The Senate Education Committee reported out four bills this morning: SB 1248 and SB 1297 were reported as amended and SB 1314 and SB 1318 were reported as committed. Chairman Jeff Piccola (R-Dauphin), prime sponsor of SB 1314, stated that the legislation would “strengthen oversight and accountability of charter schools and cyber charter schools” and emphasized that the bill is necessary in light of the activities of several charter schools in Philadelphia. Minority Chairman Andrew Dinniman (D-Chester) emphasized that the legislation is “not anti-choice” and stated “we’re going to help the charter school movement help itself.” The committee also got a briefing by the State Board of Education on regulations on student nutrition and wellness and on Common Core Academic Standards. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today to read the full story.

The Senate Education Committee reported out SB 1192 as amended this morning. Chairman Jeff Piccola (R-Dauphin) called the bill “one of the most important pieces of legislation we will consider this session.” He noted that an updated Empowerment Law is necessary to comply with No Child Left Behind and it will also put Pennsylvania back  in the hunt for Race to the Top funds. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today to read the story.

The committee held a public hearing on the Education Empowerment Act. Chairman Jeff Piccola (R-Dauphin) said an updated version of the Empowerment Act is required as part of No Child Left Behind and would focus on getting every school district to meet AYP requirements. He acknowledged that there were controversial measures in the proposal including merit pay for teachers and turning failing schools into charter schools but stressed that he is not afraid to propose “bold solutions” because Pennsylvanians are tired of “expensive failures.” Minority Chairman Andrew Dinniman (D-Chester) emphasized that the “current system does not work for many students” and said the “education of every child will be the new civil rights movement.” Secretary of the Department of Education, Dr. Gerald Zahorchak, gave an overview of the state’s application to the Race to the Top grant program and committee members heard from other stakeholders such as the PSEA and the Pennsylvania Coalition of Charter Schools on the proposed Empowerment Act. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

The Senate Education committee met to consider several bills.  A presentation was given on the merits of SB 1073  by Deputy Secretary of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning Harriet Dichter, and HR 424 was brought up for discussion and a presentation by officials from the Valley Forge Military College. SB 1073, Sb 1086 and SB 1135 were reported as amended, and SB 1011 was reported as committed. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.