Since 2017, the State of Education report has provided a clear, data‑driven look at the condition of public education in Pennsylvania. This year’s report continues that work, drawing on a statewide survey of chief school administrators and extensive, publicly available data to capture the trends and pressures shaping schools across the commonwealth.

The 2026 report highlights several important takeaways:

• Budget pressures intensified, with mandated costs like charter tuition, special education and pensions outpacing revenue growth.
• Student mental health needs remain the top instructional challenge, though districts report gradual signs of improvement compared to recent years.
• Staffing shortages persist, especially in special education, substitute teaching and key secondary subject areas.
• Special education enrollment continues to rise, significantly increasing demand for services as state and federal funding lags behind actual costs.
• Districts are adapting to AI, with most providing training and beginning to integrate generative AI tools into instruction, even as concerns about academic integrity and teacher support remain.