From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Debate rages over requiring students to pass tests to graduate
Monday, January 26, 2009
By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau
HARRISBURG -- The Rendell administration says it has a new weapon in its ongoing battle to create "graduation competency exams," which Pennsylvania high school students would have to pass in order to get their diploma.
The state Department of Education surveyed more than 62,000 recent Pennsylvania high school graduates who attend one of the 14 State System of Higher Education universities (such as Slippery Rock, California, Indiana or Edinboro) or are students at one of Pennsylvania's 14 community colleges.
In a report released last week, the department found that one-third of them -- more than 20,000 high school graduates -- needed to take one or more remedial courses in college in core academic subjects, mainly math and English, "so they could catch up to their college-level peers."
The cost of the remedial courses, paid by the colleges, local taxpayers and the students themselves, exceeded $26 million, said state Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak.
"These figures are startling,'' he said. "When some 20,000 students a year ... must take additional coursework just to catch up (with other college students), it's clear there is a problem in our high schools."
Mr. Zahorchak is the point man for one of Gov. Ed Rendell's top goals -- creating 10 new exams called "graduation competency assessments." They would test high school students' knowledge of basic and advanced algebra, geometry, biology, chemistry, English composition and literature, American history, civics and world history. Students couldn't graduate without passing at least six of the 10 exams.
Mr. Zahorchak said the 20,000 students who needed remedial college help are by no means all of the 2007-08 high school graduates -- just those who entered the 28 state-owned universities and community colleges,
But the fact that so many had to take remedial courses to understand college-level academics shows there's a major problem in many Pennsylvania high schools, where graduation requirements aren't tough enough, he said.
"Every one of these kids who leaves high school unprepared academically is missing out on job opportunities, and that impacts their lifetime earning capability," said department spokesman Michael Race.
If Mr. Rendell gets his way -- and that's a big if -- the new competency exams could be administered to some high school students as early as the 2010-11 school year. The senior class of 2014 would have to meet the new requirements in order to graduate. A student who fails one or more tests would get more instruction in high school and retake the test.
But the push for the new tests has drawn criticism from some state lawmakers, who say that with the state facing a $2.3 billion budget deficit, this isn't the time to embark on any expensive new programs. Some officials of the 501 school districts also don't like the new tests, fearing the state may be trying to impose authority over graduation standards.
"More than 23 education and children's organizations have been expressing adamant opposition" to the proposed competency tests, said Shauna M. D'Alessandro, a West Jefferson Hills school director. She called it "ludicrous that in the 21st century age of instant information ... our secretary of education continues to advocate tests that would encourage the further memorization and regurgitation of facts."
House Republican leader Sam Smith of Punxsutawney and Rep. James Roebuck, D-Philadelphia, chairman of the House Education Committee, said they've gotten a lot of complaints about the new tests.
"We've spent millions developing and implementing the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment tests, which already are considered by experts as a determinate of college readiness,'' said Smith aide Steve Miskin.
The fiscal 2008-09 budget contains an initial $9 million for seeking "requests for proposals" from test-writing companies. The state has received some proposals but hasn't awarded a contract yet.
And in early February, when Mr. Rendell unveils his new budget proposal, he'll ask for more money to continue development of the exams in 2009-10. Rendell spokesman Chuck Ardo couldn't say how much more will be sought.
But a one-time expense of at least $45 million already is expected, since nine of the tests will cost $5 million each to prepare. The 10th test, one dealing with algebra, will be developed nationally and won't cost the state anything, said Mr. Race.
In addition to that $54 million, there will be additional annual costs for school districts to adminster the competency tests, if they get final approval from the state board of education and a state oversight agency called the Intergovernmental Regulatory Review Commission.
Sen. Jane Orie, R-McCandless, said the governor couldn't have picked a worse time to spend state money on a test that she claims isn't needed.
"It is unbelievable that in today's economy that the governor wants to spend $45 million on a new test to address what he claims is a $26 million problem,'' she said.
Mr. Race noted that $26 million is an annual cost and would be higher if it included every single Pennsylvania graduate who goes on to college.
