On November 15, 2018, PDE unveiled the Future Ready PA Index, the new online measurement tool that replaces the School Performance Profile (SPP). The index measures schools in the areas of student academic performance of students; whether student progress is on track; and whether, upon graduation, students demonstrate a readiness for success in college or beginning a career. The Future Ready PA Index and Review can be viewed at https://futurereadypa.org/
Category: Government Actions
PA State Board Takes Action at November Meeting (November 16, 2018)
At its November 2018 meeting, the PA State Board of Education performed the following actions:
- On Wednesday, November 14th, reviewed proposed PDE revisions to the regulations for the certification of professional personnel in Chapter 49 of the PA School Code to address issues identified in meetings with stakeholders held by PDE. Such issues include, but are not limited to, changes to the clinical training experience, addressing teacher shortages, and revising assessment requirements for licensure. However, it is important to note that the proposed revisions do not include the age/grade spans for certificates since PDE plans to work with the General Assembly in that regard, except for changes already made in Act 82 of 2018 that addresses special education certification. The State Board plans to hold public hearings on the draft changes on dates yet to be determined.
- On Thursday, November 15th, adopted a new master plan for basic education, which must be updated on a ten-year cycle. The new master plan for basic education can be seen at https://www.stateboard.education.pa.gov/Documents/About%20the%20Board/Board%20Actions/2018/Master%20Plan%20for%20Basic%20Education.pdf
State Commission to Study High School Start Times (October 28, 2018)
The PA Senate adopted Senate Resolution 417, which directs the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee to study and report, within one year, on the effects of later start times for high school students.
Sunshine Law Tweaked to Help Schools with Safety Planning (October 27, 2018)
Earlier this week, Gov. Wolf signed Act 156 of 2018, formerly Senate Bill 1078 , which amends the Sunshine Act to allow public agencies, including school boards, to discuss security measures in executive sessions. The new law complements Act 39 of 2018, which amends the PA School Code to allow public school entities, such as school boards, to go into executive session to discuss matters related to school safety.
Gov. Wolf Signs New Law to Help Military Families (October 27, 2018)
Legislation signed earlier this week by Governor Wolf is designed to help military families. Act 119 of 2018, formerly House Bill 2052 , requires public schools to provide access to support services if a student’s parent/guardian, who is deployed for active duty, notifies the school of his/her deployment and requests additional supports or services for his/her child. Services include school guidance counselors; school psychologists; school social workers; home and school visitors; providing information regarding existing federal and state military support services; and any other service, agency, or resources necessary to assist the student and his/her parent/guardian. PDE and the PA Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs are charged with providing information regarding the requirements and materials for schools to use to inform parents/guardians who may be deployed.