Category: News in the Field

FAFSA Completion Numbers are Down; House Bill Seeks to Move Upcoming Ā Release Date to Oct. 1 (July 14, 2024)

The number of high school seniors who completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid stalled this June, spawning fears of enrollment declines this fall,

According to the latest analysis from the National College Attainment Network, as of June 28th some 46% of the high school class of 2024 had submitted the new FAFSA form, which is drop from 53.2% at the same time in 2023. That is a decrease of about 250,000 applicants.

As a result, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) announced a handful of FAFSA support strategies for increasing completion rates. In fact, one $50 million investment has funded over 65 groups to encourage form completion by, among other things, allowing them to hire more advisers and coaches, as well as offering extended hours throughout the summer.

In addition, on July 10, 2024 the U.S. House education committee advanced a bill that would require the USDE to release the FAFSA by Oct. 1 each year. At present, the USDE is legally required to release the FAFSA by Jan. 1 each year. However, it typically makes the form public on Oct. 1.

For more from K-12 Dive, click here.

Title IX Athletics Rule Delayed Again; Title VI, 504, and Medicaid SBS Rules Also Delayed (July 13, 2024)

As reported by K-12 Dive, a July 5th regulatory update from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) shows the Title IX athletics rule proposal has been moved to a ā€œlong-term actionā€ without a rough deadline, meaning the agency doesnā€™t expect a regulatory action within at least the next year. Originally, OMBā€™s Spring 2024 Unified Agenda had also included updates for high-profile forthcoming regulations on race discrimination and Section 504 and the athletics regulation was listed as being in the ā€œfinal rule stage,ā€ or one step away from release. The US Department of Education (USDE) has now set a December 2024 deadline for releasing a proposed Title VI rule on protecting students from discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, in addition to other forms of racial discrimination. The USDE has also set November as the new deadline for a proposed rule for Section 504 covering students with disabilities in schools and colleges.

Another disability-related regulation ā€” also now expected by November ā€” is aimed at easing the process of obtaining parental consent for Medicaid school-based health services. School administrative groups advocating for the proposed change aver that it would make the parental consent process more efficient and cost-effective for schools while still protecting participating studentsā€™ benefits.

However, in light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning the longstanding Chevron doctrine complicates the path of all of the proposed agency rules changes.

For more from K-12 Dive, click here.

State Board Holds 381st Meeting (July 11, 2024)

On July 11, 2024, the PA State Board of Education held its 381st meeting at the PDE offices and via Zoom. At the meeting, Bureau of Career and Technical Education Director Judd Pittman delivered a report from his bureau and thanked the Board for its support. He also acknowledged action items seeking re-accreditation as applied for by the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center and Indiana County Technology Center. Those requests were approved by the Board later in the meeting.

There was also discussion as to the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center’s not seeking re-accreditation for its Licensed Practical Nursing program and the affect it will have on current LPN program students. The Board was informed by committee chair Ernest Hadrick of that issue, which will be further addressed at the September meeting.

The Board also approved the updates to the accreditation guidelines for public postsecondary career and technical education.

BSE Memo Announces Approved Private School and Chartered School for the Deaf and the Blind Preliminary Deductions (July 6, 2024)

On July 1, 2024, PDE Bureau of Special Education Director Dr. Carole L. Clancy sent a PENN*LINK message to LEAs with the subject line Approved Private School and Chartered School for the Deaf and the Blind Preliminary Deductions. The memo states that in accordance with sections 13-1376 and 13-1376.1 of the School Code, 24 P.S. Ā§Ā§ 13-1376 and 13-1376.1, this message is to notify school districts and charter schools (collectively referred to hereinafter as ā€œlocal educational agenciesā€ or ā€œLEAsā€) that have placed students at an Approved Private School (APS) or Chartered School for the Deaf and the Blind (Chartered School) of its preliminary payment amount for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year.

As of May 15, 2024, student data has been entered by the LEAs and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) electronically through the Approved Private School Electronic Management (APSEM) system. If any student data is incorrect, it is the LEA’s responsibility to follow up with the APS or Chartered School and make corrections in APSEM. The LEA is responsible for submitting the Request for Change in Approved Private School or Chartered School Assignment to PDE in a timely manner.

