Friday, November 22, 2019

PA Ed Policy Roundup for Nov. 22: Happy Friday! Massachusetts passes $12.5B ed funding bill. MD panel proposes $4B 10 year funding hike. While PA pushes zero accountability vouchers and sending millions more to GOP megadonor/charter operator Vahan Gureghian


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, 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

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

PA Ed Policy Roundup for Nov. 22, 2019
Happy Friday! Massachusetts passes $12.5B ed funding bill. MD panel proposes $4B 10 year funding hike. While PA pushes zero accountability vouchers and sending millions more to GOP megadonor/charter operator Vahan Gureghian



A Networking and Supportive Event for K-12 Educators of Color (teachers, school counselors, and administrators)! Thursday, December 12, 7:00-8:30 pm Villanova University, Dougherty Hall, West Lounge
Details and registration here



Breaking News! Pennsylvania Voucher Bill Blocked, for Now!
Diane Ravitch’s Blog By dianeravitch November 21, 2019 //
You read it here first. It has not appeared online.
Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Turzai did not have the votes to bring his voucher bill up for a vote. Your emails, phone calls, and letters made a difference! Stay alert! He may bring his zombie bill back in the future. The Network for Public Education Action Fund will keep watch.
https://dianeravitch.net/2019/11/21/breaking-news-pennsylvania-voucher-bill-blocked-for-now/

The House has canceled session on December 9, 10 & 11. They and the Senate will return to voting session next on December 16.
Tweet by PaCapitolDigest @PaCapitolDigest

The @PAIU Board of Directors have elected Dr. John George as its next Executive Director
https://paiu.org/resources/PR/PAIUNewExecDir.pdf… @MCIU
From Tweet by PAIU @PAIU
Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units Selects Executive Director Harrisburg, PA—The Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units (PAIU) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Dr. John J. George has been elected as the next executive director. Dr. George is slated to assume the position on October 1, 2020. “Having served as both an intermediate unit executive director for 12 years and a school district superintendent, Dr. George brings a unique combination of leadership and demonstrated ability to provide strategic vision for an organization, engage state and national educational political stakeholders, and lead and mentor intermediate unit leaders,” said Dr. Jill Hackman, PAIU Board President. “We are convinced and confident that Dr. George is the right person to successfully lead the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units.” Dr. George has served as the executive director of the Berks County Intermediate Unit and Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. Under his leadership, both intermediate units experienced significant revenue and personnel growth, launched new entrepreneurial activities, and enhanced relationships with school districts, governmental leaders, and community agencies. In January 2014, while maintaining his role as executive director, he assumed the position of acting superintendent of the Reading School District, a role he undertook to turn around the school district and ensure that the district remain under local control rather than state control. Because of his success, in 2019 he was asked to assume leadership of the Harrisburg School District to set it on a path of financial and academic recovery.
https://www.paiu.org/resources/PR/PAIUNewExecDir.pdf

“The majority of the $1.5 billion set aside in the bill will go to lower-performing and underfunded school districts, which means adding more teachers, bringing back art and music classes, and increasing funds for students from low-income households.”
Massachusetts unanimously passes landmark education funding bill
Boston25 News By: Natalie Rubino Updated: Nov 20, 2019 - 7:40 PM
BOSTON - State lawmakers have unanimously passed a monumental education funding bill that one advocate has called a "generation changer." On Wednesday, both the Senate and House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass the Student Opportunity Act. The bill is expected to bridge a gap that we've seen between the performance of schools in lower-income communities compared to higher-income areas. The majority of the $1.5 billion set aside in the bill will go to lower-performing and underfunded school districts, which means adding more teachers, bringing back art and music classes, and increasing funds for students from low-income households.
The Student Opportunity Act:
  • Brings the definition of “low income” from 133% to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • Increases funding for English learners
  • Ups district reimbursement for Special Education programs
  • Updates district’ healthcare costs
  • Requires districts to make public plans to invest in programming and close opportunity gaps
  • Develops a Data Advisory Commission to keep estimated costs and strategies up to date
In recent years, school districts in areas like Brockton and Revere have been forced to make millions of dollars worth of budgeting cuts. Those cuts came mostly in the form of teachers' jobs. 
https://www.boston25news.com/news/house-senate-set-to-pass-landmark-education-funding-bill/1010619087

