News

PA House Education Committee advances seven-year school funding plan, cyber charter reform

A proposal by House Democrats includes funneling an additional $5.1 billion to underfunded school districts, as recommended by the Basic Education Funding Commission earlier this year. Lawmakers propose doing so through increases of… Read More

With truancy on rise in NEPA schools, educators seek solutions in court, start new programs

The rise in absences post-pandemic is mirrored in classrooms throughout Northeast and Central Pennsylvania and across the country. Nationwide, chronic absenteeism – the percentage of students missing at least 10%… Read More

Law changes give options for schools, but don’t expect four-day weeks

Shortening the school week, or even the school year, likely isn’t going to happen, though. Too many obstacles stand in the way of such a drastic move. Instead, picture more… Read More

USDA launches child summer nutrition programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched a group of summer nutrition services for children known as the SUN Programs as part of an effort to combat food insecurity and malnutrition among… Read More

‘A humbling thing.’ Bellefonte Area administrator named PA Principal of the Year

Bellefonte High School principal Mike Fedisson was named Pennsylvania’s 2024 Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Principals Association. Click here for full article. Source: Centre Daily Times, May 28,… Read More

Pennsylvania senators propose youth courts to reform school discipline

Senators Tim Kearney (D-Delaware) and John Kane (D-Chester/Delaware) have announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at establishing a pilot program for school-based youth courts. This initiative seeks to reform traditional disciplinary systems in schools… Read More

Pennsylvania lawmakers stress need for diverse educator workforce

Pennsylvania lawmakers and educators emphasized the urgent need for diversity in the state’s teaching workforce during a roundtable discussion this week. The event, co-hosted by the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee and… Read More

Commonwealth Court ruling strikes down adjusted ‘age-out’ rule for PA special education students

The 43-page ruling handed down Thursday sided with the districts, who argued that state officials did not follow the “rulemaking procedures” required to implement the age change. As of Monday, officials with… Read More

Substitute teachers keep schools running. Here are the best ways schools can attract more amid the shortage.

While substitute teachers provide a turnkey solution when already-thin ranks of educators need time away from work, they’re harder than ever for school districts to come by. Click here for… Read More

Education funding boost, tax cuts on table as PA budget talks begin

More than a month out from the June 30 budget deadline, top Pennsylvania lawmakers are beginning a new round of negotiations with few specific points of agreement. Click here for… Read More