Category: State Government Actions

PDE PennLink Reminds LEAs of New CTE Program Deadline of May 31st (May 4, 2023)

On May 2, 2023, Dr. Lee Burket, PDE Bureau of Career and Technical Education Director, disseminated a PennLink email titled New CTE Programs Available to Prepare Students to Pursue Careers in Aviation – Apply by May 31, 2023. The memo states that new career and technical education programs in aviation are now available for the 2023-24 school year and that school districts, charter schools, and career and technical centers have until May 31, 2023 to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for approval to offer the program beginning in the 2023-24 school year.

Program Overview
The programs are designed to engage and prepare secondary students interested in pursuing careers in aviation. The following programs have been added as Classification of Instruction Program (CIP) codes to the list of eligible CTE programs:
CIP Code 47.0607, Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician
CIP Code 47.0608, Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician
CIP Code 47.0609, Avionics Maintenance Technology/Technician
CIP Code 49.0101, Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General.
CIP Code 49.0102, Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew
CIP Code 49.0109, Remote Aircraft Pilot

Program Approval
Schools may apply now for program approval through MyPDESuite. Note that approved career and technical education programs must offer a minimum of 720 hours of technical instruction. If you have any questions, please contact Jean Kelleher at (717) 783-6962 or [email protected].

PA State Board of Ed. Holds May Meeting (May 3, 2023)

On May 3, 2023, the PA State Board of Education met at the PDE offices and via Zoom. Highlights of the meeting included reports from the School and University Safety Committee, Acting Ed. Secretary Dr. Khalid Mumin, and CTE Director Dr. Lee Burket.

Nathan Barrett reported on behalf of the School and University Safety Committee. He reported that after reviewing stakeholder comment, the committee decided that no amendments will be added to the PA School Code reporting requirements for school safety incidents. Thus, the discretionary notification requirements will remain as is. However, the committee is requesting that PDE provide guidance to help support school administrators regarding the notification of law enforcement of reportable incidents with a focus on clarifying definitions of such offenses.

Dr. Mumin reminded everyone of Teacher Appreciation Week, which occurs next week. He also announced that $6.7 million in grant funding has been awarded to 100 school entities to enable more high school students to enroll in dual credit programs across the Commonwealth, giving them more opportunities to chart their own course and prepare for successful careers. Dual credit programs improve student outcomes—helping learners prepare for college and setting them up for future success in higher education—by enabling them to take college courses and earn credits for both high school and college. Dr. Mumin stated that dual credit offerings improve academic achievement, high school graduation rates, college enrollment, and college completion rates. Awardees will use up to $75,000 in grant funding to create or expand equitable and innovative dual credit opportunities for all secondary school students, including students experiencing educational instability, students enrolled in career and technical education programs, low-income students, and historically underserved student groups.

Dr. Mumin also reported that $1.5 million in grant funding has been awarded to 15 universities that partner with school districts to expedite the process for students to become a special education teacher and that the Shapiro Administration is committed to supporting and growing Pennsylvania’s educator workforce, especially in specialized and underserved areas like Special Education. In fact, these grants will expedite the process of becoming a certified special educator and enable more teachers to enter the field faster. He also stressed the importance of creating a robust pipeline of teachers to deliver instruction to all learners throughout the Commonwealth.

Dr Burket reported on the progress being made in putting together CTE performance levels, which will be provided the Board in early 2024 for submittal to the USDE in May 2024. She also reported that much work is being done by an eclectic group of entities to develop assessments for the CTE Educator Program of Studies in order for the program to become a CTE certified program.

Dr. Burket was also congratulated by the Board for her service to the Commonwealth as the Board extended its best wishes to her on her retirement.

PaTTAN Announces No-cost PD Opportunities (May 3, 2023)

On May 3, 2023, Dr. Angela Kirby, Director of PaTTAN Central, sent a PennLink message to all LEAs informing them of the no-cost professional development, training, and technical assistance opportunities provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Bureau of Special Education, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) and Intermediate Unit (IU) Training and Consultation Staff. These services are funded through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and aim to provide evidence-based, customized, and high-quality support to educators in meeting the needs of all students, particularly those with disabilities.

PaTTAN’s goal is to offer flexible, systemic, and tailored professional development opportunities that meet the specific needs of the LEA. For the 2023-24 school year, PaTTAN will offer the following types of customized training and technical assistance supports across the Commonwealth:
-Systemic Customized Supports – offers a broad range of training and technical assistance opportunities, including long-term plans that align with the LEA’s specific goals and objectives. PaTTAN will work collaboratively with the LEA to identify areas of need and develop a comprehensive training and technical assistance plan. Additionally, grand funding may be available to support coordinated efforts.  
-Critical Customized Supports – provide individualized training and technical assistance to help educators build the skills and knowledge needed to overcome immediate challenges. PaTTAN’s goal is to provide targeted support that improves student outcomes and builds capacity within their school district.
-Emergent Short-Term Customized Supports – provide training and technical assistance for unforeseen needs that arise. Our flexible approach allows PaTTAN to respond quickly to a school district’s needs, providing just-in-time support tailored to your specific requirements.
-Professional Development Customized Supports – allow school districts to request specific training or technical assistance that addresses a particular challenge or area of need. PaTTAN will work with LEA’s to design a training plan that meets their unique requirements and aligns with the school district’s goals and objectives.

