Newsroom

PA education panel passes ‘one-stop shop’ website bill

The Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee this week passed legislation it said will create a “one-stop shop” website for parents, students and taxpayers to find school and district performance information… More

Lawmaker unveils bills to increase school safety

House Bill 2493, would require public schools to have an assessment team tasked with identifying threats before they happen. A second measure, House Bill 2492, would require threat assessment committees at public colleges and universities… More

The unintended consequences of having teachers who, for the most part, don’t resemble their students

Pennsylvania’s Every Student Succeeds Act consolidated state plan says only 4% of Pennsylvania teachers are of color, compared with 29% of the state’s public school enrollment… More

PSBA supports legislation to provide alternative pathways to graduation

The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) supports legislation approved today by the Senate Education Committee that provides multiple pathways for students to demonstrate readiness for high school graduation in addition to passing Keystone Exams… More

House passes bill to allow opt-out for Keystone Exams

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed legislation that would allow parents to opt their children out of the Keystone Exams, the standardized tests given to high school students… More

House proposal expands vaping prohibition for minors

If passed and signed into law, the bill will align the state law with that of federal regulation that already prohibits the sale of electronic cigarettes. The difference between the proposed bill and federal law would say individuals 18 and older cannot use e-cigarettes on school property… More

PA panel OKs eminent domain reform bill

A House committee has reported out legislation to limit the use of eminent domain on land that has been set aside as green space or open space. House Bill 2468 was sent to the full House on Tuesday by a 27-0 vote… More

Students tell Pennsylvania school safety task force to listen

The task force — which is led by Gov. Tom Wolf and Auditor General Eugene DePasquale — over the summer will produce a report that is to include recommendations for improving school safety… More

Pennsylvania Senate Republicans muscle judicial election change into redistricting bill

Republicans in the Pennsylvania Senate on Tuesday moved to capitalize on the political momentum behind adopting a less partisan redistricting system to overhaul how state appeals judges are elected, drawing protest from Democrats… More

Schools use yoga, meditation to boost learning, ease stress

The activities — some calming and some stimulating — are part of an educational initiative to help students learn by first helping them become mindful of themselves, their emotions and their surroundings… More