening a high school (which it did not plan to do), the receiver gave it another nine more years. What is behind this sweet deal? The owner of the school was one of the biggest contributors to former Republican Governor Tom Corbett and a member of his transition team. He has profited handsomely by supplying goods and services to his Chester Community Charter School.

Early talks begin on Upper Darby budget process for next school year
Delco Times By Kevin Tustin, ktustin@21st-centurymedia.com, @KevinTustin on Twitter POSTED: 12/25/17, 7:54 PM EST 
UPPER DARBY >> Sight unseen for the 2018-19 budget, the Upper Darby School Board will vote at an upcoming meeting to not exceed their state-issued tax increase allowance. A motion moved out of committee on Dec. 19 that will allow the district to take the accelerated budget opt-out route which holds the board to not raising taxes higher than its Act 1 index of 3.4 percent for the next budget. With the accelerated option the district will bypass the preliminary budget process and only be liable to present a proposed final budget before a final budget adoption. If the board approves the accelerated resolution at its Jan. 9 meeting, the following budget process timeline will be put in place as recommended by Chief Financial Officer Patrick Grant: Presentation of the proposed final budget on May 16; public comment and adoption of the proposed final budget on May 22; adoption of the final budget on June 19. The district has taken the accelerated route for the past two budget cycles and has kept the tax increases below its respective year’s Act 1 indices- zero tax increase for 2016-17 and a 2.89 percent tax increase for 2017-18.

New superintendents, students from Puerto Rico and charter schools are top Morning Call education stories in 2017
Jacqueline Palochko Contact Reporter Of The Morning Call December 26, 2017
In 2017, Lehigh Valley school districts welcomed new superintendents, enrolled an influx of students from hurricane-damaged Puerto Rico, opened new buildings and continued to compete with charter schools. Here’s a list of the top education stories in the Lehigh Valley from the past year:

PA15: Is Pennsylvania's 15th District U.S. House seat truly up for grabs?
Nicole Radzievich Contact Reporter Of The Morning Call December 26, 2017
Top of Form
Charlie Dent has been the Floyd Mayweather Jr. of Pennsylvania’s 15th congressional district.
Like the undefeated boxer, Dent came out on top no matter the challenger or the political climate during the last 14 years. Opposed by the well-heeled, popular Democrat John Callahan in 2010? Dispatched him by 15 points. Running against Democratic enthusiasm galvanized by Barack Obama’s message of “hope and change” in 2008? Cruised to victory by 17 points. Dent was viewed as so strong no one even challenged him in 2014. But Dent’s decision not to seek re-election in 2018 created a political vacuum attracting contenders from both sides of the aisle. At least six Democrats and four Republicans said they intend to run. A Democrat hasn’t represented the district this century, but the party appears energized to combat President Donald Trump and added the Republican-leaning district to their list of “battleground races” next year.
That has the political world asking if the 15th District, centered in the Lehigh Valley but stretching from the Delaware to the Susquehanna rivers, is truly up for grabs.

PA7: Amid Daylin Leach allegations, Dems regroup in key House race
Inquirer by Andrew Seidman, Staff Writer  @AndrewSeidman |  ASeidman@phillynews.com Updated: DECEMBER 23, 2017 — 8:53 AM EST
U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan is one of 23 Republican incumbents who represent districts where Hillary Clinton won in 2016.
Allegations of inappropriate conduct against State Sen. Daylin Leach may have delivered an early setback to Democrats’ hopes of picking up one of the Philadelphia suburban congressional seats they’ll likely need to win control of the House in next year’s elections. But some Democrats and political analysts say Leach, a vocal proponent of medicinal marijuana and other progressive issues, may have been too liberal and bombastic to defeat Republican U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan in Pennsylvania’s moderate Seventh Congressional District. Polling shows that voters across the country, by double-digit margins, currently want Democrats to control Congress. Combined with President Trump’s low approval ratingand the as-of-now unpopular tax overhaul, Democratic recruiters can make a good case to strong prospective candidates that 2018 is the year to run.