The message also invited all recipients to attend PaTTAN’s statewide webinar on May 19th at 1 pm to learn more about its services and how it can support a district’s professional development and technical assistance needs. For those unable to attend the live session, the webinar will be recorded and archived for future viewing.

Register using this link: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fzoom.us%2Fwebinar%2Fregister%2FWN_m3xe3WtnRl2WD5VNfrABTg&data=05%7C01%7Cpl-all-lea%40lists.psu.edu%7Cf01ce7dbec604a88375c08db4be0a3b1%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C638187201153265508%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cyegfcbgiTGVM2%2FI41urVN6buQ2n15RlOoffRt5hgWM%3D&reserved=0

PDE Awards $6.7 Million To 100 Schools To Support Dual Credit Programs Preparing High School Students For Successful Careers ( May 3, 2023)

On May 1, 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced that $6.7 million in grant funding has been awarded to 100 school entities to enable more high school students to enroll in dual credit programs across the Commonwealth, giving them more opportunities to chart their own course and prepare for successful careers.

Dual credit programs improve student outcomes—helping learners prepare for college and setting them up for future success in higher education—by enabling them to take college courses and earn credits for both high school and college. Dual credit offerings improve academic achievement, high school graduation rates, college enrollment, and college completion rates.

Awardees will use up to $75,000 in grant funding to create or expand equitable and innovative dual credit opportunities for all secondary school students, including students experiencing educational instability, students enrolled in career and technical education programs, low-income students, and historically underserved student groups. 

Governor Josh Shapiro’s inaugural budget proposal builds on his commitment to creating prosperous pathways for learners across the Commonwealth. The Governor’s proposed 2023-24 budget includes a $567 million increase in basic education funding and $60 million to support postsecondary education. This budget is the first step toward a comprehensive solution to improve our public schools, push education dollars out equitably, support our teachers, and invest in targeted solutions that meet students’ needs at every level.

In addition, Governor Shapiro has also proposed a $17.3 million increase in Career and Technical Education in his 2023-24 budget, which includes a $3.3 million increase to the CTE Equipment Grant, $5 million increase to expand CTE programs related to computer science and STEM, and $2 million to partner industry professionals with teachers to help bring the trades back into our classrooms.

The list of awardees is available on PDE’s website.

Shapiro Administration Awards $1.5 Million To 15 Universities To Bolster Special Education Teacher Workforce (May 3, 2023)

On May 1, 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced that $1.5 million in grant funding was awarded to 15 universities that partner with school districts to expedite the process for students to become a special education teacher.

“The Shapiro Administration is committed to supporting and growing Pennsylvania’s educator workforce, especially in specialized and underserved areas like Special Education,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “These grants will expedite the process of becoming a certified special educator and enable more teachers to enter the field faster.”

Awardees include:
Commonwealth University, $100,000
Eastern University, $96,741
East Stroudsburg University, $100,000
Gannon University, $100,000
Holy Family University, $99,984
Kutztown University, $99,510
Lehigh University, $100,000
Lincoln University, $99,999
Millersville University, $100,000
Moravian University, $99,912
Slippery Rock University, $100,000
The Pennsylvania State University, $100,000
University of Pittsburgh, $99,984
West Chester University, $99,579
Widener University, $99,993 

In his budget address, Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled a refundable tax credit of up to $2,500 for three years for anyone who earns a new license or certification in education, nursing, or law enforcement, to help more Pennsylvanians become teachers and combat the shortage of education professionals in Pennsylvania. Governor Shapiro’s budget also includes an additional $103.8 million in funding for special education in Pennsylvania. This funding will support school districts as they provide high-quality education services to students with disabilities and special needs.

Through the Accelerated Program for PK-12 Special Education Teacher Certification, grants are awarded to colleges and universities with approved PK-12 special education certification programs to partner with at least one school district, approved private school, career and technical center, charter school, cyber charter school, or intermediate unit to provide individuals who currently hold bachelor’s degrees with summer field experiences, mentoring by experienced special educators during the school year, and deliver a post-baccalaureate program for PK-12 special education teacher certification within 18 months.

This grant program builds on the Department’s efforts to recruit and retain teachers in Pennsylvania. PDE’s educator workforce strategy works to ensure there is a robust pipeline of educators in place to provide a high-quality education to learners of all ages across the Commonwealth.

For more information from PDE, please visit the website.