Education Update
Below is the current Education Update. Click here for a list of other recent updates.
Are YOU ready to LEAD the charge in creativity and innovation within your school? Join us at this year’s PASA Leadership Forum for a transformational experience designed for school leaders who dare to dream—and act.
Event Theme:
From Ideas to Implementation: Leading Creativity and Innovation in School
Why You Should Attend:
Click here to learn more about the forum and to register.
Meet Our Keynotes:
Noelle Ellerson Ng
Advocate for innovative policy and education transformation
Dr. Pat Greco
Renowned expert in leadership and organizational excellence
Mr. John Tanner
Visionary thinker on accountability and educational success
Dr. Michael Nagler
Award-winning superintendent and innovator in education
Investment to attend:
PASA Members:
Early Bird | Standard
(All Days) Full Event: $399|$449
(Day 1) W/Th-$300|$320
(Day 2) Th/F-$300|$320
Members may bring guests from their own district/organization at a discounted rate!
District Colleagues of PASA Members:
Early Bird | Standard
(All Days) Full Event: $379|$429
Non-Member:
Early Bird | Standard
(All Days) Full Event: $499|$549
(Day 1) W/Th:$400|$420
(Day 2) Th/F:$400|$420
*Early Bird Discount ends Friday, January 31st.*
*No refunds will be made for cancelations or changes after March 7th, 2025*
Click here to learn more about the forum and to register.
New Superintendents’ Academy (Phase 1):
Next Session: “Professional & Community Leadership”
January 16-17, 2025 | PASA Office in Harrisburg
Professional and community leadership is about establishing a school community in which all learners grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively. This Academy focuses on effective communications and collaborative practices to develop a community of educators in which professional growth is ongoing, to maximize meaningful and mutually beneficial parent and community engagement, and to promote effective advocacy strategies to ensure the future viability of public education.
Register today! Join the other 40 registrants to this 3-part Series!
About the New Superintendents’ Academy Series:
Are you or will you soon be taking on a new role as chief school administrator? GET READY BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS 3-PART SERIES BUILT SPECIFICALLY TO SUPPORT NEWLY APPOINTED SUPERINTENDENTS!
The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) encourages new superintendents to attend the high-value, three-part New Superintendents' Academy that will provide you with an in-depth overview about your new role. Sessions vary in theme and are led by experienced Pennsylvania superintendents and education experts who offer information and practical advice regarding the complicated issues and challenges unique to your new leadership role. This series is aimed at enhancing your leadership skills and capacities in the key areas of Strategic and Cultural Leadership, Systems Leadership, and Professional and Community Leadership.
BONUS! The Academy provides you, as a first-time superintendent, with an excellent opportunity to network with your peers and build a network of colleagues from across the state! Additionally, you will have the opportunity to gain a statewide perspective from participants and session leaders representing the diversity of districts across the Commonwealth.
*PIL CREDIT* Each two-day session of the Academy is approved for 25 hours of PIL/Act 48 credit, predicated upon program attendance and completion of the embedded activities.
Part 1 – Completed: Strategic & Cultural Leadership (2025 session date TBD)
Part 2 – Completed: Systems Leadership (2025 session date TBD)
Part 3 – January 16-17: Professional & Community Leadership
Note: Although Academy programs are sequential, new superintendents are urged to attend them as they are able. Academy programs are repeated annually.
Investment:
Single two-day Program:
$280 for PASA members | $330 for nonmembers
Complete Series (Rolls into Next Year):
$800 for PASA members | $950 for nonmembers
Complete Series with Mentorship with an experienced Superintendent (Available exclusively to PASA members) (Rolls into Next Year):
$2,000 for PASA members
Managing the Risks:
Next session: Thursday, January 9
Navigating Challenging Board Meetings
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Dive into proven strategies for managing difficult personalities and steering conversations around controversial topics with grace. This session will empower you with the skills to foster constructive dialogues, ensuring every meeting progresses toward the ultimate goal: the betterment of our educational system. Don't miss out on this essential opportunity to transform tension-filled rooms into arenas of collaborative problem-solving.
Topics include dealing with difficult parents, stakeholders, board members, groups as well as handling controversial topics.
Facilitators: Dr. Sherri Smith, Executive Director and Dr. Michele Balliet, Director of Professional Development, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA)
Investment:
Individual Session: PASA Members: $49; Non-members: $69
Click here to register.
