Public News Service

In March, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced House Bill 2063, which would reform the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs. (Jasmina/AdobeStock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Report: PA track record on private-school vouchers finds still no accountability

A new report analyzes Pennsylvania's existing voucher programs, that divert public funds to private schools. This comes on the heels of Gov…

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has set a goal to boost the retention rates for educators of color from 80% to 90% by August 2025. (Adobe Stock)

PA high school focuses on attracting new teachers to the field

The shortage of educators and school staffers has reached a crisis level in some Pennsylvania public schools. The state will need to fill thousands …

El Departamento de Educaci�n de Pensilvania se ha fijado el objetivo de aumentar las tasas de retenci�n de los educadores de color del 80% al 90% para agosto de 2025. (Adobe Stock)

Preparatoria de PA se centra en atraer nuevos profesores a este ámbito

La escasez de educadores y personal escolar han alcanzado un nivel crítico en algunas escuelas públicas de Pensilvania. El estado …

Chesapeake Bay Foundation educators, with students on a field trip, explore the Susquehanna River at City Island. The Capitol building is in the background. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

PA students gain hands-on experience in watershed conservation

It is almost time for some Pennsylvania students to get out of the classroom and into a canoe. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Pennsylvania Rivers …

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Educators voice concern PA school voucher programs 'discriminate'

Pennsylvania's teachers' union is voicing concerns that the state's public school voucher program will negatively affect public education in lower-inc…

La Federaci�n Estadounidense de Maestros dice que su campa�a

Educadores preocupados por 'discriminación' en programas de vales escolares

El sindicato de maestros de Pensilvania expresa su preocupación de que el programa de vales para escuelas públicas del estado afecte negativ…

Hispanic adults are the fastest-growing group in Pennsylvania, and in 2022 had a college-degree attainment rate of 29.7%. (Brastock Images/Adobe Stock)

PA nears 60% college degree attainment goal, but work remains

Pennsylvania lags only slightly behind national figures for the number of working-age adults who have earned college degrees or other professional cer…

A 2024-2025 budget proposal from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro includes $100 million in mental health funding for K-12 schools, building upon one-time federal funds, to ensure schools have the resources to provide mental health services to students and staff. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

PSEA applauds Gov. Shapiro's record budget proposal for public schools

Looking to tackle inequitable education funding across the state, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has unveiled a new budget plan, including a major …

About 77% of Pennsylvania students who experienced homelessness lived in doubled-up situations, 11% lived in shelters or transitional housing, 8% stayed in hotels and 4% lived in unsheltered locations, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. (Homeless Children Education Fund)

Mobile classroom 'Winnie’s Wagon' helping unhoused students

In Pennsylvania, a unique mobile classroom brings education and support directly to unhoused youths. More than 3,100 school-aged children in …

Students in the Wallenpaupack Aeronautical Science and Aviation Program learn job-ready skills, from aircraft maintenance to piloting commercial airliners. (Pennsylvania State Education Association)

PA high school aviation program setting students up for highflying careers

A Pennsylvania high school is setting students up for highflying careers. The Wallenpaupack Aeronautical Science and Aviation Program provides …

Journalism student Zoe Baker Herron, a freshman at Manheim Township High School, says students want to listen to the podcast to hear their peers talk about things that they're passionate about.<br />(Manheim Township High School)

Beyond bookshelves, PA high school library rocks with student podcasts

A Pennsylvania high school has created a space in its library that's fostering learning and creativity that benefit students and educators. Manheim …

PA schools could soon be powered by sun as solar bill advances to Senate

Bipartisan legislation that proposes the installation of solar panels in schools across Pennsylvania awaits a vote in the state Senate. The Solar …

By August 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Education is expected to establish a streamlined pathway to certification for educators who earned their certification outside Pennsylvania. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

A call for 'bold action' to address PA school funding disparities

During a public hearing on improving school funding, the Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding Commission heard from people who stressed the need to …