Ms. Orie argued the state doesn't need a new test "to tell us what we already know," that some students are deficient in some areas. "We have enough tests to know who is succeeding in schools."
With a big deficit looming, she said she'll continue "to fight this reckless spending." She plans to introduce a bill to prevent the Education Department from proceeding with the test without authorizing legislation from the General Assembly.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Several eye lawmakers’ surplus to ease budgets
From the BCCT.
Several eye lawmakers’ surplus to ease budgets
Gov. Rendell and some legislators claim much of $200 million should be moved to the general fund.
By GARY WECKSELBLATT
As Pennsylvania’s budget deficit worsens, the $200 million surplus sitting in legislative accounts is looking more and more like an easy way to cut into the red ink.
Gov. Ed Rendell pegged the state shortage at $2.3 billion last week, nearly 44 percent higher than his $1.6 billion forecast a month earlier.
And while he said he would not propose any increases in the state’s sales or personal income taxes, according to The Associated Press, he is planning painful spending cuts and likely government layoffs.
“It’s a sign of the times,” Rendell said. “… I think everyone has to tighten their belts.”
That includes the four legislative caucuses, who typically hang onto their reserves to keep operating in case of a budget showdown with the governor.
“The governor understands that the Legislature needs a cushion, but he believes that the bulk of that money should go back into the general fund,” said Chuck Ardo, Rendell’s spokesman.
Lawmakers of both parties in Bucks and Montgomery counties agreed.
State Rep. Josh Shapiro, a Montgomery County Democrat and chairman of the Legislative Audit Advisory Commission, which audits the General Assembly’s financial records, said “I have called now for the return of that surplus and establishment of policy to limit future surpluses. That money belongs to the taxpayers and should be invested for their needs.”
Shapiro said he is working on legislation to “immediately return the bulk of the money to the general fund.”
His bill, which he plans to introduce early next month, would also cap the surplus “at no more than 15 percent of each line item.”
That would basically shrink the allowable surplus to about $45 million, he said.
Told of Shapiro’s plan, Ardo said, “That sounds eminently reasonable. Considering that it makes sense, it’s likely to face stiff opposition in the Legislature.”
State Rep. Gene DiGirolamo, a Bensalem Republican, said, “I believe we should have some money in reserve but $200 million is too much for four caucuses. While we don’t want the governor to hold us hostage over budget negotiations, we need to limit this, especially now when we’re looking at cutting so many important programs.”
According to the audit commission, the surplus was $161 millions in 2004-05 and $211 million 2006-07.
The Legislature has appropriated more than $330 million for its annual operations, according to Shapiro, making it the second-costliest in the nation.
Steve Miskin, spokesman for House Minority Leader Sam Smith of Jefferson County, said his caucus would want to hang onto enough money to keep operating for at least four to six months. That’s two to three times what Shapiro is calling for.
“We’re not going to give on that,” Miskin told The Associated Press.
Barry Kauffman, executive director of government watchdog Common Cause/Pennsylvania, said it’s “very difficult to justify” a $200 million surplus “especially during these stressful, very tough economic times.
“Their argument is that the money guards against the governor holding them hostage in budget negotiations. But by the same token, the executive has only very limited funds, which can give the Legislature the upper hand.
“I’d say it’s time for everybody to chip in and make a difference.”
Several eye lawmakers’ surplus to ease budgets
Gov. Rendell and some legislators claim much of $200 million should be moved to the general fund.
By GARY WECKSELBLATT
As Pennsylvania’s budget deficit worsens, the $200 million surplus sitting in legislative accounts is looking more and more like an easy way to cut into the red ink.
Gov. Ed Rendell pegged the state shortage at $2.3 billion last week, nearly 44 percent higher than his $1.6 billion forecast a month earlier.
And while he said he would not propose any increases in the state’s sales or personal income taxes, according to The Associated Press, he is planning painful spending cuts and likely government layoffs.
“It’s a sign of the times,” Rendell said. “… I think everyone has to tighten their belts.”