Full Series: PASA Members: $245; Non-members: $345
Click here to register.
Learn more about the full Managing the Risks series:
Click here to learn more about the full seven-session Managing the Risk series and other upcoming sessions.
Apply now:
2024-25 Ready to Learn Tax Equity Application Now Available through PA Department of Education eGrants
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) recently released the 2024-25 Ready to Learn (RTL) Tax Equity application in eGrants. The 2024-2025 Ready to Learn Block Grant Tax Equity Supplement will be distributed using the formulas set forth in the School Code, as amended by Act 55 of 2024.
To confirm your school district’s 2024-25 RTL Tax Equity allocation, visit the PDE Budget webpage and open the 2024-2025 Ready to Learn Block Grant spreadsheet.
Eligible school districts will receive 100 percent of their allocation upon approval of their application in eGrants. The full application guidelines are available online at Ready to Learn Block Grant.
School districts have until March 10, 2025, to file an application in eGrants.
For questions on the Tax Equity Supplement calculation, payment, or uses or related to Act 1 should be directed to Benjamin Hanft in PDE’s Bureau of Financial Operations at bhanft@pa.gov.
In Health, Safety, Equity & Learning News…
Ed Dept Pulls School-Based Medicaid Proposed Rule — A proposed federal rule that supporters said would have made it easier for schools to be reimbursed for school-based Medicaid services was withdrawn by the U.S. Department of Education on Dec. 27. In its withdrawal notice, the Education Department cited limited resources. The agency also said it ran out of time to fully analyze barriers to Medicaid services provided to students outside of school as a result of a school accessing that student’s public benefits for services provided in-school. Read the rest of the story: “Ed Dept Pulls School-Based Medicaid Proposed Rule” (from, K-12 Dive, 1/3/25)
Hall Passes Go Digital to Complement Cellphone Restrictions — When the Lincoln school district in Nebraska brought in a new superintendent in 2022, it was the perfect time to address longstanding student behavior problems with fresh eyes. The then-new superintendent of the 42,000-student district, Paul Gausman, hosted a series of meetings with administrators and teachers to drill down on the most prominent problem areas. Two key themes emerged: the need for updated guidelines on students’ cellphone use, and a way to address “out-of-class time”—when students are not in the classroom during instructional time. (Gausman recently announced his retirement.) Read the rest of the story: “Hall Passes Go Digital to Complement Cellphone Restrictions” (from, EducationWeek, 1/3/25)
What You Need To Know About Title IX — Title IX, the statute preventing sex discrimination in federally funded education programs, has been around for over five decades, but its implementation in schools remains a hotbed of controversy, with regulations implementing the law continuing to ping-pong between Democratic and Republican administrations. Since President Barack Obama’s administration, district and school leaders have navigated differing policies on preventing and addressing sex discrimination. Read the rest of the story: “What You Need To Know About Title IX” (from, K-12 Dive, 1/2/25)
How Does Exclusionary Discipline Affect Student Mental Health? — Students who are suspended or expelled can experience elevated rates of depression through their teen years and into early adulthood, according to research from sociologists at the University of Arkansas. Previous studies connect suspensions and expulsions to a range of poor academic outcomes, such as lower standardized test scores and graduation rates. But this study provides new insights into the impact on long-term mental health patterns, according to researchers. Read the rest of the story: “How Does Exclusionary Discipline Affect Student Mental Health?” (from, K-12 Dive, 1/3/25)
In State News…
Preventing Respiratory Viruses (and other illnesses) in K-12 Schools — The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) encourages schools to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations on preventing the spread of illnesses, including respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Please visit Respiratory Virus Guidance (cdc.gov) and Preventing Spread of Infections in K-12 Schools | CDC. Read the rest of the story: “Preventing Respiratory Viruses (and other illnesses) in K-12 Schools” (from Pittsburgh Courier, 12/30/24)
Public Schools Funding, Immigrant Students May Bear the Brunt of Trump Education Pledges, Advocates Warn — Among his many promises, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, cut federal funding for any school “pushing” critical race theory, abolish teacher tenure and expand school choice. As the nation is preparing for a new administration in January, education stakeholders around Pittsburgh are gearing up for big changes. Read the rest of the story: “Public Schools Funding, Immigrant Students May Bear the Brunt of Trump Education Pledges, Advocates Warn” (from Pittsburgh Courier, 12/30/24)
