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Pennsylvania League of Urban Schools
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Study results, once again, show importance of early childhood
education
Children in the Harrisburg Preschool Program for at-risk children scored higher on PSSA math and reading tests, even into
the fifth grade, according to a study released Wednesday by researchers at PennStateUniversity.
The percentage of children testing Below Basic in both reading and math declined while the percentage in Proficient and Advanced was significantly higher for those children who participated in
the Harrisburg pre-school program than those who
did not.
Read more.
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Special Report: Gov Corbett announces details of his wish list for vouchers and charter school
reform
Governor Corbett announced long awaited details of his education agenda at a charter
school in the YorkSchool
District today. His stated his priorities as
- vouchers (which he calls opportunity scholarships),
- expansion of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program beyond its current $75
million,
- expansion of charter schools and
- more robust system of educator evaluations.
The governor's plan calls for vouchers in the amount of the per pupil state aid to a
student's district for children with family income of 130 percent or less of the federal poverty rate and 75 percent to students with slightly higher family income. Students must live within
the attendance zones of the lowest-performing five percent of schools, estimated to be about 140 schools across the state.
He called for expansion of the EITC Tax Credit program to an amount to be negotiated with
legislators.
His charter proposal would create a statewide commission with the power to authorize and
oversee charter schools in local districts.
His teacher evaluation proposal, which has already begun in a foundation-funded pilot
program, would include student performance as one factor in teacher evaluation.
Political observers question whether there is the political will, especially in the
House, to move on either vouchers or charter reform this session with only about 25 legislative days before the end of the calendar year.
Read more.
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First quarter revenues below Corbett administration projections but ahead of last year's first
quarter.
Pennsylvania reported first quarter revenue for fiscal year 2011-2012 at $5.8 billion, 3.5 percent below the administration's quarterly projection.
Rather than a cause for alarm, however, analysts note that this revenue is above last year's revenue for the same period reflecting a stubbornly slow but continued economic
recovery.
Tax collections in July, August and September were $205 million, or 3.7 percent,
higher than for the same three months in 2010-11. All three of the major tax types are running ahead of 2010-11. Sales tax collections are
$75 million, or 3.5%, higher. Personal income tax revenue for the period was $95 million, or 4.3%, higher than last year, and corporate tax revenue was $14 million, or 2.4%, higher.
Read more.
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Governor Corbett proposes Marcellus Shale local impact fee. On Monday, October 3, Governor Corbett presented his long awaited Marcellus Shale "impact fee" proposal: allowing counties to set a per well
drilling fee of up to $40,000 in the first year.
The proposal would generate $120 million in its first year. Most of the money would remain in drilling communities, while 25 percent would go to the state for environmental protection, health,
emergency management, pipeline inspection.
Unlike HB 1863, offered by House members Tom Murt (R, Montgomery) and Gene DiGirolomo (R, Bucks), none of the proceeds of the Governor's proposal would benefit education. HB 1863 calls for a state
levied severance tax that would provide 12 percent of the tax proceeds to Accountability Block Grants - about $57 million by 2015. This proposal currently has bi-partisan support with 48 co-sponsors
(16 Republicans and 32 Democrats).
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PAIU to host video conference on new teacher evaluation
model.
On Nov 1, 2011 at 7 p.m., PAIU will host a statewide video-conference, The Making the Grade Virtual Town Hall
Meeting to discuss the emerging new approach to teacher evaluation. The Town Meeting will include a panel of educators in schools where the new system is being piloted,
moderated by PDE Secretary Ron Tomalis. School administrators and board members, teachers, charter school leaders, parents, business leaders, higher education
representatives, legislators, and others concerned about public education are invited.
For more information, participating IU locations and to register, read more.
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HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan to participate in
Building One Pennsylvania meeting
Leaders from throughout the state will convene to present an agenda for change to state and federal policymakers that will stabilize and revitalize our communities. the meeting is
on Thursday, October 27, 2011 from
1:30 to 3:30 pm at the BrightSideBaptistChurch, 515 Hershey Avenue, Lancaster, PA17603. Issues of concern include the burden of local property taxes
and investment in public schools.
To register and read more.
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I think by far the most important bill in our whole code is that for the
diffusion of knowledge among the people.
No other sure foundation can be devised for the preservation of freedom and happiness.
Thomas Jefferson
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Pennsylvania League of Urban Schools
Beth Olanoff, Executive Director
P.O. Box 52, New Hope, Pennsylvania18938
267-885-7460
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