Category: News in the Field

Shapiro Administration Highlights Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder Supports, ID/Autism, and Other Resources Available to Help Pennsylvanians Through the Holiday Season (December 19. 2024)

On December 18, 2024, leadership from the Shapiro Administration came together at the Capitol Christmas tree to remind Pennsylvanians of resources that are available to support them during the holiday season and into the new year. The departments of Human Services (DHS), Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), and Health (DOH) came together to reinforce the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to helping Pennsylvanians throughout the year, especially during the holidays.

“The holiday season can bring about a range of feelings and experiences – some of which can be difficult or feel isolating. Please know that if you are going through hard times or find this time of year to be challenging, you are not alone,” said DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh. “No matter what you are feeling or struggling with, you don’t have to go through this time on your own. Support is available, and we urge Pennsylvanians to use these resources for themselves or share them with loved ones or friends.”

Mental Health Resources
Help is available for people struggling with their mental health or considering self-harm as well as people looking to help a loved one through the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. The Lifeline is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 988 serves as a direct link for suicide prevention and mental health crisis support. Anyone who calls, texts, or chats with 988 will be directly connected to trained, compassionate mental health crisis response counselors. Callers to 988 can also connect with the Veterans Crisis Line or assistance in Spanish. 988 call centers provide support for individuals considering suicide, self-harm, or any behavioral or mental health need for themselves as well as people looking for help for a loved one experiencing a mental health crisis.
Pennsylvania’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Resource guides offer information related to mental health screenings, help with finding a mental health or SUD treatment professional, resources for housing insecurity, help with trauma, and assistance with contacting your county assistance office and county drug and alcohol office, and applying for benefits.
More free resources are also available to assist Pennsylvanians with mental health needs connect with longer term support in their community.

Substance Use Disorder Resources
Individuals seeking substance use treatment or recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can call the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This helpline is confidential, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is staffed by trained professionals who will connect callers to resources in their community. Callers can also be connected with funding if they need help paying for treatment. Treatment Atlas is also available for Pennsylvanians and their loved ones to search for and compare SUD treatment facilities using criteria such as location, services offered, and insurance accepted so they can find the best treatment for their unique needs.“While the holidays are usually filled with celebrations, gatherings and cherished times with family and friends, the very same things can be overwhelming and triggering for those who are battling a substance use disorder. We want everyone to know that no one is alone. Help is always available,” said DDAP Deputy Secretary Kelly Primus. “DDAP’s Get Help Now resource is just one phone call away. It’s open every hour of every day; someone will always be on the end of the other line– including on holidays.”

Naloxone
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug (e.g., prescription opioid medication for pain or heroin). When administered during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and restores breathing. Pennsylvanians can obtain naloxone at their local pharmacy by using the Secretary of Health’s standing order. Residents can also get naloxone mailed to their home when completing a short training through a partnership with NEXT Distro.“During the holiday season, we should all be especially vigilant for signs that someone may need a helping hand or a listening ear,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Another way to help neighbors and loved ones who may be struggling with substance use disorder is by carrying naloxone. I encourage everyone to get the facts about substance use disorder and carry naloxone wherever you go, because you never know when you will have the opportunity to save a life.”

Resources for People with Intellectual Disabilities & Autism
DHS’ Office of Developmental Programs has resources developed by self-advocates to provide helpful tips and suggestions for people with intellectual disabilities & autism to manage stress during the holidays. These tips include:Being aware of potential sensory issues and trying your best to explain them to other people so they can assist if you’re feeling overstimulated;Talking to a trusted friend or family member about expectations for the gathering;Using coping skills and having an exit plan if you need to excuse yourself;Making sure you have a safe, comfortable place when you come home to decompress; and,Understanding self-care and knowing what works best for you in holiday situations.
Additional information and resources can be found at www.myodp.org or www.paautism.org.

Public Assistance Programs
DHS encourages Pennsylvanians having trouble meeting basic needs to apply for programs that can help them stay healthy and safe through the winter months. Programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), cash assistance, and other programs can be applied for at any time through COMPASS. DHS’ public assistance programs can also help connect recipients to training and education programs that can help them find success in the workforce.
On-site County Assistance Office (CAO) services are also available if recipients cannot access online services or need assistance that cannot be accessed through the COMPASS website, the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Customer Service Centers at 1-877-395-8930 or 215-560-7226 for people in Philadelphia.