“Under the plan, Maryland would phase in billions of dollars in added spending over the next decade. In 10 years, schools would receive about $4 billion in additional money each year for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.”
Maryland panel OKs education funding plan; goes to lawmakers
By BRIAN WITTEyesterday
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A Maryland commission on education approved a plan on Thursday to update the state’s funding formula to increase teacher pay and implement a wide-ranging proposal to improve schools with billions of dollars in added spending over the next decade. Supporters are calling it a once-in-a-generation effort that they believe will be transformational for the state’s schools. Opponents, however, point to its huge cost, saying it would lead to big tax increases. The panel voted 19-3 for the wide-ranging recommendations, which now go to the legislature. The proposal is expected to be one of the top issues in the upcoming 90-day session that begins in January. Under the plan, Maryland would phase in billions of dollars in added spending over the next decade. In 10 years, schools would receive about $4 billion in additional money each year for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The state would contribute about $2.8 billion and local governments would contribute about $1.2 billion in fiscal year 2030. William Kirwan, a longtime leader in education in the state who chaired the commission, said he believes the plan will be “a game-changer” for children and the future of the state.
“It’s not perfect, but it’s damn good,” Kirwan said.
https://apnews.com/afc5164bd9804a7fabd5991c56b2ddb2

‘Enough is enough’: at Philly school board meeting, community demands action
Inquirer by Kristen A. Graham and Wendy Ruderman, Updated: November 21, 2019- 10:23 PM
Anger over environmental conditions in Philadelphia public schools heightened Thursday as parents, teachers, students, and community members demanded action from the school board at a rally and a raucous public meeting. For months, the School District has been rocked by revelations of schools with dangerous toxins, damaged asbestos prominent among them. Fresh outrage came after an Inquirer story in which veteran Meredith Elementary teacher Lea DiRusso, 51, spoke for the first time about being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos. Both elementary schools in which DiRusso worked, Meredith and Nebinger, had damaged asbestos that went unrepaired for months, sometimes years, in spaces occupied by students and staff. And students and staff at four schools — Benjamin Franklin High School, Science Leadership Academy, Peirce Elementary, and Pratt, an early childhood education center — have been moved out of their buildings or will be soon because of crumbling asbestos.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philly-schools-environmental-hazards-asbestos-nurse-20191122.html

Guest Column: Pa. is making progress in war on gerrymandering
Delco Times Letter By Tom Buglio Times Columnist
 I volunteered for the grassroots, non partisan group Fair Districts PA this election, asking voters at a voting polling place if they would like to sign a petition that would make gerrymandering illegal in Pennsylvania. If I had done this two years ago, most people wouldn’t have any idea what I was talking about. However, in November of 2019, 50% of the people I talked to knew what gerrymandering was, and 70% had heard of it. This is truly a testament to the amazing amount of work done by Fair Districts PA and their founder and leader, Carol Kuniholm, who are working tirelessly to spread the message of gerrymandering being unfair and undemocratic. For those who do not know, gerrymandering is the practice of the political party in power to redraw the voting lines to make sure that their party wins the most seats in Harrisburg and the U.S. Congress, thereby controlling the election. Fair Districts brought to light the fact that Pennsylvania is one of the worst states in terms of gerrymandering, and explains why one party – the Republican party, which has been in control of Harrisburg – can be out-registered in the state 4 to 3, yet still dominate the state House and Senate for the last 20-30 years.
However, it is not limited to one party.
https://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/guest-column-pa-is-making-progress-in-war-on-gerrymandering/article_82eed6a6-0c87-11ea-bab7-772ae49b526a.html

West Vincent Elementary named Blue Ribbon School
Pottstown Mercury By Laura Catalano For MediaNews Group November 21, 2019
SOUTH COVENTRY — The Owen J. Roberts School Board recently recognized West Vincent Elementary School for being named a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School. West Vincent was one of only 362 schools nationwide, and of only 18 in Pennsylvania, to earn that recognition, which was based on the school’s overall academic performance. At a school board meeting Monday, OJR Superintendent Susan Lloyd presented West Vincent Principal Edward J. Smith with a large round sign bearing an image of the Seal of the United States encircled by the words U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School, 2019.
https://www.pottsmerc.com/news/local/west-vincent-elementary-named-blue-ribbon-school/article_e96e4152-0c8a-11ea-b171-07f2e7d99dd2.html

The Growing Influence of Jounce Partners in Philly SD
Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools November 24, 2017 by Lisa Haver and Lynda Rubin
It would be safe to say that no public school teacher in Philadelphia has seen or heard any colleague forcing a student to face the wall and repeat the same phrase 25 or 30 times. Any principal who witnessed such an occurrence would be within his or her rights to formally reprimand that teacher.
Wall Practice:
1. After giving feedback and monitoring to the point of automaticity, have teacher(s) turn toward a wall in the room to practice the skill 10-20 more times (primarily used for multi-teacher PD sessions).
2. Frame as optimal practice because greatest number of reps can be achieved this way.
3. Emphasize the importance of every rep being executed perfectly and with exaggeration of nuances.
Incredibly, that is precisely what teachers in some district schools are being forced to do. It is but one of the tactics developed by Jounce Partners as part of its intensive coaching and professional development plan, already in use at McDaniel Elementary, one of the eleven schools designated last year as “Priority Schools”. The district has approved Jounce as a partner for principal and teacher training in schools that have been included in its “System of Great Schools”.
https://appsphilly.net/2017/11/24/the-growing-influence-of-jounce-partners/