Please log into the APSEM system and run the Application for Educational Assignment to Approved Private Schools and Chartered Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Enrollment Deduction Report for school year 2023-24. These amounts are preliminary and are subject to change before the June 1, 2025 deductions.

You may find the above information useful when completing your 2024-25 General Fund Budget (PDE-2028).

If you have any questions pertaining to the Request for Change in Approved Private School or Chartered School Assignment, accounting, and/or deductions, contact Eileen Jacobs-Crummel at [email protected] or 717-257-6652.

BSE Releases 2024-25 Special Education Compliance Monitoring Schedule (July 6, 2024)

On July 1, 2024, PDE Bureau of Special Education Director Dr. Carole L. Clancy sent a PENN*LINK message to LEAs with the subject line 2024-25 Special Education Compliance Monitoring Schedule. the memo states that the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has the responsibility to ensure that all local educational agencies (LEAs) providing services, whether directly or by contractual arrangements, administer special education services and programs that are compliant with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. To fulfill this responsibility, PDE has established administrative procedures for monitoring program implementation, including evaluating the appropriateness, effectiveness, and accountability of special education services and programs.

PDE has developed the schedule for compliance monitoring for the 2024-2025 school year in which 125 school districts and charter schools of varying size across the commonwealth will be monitored. The list of selected LEAs is included at the end of this Penn Link. Additional monitoring reviews, if deemed appropriate, may be designated as the school year progresses.

For the 2023-24 school year, the Cyclical Monitoring for Continuous Improvement (CMCI) process includes a combination of virtual and onsite components. Verification activities include digital and onsite review of student documents; studies of service delivery; and analysis of policies, procedures, and outcomes. This CMCI process will include:

  • Virtual Components
    • Facilitated Self-Assessment submitted by the LEA, and verification of the information reported in the Facilitated Self-Assessment.
    • Administrative and Exit Interviews
    • Parent and Teacher Interviews
  • On-Site Components
    • Student Sample File Review
    • Classroom Observations

Training for this monitoring process is designed as a series of web-based training modules. These modules will be available on thePaTTAN website and Leader Services website in late July. Relevant LEA personnel must complete the trainings and report date of completion to the Chairperson assigned to your monitoring by September 9, 2024.

These training modules review the current monitoring process, Facilitated Self-Assessment submission, documents to be submitted, and management of web-based documentation, as well as provide additional resources to assist LEA personnel to prepare for the monitoring process. District superintendents, charter school chief executive officers, special education directors, and additional appropriate personnel at LEAs who will be monitored, will benefit from completing these training modules to familiarize themselves with the monitoring process.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in complying with this federally mandated requirement. PDE recognizes the time and effort required by each LEA to successfully participate in these monitorings. The Chairperson assigned to each monitoring will contact the LEA for follow up. Should you have any questions regarding the 2024-2025 monitoring schedule included below, please contact Kelli Franklin at [email protected].

