The Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher EducatorsA State Unit of the Association of Teacher Educators
and The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
Winter Conference Call Report
January 18, 2008
This week has seen dramatic events that will definitely influence what happens in the public schools in Pennsylvania. The State Board of Education adopted Chapter 4 – Academic Standards and Assessment which includes the very controversial Graduation Competency Assessments (GCA’s). Despite overwhelming testimony in opposition from educational organizations, advocacy groups and teachers – the vote was 11-0 with two members making extraordinary arrangements to vote in absentia. This seems to be a trend – the determination is made in advance influenced by unseen participants and the vote is in opposition to what appears to be logic and practicality. The same is in effect for the implementation of Chapter 49-2. The opposition is strong and logical but the process went forward as originally designed.
I met on Wednesday January 16 with Peter Garland (Academic Vice Chancellor of PASSHE) along with two academic administrators from PASSHE. We discussed the concerns that I outlined in the Questions, Comments and Suggestions document which I have shared. They are in agreement with the problems that are identified in that document. We talked about how PAC-TE is viewed by PDE and that perhaps since we were so demonstrative in our efforts to derail or significantly impact Chapter 49-2 – we are viewed as so opposed that we can not now modify our approach to be part of their team. They do believe that PASSHE will be able to influence the total credits. They are working on efficient use of core curriculum in meeting content requirements.
I was scheduled to have lunch with Terry Barnaby after the State Board meeting on January 17. I went to the restaurant where I thought we were going to meet. She was involved in a meeting – was late and thought I was coming to her office. We talked a few minutes on the phone. It is clear that PDE is going to strongly define the number of credits. The issue of core curriculum and how that fits into content preparation is still a matter for discussion We made plans to meet in conjunction with the upcoming focus groups related to ECE and SPED in February.
I was approached at the State Board meeting by Stinson Stroup of the PA Association of School Administrators. He inquired about the issues surrounding the middle-level guidelines. I shared a copy of the document I had prepared (and referenced above) with him and indicated that I would be more than willing to talk with him about our concerns.
I also sent copies of that document to Representative Jess Stairs and to Representative James Roebuck. In my cover letter I pointed out that the implementation of Chapter 49-2 is becoming more of a concern than the approval of the original document. I want the legislators to be aware that this process is not moving along in a way that will make it possible for us to be ready to meet the mandates imposed by Chapter 49-2. Representative Stairs has announced that he is not running for reelection. He has served more than twenty years in the legislature.
Focus groups for Early Childhood Education and Special Education are scheduled for next month. We are hopeful that we will receive advance information so that we can be prepared to provide meaningful feedback in these meetings. PDE expects to invite representatives to an additional Task Force on Program Approval. No word on when this might happen.
Submitted by:
Clythera S. Hornung
PAC-TE President