That Blue Wave keeps crashing over Delco
Delco Times Heron’s Nest Blog by Editor Phil Heron November 22, 2019
This week's announce by longtime state Rep. Steve Barrar that he was retiring at the end of his term was jarring in more ways than one. Barrar, R-160, of Upper Chichester, has spent two dozen years representing portions of Delaware and Chester counties in the Legislature. But he's part of an increasingly rare breed, a sign of the times and a clear example of the seismic shift in Delco politics. If Democrats continue their roll in county elections, it would be easy to see a Dem taking that seat. That would leave the once-powerful Delco Republican Party, which consistently rolled up big wins in legislative races, with exactly one reprentative in the state House.
https://delcoheronsnest.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-blue-wave-keeps-rolling-over-delco.html


A Networking and Supportive Event for K-12 Educators of Color (teachers, school counselors, and administrators)! Thursday, December 12, 7:00-8:30 pm Villanova University, Dougherty Hall, West Lounge
You are cordially invited to this gathering, with the goal of networking and lending support and sustenance to our K-12 Educators of Color and their allies. This is your chance to make requests, share resources, and build up our community. Please feel free to bring a school counselor, teacher, or administrator friend! Light refreshments provided.
When: Thursday, December 12, 7:00-8:30 pm
Where: Villanova University, Dougherty Hall, West Lounge (first floor, back of building)
Directions, campus and parking map found here
Parking: Free parking in lot L2. Turn on St. Thomas Way, off of Lancaster Avenue. You will need to print a parking pass that will be emailed shortly before the event to all who register.
Questions? Contact an event organizer: Dr. Krista Malott (krista.malott@villanova.edu), Dr. Jerusha Conner (Jerusha.conner@villanova.edu), Department of Education & Counseling, and Dr. Anthony Stevenson, Administrator, Radnor School District (Anthony.Stevenson@rtsd.org)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/k-12-educators-of-color-december-meet-and-mingle-tickets-80494642643?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=estw&utm-source=tw&utm-term=listing

PSBA Alumni Forum: Leaving school board service?
Continue your connection and commitment to public education by joining PSBA Alumni Forum. Benefits of the complimentary membership includes:
  • electronic access to PSBA Bulletin
  • legislative information via email
  • Daily EDition e-newsletter
  • Special access to one dedicated annual briefing
Register today online. Contact Crista Degregorio at Crista.Degregorio@psba.org with questions.

Save the Date: PSBA/PASA/PAIU Advocacy Day at the Capitol-- March 23, 2020
Registration will open on December 2, 2019

PSBA New and Advanced School Director Training in Dec & Jan
Do you want high-impact, engaging training that newly elected and reseated school directors can attend to be certified in new and advanced required training? PSBA has been supporting new school directors for more than 50 years by enlisting statewide experts in school law, finance and governance to deliver a one-day foundational training. This year, we are adding a parallel track of sessions for those who need advanced school director training to meet their compliance requirements. These sessions will be delivered by the same experts but with advanced content. Look for a compact evening training or a longer Saturday session at a location near you. All sites will include one hour of trauma-informed training required by Act 18 of 2019. Weekend sites will include an extra hour for a legislative update from PSBA’s government affairs team.
New School Director Training
Week Nights: Registration opens 3:00 p.m., program starts 3:30 p.m. -9:00 p.m., dinner with break included
Saturdays: Registration opens at 8:00 a.m., program starts at 9:00 a.m. -3:30 p.m., lunch with break included
Advanced School Director Training
Week Nights: Registration with dinner provided opens at 4:30 p.m., program starts 5:30 p.m. -9:00 p.m.
Saturdays: Registration opens at 10:00 a.m., program starts at 11:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., lunch with break included
Locations and dates

Congress, Courts, and a National Election: 50 Million Children’s Futures Are at Stake. Be their champion at the 2020 Advocacy Institute.
NSBA Advocacy Institute Feb. 2-4, 2020 Marriot Marquis, Washington, D.C.
Join school leaders from across the country on Capitol Hill, Feb. 2-4, 2020 to influence the legislative agenda & shape decisions that impact public schools. Check out the schedule & more at https://nsba.org/Events/Advocacy-Institute

Register now for Network for Public Education Action National Conference in Philadelphia March 28-29, 2020
Registration, hotel information, keynote speakers and panels:
https://npeaction.org/2020-conference/

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.

Posted by at
Labels: , , , ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

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

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)