               SPECIAL EDUCATION CYCLICAL COMPLIANCE MONITORING SCHEDULE

School Districts and Charter Schools to be Monitored in 2024-2025

IULEAAdviserDate (Week of)
1Burgettstown Area School DistrictKerri HartmanMarch 10, 2025
1Canon-Mcmillan School DistrictKerri HartmanJanuary  27, 2025
1Frazier School DistrictKerri HartmanNovember 4, 2024
1McGuffey School DistrictKerri HartmanFebruary 24, 2025
2Pittsburgh – (Network2)Kerri HartmanDecember 9, 2024
2The New Academy Charter SchoolCortney VernerDecember 2, 2024
2Urban Pathways 6-12 Charter SchoolCortney VernerMarch 24, 2025
2Urban Pathways K-5 College Charter SchoolCortney VernerJanuary 27, 2025
3Avonsworth School DistrictTyann NealFebruary 3, 2025
3Cornell School DistrictTyann NealFebruary 24, 2025
3East Allegheny School DistrictTyann NealApril 14, 2025
3Life Male STEAM Academy CSCortney VernerApril 7, 2025
3Pine-Richland School DistrictTyann NealNovember 18, 2024
3Plum Borough School DistrictCortney VernerFebruary 24, 2025
3Propel Charter School – EastWilliam FerkoMarch 3, 2025
3Propel Charter School – McKeesportWilliam FerkoNovember 4, 2024
3Riverview School DistrictCortney VernerNovember 18, 2024
3Upper Saint Clair School DistrictTyann NealJanuary 13, 2025
3Wilkinsburg Borough School DistrictTyann NealMarch 17, 2025
3Young Scholars of Western Pennsylvania CSCortney VernerJanuary 13, 2025
4Butler Area School DistrictNancy StanleyDecember 16, 2024
4Knoch School District (South Butler County)Nancy StanleyNovember 11, 2024
4Mercer Area School DistrictNancy StanleyApril 7, 2025
4New Castle Area School DistrictNancy StanleyNovember 4, 2024
4Slippery Rock Area School DistrictNancy StanleyMay 5, 2025
5Fairview School DistrictErik LeamonMarch 10, 2025
5Girard School DistrictErik LeamonFebruary 10, 2025
5Montessori Regional Charter SchoolErik LeamonDecember 9, 2024
5Penncrest School DistrictErik LeamonApril 7, 2025
5Tidioute Community Charter SchoolErik LeamonJanuary 13, 2025
6Franklin Area School DistrictWilliam FerkoMay 5, 2025
6North Clarion County School DistrictWilliam FerkoMarch 31, 2025
6Punxsutawney Area School DistrictWilliam FerkoMay 19, 2025
7Hempfield Area School DistrictDawn SmithJanuary 13, 2025
7Kiski Area School DistrictDawn SmithJanuary 27, 2025
7Monessen City School DistrictDawn SmithMay 5, 2025
7Mount Pleasant Area School DistrictDawn SmithMarch 10, 2025
8Blacklick Valley School DistrictPat HaglundApril 7, 2025
8HOPE for Hyndman Charter SchoolPat HaglundMay 5, 2025
8Richland School DistrictPat HaglundDecember 9, 2024
8Rockwood Area School DistrictPat HaglundFebruary 10, 2025
8Shade-Central City School DistrictPat HaglundMarch 17, 2025
8Somerset Area School DistrictPat HaglundJanuary 13, 2025
8Tussey Mountain School DistrictPat HaglundNovember 4, 2024
9Johnsonburg Area School DistrictMark IshmanNovember 18, 2024
9Saint Marys Area School DistrictMark IshmanNovember 4, 2024
10Philipsburg-Osceola Area School DistrictShannon EyeMarch 17, 2025
10Young Scholars of Central PA Charter SchoolShannon EyeNovember 4, 2024
11Southern Fulton School DistrictShannon EyeApril 7, 2025
11Stone Valley Community Charter SchoolShannon EyeDecember 9, 2024
12Central York School DistrictKerry FitchFebruary 24, 2025
12Chambersburg Area School DistrictKerry FitchMay 5, 2025
12Crispus Attucks Youthbuild Charter SchoolKerry FitchNovember 4, 2024
12Greencastle-Antrim School DistrictKerry FitchMarch 17, 2025
12Hanover Public School DistrictKerry FitchApril 7, 2025
12Upper Adams School DistrictKerry FitchJanuary 13, 2025
12York Academy Regional Charter SchoolKerry FitchDecember 9, 2024
13Pequea Valley School DistrictTodd KehlerJanuary 13, 2025
14Tulpehocken Area School DistrictLisa HauswirthFebruary 24, 2025
15Carlisle Area School DistrictJohn GomboczNovember 11, 2024
15Central Dauphin School DistrictJohn GomboczMarch 24, 2025
15Mechanicsburg Area School DistrictJohn GomboczNovember 4, 2024
15Pennsylvania STEAM Academy CSJohn GomboczMarch 31, 2025
