Currently the State of Pennsylvania is looking to increase high school graduation requirements. Information found on this web-site will give parents and concerned citizens in-depth information about the State’s plans.
Problems with the State’s plans include but are not limited to:
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Increased Stress on our students as ten new GCA (Graduate Competency Assessment) exams are added to an already heavy high-stakes testing load including PSSAs, PSATs, SATS, AP exams, mid-term and final exams. The ten new assessments will test proficiency in the following subjects: English 9, English 10, US History, US Government, World History, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Biology, Chemistry. Students would have to pass five out of the ten exams in order to graduate.
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Increased class time focused on preparing for the GCAs rather than on course content.
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Loss of Local Control over alternative ways to measure student proficiency.
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Failure to Address Alternative Learning Styles.
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Cost: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette estimates that the cost of implementation could exceed $100 million
The Tredyffrin-Easttown School District opposes the proposed changes– as does the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), the Pennsylvania School Board Association (PSBA), the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA), and the Pennyslvania PTA. Please read their statements to learn about about the problems with the proposed regulations and the negative impact the GCA tests will have on our children.
The State Board of Education unanimously approved the proposed GCAs. The proposal is now in the regulatory process, which includes reviews by the governor, the attorney general, the House Education Committee, and the Senate Education Committee. There will be an opportunity for public comment during the regulatory process.
It is critical that this information get out to the voting public and soon! Please share the information on this website with your neighbors and friends.
Most importantly, take action. Help us raise awareness about the GCAs by sending a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. And let your elected officials know that you oppose the proposed requirements. Click here to send a letter to the editor or to contact your elected officials.
