Category: News

NASN Provides School Nursing Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Students with Allergies and Risk for Anaphylaxis (November 27, 2023)

The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) has developed a clinical practice guideline titled Students with Allergies and Risk for Anaphylaxis.

Allergic conditions affect approximately 50 million children and adults living in the United States (American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology [AAAAI], 2020), including allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema, allergic reactions, and many other allergic disease processes. In the United States food allergies affect about 32 million people (FARE, 2023), medication allergies affect about 7% of the population (FARE, 2023), and stinging insect allergies can result in potentially life-threatening allergic reactions in 0.4% – 0.8% of children and 3% of adults (ACAAI, 2023). In the pediatric population latex allergy can also be problematic, specifically in children with spina bifida, as latex allergy affects 40-65% of children with this condition (FARE, 2023). Regardless of the allergen, identification of symptoms consistent with an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis are critical to ensure timely treatment and care of the individual experiencing the reaction. About 16-18% of students will experience their first food allergic reaction at school (Tsuang & Wang, 2016) and up to 25% of epinephrine administered in schools is for students and staff with an unknown allergy (FARE, 2016). A safe and supportive school environment for students with allergies is critical for their safety and learning, including preparedness of the student, families, classrooms, and staff to proactively plan and implement risk reduction strategies to minimize actual or potential allergen exposures.

To access the guideline, click here.

CR secures federal education funds through Feb. 2 (November 17, 2023)

On Thursday, November 16, 2023, President Biden a two-tiered stopgap spending measure that avoids a government shutdown and keeps some agencies funded into January and others, including education, through February 2. Late Wednesday, November 15th, the U.S. Senate approved the Continuing Resolution (CR) in an 87-11 vote, sending it to President Biden’s desk. 

However, parents and early childhood education providers are feeling disenfranchised since additional funds for child care were not made available through the CR.

Source: K-12 Dive

PDE: 2022-23 Assessment Results Show Continued Improvement (November 13, 2023)

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.

DHS Opens Western Secure Treatment Unit, Expanding Options For Care For Youth in the Juvenile Justice System (November 13, 2023)

On November 9, 2023, PA Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh announced that DHS has begun serving youth at the Western Secure Treatment Unit (WESTU), a new secure residential facility in Butler County that will treat delinquent youth committed to state care by county juvenile courts. WESTU will be the seventh program of DHS’ Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS) and increases the state’s capacity to care for and treat adjudicated youth.

“Due to limited availability of privately-operated care and thus, limited options for care at all levels of the juvenile justice system, we are currently seeing an increased reliance on facilities operated by DHS. While DHS does not control admissions or discharges for our facilities, we are committed to being a partner in finding solutions to this challenge so adjudicated youth get the care and treatment they need,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “Opening WESTU is an investment in more options for high quality care and support for adjudicated youth.”

Western Secure Treatment Unit opened for care on Monday, November 6, and will be operated and overseen by BJJS but staffed through a contract with Rite of Passage, a national provider of services for justice-involved youth. All staff are trained by BJJS, held to the same standards and expectations of Commonwealth staff at other BJJS facilities, and programming and treatment offered at Western Secure Treatment Unit mirrors offerings throughout the BJJS system. Twelve youth will be placed during the first two weeks. The census will increase one youth per week (4-5 youth per month) until a maximum capacity of 60 is reached.

BJJS operates other secure facilities in Franklin, Luzerne, Montour, and Perry counties. Each of these facilities serve youth adjudicated delinquent by a juvenile court judge who then orders where the youth is to receive treatment and rehabilitation. Length of stay required of youth is set by the judge, and DHS works to provide trauma-informed care and treatment to youth during their commitment as well as education and training opportunities to help prepare youth for their return home.

Western Secure Treatment Unit is the second facility DHS opened in the last year to help meet systemic challenges currently facing the juvenile justice system. DHS continues to work with private providers and other state and county partners to explore options to establish additional treatment and care options to help youth involved in the juvenile justice system. 

“As we meet the immediate need of helping youth get care and treatment, we also must work together at all levels of government on prevention, intervention, and diversion strategies that support and engage youth prior to involvement with the justice system,” said Arkoosh. For more information on DHS and BJJS, visit www.dhs.pa.gov.

Milk Carton Shortage Affects Nation’s Schools (November 9, 2023)

A widespread paper milk carton shortage is affecting school cafeterias across the country the country, as school districts have begun to send messages to their families and communities about how they are either currently managing or preparing to navigate serving milk without half-pint cartons. Schools are required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to offer milk at all school breakfasts, lunches, or suppers served to students.

According to K-12 Dive, in an October 25, 2023 memo to child nutrition directors, the USDA acknowledged that schools in multiple states are dealing with milk supply chain challenges specifically due to packaging issues. As a result, the USDA said state agencies may allow schools impacted by milk supply shortages to serve meals without milk or with an alternative form of milk during this emergency period. 

In Pennsylvania, Galliker’s Dairy Company is working with schools to find solutions and packaging alternatives, The company serves more than 1.3 million school meal containers per week and has established a School Milk Helpline to assist schools working with the milk producer.

For more from K-12 Dive, click here.