A new Keystone Research Center report highlightsd initiatives like

Report: Federal funding would ignite apprenticeships, create job pathways

Pennsylvania needs more economic opportunities and a new report from the Keystone Research Center showed federal investments in climate and infrastruc…

The Pennsylvania State Education Association represents about 177,000 active and retired educators and school employees, student teachers, higher education staff, and health care workers. (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

New PSEA president vows to tackle education challenges

The shortage of teachers and school staffers has reached crisis level in some Pennsylvania public schools, and is among the chief concerns of the new …

Banned Books Week draws attention to the harms of censorship and the benefits of unrestricted reading. (SnapVault/Adobe Stock)

Banned-books tour to visit Pittsburgh today

In recognition of Banned Book Week, the "Banned Books Tour" bookmobile will be in the Keystone State today. Pennsylvania ranks third among states …

Pennsylvania's educational system includes a network of 604 state-supported public libraries and 29 District Library Centers, which provide resources, technology and programs for pre-K-to-12 students, as well as adult learners, in all 67 counties. (Lightfield Studios/AdobeStock)

PA group pushes to educate voters ahead of Nov. 7 general election

As the November 7 municipal elections fast approach, there's a push for voter education in the Keystone State. The Commonwealth is home to more …

El sistema educativo de Pensilvania incluye una red de 604 bibliotecas p�blicas subsidiadas por el Estado y 29 Centros Bibliotecarios de Distrito, que proporcionan recursos, tecnolog�a y programas para estudiantes de preescolar a 12�, as� como para estudiantes adultos, en los 67 condados. (Estudios Lightfield/AdobeStock)

Grupo de PA presiona para educar a votantes antes de las elecciones del 7 de nov.

A medida que se acercan las elecciones municipales del 7 de noviembre, hay un impulso para la educación de los votantes en el estado de Keystone…

Some 23% of children served in Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental Assistance Programs in Pennsylvania are non-Hispanic Black, compared to 41% of children identifying as non-Hispanic White.<br />(Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Charting a Path to Equitable Access for PA Early Learning System

The Keystone State has some work to do to provide more access to quality pre-Kindergarten programs for the youngest Pennsylvanians. Only 43% of …

The Southern Poverty Law Center report finds that school safety is a major concern for youths, and that worry about school shootings is associated with a host of negative mental-health outcomes. (Jacob Lund/AdobeStock)

Survey: Young Pennsylvanians Want Stricter Gun Laws

In Pennsylvania and across the country, some 74% of young people in the U.S. believe gun violence is a problem, and 60% want to see stricter gun laws…

Pennsylvania's 500 school districts range in size from approximately 200 students to more than 140,000 students. (WavebreakmediaMicro/AdobeStock)

PA State Budget in Limbo Over Private School Voucher Plan

Pennsylvania is still operating without a budget as the new school year approaches. House Bill 611 is now in the state Senate. It would provide more …

Blackhawk School District educator Ryan Hardesty is the 2023 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, one of public education's highest honors. (Commonwealth Media Services)

PA's 'Teacher of the Year' Spends Summer Encouraging Other Educators

At the start of this year, a Pennsylvania middle school teacher was chosen among 12 finalists statewide to receive one of the profession's highest …

The SAVE plan for undergraduate loans would cut in half the amount that borrowers have to pay each month from 10% to 5% of their discretionary income. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Pennsylvanians Look to SAVE Plan to Help with Student Loan Debt

The new student loan forgiveness plan known as "SAVE" could lower monthly bills and reduce the amount some borrowers have to pay back over the lifetim…

Pennsylvania has nearly 300 colleges, universities and technical schools for prospective students of all career interests, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.(NolaV/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)

Education Advocates: Affirmative Action Ruling a Step Back for Racial Equality

In Pennsylvania, education advocates contended affirmative action has been a critical tool in promoting equity and addressing historical …

In 2017-2018, boys of nearly all races were disproportionately disciplined, but Black boys in pre-K through 12th grade were suspended and expelled at proportions three times their enrollment, according to the U.S. Department of Education. (Seventyfour/AdobeStock)