That includes the four legislative caucuses, who typically hang onto their reserves to keep operating in case of a budget showdown with the governor.
“The governor understands that the Legislature needs a cushion, but he believes that the bulk of that money should go back into the general fund,” said Chuck Ardo, Rendell’s spokesman.
Lawmakers of both parties in Bucks and Montgomery counties agreed.
State Rep. Josh Shapiro, a Montgomery County Democrat and chairman of the Legislative Audit Advisory Commission, which audits the General Assembly’s financial records, said “I have called now for the return of that surplus and establishment of policy to limit future surpluses. That money belongs to the taxpayers and should be invested for their needs.”
Shapiro said he is working on legislation to “immediately return the bulk of the money to the general fund.”
His bill, which he plans to introduce early next month, would also cap the surplus “at no more than 15 percent of each line item.”
That would basically shrink the allowable surplus to about $45 million, he said.
Told of Shapiro’s plan, Ardo said, “That sounds eminently reasonable. Considering that it makes sense, it’s likely to face stiff opposition in the Legislature.”
State Rep. Gene DiGirolamo, a Bensalem Republican, said, “I believe we should have some money in reserve but $200 million is too much for four caucuses. While we don’t want the governor to hold us hostage over budget negotiations, we need to limit this, especially now when we’re looking at cutting so many important programs.”
According to the audit commission, the surplus was $161 millions in 2004-05 and $211 million 2006-07.
The Legislature has appropriated more than $330 million for its annual operations, according to Shapiro, making it the second-costliest in the nation.
Steve Miskin, spokesman for House Minority Leader Sam Smith of Jefferson County, said his caucus would want to hang onto enough money to keep operating for at least four to six months. That’s two to three times what Shapiro is calling for.
“We’re not going to give on that,” Miskin told The Associated Press.
Barry Kauffman, executive director of government watchdog Common Cause/Pennsylvania, said it’s “very difficult to justify” a $200 million surplus “especially during these stressful, very tough economic times.
“Their argument is that the money guards against the governor holding them hostage in budget negotiations. But by the same token, the executive has only very limited funds, which can give the Legislature the upper hand.
“I’d say it’s time for everybody to chip in and make a difference.”
Meeting Reminder
January 28, 2009
Morrisville school board: 7:30 p.m.,
Large Group Instruction Room of Middle/Senior High School,
550 W. Palmer St.
Agenda: engineering services for renovation of Grandview Elementary; bid specifications for high school renovation; resolution not to raise taxes by more than index, grants acceptance. 215-736-2681
Morrisville school board: 7:30 p.m.,
Large Group Instruction Room of Middle/Senior High School,
550 W. Palmer St.
Agenda: engineering services for renovation of Grandview Elementary; bid specifications for high school renovation; resolution not to raise taxes by more than index, grants acceptance. 215-736-2681
Bucks drawing up stimulus wish list
From the BCCT.
Bucks drawing up stimulus wish list
The county will be ready to submit so-called “shovel ready” projects as soon as President Obama signs an economic recovery plan.
By JENNA PORTNOY
Last week, county officials held a brainstorming session to explore what projects could be eligible for federal stimulus funds.
“Without further guidance I don’t think we can go beyond the county’s capital projects that are already on the books,” said Planning Director Lynn Bush. “We’re trying to stay on top of it as best we can.”
That means wading through the speculation to identify projects already in the planning stages. For example, federal dollars could buoy construction of the justice center and garage in Doylestown, repair or replace county bridges and upgrade emergency responders’ technology, she said.
Commissioner Jim Cawley added to the list a possible jail expansion, preservation of historical properties and nonbricks-and-mortar improvements, like upgrades to human services, which make up about half of the county’s $468 million budget.
Asked if affordable housing for the county’s low to moderate income residents would make the cut, Cawley said he’s open to any and all ideas: “It really comes down to where we can spend the dollars,” he said. “We will have a list and work very hard to try to have worthy projects.”
Commissioner Charley Martin said the county is unlikely to take a leadership role with municipalities, which have their own projects to push.