Year in Review: What the PA Legislature Achieved in 2024 — Spending on public education, reforming aspects of health care, loosening regulations on business and strengthening the commonwealth's workforce were among the legislative wins achieved in 2024 in Pennsylvania's General Assembly. Lawmakers adopted Pennsylvania's biggest budget, to date, a $47.6 billion spending plan with a deficit balanced by $3 billion transferred from the commonwealth's reserves. Gov. Josh Shapiro and his supporters welcomed the move, spending down on what had been a combined $14 billion in savings they viewed as a reinvestment in taxpayers whose money sat dormant. Read the rest of the story: “Year in Review: What the PA Legislature Achieved in 2024” (from The Daily Item, 12/27/24)
Philadelphia PD Will Stop Arresting Minors for Some First-Time Offenses Under New Diversion Program — Starting on Monday, Philadelphia police will stop arresting kids who are accused of first-time, low-level offenses, and instead will send them to a police diversion program that aims to address misbehavior without drawing youth into the juvenile justice system. The offenses — including disorderly conduct, shoplifting, vandalism, and assaults without significant injuries, plus some more serious charges involving children under 13 — are ones that almost certainly would have been funneled into diversion programs later in the court process. Read the rest of the story: “Philadelphia PD Will Stop Arresting Minors for Some First-Time Offenses Under New Diversion Program” (from, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 1/3/25)
National and International News…
How To Use Curriculum To Support Students After Extended Absences — Students who miss more than an occasional day of class often need extra support when they return to school. Chronic or prolonged absences require thoughtful consideration from educators to ensure learners have time and resources to catch up to their peers. Educators can construct lessons for all students in a way that also works for students who may have an extended absence, said Barbara Blackburn, an author, consultant and former educator. She suggests designing lessons that include extra support and scaffolding options that include, for example, videos. Read the rest of the story: “How To Use Curriculum To Support Students After Extended Absences” (from K-12 Dive, 12/18/24)
Parents and Caregivers Are Vital to Children’s Early Learning and Development — Tune in, talk more, take turns is good advice for anyone hoping to build their conversational skills. It is also the name of an enrichment program created by the University of Chicago’s TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health to promote equity in children’s language acquisition and to reduce disparities in developmental outcomes for children from low-income families. Pediatric surgeon Dr. Dana Suskind, who specializes in cochlear implants and has authored books on brain development and early childhood development, founded the research initiative that would evolve into the TMW Center in 2010 after observing the degree to which differences in her patients’ early language exposure led to inequalities in their ability to learn and thrive. Read the rest of the story: “Parents and Caregivers Are Vital to Children’s Early Learning and Development” (from, The74, 12/24/24)
What’s In, What’s Out for AI, Cellphones, Cybersecurity, and Other Ed-Tech Stuff — Education technology changes quickly, and so do the trends that define how educators and students use it. What was hot one year can easily be passé the next, and keeping abreast of those fast-changing dynamics can challenging. Read the rest of the story: “What’s In, What’s Out for AI, Cellphones, Cybersecurity, and Other Ed-Tech Stuff” (from EducationWeek, 1/2/25)
How K-12 Can Get a Head Start on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math — A 2024 National Science Board report recently shared troubling news that K–12 teachers have known for a while: The U.S. is facing a “STEM talent crisis.” The State of U.S. Science and Engineering 2024 report goes on to say, “We are not producing STEM workers in either sufficient numbers or diversity to meet the workforce needs of the 21st century knowledge economy.” As a teacher of K–5 gifted students at Duval County (Fla.) Public Schools, I’m doing my part to introduce my students to science, technology, engineering and math skills as early as the first grade. Read the rest of the story: “How K-12 Can Get a Head Start on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math” (from, EdTech, 12/30/24)
Should Instructors Ask Students to Show Document Histories to Guard Against AI Cheating — ‘Show your work’ has taken on a new meaning — and importance — in the age of ChatGPT. As teachers and professors look for ways to guard against the use of AI to cheat on homework, many have started asking students to share the history of their online documents to check for signs that a bot did the writing. In some cases that means asking students to grant access to the version history of a document in a system like Google Docs, and in others it involves turning to new web browser extensions that have been created for just this purpose. Read the rest of the story. “Should Instructors Ask Students to Show Document Histories to Guard Against AI Cheating?” (from EdSurge, 12/23/24)
Upcoming Legislative Schedule – (Subject to change) – No Education Committee work is on the docket for this week.