Restorative Practices Strengthening Relationships with PA Students, Communities

Restorative practices have gained a foothold in Pennsylvania schools as districts look for ways to reduce suspensions and improve their school climate…

Jermaine Bailey and daughter ShaWanna sign their letters of job offers with the city of York's school district. Both are certified teachers and will start in the Fall. (Courtesy Jermaine Bailey)

'Grow Your Own' Program May Solve Teacher Shortage

A shortage of teachers has reached a crisis level in some of the 500 school districts serving more than 1.7 million K-12 students in Pennsylvania…

Gov. Josh Shapiro's budget proposal includes a $4.2 million investment in a Public Library Facilities Improvement Fund. It would give small, rural public libraries access to targeted funds for repairs and improvements. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Higher-Ed System Budget at Stake in PA Senate

With only a week to go until the next state budget has to be finalized, advocates for colleges and universities in Pennsylvania are hoping for a …

Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed budget includes $100 million to fund the School-Based Mental Health Supports Block Grant to connect more students and staff to mental health services. (Rawpixel/Adobe Stock)

PA Group Pushes Senate to Approve Budget with K-12 School Funding Increase

A Pennsylvania advocacy group is watching carefully as the Senate ponders House Bill 611, which would provide more funding for basic K-12 and special …

In June 2019, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in the state. (Be Pro/AdobeStock)

Juneteenth: Celebrating Literacy, Artistic Freedom

A Pennsylvania literacy organization is commemorating the Juneteenth holiday by highlighting the history and contributions of Black people in the Unit…

The 2023 Kids Count Data Book noted Pennsylvania's average annual cost of center-based child care for a toddler was $11,346, or 10% of the median income for a married couple and 35% of a single mother's income in the state. (DenisProduction.com/Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Ranks 22nd Among States in Child Well-Being

Pennsylvania ranks in the middle among states for the well-being of its children. It is 22nd overall in the new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E…

In Pennsylvania, one of the voting requirements is that you will need to be at least 18 years of age on or before the day of the next primary, special, municipal or general election. (Andrey Popov/AdobeStock)

Community College of Philadelphia Designated as Voter-Friendly Campus

As the municipal primary election fast approaches, the Community College of Philadelphia is continuing to educate students on the importance of voter …

En Pensilvania, uno de los requisitos para votar es tener al menos 18 a�os de edad antes del d�a de la pr�xima elecci�n primaria, especial, municipal o general. (Andr�i Popov/AdobeStock)

Colegio de Filadelfia Designado como Campus Amigable para Votantes

A medida que se acerca rápidamente la elección primaria municipal, el Colegio Comunitario de Philadelfia continúa educando a los …

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021 more than a third of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Alberto/AdobeStock)

Report: Black Girls Speak Out About Public Schools in Pennsylvania

A new report found Black girls across the Keystone State are subjected to "daunting educational barriers" in K-12 public schools and offers recommenda…

The Philadelphia Public School District purchased its first five electric school buses in 2022 and says it plans to expand its fleet this year to reduce its carbon footprint. (Viktoriia/Adobe Stock)

More PA Districts Look to Upgrade School Buses with EPA Grants

School districts in Pennsylvania and across the country can apply for grant funding to get new buses that run on cleaner fuel sources. There's $400 …

The Commonwealth's K-12 public school system serves more than 1.7 million students. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Call to Action: PA Group Pushes for More K-12 School Funding

More school funding for basic and special education, along with more funding targeted to lower-income districts are on the wish list of a …

Parents are concerned about their child experiencing violence at school has increased since last school year. Hispanic parents are significantly more worried than Black and White parents, according to a new survey by the National Parent Teacher Association. (Vasyl/AdobeStock)

Survey Explores Parents’ Mindsets During School Year 2022-2023

A new survey finds that parents are concerned about their children's emotional and mental health and want schools to provide resources services to sup…