“If you start to prioritize municipal projects and put Bensalem ahead of Bristol or Quakertown over Doylestown, you run into, ‘How’d you come up with that?’ ”
Chief Operating Office Dave Sanko said it’s too early to identify specific projects “because the guidelines are still fairly nebulous.” County officials have, however, already met with Congressman Patrick Murphy’s staff to talk about the recovery package, he said.
The county, which will keep the tax rate flat this year for the third consecutive year, will likely have to compete for dollars with cities and states facing huge deficits. Gov. Ed Rendell has said the state shortfall could amount to be as much as $1.9 billion and Philadelphia’s five-year budget woes amount to another billion dollars.
But will the stimulus approach work?
“I honestly don’t know,” Cawley said. “We know one road — give billions to the market and see what happens — we know that road doesn’t lead anywhere.”
The administration reportedly wants to use the second half of the $700 billion bailout to put pressure on financial institutions to help homeowners avoid foreclosure and once again begin to extend credit to individuals and businesses.
Early talk of an economic recovery bill working its way through Congress describes a two-year, $825 billion plan to address priorities Obama outlined in his campaign, such as alternative energy, lower taxes for most and modernized schools. Roughly $30 billion could be devoted to road and bridge repairs.
“Make sure that the dollars get into the pockets of the people who work the hardest and they will give you an honest day’s work for an honest day’s labor,” Cawley said.
Democrats hope to deliver a stimulus package to Obama’s desk by mid-February.
Bucks drawing up stimulus wish list
The county will be ready to submit so-called “shovel ready” projects as soon as President Obama signs an economic recovery plan.
By JENNA PORTNOY
Last week, county officials held a brainstorming session to explore what projects could be eligible for federal stimulus funds.
“Without further guidance I don’t think we can go beyond the county’s capital projects that are already on the books,” said Planning Director Lynn Bush. “We’re trying to stay on top of it as best we can.”
That means wading through the speculation to identify projects already in the planning stages. For example, federal dollars could buoy construction of the justice center and garage in Doylestown, repair or replace county bridges and upgrade emergency responders’ technology, she said.
Commissioner Jim Cawley added to the list a possible jail expansion, preservation of historical properties and nonbricks-and-mortar improvements, like upgrades to human services, which make up about half of the county’s $468 million budget.
Asked if affordable housing for the county’s low to moderate income residents would make the cut, Cawley said he’s open to any and all ideas: “It really comes down to where we can spend the dollars,” he said. “We will have a list and work very hard to try to have worthy projects.”
Commissioner Charley Martin said the county is unlikely to take a leadership role with municipalities, which have their own projects to push.
“If you start to prioritize municipal projects and put Bensalem ahead of Bristol or Quakertown over Doylestown, you run into, ‘How’d you come up with that?’ ”
Chief Operating Office Dave Sanko said it’s too early to identify specific projects “because the guidelines are still fairly nebulous.” County officials have, however, already met with Congressman Patrick Murphy’s staff to talk about the recovery package, he said.
The county, which will keep the tax rate flat this year for the third consecutive year, will likely have to compete for dollars with cities and states facing huge deficits. Gov. Ed Rendell has said the state shortfall could amount to be as much as $1.9 billion and Philadelphia’s five-year budget woes amount to another billion dollars.
But will the stimulus approach work?
“I honestly don’t know,” Cawley said. “We know one road — give billions to the market and see what happens — we know that road doesn’t lead anywhere.”
The administration reportedly wants to use the second half of the $700 billion bailout to put pressure on financial institutions to help homeowners avoid foreclosure and once again begin to extend credit to individuals and businesses.
Early talk of an economic recovery bill working its way through Congress describes a two-year, $825 billion plan to address priorities Obama outlined in his campaign, such as alternative energy, lower taxes for most and modernized schools. Roughly $30 billion could be devoted to road and bridge repairs.
“Make sure that the dollars get into the pockets of the people who work the hardest and they will give you an honest day’s work for an honest day’s labor,” Cawley said.
Democrats hope to deliver a stimulus package to Obama’s desk by mid-February.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)