House of Representatives:
Next Session: January 7, 2025 at noon.
Senate:
Next session: January 7, 2025 at 1 p.m.
Senate Scheduled 2025 Session Days:
January: 7, 27, 28, 29
February: 3, 4, 5
March: 24, 25, 26, 31
April: 1, 2
May: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13
June: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
House Scheduled Session Days:
January: 7 (Swearing-in Day), 27, 28, 29
February: 3, 4, 5
March: 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26
April: 7, 8, 9, 22, 23, 24
May: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14
June: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30
September: 22 (NV), 23 (NV), 24 (NV), 29, 30
October: 1, 6, 7, 8, 27, 28, 29
November: 17, 18, 19
December: 8 (NV), 9 (NV), 10 (NV), 15, 16, 17
Sponsor announcements:
Global Professional Learning Scholarship Recipients Announced
The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators would like to congratulate this year’s cohort on receiving their scholarships for the Global Leadership Development Program in partnership with EF Education First. This year’s tour will take place July 7-15, 2025 in Sweden, Finland & Estonia. The recipients are as follow:
The next Global Professional Learning opportunity for Fall 2025 will be announced in February.
On the PASA Calendar…
January 9, 2025: Managing the Risks: Navigating Challenging Board Meetings
January 16-17, 2025: New Superintendents’ Academy (Phase 1): Professional & Community Leadership
February 13, 2025: Managing the Risks: The Pennsylvania Public Official and Employees Ethic Act— Compliance and Potential Unintended Violations
March 19-21, 2025: PASA Leadership Forum
March 27, 2025: Managing the Risks: Complex Student Issues: Avoiding Ethical and Legal Pitfalls
April 16-17, 2025: Superintendents’ Academy (Phase 2): Building Relationships for Successful Negotiations
Click here to view the full calendar of events.
Are YOU ready to LEAD the charge in creativity and innovation within your school? Join us at this year’s PASA Leadership Forum for a transformational experience designed for school leaders who dare to dream—and act.
Event Theme:
From Ideas to Implementation: Leading Creativity and Innovation in School
Why You Should Attend:
- Inspiration & Insights: Learn from thought leaders and experienced educators who are reshaping the future of education.
- Actionable Strategies: Gain cutting-edge tools to nurture creativity and innovation in your schools
- Powerful Connections: Collaborate with like-minded peers who share your vision for transformative leadership.
Click here to learn more about the forum and to register.
Meet Our Keynotes:
Noelle Ellerson Ng
Advocate for innovative policy and education transformation
Dr. Pat Greco
Renowned expert in leadership and organizational excellence
Mr. John Tanner
Visionary thinker on accountability and educational success
Dr. Michael Nagler
Award-winning superintendent and innovator in education
Investment to attend:
PASA Members:
Early Bird | Standard
(All Days) Full Event: $399|$449
(Day 1) W/Th-$300|$320
(Day 2) Th/F-$300|$320
Members may bring guests from their own district/organization at a discounted rate!
District Colleagues of PASA Members:
Early Bird | Standard
(All Days) Full Event: $379|$429
Non-Member:
Early Bird | Standard
(All Days) Full Event: $499|$549
(Day 1) W/Th:$400|$420
(Day 2) Th/F:$400|$420
*Early Bird Discount ends Friday, January 31st.*
*No refunds will be made for cancelations or changes after March 7th, 2025*
Click here to learn more about the forum and to register.
New Superintendents’ Academy (Phase 1):
Next Session: “Professional & Community Leadership”
January 16-17, 2025 | PASA Office in Harrisburg
Professional and community leadership is about establishing a school community in which all learners grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively. This Academy focuses on effective communications and collaborative practices to develop a community of educators in which professional growth is ongoing, to maximize meaningful and mutually beneficial parent and community engagement, and to promote effective advocacy strategies to ensure the future viability of public education.
Register today! Join the other 40 registrants to this 3-part Series!
About the New Superintendents’ Academy Series:
Are you or will you soon be taking on a new role as chief school administrator? GET READY BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS 3-PART SERIES BUILT SPECIFICALLY TO SUPPORT NEWLY APPOINTED SUPERINTENDENTS!
