Last week Governor Wolf extended the statewide school closure mandate through April 6. School districts across the Commonwealth have begun trying to transition from educational enhancement lessons to figuring out how to format instruction through distance learning platforms in the event that our schools don’t reopen before the end of the school year. Also, last […]
Coronavirus and Teacher Pay Update Read More »
Dear KEYTA Member, As we enter the second week of Governor Wolf’s school closure mandate, the number of Coronavirus cases spiked locally, nationally, and globally. School districts are reporting that they are still unsure if classes will resume on March 30, 2020. On Friday, March 20th, Erie School District’s Superintendent announced that he has indefinitely
Coronavirus Update & Standardized Tests Read More »
On March 13, the PA Department of Education issued the following response regarding the state-wide closure of schools, essential personnel, the requirement of 180 days of instruction, and students access to school supplied meals. Please see PDE’s response below: 1. What schools are closed? Statewide: All public K-12 schools, including brick and mortar and cyber
Coronavirus Update – PDE Response to School Closures Read More »
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads through the United States, the impact on student instruction resulting from school closures will pose new challenges for teachers and administrators alike, such that we have not dealt with before. Mirroring the steps other countries have taken to combat the spread of the virus, social-distancing policies are helping to drive
Coronavirus and School Closures Read More »
Budget season is upon us at both the state and federal levels. Governor Wolf and President Trump have put forth their education initiatives and what they would like to see accomplished by the end of the budget process. What must be remembered is that the State Legislature and Congress both have their own ideas of
February Legislative Update – Budget Report Read More »
House Bill 1897, also known as School District Cyber Education, would close all cyber schools currently in Pennsylvania and require each school district to offer their own full-time cyber education program. Under the bill, current cyber charter schools will be able to serve as third-party vendors; however, school districts must also create their own full-time
An advisory committee convened by Pennsylvania’s Joint State Government Commission released a report proving that later start times, especially in high schools, is beneficial to student learning. While many Commonwealth school districts have already adopted later start times, the report contains findings from groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical
Later Start Times Could Be Coming to All PA Schools Read More »
Pennsylvania lawmakers have introduced legislation to increase funding for school construction projects and Governor Wolf recently stated that he intends to include school construction funds in his 2020-2021 state budget proposal which will be released in early February. A 2018 law required schools to conduct water quality tests and disclose the results to the PA
State Legislators and Governor Looking to Increase School Construction Funds Read More »
On January 22, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments over the public funding of religious schools. The Montana case, Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, centers around a scholarship program that gave Montana students scholarships to attend private schools including religious ones. Montana state courts stopped this practice citing that it conflicts with
U.S. Supreme Court Considers Case Over the Public Funding of Religious Schools Read More »
EDUCATOR EVALUATION SYSTEM BILL ADVANCES Senate Bill 751 was approved by the House Education Committee with support of a 21-4 bipartisan vote. With no committee amendments, under the legislation the following changes to the current law would occur: Raise the current observation portion from 50% to 70% Teacher specific data (e.g. standardized test scores) would
December Legislative Update Read More »