PA16: Democrats running against Rep. Lloyd Smucker rake in endorsements in competitive primary
Lancaster Online by SAM JANESCH | Staff Writer Dec 24, 2017
From the mayors of Lancaster and Pittsburgh to groups invested in local or national politics — endorsements are beginning to flow in for Democrats running for Congress in Lancaster County. Four potential candidates are hoping to win their party’s nomination in May to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker during his first re-election campaign. The district, which covers most of Lancaster County and parts of Berks and Chester counties, is historically Republican. The GOP currently holds a 6-point edge over Democrats in registered voters, and Smucker, a former two-term state senator from West Lampeter Township, notched an 11-point victory in 2016. But with a wave of enthusiasm among progressives nationwide, two of the Democratic candidates here — Christina Hartman and Jess King — are adding endorsements to a significant early fundraising haul in their quests to win the nomination and take on the incumbent.

Proposed bill eliminates more than 50 state reps from Pa. house
Intelligencer By James Boyle Posted Dec 26, 2017 at 4:00 PM
A bill proposing the reduction of state representatives from 203 to 151 needs to pass the general assembly and a voter referendum before amending the Pennsylvania constitution. State lawmakers have to get moving on a bill to reduce the amount of legislators in Harrisburg if they want to give Pennsylvania residents a chance to vote on the proposal. House Bill 153 proposes a change to the state constitution that would remove more than 50 state representatives from the assembly, an idea that must be finalized by a ballot referendum. A co-sponsor of the bill since its first iteration in 2012, state Rep. Frank Farry, R-142, Langhorne, says the measure will save taxpayers millions and make state government more efficient. “Getting the 102 votes necessary to pass bills through the House can feel a little bit like herding cats,” Farry said. “There can be a balance struck between doing the right thing, representation-wise, and still provide the level of access warranted for the residents.” HB 153 survived the first step toward a constitution amendment, passing the House and Senate in the 2015-16 legislative session. The bill’s author, Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, Tamaqua, reintroduced the measure in January. It was referred in January to the State Government committee, where it remains. In order to amend the constitution, the bill has to be approved by both chambers in consecutive legislative sessions, then placed on the ballot as a voter referendum. Knowles expressed confidence in a November statement that a floor vote will happen this year.

“Pennsylvania needs to make changes to how and when the performance of English-language learners will be included in its system, the department says. It's not clear from Pennsylvania's application that academic factors (like test scores) will carry much greater weight than nonacademic factors (like college readiness). The state also needs to more fully describe its method for identifying the bottom 5 percent of performers. And Pennsylvania needs to do a better job of explaining how it will make sure that disadvantaged students get their fair share of effective teachers.”
Trump Ed. Dept. Wants Improvements to ESSA Plans for California, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Two Other States
Education Week By Alyson Klein on December 22, 2017 3:00 PM
Arkansas, California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas need to make some big improvements to their plans to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act, according to letters released publicly Friday by the U.S. Department of Education. The most important letter is probably California's. It's a huge population center, and its plan, which relies on a dashboard to track school accountability, is either one of the most innovative and holistic in the country or one of squishiest and most confusing, depending on who you talk to.

Our Most Popular Posts This Year Had ESSA, Donald Trump, and ... Betsy DeVos
Education Week Politics K12 Blog By Andrew Ujifusa on December 26, 2017 8:13 AM
What a time to be alive—and covering education.
This year featured a new president, a new education secretary, and the first year schools began shifting to the Every Student Succeeds Act. It's been a busy year for us, and to cap it off, we're highlighting the 10 blog posts we wrote that got the most readership in 2017. Here we go, from the post with the 10th-most views to the post with the most views:

Top Education Stories of 2017: Education Week’s Most Viewed
To provide a sense of what was high on our readers' priority lists in 2017, the editors at Education Week compiled a list of our 10 most-viewed news articles and blog posts.

