Below is a summary of recent state and national education developments that may impact Pennsylvania educators. We will continue to monitor these issues and provide updates as needed. In this edition: PA Senate Passes School Phone Ban Bill Mental Health Days for Students Cursive Writing Returns to Schools Governor’s Proposed 2026–27 Education Budget New Federal […]
February 2026 Education Update Read More »
January saw limited legislative activity in the Pennsylvania Legislature, with few developments directly impacting educators. The following report highlights key state and federal news developments for the month, summarizing the most relevant legislative actions, policy updates, and government activities. In this edition: New Pennsylvania Law Strengthens School Safety Notifications Senate Committee Holds Hearing on Leave For Family Care Supreme Court
January 2026 Education Update & Survey Reminder Read More »
Department of Education Releases 2021-22 Assessment Results On 11/28/22, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) released the results from the 2021-2022 school year administration of state-level assessments including the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA), and Keystone Exams. The results show that the scores are not yet at pre-pandemic levels,
PDE Releases 2021-22 Assessment Results Read More »
Please join on November 16, 2022, at 5:00 PM, for our Financial Wellness and Retirement Zoom Webinar. Most people’s biggest fear is outliving their savings. But what are the biggest threats to my nest egg and how do I go about protecting what I’ve worked hard for all my life? We have partnered with AMBA
Financial Wellness and Retirement Webinar Read More »
The pandemic of 2020 will be remembered for many things. Hopefully, the focus will be on how we persevered. Many professions have had to adjust to succeed. Doctors now perform video house calls, contracts can be signed electronically, and businesses have allowed workers to work remotely. No other profession, however, has been in the spotlight
Teaching Through a Pandemic: A Year in Review Read More »
The PA Department of Education recently sent a communication to school leaders regarding state assessments that usually occur throughout the spring months. According to PDE, if the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) invites state waivers for this school year’s assessment, PDE will carefully consider such an option and will quickly survey local education agency leadership
State Assessments, Vaccines & Mask Requirements Read More »
On November 23, the Wolf Administration announced that Pre-K to 12 public schools in counties with heavy COVID-19 caseloads are going to need state certification if they plan to offer in-person instruction. Schools that have been in the substantial transmission level for at least two consecutive weeks are required to commit to safety measures to ensure the safety
Additional COVID-19 School Guidelines Read More »
As schools are wrapping up the first month of the 2020-21 school year, teachers are attempting to erase the learning loss of the COVID slide while introducing new lessons in this difficult environment. It doesn’t matter if you are fully in-person, fully remote or a blended version of both, this is not a typical start
COVID-19 – Teaching Through a Pandemic Read More »
The Pennsylvania House failed to override Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of a bill that would have given school districts final authority on running sports events and admitting spectators during the coronavirus pandemic. However, despite the failed override, school districts have the right to permit more fans in the stands in the wake of a federal
PA Battles Over Gathering Restrictions and School Sports Read More »
Weeks after schools have opened for in-person instruction, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidance for schools seeking to open for in-person learning using various community infection rates and school safety thresholds. The new guidance for school communities to consider when reopening or closing schools includes a five-tiered color-coded risk transition from green, the lowest risk
CDC Releases New Color-Coded Risk Guidance for Schools Read More »
