Category: State Government Actions

CATS Program Approval File is Now Open (March 18, 2024)

On March 18, 2024, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced that the 2024-25 CATS Secondary Program Approval file is now open for new secondary CTE program approval requests, updates to existing approved programs, and for re-approval purposes. The CATS file is a series of individual pages containing data elements pertaining to various aspects of approved CTE programs.

All FRCPP CATS information should be updated annually to include:

  • CATS contact information.
  • Upload new annual course catalog.
  • Update any common support services and upload new LAC and other meetings provided on the Common LEA page.
  • Updated letters of support that are dated, signed and on letterhead.
  • Update any OAC member changes and upload latest OAC meeting minutes and dates.
  • Crosswalk Phase IV task grids just released and uploaded.
  • Review and update accountability annual targets by selecting the correct year and review with school program performance and click yes if targets were met or click no if they were not met.
  • Update CTSO rosters.
  • Update any scope and sequence changes, due to course revisions or articulation agreement changes.
  • Update all one-to-one articulations and dual enrollment agreements annually.
  • Update any teacher changes or expired teacher certifications and any industry credential revisions.
  • Update any revisions to any apprenticeships/accreditations that may have occurred.

Schools must seek one of two deliveries. Where a Program of Study (POS) exists (state developed task grid, statewide articulation agreement), the school must apply for the POS delivery. Where a POS does not exist, the school must apply for a Career and Technical Education delivery. The deadline for seeking new program approval is May 31, 2024. CATS can be accessed at the login on MyPDESuite.

The Career Pathway Option is a radial button in CATS to connect two or more Classification of Instructional Programs (CIPs) that are POS approved programs and offer the same foundational technical curriculum the first year. This pathway allows students to experience several related CIPs in a POS Pathway and requires specific elements for pathway approval.

Any secondary school may submit a request for POS Pathway approval. Currently, there are 38 POS available on PDE’s website.

The competency/task grid for each POS is the foundational curriculum framework for the CIP. Therefore, all competencies/tasks must be addressed in the approved program.

POS competency/task grids have been revised and are posted on the PDE website. Local Education Agencies must use the most recent list available. Additional competencies should be added as recommended by your Occupational Advisory Committee. Each course in the scope and sequence must be cross walked to the task grid and aligned to the course where the tasks are taught and uploaded in the FRCPP CATS system on the specific information tab/student technical competencies page. 

Approved POS will provide the benefit of the articulated credits indicated by the statewide group of postsecondary institutions on CollegeTransfer.net. Anyone with questions is asked to contact Tammy Keisling at (717) 783-6996 or [email protected].

PDE: Data Creates A World Of Opportunities For Public Education (March 12, 2024)

On March12, 2024, Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin served as the keystone speaker at the PDE Data Summit in Hershey, highlighting how data can create opportunities for public education in the Commonwealth. According to Sec. Mumin, the Shapiro Administration is committed to making sure students get the support they need to succeed – in school and beyond. The 2024-25 budget proposal builds on last year’s progress to ensure all Pennsylvania children have the opportunity to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed, by investing in our public schools, teachers, facilities and more. 

This year’s proposal includes a nearly $1.1 billion increase in basic education funding – the largest in Pennsylvania history. The 2024-25 budget proposal also includes $300 million for school environmental repairs, $100 million for mental health supports in schools, a $50 million increase for special education funding, a $50 million annual investment in school safety and security improvements, and $30 million to build and support the educator workforce.

Data plays a critical role in determining policy and budgetary priorities in any given year, and this year specifically informed a number of key initiatives. For example, a 20% increase in universal free breakfast participation indicated a need to continue the program, and Governor Josh Shapiro has requested an additional $16.7 million to ensure our kids have access to a free breakfast at school. Additionally, the governor’s blueprint for higher education was rooted in data that supports the need for a new governance structure and increased investments in the higher education sector. Pennsylvania ranks 49th in the nation for investment in higher education and 48th in affordability, Pennsylvanians carry an average student debt load of $40,000, and our Commonwealth has a talent gap of 61,000 open jobs that we don’t have enough workers to fill in the past year alone.

The PDE Data Summit convenes educators and school leaders to learn, connect, ask questions, and discuss education data with school staff and leaders from across the state. Keynote speakers and breakout sessions offer information, resources, and tools on a wide variety of topics, from reporting school data, improving data quality and making data-based decisions, to data governance, school improvement, cybersecurity, social and emotional learning, and more. 

Attendees at the three-day conference, themed “A World of Opportunities: See Where Data Can Take You”, experience impactful professional learning opportunities, gain technical skills, and leave with a better understanding of their data and how it can be used to support and benefit the school communities they serve.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education, please visit the Department of Education website.

PHRC Trainings for Work and Schools Are Now Available (February 28, 2024)

On February 28, 2024, PDE Education Secretary Khalid Mumin announced PA Human Relations Commission (PHRC) trainings in the latest edition of PA EdVentures for those looking for an informed presenter to speak to their community or organization on subjects affecting their ability to live, work, and learn free from discrimination. Training and events are tailored to the specific needs of the organization and community, can be workshop or seminar style, and can count towards CEUs (for specific trainings).

