Angela Riegel

The Council received updates on the Workforce Pell initiative, PA EmpowerU, FAFSA completion, pilot programs for educational specialists, and efforts to identify transferable credits within the PA College Transfer portal. Additionally, the Council reviewed updated processing times for teacher certifications and emergency permits. Dr. Kate Shaw presented the State Board of Higher Education's strategic plan, which focuses on six goals including postsecondary credential attainment, affordable pathways, economic and workforce development, accountability, and fiscal health. The Council also formally decided to serve as the liaison for ongoing communication and collaboration between the State Board of Education and the State Board of Higher Education.

The meeting included a report from the Deputy Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education regarding upcoming listening sessions for English Language Arts and Mathematics standards and a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Additionally, student members provided an update on outreach efforts through Students for Education in Pennsylvania, specifically highlighting discussions and student perspectives regarding proposed legislation to ban cell phones in schools.

The Board meeting focused on committee reports concerning academic standards for Arts, Health, Safety, and Physical Education, as well as draft amendments to Chapter 4 regarding assessment and testing. The Secretary of Education provided an overview of key investments in the Governor's proposed budget and discussed the importance of student recess. The Board held a discussion on ensuring student access to recess in grades K-5, resulting in the appointment of an Ad Hoc Committee on Recess to develop evidence-based guidance and policy recommendations for the Governor's office.

The meeting featured a report from the Director of the Bureau of Career and Technical Education concerning compliance reviews, a focus on CTE lab safety, and updates on the Adult Education Metrics Committee. Additionally, information was shared regarding the Consolidated Annual Report for the U.S. Department of Education, the Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program, and status updates on Supplemental Equipment Grants.

The meeting included a report from the Deputy Secretary and Commissioner for Postsecondary and Higher Education regarding FAFSA completion rates for high school students. Coordination efforts were discussed with state departments to identify programs eligible for Workforce Pell funds. Additionally, the council noted a new articulation agreement between the Institute for Law Enforcement Education and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, collaborative efforts between educational bureaus regarding career and technical programming, and the success of the Advancing Education Together Summit.