On November 8, 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) released results from the 2022-2023 school year administration of state-level assessments: the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA), and Keystone Exams. This year’s results show that overall statewide achievement continues to improve across all subject areas. 

“This year’s assessment results underscore what we have said before—that with each passing year, participation and achievement will continue to improve,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “Pennsylvania’s results are well on their way to returning to pre-pandemic rates and we look forward to helping our students exceed those levels in the years ahead. Schools across the Commonwealth are using innovative new approaches, like online assessments, that are increasing flexibility for educators and learners—and we will continue to see an improvement in results over the coming years.” 

Overall improvement is consistent with gains seen in other states, with English Language Arts proficiency increasing from 54.1% in 21-22 to 54.5% in 22-23, Math increasing from 35.7% in 21-22 to 38.3% in 22-23, and Science increasing from 54.4% in 21-22 to 58.9% in 22-23. Another notable area of improvement was seen in English Learner Growth and Attainment, increasing from 22.2% in 21-22 to 29% in 22-23.

Participation and achievement data have been added to the Future Ready PA Index, a comprehensive reporting system for presenting school-level data across a broad range of indicators, such as English language acquisition, career readiness, access to advanced coursework, and regular attendance. The Future Ready PA Index shows continued improvement as well, as four-year cohort graduation rates increased to 87% and career readiness indicators increased to 89.5%.

Pennsylvania’s statewide assessments include the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment for grades 3 through 8; end-of-course Keystone Exams administered in middle and high school depending on when students take the corresponding subject; and the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment that ensures equitable participation by students who are unable to participate in the general assessments. Assessments must be administered in-person, which has affected assessment participation rates across the state over the past three years. Additionally, Act 136 of 2020 waived “banked scores” for middle and high school students who would have taken a Keystone Exam in school year 2019-20, decreasing the count of eligible testers in the cohort of test takers. These test waivers will impact Keystone results reporting through at least 2023-24.

On November 8, 2023, the PA Board of Education held its bi-monthly meeting. Board Chair Karen Farmer White opened the meeting and, after the meeting minutes for September 13, 2023 were approved, she turned it over to PDE Ed. Sec. Khalid Mumin for a report from him and Deputy Secs. Dr. Kate Shaw and Dr. Carrie Rowe.

Dr. Mumin announced that results for the 2023-24 PSSA and PASA testing are now available online. He stated that, with each passing year, performance and scores will continue to improve. Dr. Mumin also stated that, although Act1A  has been approved for the 2023-24 state budget, negotiations to pass the rest of the budget are ongoing, Those yet-to-be-approved items include a number of important education line items. In addition, Basic Education Funding Committee hearings are underway across the state.

Dep. Sec. Shaw reported that postsecondary sector work groups are now gathering data and information for recommended improvements. She also reported the PA Maslow program is now receiving national recognition.

Dr. Rowe followed up with her report, featuring assessment results that show PA students having a slight increase in performance data. She also pointed out that, due to the Future Ready Index, data are more in-depth and allow for more than just a single summative number score. Results are being released today (11/8/23).

Dr. Rowe then turned over her report to PDE Bureau of Curriculum Director Brian Campbell, who explained the affect of waivers on Keystone Exams scores, which were “banked’ along with the waivers, and many students were not required to take the test, ultimately affecting test results for at least two more years. In fact, Algebra scores will be adversely affected. However, with regard to PSSA test results, data released today show a 3% to 7.5% increase in math scores, but we are still not up to pre-pandemic levels. ELA scores show some gains, but the pre-pandemic gap in these scores is a much smaller one to close.

Campbell also reported that online participation is increasing, but has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels. He also highlighted the advantages of online test participation (e.g., more secure, discreet, user friendly, and free of onsite administration issues). With regard to accountability, Campbell said we are still suffering from attendance issues, but the graduation rate is up, the career standards benchmark has increased, and there is an increase in English Language Learners Growth and Attainment from 22% in 2021-22 to 29% in 2022-23.

A report on the Teacher and School Leader Effectiveness Committee was given by Sandra Dungee Glenn. She stated that PDE’s annual report on certifications shows the number of certifications and permits issued by PDE between 2011-12 to the present. There is currently an alarming rise in emergency certifications. Presently, IU 13 researchers are looking into the certification process. She also reported that there is a significant increase in the number of intern programs in the state. There is also a need to reduce the length of time the hiring process takes. Lastly, Glenn reported that there may be recommended revisions to Chapter 13 Section 354 coming in the future.

Dr. Lee Williams reported on behalf of the Academic Standards/Chapter 4 Committee, saying that 2026-27 school year is the targeted time to put revisions into practice.

Chairperson White reported that final omitted amendments with regard to the use of the term Intellectually Disabled to replace the term mentally retarded will now be submitted as a matter of law.

A highlight of the meeting were reports by student Board members, which had those present praising the decision to include students in the makeup of the Board.

The meeting ended with the unanimous approval of a petition by the Delaware County Community College (DCCC) to hold a public hearing on the Springfield School District’s petition to withdraw as a local sponsor of the DCCC.

Immediately following the Board of Ed. Meeting, the Career and Technical Education Committee met. During that meeting, Mr. Judd Pittman discussed the Perkins Act and the Perkins V Four-year State Plan. He stated that PDE has released a revised competitive equipment grant process today (11/8/23). He also reported that 23 schools are up for Perkins monitoring this year and 56 schools have participated in acclaimed professional development activities for vulnerable students. Lastly, he reviewed the goals of the Perkins V plan.

The meeting concluded with the unanimous approval of the application for a five-year re-accreditation of the Schuylkill Technology Center. 

On November 2, 2023, PDE Bureau of Special Education (BSE) Director Carole L. Clancy, sent a PennLink to all LEAs titled Revised Entry Level Credential of Competency Checklist for 2023-2024 School Year. The message states that for the 2023-2024 school year, the BSE is introducing a revised Special Education Paraprofessional Entry Level Credential of Competency Checklist. This revised checklist aligns with the updated Council for Exceptional Children’s seven core competencies for knowledge and skills for pre-service preparation, ongoing professional development, and performance assessment of paraprofessionals.

Per 22 Pa. Code § 14.105, instructional paraprofessionals are required to meet one of the following qualifications:    
(i)       Have completed at least two years of postsecondary study;    
(ii)      Possess an associate degree or higher; or    
(iii)     Meet a rigorous standard of quality as demonstrated through a state or local assessment.

The Entry Level Credential of Competency Checklist serves as the state assessment and satisfies the third pathway under 22 Pa. Code § 14.105. If a paraprofessional in a local education agency chooses this path, their supervising administrator must document the paraprofessional’s attainment of the seven competencies outlined in the Special Education Paraprofessional Entry Level Credential of Competency Checklist and submit the form to the PA Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education. Upon review and approval of the submitted documents, the applicant will be issued an Entry Level Credential of Competency.

Additional options, beyond the Entry Level Credential, are currently being developed and will be available prior to the start of the 2024-2025 school year. 

Please note, starting next school year (2024-2025), the Bureau of Special Education will only accept applications using the revised Entry Level Credential of Competency Checklist. The checklist must be completed electronically and emailed to [email protected].

For questions about the revised Entry Level Credential of Competency for Special Education Paraprofessionals, please email [email protected].