The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) encourages new superintendents to attend the high-value, three-part New Superintendents' Academy that will provide you with an in-depth overview about your new role. Sessions vary in theme and are led by experienced Pennsylvania superintendents and education experts who offer information and practical advice regarding the complicated issues and challenges unique to your new leadership role. This series is aimed at enhancing your leadership skills and capacities in the key areas of Strategic and Cultural Leadership, Systems Leadership, and Professional and Community Leadership.
BONUS! The Academy provides you, as a first-time superintendent, with an excellent opportunity to network with your peers and build a network of colleagues from across the state! Additionally, you will have the opportunity to gain a statewide perspective from participants and session leaders representing the diversity of districts across the Commonwealth.
*PIL CREDIT* Each two-day session of the Academy is approved for 25 hours of PIL/Act 48 credit, predicated upon program attendance and completion of the embedded activities.
Part 1 – Completed: Strategic & Cultural Leadership (2025 session date TBD)
Part 2 – Completed: Systems Leadership (2025 session date TBD)
Part 3 – January 16-17: Professional & Community Leadership
Note: Although Academy programs are sequential, new superintendents are urged to attend them as they are able. Academy programs are repeated annually.
Investment:
Single two-day Program:
$280 for PASA members | $330 for nonmembers
Complete Series (Rolls into Next Year):
$800 for PASA members | $950 for nonmembers
Complete Series with Mentorship with an experienced Superintendent (Available exclusively to PASA members) (Rolls into Next Year):
$2,000 for PASA members
Managing the Risks:
Next session: Thursday, January 9
Navigating Challenging Board Meetings
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Dive into proven strategies for managing difficult personalities and steering conversations around controversial topics with grace. This session will empower you with the skills to foster constructive dialogues, ensuring every meeting progresses toward the ultimate goal: the betterment of our educational system. Don't miss out on this essential opportunity to transform tension-filled rooms into arenas of collaborative problem-solving.
Topics include dealing with difficult parents, stakeholders, board members, groups as well as handling controversial topics.
Facilitators: Dr. Sherri Smith, Executive Director and Dr. Michele Balliet, Director of Professional Development, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA)
Investment:
Individual Session: PASA Members: $49; Non-members: $69
Click here to register.
Full Series: PASA Members: $245; Non-members: $345
Click here to register.
Learn more about the full Managing the Risks series:
Click here to learn more about the full seven-session Managing the Risk series and other upcoming sessions.
Apply now:
2024-25 Ready to Learn Tax Equity Application Now Available through PA Department of Education eGrants
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) recently released the 2024-25 Ready to Learn (RTL) Tax Equity application in eGrants. The 2024-2025 Ready to Learn Block Grant Tax Equity Supplement will be distributed using the formulas set forth in the School Code, as amended by Act 55 of 2024.
To confirm your school district’s 2024-25 RTL Tax Equity allocation, visit the PDE Budget webpage and open the 2024-2025 Ready to Learn Block Grant spreadsheet.
Eligible school districts will receive 100 percent of their allocation upon approval of their application in eGrants. The full application guidelines are available online at Ready to Learn Block Grant.
School districts have until March 10, 2025, to file an application in eGrants.
- To log-in to eGrants, go to MyPDESuite.
- The application is accessible under Teaching and Learning Support with the heading Ready to Learn Tax Equity in Grants Management/Grant Applications.
For questions on the Tax Equity Supplement calculation, payment, or uses or related to Act 1 should be directed to Benjamin Hanft in PDE’s Bureau of Financial Operations at bhanft@pa.gov.
