In education news, PA’s look at student subject proficiency during 2023-24 was the Monday topic of a House committee. Check how your child’s school fared. Also, an award-winning former Pottsgrove superintendent will retire this year; a successor has been named.
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Reading, Math, Science Proficiency Up ‘Modestly’ in PA
HARRISBURG PA – A tool that measures Pennsylvania schools’ progress and students’ success indicates reading, math, and science proficiency rates rose “modestly” during the 2023-24 academic year, compared to 2022-23.
Results embodied in the newest edition of the “Future Ready PA Index” were discussed and reviewed Monday (Feb. 3, 2025) by the state House Education Committee. Since 2018, the index has been used as an annual yardstick to compare and contrast how well schools are preparing learners for college and career readiness.
Committee Chair Rep. Peter Schweyer of Lehigh County reports participants in the index discussion offered these observations:
- “All state assessment proficiency rates in reading, math and science have increased modestly year over year;” however,
- The index has “not reached the thresholds from pre-pandemic school years, since the close of the pandemic in the 2020-21 school year;” and
- “School districts are utilizing the funds allocated to them in many effective ways.” Some are reopening school libraries, developing curriculum, hiring more teachers, or offering a full-day kindergarten.
The session involved testimony by individuals from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, state Association of School Administrators, the Education Law Center, school district officials, and parents from across the commonwealth.
Because it covers 2023-24, the index does not yet reflect the effect of education investments made during 2024 for the current school year, Schweyer notes.
Among the committee’s members are Rep. Paul Friel, whose 26th District includes the Owen J. Roberts, Phoenixville Area, and Spring-Ford Area school districts; and Rep. Milou Mackenzie, whose 131st District includes Upper Perkiomen schools.
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Edling Named MCIU Deputy Director, as Landis Retires
NORRISTOWN PA – Sandra M. Edling has been named as the new deputy executive director of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit 23 (MCIU), effective July 1. MCIU provides a variety of services to the county’s school districts and non-public schools.
Although the title of the position has changed, Edling succeeds current Assistant Executive Director Dr. Bradley C. Landis, who will retire at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Landis is a former Pottsgrove schools superintendent, who served the district from 2007 to 2012.
Edling began her MCIU career as an employee benefits facilitator, and for the past six years has worked as its chief financial officer and director of business services. The unit’s executive director, Dr. Regina Speaker, praised Edling for her “vast experience, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to our mission.”
MCIU additionally cited Landis as “a driving force in Montgomery County’s educational landscape, tirelessly working to improve student outcomes and empower educators.” Landis in 2024 received the Gary Miller Award for Distinguished Service and Leadership from the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units, for his “exemplary contributions” to education.
