Pennsylvania
News, analysis, and opinion about K-12 education in Pennsylvania
College & Workforce Readiness
Pennsylvania High School Project Stresses Rigor, Support
Riding a wave of national concern about high schools, Pennsylvania has expanded a pilot program that seeks to boost academic rigor for high school students and create clearer connections to college and work through a revamped counseling system.
School & District Management
Phila. Leaders in Jobs Dust-up
The clash between Paul G. Vallas and City Controller Alan Butkovitz prompted a top district official to say their behavior was worse than juvenile.
Education Funding
State of the States
Rendell: Stronger Schools for Stronger Workforce
The governor of Pennsylvania has proposed increasing precollegiate education spending as a part of his bid to strengthen the state’s competitiveness.
Science
Federal File
Pennsylvania Polka
In Pennsylvania, incumbent Sen. Rick Santorum, a Republican, is expected to face state Treasurer Robert P. Casey Jr., a Democrat, in one of the most closely watched U.S. Senate races of 2006. And the battle over “intelligent design,” which famously played out in Dover, Pa., for more than a year, has found a place in the campaign.
Budget & Finance
Pa. District’s Fate Debated in Court
A hearing scheduled to resume this week could determine whether the state of Pennsylvania will for the first time put one of its school districts into receivership.
Science
Defense Gets Its Days in Court in Support of ‘Intelligent Design’
Supporters of “intelligent design” ventured deep into the realm of biological and chemical research last week in an attempt to show the concept’s scientific legitimacy—as well as its legal standing in public schools—alongside the theory of evolution.
Science
Students Get Lessons in Government, Science During Trial on 'Intelligent Design'
Much of the testimony offered in court during the first few weeks of the potentially historic trial over "intelligent design" has borne the characteristics of a classroom lecture. Make that a very difficult classroom lecture.
Science
Defense Makes Its Case in Intelligent-Design Trial
After weeks of hearing “intelligent design” described as a combination of amateur science and religious belief, lawyers for the Dover school district are attempting to strike back, with the help of an academic scholar friendly to their cause.
Science
‘Intelligent Design’ Goes on Trial in Pa.
The question of whether “intelligent design” amounts to legitimate science, pseudo-science, or religion masquerading as science is undergoing a potentially historic legal test, as a federal court here considers whether a public school district can require that students be exposed to the controversial concept.
Science
Outside Courtroom, Intelligent-Design Beliefs At Odds with Scientists
Kenneth R. Miller is one of the country’s best-known biologists. He has written textbooks, authored many scientific articles and essays, and teaches at one of the nation’s most prestigious universities. And in his testimony during a closely scrutinized federal trial in Harrisburg, Pa., this week, he was unequivocal: “Intelligent design” is not science, and should not be presented as such in science classes.
Science
Plaintiffs Recall Atmosphere Leading Up to Intelligent-Design Policy
The concept of “intelligent design” materialized in the Dover school district only after board members spoke openly about the need to insert Christian religious beliefs into science classes, plaintiffs testified here in a landmark lawsuit.
Science
Scientist’s Critiques Kick Off Intelligent-Design Trial
A legal showdown over "intelligent design" began in Harrisburg, Pa. on Sept. 26 under an intense media spotlight, but the occasion was marked by calmly delivered testimony about the controversial concept’s alleged scientific weaknesses rather than by impassioned debates over life’s origins.
Budget & Finance
Majority of Pa. Districts Snub Rendell Tax-Relief Plan
Only 20 percent of Pennsylvania’s school districts have chosen to take part in a plan that uses state gambling money to reduce property taxes. The low level of participation dealt a setback to Gov. Edward G. Rendell’s efforts to fulfill campaign promises.
Science
Dover, Pa., Board Race Takes Intelligent Design to Voters
As the nationwide debate over attempts to bring intelligent design into public school classes has grown increasingly polarized, Bernadette Reinking and Dover CARES seem intent on conveying a centrist message to voters. Her group supports allowing discussion of intelligent design—in social studies, comparative religion, or similar classes, not as a biology lesson.