The 2019-20 CATS Secondary Program Approval file is now open for new secondary CTE program approval requests. The deadline for seeking new program approval is May 31, 2019. CATS can be accessed at the login on PDE’s homepage. The newly updated CATS Secondary Program Approval Instructions are available on the PDE website. Any secondary institution may submit a request for POS approval. Currently, there are 43 POS available on PDE’s website. Questions should be directed to Tammy Keisling, at (717)783-6996 or email [email protected].
Category: Government Actions
PDE Releases Info Regarding Surrogate Parents (February 23, 2019)
On February 21, 2019, Ann Hinkson-Herrmann, PDE Director of the Bureau of Special Education disseminated a memo via PennLink to all local educational agencies (LEAs) titled Surrogate Parents. The purpose of that Penn*Link was to reemphasize the role and responsibilities of the LEA in identifying unaccompanied homeless youth with disabilities and the need to promptly appoint surrogate parents for these students.
Also, the Bureau of Special Education (BSE), has reviewed and revised the Basic Education Circular (BEC): Surrogate Parents previously issued July 2014. The revised version has replaced the previous version with the same name and includes new information emphasizing the LEA role in identifying unaccompanied homeless youth and the need to appoint surrogate parents. A copy of this BEC can be found on PDEās website at www.education.pa.gov, Policy and Funding, BECs or on the PAPSA website in “Downloads.”
Lastly, LEAs also are advised to refer to the Surrogate Parent Guidelines for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Eligible or Thought-to-Be Eligible Students located on the PaTTAN website at: www.pattan.net. or on the PAPSA website in “Downloads.” Any questions concerning this topic should be directed to John Gombocz at 717.772.3745 or [email protected].
Deadline Passes for Comment on New USDE Rules on Sexual Assault (February 22, 2019)
Recently, the deadline passed for the submittal of comments on draft rules promulgated by the Trump administration that will govern how accusations of sexual assault at the nationās schools are handled. One of the new rules will allow for cross-examination of accusers in real time, which has alarmed victimsā advocates. Other changes also revise standards of notice, proof, and jurisdiction.
In 2011, the Obama administration issued a letter that required school administrators to effectively handle cases, but did not provide specific procedures. Also, school districts that appeared to be ineffective in handling such cases were at risk of losing Title IX federal funds. Those critical of that letter have espoused that school district officials often favor the accuser/victim, putting mostly males at a perceived unfair advantage. Conversely, others have pointed to a multitude of cases whereby accusers have experienced much difficulty with regard to being treated fairly, and that false complaints are in the great minority.
Now, the rules promulgated by USDE Secretary Betsy Devos are viewed as granting more protections to students alleged to have committed misconduct and easing up on the oversight of school districts. They would also allow cross-examination of the accuser and maintain that harassment must be āso severe, pervasive, and objectively offensiveā that it denies a person equal access to education. A major point of contention centers on what qualifies as āpervasiveā, particularly in an instance where there has been a single egregious act. Further concerns include that a school districtās purview is limited to acts committed on campus or at officially sanctioned school activities, and a victim must notify the applicable ācorrective authority.ā Thus, many believe that the new rules will deter reporting.
Once the USDE has considered comments received, a determination will be made as to what shape the final rules will take.
Act 105 of 2018 Sunscreen Application Forms not yet Available from PDE (February 7, 2019)
As per an update from the PA Department of Health (PDH), sunscreen application forms are not yet available from the PA Department of Education (PDE) for Act 105 of 2018 sunscreen-carry and self-application, which was signed into law October 24, 2018. As per the law, parents/guardians and students must each submit a permission form to the school for a student to self-carry and self-apply sunscreen at school. The forms are currently being developed by PDE.
Students who are unable to self-apply sunscreen must have an order from the school physician or their primary care provider along with parental permission as with any other over-the-counter medication.
Dental Hygiene Services Program Authorization Plan (DHSP) to be Submitted by End of April (February 7, 2019)
The PA Department of Health has announced that the Dental Hygiene Services Program Authorization Plan must be submitted by school districts between April 1 to April 30, 2019 for the upcoming school year. School districts are reminded that completing the authorization plan does not automatically submit it. School districts are also reminded that they are still required to employ or contract with a dentist when they have a dental hygiene program and that the written plan must be approved when created, amended, and/or at least every three (3) years. Any school district that does not submit the Dental Hygiene Authorization Plan by April 30, 2019 will automatically be classified as a āMandated Dental Programā and will not be able to convert to a hygiene program after April 30th and no exceptions are permitted due to the dynamics of the SHARRS program.