According to a new report, 40% of all Black apprentices in the construction field face ongoing discrimination and exclusion from high-paying supervisorial and managerial roles. (Tongpatong/Adobe Stock)

PA Workforce Training Programs Work to Increase Black Apprenticeships

Labor leaders in various industries recently celebrated the 85th anniversary of a federal law that laid the groundwork for registered apprenticeship p…

This month Governor Shapiro announced his plan to give new teachers a personal income tax credit of up to $2,500 a year for three years. (Johoo/AdobeStock)

PSEA Call to Action: More Funding To Solve School Staffing Crisis

The shortage of school teachers and staffers has reached a crisis level in some public schools. An education advocacy group is making recommendations …

A 2021 Pennsylvania Department of Education report found that Career and Technical Education participants (86.5%) had slightly higher odds of graduating on time from high school than non-CTE students (85%). (Adobe Stock)

Call to Action: More Funding for PA Career and Technical Education

A Pennsylvania advocacy group wants the state budget to include more funding for Career and Technical Education programs, or CTE, for high school …

Pennsylvania teacher Katie Harnish traveled to Antarctica to study and learn about the environment and wildlife. (Photo courtesy of Harnish)

PA Educator Explores Antarctica, Falkland Islands with Fellowship

A Pennsylvania educator is one of 50 teachers from around the U.S. and Canada who received a Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship, an honor that came with a …

In Pennsylvania, funding for K-12 education totals more than $30 billion or $19,369 per pupil, according to the website EducationData.org. (Adobe Stock)

PA Now Tasked with Public-School Funding Revamp

It's been two weeks since a Commonwealth Court judge ruled Pennsylvania's system of funding public schools is unconstitutional and must be revamped…

According to a mental health workforce study, Pennsylvania is one of many states struggling with a shortage of mental-health practitioners, especially in rural communities. (Valerii Honcharuk/Adobe Stock)

PA Needs More Mental, Behavioral Healthcare Workers

A Pennsylvania children's advocacy group said the state should be doing more to help end a critical staffing shortage of mental and behavioral health …

According to ahe Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce survey, among women who have a bachelor's degree in communications and journalism, their median earnings are the same or higher than men's three years after graduation. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Report: Industry Decline Reduces Journalism Jobs

A report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce found the number of journalism jobs will continue to decline over the next d…

Senate Bill 1277 in the Pennsylvania General Assembly would require parental notification of content and materials that expose students to sexually explicit content in schools. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Group Advocates for Inclusive Schools in Keystone State

A Pennsylvania group has responded to what it says are "discriminatory policy proposals in the state education system" by launching the "Inclusive Sch…

Keystone Oaks High School teacher Kevin Gallagher was selected for the Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence, one of public education's highest honors. (Photo courtesy of Gallagher)

PA Educator Receives National Teaching Excellence Award

This has been National Education Week, and a Pennsylvania high school teacher is among only five educators nationally to receive one of the …

The Community College of Philadelphia's website says the school has served more than <a href=

685,000 of the city's residents since 1965. (Daniel Ernst/Adobe Stock)">

PA School Works to Attract More Students of Color to Higher Ed

A report on Black students in the community college system finds fewer are signing up to attend two-year colleges. One Pennsylvania school wants to …

Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill in December 2021 providing temporary relief to support Pennsylvania school districts struggling amid a national shortage of substitute teachers during the pandemic. (AVAVA/Adobe Stock)

Report Recommends Ways to Fix PA Teacher, Staff Shortages

A new report confirms what many Pennsylvania families already know: The shortage of educators and school staffers has reached a crisis level in some p…

In 2020-21, nearly 90% of charter school funding from state, local and federal sources came from mandatory tuition payments from school districts, according to the Keystone Center for Charter Change. (V. Yakobchuk/Adobe Stock)

PA School-Board Groups Advocate for Charter-School Funding Changes

A Pennsylvania group made up of members of locally-elected, volunteer school boards across the state is urging the General Assembly to take action to …

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PA: Education