This week, the state’s Basic Education Funding Commission (BEFC) will meet in Pittsburgh to gather testimony from educators and education advocates about the current state of public education in Pennsylvania. In light of a Commonwealth Court ruling earlier this year that declared state funding for public education unconstitutional, BEFC is a roadmap for the General Assembly and Gov. Josh Shapiro to bridge the gap with the “haves.” I am tasked with writing a report. There are “no” school districts throughout the state.
Part of BEFC’s job is to address unmet needs beyond basic education funding, such as equipment, special education, and preschool, in order to provide meaningful opportunities for all Pennsylvania public school students. is.
Another important element in providing every student with the opportunity to reach their full potential is career and technical education (CTE), which is one of the main topics of discussion at the BEFC conference in Pittsburgh. is. CTE prepares students for a wide range of careers, including information technology, health and science laboratory technicians, construction management, welding, carpentry, and other trades.
Pennsylvania’s CTE program faces significant challenges that require urgent attention. Current funding formulas for these programs fail to adequately support career-related learning opportunities for high school students. In CTE, as with other K-12 school programs, there are significant disparities in access between wealthy and low-wealth school districts.
To close the CTE opportunity gap and provide more equitable and enriching career-related learning opportunities, here are some recommendations for Mr. Shapiro and the General Assembly to consider next year.
1. Increase funding for CTE: States should allocate an additional $200 million in CTE funding. This will allow the school to expand its CTE program and serve all students who wish to do so. This enhances curriculum development and provides the resources students need to gain practical experience in their chosen career path.
2. Improvement of capital funds: Allocating an $11 million annual increase to equipment for CTE programs will ensure students have access to the latest tools and technology that align with industry standards.
3. Enhance dual enrollment opportunities. Investing $10 million in competitive grants for dual enrollment programs will benefit high school students. Dual enrollment allows students to earn free college credits while in high school, giving them a head start on their path to higher education and reducing the need to take on student loans.
4. Expand pre-training and practical training. These programs provide valuable hands-on training and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized qualifications, creating further pathways to good jobs.
5. Strengthen business-led partnerships: To ensure the success of career-related learning programs, it is important to strengthen partnerships between schools and businesses through direct grants and tax credits. These partnerships align students’ career paths with industry needs.
By implementing the measures listed above, Pennsylvania can ensure that its high school graduates are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century economy. Invest in your students and help them grow into tomorrow’s workforce.