YORK, Pa., Jan. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera facilitated the second in a series of education roundtables at York City School District's Goode K-8 Thursday to explore measures of school accountability and achievement, and to recognize positive work being done in commonwealth schools. With improving education as the hallmark of his administration, Governor Wolf and the Department of Education (PDE) are working closely with stakeholders to develop policies that will best serve the state's schools and students, as well as advance Pennsylvania's economy in the long term.
"Education is our number one priority, and as we work in Harrisburg to secure historic investments in our schools, it is also important to get a first-hand look at what makes a good school and what challenges our schools face," Governor Wolf said. "The goal is to use these discussions to shape our education policy priorities moving forward."
"Hearing the perspectives from educators, families, and community leaders across the state provides the department and the administration with an invaluable tool when crafting the policies that will guide us in the future," Rivera said. "Each participant has brought a unique outlook on how Pennsylvania can support schools and boost student success."
Secretary Rivera was joined by Representative Kevin Schreiber, as well as school administrators, teachers, parents, students, and school board members from York City and other local districts. Administrators from the York County School of Technology and the Lincoln Intermediate Unit were also on hand.
The governor and PDE have collaborated with stakeholders on topics including lessening the reliance on standardized tests when measuring school and student achievement; modifying the metrics that comprise the School Performance Profile score; and restoring the billions of dollars cut from education under the prior administration.
Rivera noted that the current series of events demonstrate the Wolf Administration's approach to improving education in Pennsylvania, which includes bringing a variety of perspectives to the table for meaningful discussions and to develop practical recommendations.
"The impactful work being done to support students in York City reflects what I am hearing from administrators and teachers across the state," Rivera said. "It is crucial that we take time to recognize the positive work being done and to celebrate our schools, students, and communities."
In addition to working hard for Pennsylvania's schools and students, Governor Wolf continues to fight for the historic investment he proposed in his first year in office and to reverse the harmful impacts that prior cuts had on education. The governor's vision includes investing in K-12 education, boosting higher education funding, and expanding access to high quality pre-kindergarten.
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SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education