15Shippensburg Area School DistrictJohn GomboczApril 14, 2025
15Susquehanna Township School DistrictJohn GomboczNovember 18, 2024
15Susquenita School DistrictJohn GomboczJanuary 20, 2025
17Montoursville Area School DistrictMark IshmanDecember 16, 2024
17South Williamsport Area School DistrictMark IshmanJanuary 13, 2025
17Sullivan County School DistrictMark IshmanFebruary 17, 2025
17Wellsboro Area School DistrictMark IshmanDecember 2, 2024
18Dallas School DistrictGina GiovanniniFebruary 10, 2025
19Dunmore School DistrictGina GiovanniniDecember 9, 2024
19North Pocono School DistrictGina GiovanniniApril 7, 2025
19Valley View School DistrictGina GiovanniniNovember 4, 2024
19Western Wayne School DistrictGina GiovanniniMarch 3, 2025
20Bethlehem Area School DistrictJill CondoDecember 16, 2024
20East Stroudsburg Area School DistrictJill CondoApril 7, 2025
20Lehigh Valley Dual Language Charter SchoolJill CondoDecember 2, 2024
20Saucon Valley School DistrictJill CondoFebruary 10, 2025
20Stroudsburg Area School DistrictJill CondoNovember 18, 2024
20Wilson Area School DistrictJill CondoMay 5, 2025
21East Penn School DistrictByron WileyJanuary 20, 2025
21Northern Lehigh School DistrictByron WileyDecember 2, 2024
21Southern Lehigh School DistrictByron WileyApril 14, 2025
21Whitehall-Coplay School DistrictByron WileyNovember 18, 2024
22Morrisville Borough School DistrictJill CondoJanuary 13, 2025
22Pennsbury School DistrictJill CondoMarch 10, 2025
23Agora Cyber Charter SchoolBeth MarvinJanuary 27, 2025
23Methacton School DistrictCarey ZeiglerJanuary 27, 2025
23Pottstown School DistrictCarey ZeiglerApril 14, 2025
23Spring-Ford Area School DistrictCarey ZeiglerMarch 10, 2025
23Upper Dublin School DistrictCarey ZeiglerNovember 18, 2024
23Upper Perkiomen School DistrictCarey ZeiglerNovember 11, 2024
23Wissahickon School DistrictCarey ZeiglerFebruary 10, 2025
24Avon Grove School DistrictByron WileyFebruary 10, 2025
24Insight PA Cyber Charter SchoolBeth MarvinNovember 4, 2024
24PA Leadership Charter SchoolBeth MarvinNovember 18, 2024
24Tredyffrin-Easttown School DistrictByron WileyFebruary 24, 2025
24Unionville-Chadds Ford School DistrictByron WileyMarch 31, 2025
25Marple Newtown School DistrictCarey ZeiglerOctober 28, 2024
25Rose Tree Media School DistrictCarey ZeiglerMay 5, 2025
26Ad Prima Charter SchoolStacey MearsFebruary 10, 2025
26Alliance For Progress Charter SchoolStacey MearsMarch 10, 2025
26ASPIRA Bilingual Cyber Charter SchoolBeth MarvinMarch 3, 2025
26Christopher Columbus Charter SchoolRobin Wolfington-HalaycioNovember 4, 2024
26Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter SchoolRobin Wolfington-HalaycioFebruary 10, 2025
26Frederick Douglass Mastery Charter SchoolBeth MarvinDecember 9, 2024
26Mastery Charter School – Hardy WilliamsBeth MarvinFebruary 24, 2025
26Mastery Charter School – Harrity CampusBeth MarvinDecember 16, 2024
26Mastery Charter School – Mann CampusBeth MarvinMay 12, 2025
26Mastery Charter School – Smedley CampusBeth MarvinMay 5, 2025
26Multicultural Academy Charter SchoolRobin Wolfington-HalaycioApril 28, 2025
26Northwood Academy Charter SchoolRobin Wolfington-HalaycioMarch 31, 2025
26Philadelphia Academy Charter SchoolRobin Wolfington-HalaycioMarch 3, 2025
26Philadelphia Learning Network 11Alicia ErwineDecember 9, 2024
26Philadelphia Learning Network 13Dawn KeiferFebruary 24, 2025
26Philadelphia Montessori Charter SchoolRobin Wolfington-HalaycioJanuary 13, 2025
26Young Scholars Charter SchoolStacey MearsApril 7, 2025
27Hopewell Area School DistrictNancy StanleyMarch 10, 2025
27New Brighton Area School DistrictNancy StanleyNovember 18, 2024
28Armstrong School DistrictDawn SmithNovember 18, 2024
28Indiana Area School DistrictDawn SmithApril 7, 2025
29Minersville Area School DistrictJohn GomboczMarch 10, 2025
29Pine Grove Area School DistrictJohn GomboczFebruary 24, 2025
29Shenandoah Valley School DistrictJohn GomboczJanuary 27, 2025