NPR: The Biggest Education Stories Of 2017 And 2018
NPR Heard on Morning Edition by ANYA KAMENETZ December 27, 20174:58 AM ET
It's not every year that a new Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, becomes a household name, satirized on Saturday Night Live, never mind being the most unpopular member of a historically unpopular cabinet. But we live in interesting times and the nations' schools and colleges are no exception. Here's a look back at the major moments in education this year, and a glimpse of what's to come in 2018.
https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/12/27/572331380/the-biggest-education-stories-of-2017-and-2018?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=npred



Register for New School Director Training in December and January
PSBA Website October 2017
You’ve started a challenging and exciting new role as a school director. Let us help you narrow the learning curve! PSBA’s New School Director Training provides school directors with foundational knowledge about their role, responsibilities and ethical obligations. At this live workshop, participants will learn about key laws, policies, and processes that guide school board governance and leadership, and develop skills for becoming strong advocates in their community. Get the tools you need from experts during this visually engaging and interactive event.
Choose from any of these remaining locations and dates (note: all sessions are held 8 a.m.-4 p.m., unless specified otherwise.):
·         Jan. 6, Haverford Middle School
·         Jan. 13, A W Beattie Career Center
·         Jan. 13, Parkland HS
Fees: Complimentary to All-Access members or $170 per person for standard membership. All registrations will be billed to the listed district, IU or CTC. To request billing to an individual, please contact Michelle Kunkel at michelle.kunkel@psba.org. Registration also includes a box lunch on site and printed resources.

NSBA 2018 Advocacy Institute February 4 - 6, 2018 Marriott Marquis, Washington D.C.
Register Now
Come a day early and attend the Equity Symposium!
Join hundreds of public education advocates on Capitol Hill and help shape the decisions made in Washington D.C. that directly impact our students. At the 2018 Advocacy Institute, you’ll gain insight into the most critical issues affecting public education, sharpen your advocacy skills, and prepare for effective meetings with your representatives. Whether you are an expert advocator or a novice, attend and experience inspirational keynote speakers and education sessions featuring policymakers, legal experts and policy influencers. All designed to help you advocate for your students and communities.

REGISTER TODAY! ELECTED. ENGAGED. EMPOWERED:
Local School Board Members to Advocate on Capitol Hill in 2018     
NSBA's Advocacy Institute 2018 entitled, "Elected. Engaged. Empowered: Representing the Voice in Public Education," will be held on February 4-6, 2018 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. This conference will convene Members of Congress, national thought-leaders, state association executives and well-known political pundits to provide local school board members with an update on key policy and legal issues impacting public education, and tactics and strategies to enhance their ability to influence the policy-making process and national education debate during their year-round advocacy efforts.
WHAT'S NEW - ADVOCACY INSTITUTE '18?
·         Confirmed National Speaker: Cokie Roberts, Political Commentator for NPR and ABC News
·         NSBA will convene first ever National School Board Town Hall on School Choice
·         Includes General Sessions featuring national policy experts, Members of Congress, "DC Insiders" and local school board members
·         Offers conference attendees "Beginner" and "Advanced" Advocacy breakout sessions
·         NSBA will host a Hill Day Wrap-Up Reception
Click here to register for the Advocacy Institute.  The hotel block will close on Monday, January 15
.
Registration is now open for the 2018 PASA Education Congress! State College, PA, March 19-20, 2018
Don't miss this marquee event for Pennsylvania school leaders at the Nittany Lion Inn, State College, PA, March 19-20, 2018.
Learn more by visiting http://www.pasa-net.org/2018edcongress 

SAVE THE DATE for the 2018 PA Educational Leadership Summit - July 29-31 - State College, PA sponsored by the PA Principals Association, PASA, PAMLE and PASCD.  
This year's Summit will be held from July 29-31, 2018 at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College, PA.

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.


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