In Health, Safety, Equity & Learning News…
Ed Dept Pulls School-Based Medicaid Proposed Rule — A proposed federal rule that supporters said would have made it easier for schools to be reimbursed for school-based Medicaid services was withdrawn by the U.S. Department of Education on Dec. 27. In its withdrawal notice, the Education Department cited limited resources. The agency also said it ran out of time to fully analyze barriers to Medicaid services provided to students outside of school as a result of a school accessing that student’s public benefits for services provided in-school. Read the rest of the story: “Ed Dept Pulls School-Based Medicaid Proposed Rule” (from, K-12 Dive, 1/3/25)
Hall Passes Go Digital to Complement Cellphone Restrictions — When the Lincoln school district in Nebraska brought in a new superintendent in 2022, it was the perfect time to address longstanding student behavior problems with fresh eyes. The then-new superintendent of the 42,000-student district, Paul Gausman, hosted a series of meetings with administrators and teachers to drill down on the most prominent problem areas. Two key themes emerged: the need for updated guidelines on students’ cellphone use, and a way to address “out-of-class time”—when students are not in the classroom during instructional time. (Gausman recently announced his retirement.) Read the rest of the story: “Hall Passes Go Digital to Complement Cellphone Restrictions” (from, EducationWeek, 1/3/25)
What You Need To Know About Title IX — Title IX, the statute preventing sex discrimination in federally funded education programs, has been around for over five decades, but its implementation in schools remains a hotbed of controversy, with regulations implementing the law continuing to ping-pong between Democratic and Republican administrations. Since President Barack Obama’s administration, district and school leaders have navigated differing policies on preventing and addressing sex discrimination. Read the rest of the story: “What You Need To Know About Title IX” (from, K-12 Dive, 1/2/25)
How Does Exclusionary Discipline Affect Student Mental Health? — Students who are suspended or expelled can experience elevated rates of depression through their teen years and into early adulthood, according to research from sociologists at the University of Arkansas. Previous studies connect suspensions and expulsions to a range of poor academic outcomes, such as lower standardized test scores and graduation rates. But this study provides new insights into the impact on long-term mental health patterns, according to researchers. Read the rest of the story: “How Does Exclusionary Discipline Affect Student Mental Health?” (from, K-12 Dive, 1/3/25)
In State News…
Preventing Respiratory Viruses (and other illnesses) in K-12 Schools — The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) encourages schools to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations on preventing the spread of illnesses, including respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Please visit Respiratory Virus Guidance (cdc.gov) and Preventing Spread of Infections in K-12 Schools | CDC. Read the rest of the story: “Preventing Respiratory Viruses (and other illnesses) in K-12 Schools” (from Pittsburgh Courier, 12/30/24)
Public Schools Funding, Immigrant Students May Bear the Brunt of Trump Education Pledges, Advocates Warn — Among his many promises, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, cut federal funding for any school “pushing” critical race theory, abolish teacher tenure and expand school choice. As the nation is preparing for a new administration in January, education stakeholders around Pittsburgh are gearing up for big changes. Read the rest of the story: “Public Schools Funding, Immigrant Students May Bear the Brunt of Trump Education Pledges, Advocates Warn” (from Pittsburgh Courier, 12/30/24)
Year in Review: What the PA Legislature Achieved in 2024 — Spending on public education, reforming aspects of health care, loosening regulations on business and strengthening the commonwealth's workforce were among the legislative wins achieved in 2024 in Pennsylvania's General Assembly. Lawmakers adopted Pennsylvania's biggest budget, to date, a $47.6 billion spending plan with a deficit balanced by $3 billion transferred from the commonwealth's reserves. Gov. Josh Shapiro and his supporters welcomed the move, spending down on what had been a combined $14 billion in savings they viewed as a reinvestment in taxpayers whose money sat dormant. Read the rest of the story: “Year in Review: What the PA Legislature Achieved in 2024” (from The Daily Item, 12/27/24)
Philadelphia PD Will Stop Arresting Minors for Some First-Time Offenses Under New Diversion Program — Starting on Monday, Philadelphia police will stop arresting kids who are accused of first-time, low-level offenses, and instead will send them to a police diversion program that aims to address misbehavior without drawing youth into the juvenile justice system. The offenses — including disorderly conduct, shoplifting, vandalism, and assaults without significant injuries, plus some more serious charges involving children under 13 — are ones that almost certainly would have been funneled into diversion programs later in the court process. Read the rest of the story: “Philadelphia PD Will Stop Arresting Minors for Some First-Time Offenses Under New Diversion Program” (from, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 1/3/25)
National and International News…
