Raising the Issues...

Education

Early Learning

Higher Education

K-12 Education  

Health Care

Health Care Costs

Health Care Access

Health Care Quality

Community Vitality

Growth and Development

Public Safety

Quality of Life

Governance

State Governance

Local Governance

Federalism

Economic Climate

Workforce

Infrastructure

Business Costs

Economic Performance

K-12 Education

Basic Education is the keystone of competitiveness for Pennsylvania. Citizens’ attaining high levels of competence through high school provides a sound basis for acquiring more specialized skills through higher education – skill essential for personal development and the success of employers. Just as important, people with a solid basic education are much more likely to be contributors to the state’s economy than those with lesser education who, on average, commit more crime and depend on social services to a greater extent.

 

School Finance
As Pennsylvanians raise expectations for their schools, a key issue is how public education is funded. First, how is the money raised, and what mix of taxes is appropriate? Second, What is the state’s share and how is it distributed? Advancing a 21st century strategy that meets a state constitution requirement to maintain and support "a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the Commonwealth" is a task easier said than done.

Education Governance
Questions about the divided role of of state and local governments in governing basic education have been debated for decades. Pennsylvania has a strong tradition of local control of education policies. On the other hand, there are increasing pressures on state government provide more resources and to exercise greater control to fulfill its Constitutional mandate, especially in those schools districts not meeting the established statewide standards.

Education Quality
The quality of education has come under close scrutiny in recent years. The federal No Child Left Behind initiative, the focal point for the education community on education quality, continues to draw both attention and criticism. In either case, the need and how to improve the quality of basic education is a central part of most policy debates and legislation related to education.

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