For more information on assistance programs available to help Pennsylvanians, visit www.dhs.pa.gov.

Special Ed. Teacher Shortage may have “Profound” Impact

At a December 13, 2024 U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ listening session, those testifying lamented the adverse effects brought on by the highly qualified special education teacher shortage crisis. In his testimony, Aaron Parsons, public policy chair for the National Association of Private Special Education Centers, said that if the situation persists, “[T]he impact will be profound. Students with disabilities may face increased dependency, reduced opportunities for employment, greater social isolation, and in turn, this will place a greater burden on social services and the broader community.” As a result, Parsons suggested prioritizing recruitment and retention of special educators through competitive salaries and comprehensive training programs.

The session followed up on a Nov. 15 briefing where panelists shared recommendations for increasing the special education workforce, including salary increases, reduced paperwork, expanded school choice, and robust teacher career pipelines. 

The commission plans to issue a report on the topic to the president and Congress in the latter half of 2025.

Source: K-12 Dive

OCR Doc Outlines How Civil Rights Laws Apply to AI in Schools (December 17, 2024)

The U.S. Department of Education’s (USDE) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has released a new resource outlining 21 examples of how artificial intelligence (AI) could contribute to discrimination in schools and colleges based on race, color or natural origin, sex or disability. The resource clarifies for school leaders how existing legal requirements apply to AI technology to help schools and colleges ensure their use of AI does not violate federal civil rights protections.

The OCR resource points out that some scenarios could be considered discriminatory without AI, but they may also “be compounded by its use.” It also asserts that the examples provided are “illustrative” and “non-exhaustive” and would not determine the outcome of any future OCR investigations.

In addition, the resource in essence puts school districts and education agencies on notice that they cannot plead ignorance regarding this issue and that OCR clearly plans to view AI use in light of civil rights laws.

For more from K-12 Dive, click here.

To access additional AI resources from USDE including an AI toolkit titled Empowering Education Leaders: A Toolkit for Safe, Ethical, and Equitable AI Integration, click here.

PDE Provides CSPG Updates (December 17, 2024)

The Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality has announced that the following Certification Policy Guidelines (CSPGs) have recently been updated:
            – CSPG 5 – Evaluation of Credentials for Individuals Prepared Outside of the United States
            – CSPG 7 – Level II Certification
            – CSPG 11 – Personal Information Changes for Certificate Holders
            – CSPG 13 – Emergency Permits

Please note that CSPGs are being continually refreshed at Staffing Guidelines on the PDE website. The CSPGs were developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in accordance with 22 Pa. Code § 49.13(b)(10) to provide guidance involving compliance with state laws governing certification and staffing practices in school entities within the Commonwealth. They also provide clarification to educators regarding:
(1) the issuance of professional certificates,
(2) the grade level and content scope of certificate subject areas, and
(3) the appropriate certificate for staffing professional positions in public schools.

In the CSPGs, you will find valuable information related to certificate eligibility as well as the proper staffing practices that will help achieve educational excellence in the schools of the Commonwealth. Currently 85 percent of all CSPGs have been updated to reflect changes in certification and/or Chapter 49 requirements. The refresh will continue for the remainder of the year.

Questions regarding CSPGs should be sent to [email protected].

School Districts are Examining Policies, Protocols, and Laws Re. Undocumented Immigrant Children (December 16, 2024)

In light of an expected mass deportation of undocumented immigrants by the incoming administration, many school districts are examining their policies and protocols. School districts are also stepping up efforts to help ensure that staff and the public are aware of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s policy designating schools as a “protected area.,” which means that DHS, which includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), should refrain from conducting enforcement actions “to the fullest extent possible.” Protected areas also include places where children gather, such as playgrounds, recreation centers, childcare centers and school bus stops, according to the policy.

Some schools are also making sure that their internal and external publics are made aware of the June 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe, a landmark decision holding that states cannot constitutionally deny students a free public education on account of their immigration status.

Such steps are being taken to help ensure clarity regarding how undocumented immigrant children are to be treated should issues arise.

Source: K-12 Dive, click here.