How To Use Curriculum To Support Students After Extended Absences — Students who miss more than an occasional day of class often need extra support when they return to school. Chronic or prolonged absences require thoughtful consideration from educators to ensure learners have time and resources to catch up to their peers. Educators can construct lessons for all students in a way that also works for students who may have an extended absence, said Barbara Blackburn, an author, consultant and former educator. She suggests designing lessons that include extra support and scaffolding options that include, for example, videos. Read the rest of the story: “How To Use Curriculum To Support Students After Extended Absences” (from K-12 Dive, 12/18/24)
Parents and Caregivers Are Vital to Children’s Early Learning and Development — Tune in, talk more, take turns is good advice for anyone hoping to build their conversational skills. It is also the name of an enrichment program created by the University of Chicago’s TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health to promote equity in children’s language acquisition and to reduce disparities in developmental outcomes for children from low-income families. Pediatric surgeon Dr. Dana Suskind, who specializes in cochlear implants and has authored books on brain development and early childhood development, founded the research initiative that would evolve into the TMW Center in 2010 after observing the degree to which differences in her patients’ early language exposure led to inequalities in their ability to learn and thrive. Read the rest of the story: “Parents and Caregivers Are Vital to Children’s Early Learning and Development” (from, The74, 12/24/24)
What’s In, What’s Out for AI, Cellphones, Cybersecurity, and Other Ed-Tech Stuff — Education technology changes quickly, and so do the trends that define how educators and students use it. What was hot one year can easily be passé the next, and keeping abreast of those fast-changing dynamics can challenging. Read the rest of the story: “What’s In, What’s Out for AI, Cellphones, Cybersecurity, and Other Ed-Tech Stuff” (from EducationWeek, 1/2/25)
How K-12 Can Get a Head Start on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math — A 2024 National Science Board report recently shared troubling news that K–12 teachers have known for a while: The U.S. is facing a “STEM talent crisis.” The State of U.S. Science and Engineering 2024 report goes on to say, “We are not producing STEM workers in either sufficient numbers or diversity to meet the workforce needs of the 21st century knowledge economy.” As a teacher of K–5 gifted students at Duval County (Fla.) Public Schools, I’m doing my part to introduce my students to science, technology, engineering and math skills as early as the first grade. Read the rest of the story: “How K-12 Can Get a Head Start on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math” (from, EdTech, 12/30/24)
Should Instructors Ask Students to Show Document Histories to Guard Against AI Cheating — ‘Show your work’ has taken on a new meaning — and importance — in the age of ChatGPT. As teachers and professors look for ways to guard against the use of AI to cheat on homework, many have started asking students to share the history of their online documents to check for signs that a bot did the writing. In some cases that means asking students to grant access to the version history of a document in a system like Google Docs, and in others it involves turning to new web browser extensions that have been created for just this purpose. Read the rest of the story. “Should Instructors Ask Students to Show Document Histories to Guard Against AI Cheating?” (from EdSurge, 12/23/24)
Upcoming Legislative Schedule – (Subject to change) – No Education Committee work is on the docket for this week.
House of Representatives:
Next Session: January 7, 2025 at noon.
Senate:
Next session: January 7, 2025 at 1 p.m.
Senate Scheduled 2025 Session Days:
January: 7, 27, 28, 29
February: 3, 4, 5
March: 24, 25, 26, 31
April: 1, 2
May: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13
June: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
House Scheduled Session Days:
January: 7 (Swearing-in Day), 27, 28, 29
February: 3, 4, 5
March: 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26
April: 7, 8, 9, 22, 23, 24
May: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14
June: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30
September: 22 (NV), 23 (NV), 24 (NV), 29, 30
October: 1, 6, 7, 8, 27, 28, 29
November: 17, 18, 19
December: 8 (NV), 9 (NV), 10 (NV), 15, 16, 17
Sponsor announcements:
Global Professional Learning Scholarship Recipients Announced
The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators would like to congratulate this year’s cohort on receiving their scholarships for the Global Leadership Development Program in partnership with EF Education First. This year’s tour will take place July 7-15, 2025 in Sweden, Finland & Estonia. The recipients are as follow:
- Tony Watlington, School District of Philadelphia
- Caroline Johns, Northgate School District
- Stephen Rodriguez, Pottstown School District
- Chris Dormer, Norristown Area School District
- John Council, Upper Darby School District.
The next Global Professional Learning opportunity for Fall 2025 will be announced in February.
On the PASA Calendar…
January 9, 2025: Managing the Risks: Navigating Challenging Board Meetings
January 16-17, 2025: New Superintendents’ Academy (Phase 1): Professional & Community Leadership
February 13, 2025: Managing the Risks: The Pennsylvania Public Official and Employees Ethic Act— Compliance and Potential Unintended Violations
March 19-21, 2025: PASA Leadership Forum
March 27, 2025: Managing the Risks: Complex Student Issues: Avoiding Ethical and Legal Pitfalls
April 16-17, 2025: Superintendents’ Academy (Phase 2): Building Relationships for Successful Negotiations
Click here to view the full calendar of events.