PHC trainers are available to present on a variety of topics, including but not limited to:

Civil Rights & Filing a Complaint
Civil Rights Law and PHRC Jurisdiction
Disability & Reasonable Accommodation
PHRC Overview & How to File a Complaint

Preventing Discrimination in the Workplace and Schools
Bullying and Harassment Prevention
Conflict Resolution
Cross-cultural Communication
Sexual Discrimination in the Workplace
Sexual Harassment Prevention

Bias, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Bias and Hate Crimes
Cultural Awareness and Humility
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
Implicit Bias for Law Enforcement 
Intersectionality of Discrimination and Trauma
Unconscious Bias

There are also other trainings that can be made available.

To learn more about how to schedule or collaborate on a presentation, contact [email protected] or fill out an online PA Human Relations Commissions training request at phrc.pa.gov.

Annual IDEA State Regs Notice Sent to all LEAs (FEbruary 26, 2024)

On February 26, 2024, Carole L. Clancy, Director of PDE’s Bureau of Special Education sent a PennLink message to all LEAs titled Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – State Regulations that Exceed Federal Requirements. It states that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended, requires the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to identify in writing to local educational agencies (LEAs) regulations, rules, and policies that are state-imposed requirements and not required by IDEA and its regulations (20 USC §1407 (a) (2)). This notice fulfills the requirement to distribute an updated list of state-imposed requirements that exceed IDEA and its regulations.

Chapter 14 (22 Pa. Code Chapter 14)
§14.101           (Relating to Definitions)
§14.104           (Relating to Special Education Plans)
§14.105           (Relating to Personnel)
§14.106           (Relating to Access to Instructional Materials)
§14.108           (Relating to Access to Classrooms)
§14.121           (Relating to Child Find)
§14.122           (Relating to Screening)
§14.123           (Relating to Evaluation)
§14.124           (Relating to Reevaluation)
§14.125           (Relating to Criteria for Specific Learning Disability)
§14.131           (Relating to Individualized Education Program)
§14.132           (Relating to Extended School Year)
§14.133           (Relating to Positive Behavior Support)
§14.143           (Relating to Disciplinary Placements)
§14.144           (Relating to Facilities)
§14.145           (Relating to Least Restrictive Environment Requirements)
§14.146           (Relating to Age Range Restrictions)
§14.152           (Relating to Child Find, Public Awareness and Screening)
§14.153           (Relating to Evaluation)
§14.154           (Relating to Individualized Education Program)
§14.155           (Relating to Range of Services)
§14.156           (Relating to System of Quality Assurance)
§14.157           (Relating to Exit Criteria)
§14.158           (Relating to Data Collection)
§14.162           (Relating to Impartial Due Process Hearing and Expedited Due Process Hearing)
§14.163           (Relating to Resolution Session)

Chapter 711 (22 Pa. Code Chapter 711)
§711.1             (Relating to Definitions)
§711.5             (Relating to Personnel)
§711.6             (Relating to Annual Report)
§711.7             (Relating to Enrollment)
§711.8             (Relating to Education Records)
§711.9             (Relating to Payments)
§711.21           (Relating to Child Find)
§711.22           (Relating to Reevaluation)
§711.23           (Relating to Screening)
§711.24           (Relating to Evaluation)
§711.25           (Relating to Criteria for the Determination of Specific Learning Disability)
§711.41           (Relating to IEP)
§711.42           (Relating to Transportation)
§711.43           (Relating to Educational Placement)
§711.44           (Relating to Extended School Year)
§711.45           (Relating to Access to Instructional Materials)
§711.46           (Relating to Positive Behavior Support)
§711.61           (Relating to Suspension and Expulsion)
§711.62           (Relating to Procedural Safeguards)

If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact Tim Krushinski at [email protected] or 717-329 4029.

PDE & PHEAA Host FAFSA Completion Workshop (February 21, 2024)

On February 20, 2024, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) joined the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), local postsecondary students and families, and legislators to host a FAFSA® completion workshop, highlighting the importance of applying for financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first, and most critical, step in applying for financial assistance for the 2024-25 academic year.

The FAFSA completion workshop gave local students and families the opportunity to correctly and successfully fill out their 2024-25 FAFSA form in person with the help of higher education experts. New this year, the new 2024-25 FAFSA form expands eligibility for federal student aid, including Pell Grants, and provides a streamlined user experience. Applicants will be able to skip up to 26 questions, depending on their individual circumstances. The new and improved FAFSA form could take applicants as few as 10 minutes to fill out.

Filling out the FAFSA opens doors for current and prospective postsecondary students, in addition to federal, state, and institutional aid, including the PA State Grant Program, which has provided over $13 billion in awards to almost 8 million students since its inception. Financial Aid Awareness Month, occurring each February, is celebrated by the higher education community in an effort to provide crucial information to students and families about access to federal, state, and institutional aid. This Financial Aid Awareness Month, students across the country can begin the process of applying for financial aid through the newly updated FAFSA form.