State Board of Education and the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) announced they have reached an agreement on high school graduation requirements and the end of course exams (Graduation Competency Assessments - GCAs) proposed by the state last year.

Gov. Ed Rendell also wants to use $42 million in federal economic stimulus dollars to restore cuts to state-related universities (Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, Temple University and Lincoln University) in 2009-10. 

Gov. Ed Rendell is pumping an additional $118 million from the federal economic stimulus dollars into his $300 million basic education subsidy in 2009-2010.

Teachers at Wakisha Charter School voted overwhelmingly Friday, Feb. 20, to affiliate with the Alliance of Charter School employees (ACSE), an affiliate of the AFT Pennsylvania.

AFTPA president Ted Kirsch called the Philadelphia Inquirer's editorial board's suggestion that it reduce the multiplier used to calcuate pensions ridiculous.

The Alliance of Charter School Employees, AFT Pennsylvania, reached out to charter school teachers and staff with professional development and support at a Philadelphia School Reform Commission Task Force on Charter Schools on Feb. 3.

The Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO in January called on Temple University alumni, supporters and organizations to withhold donations to the school until labor agreements with unionized employees have been reached.

The American Federation of Teachers has created a new Website to serve the needs of charter school teachers and staff. Visit WWW.AFTACTS.ORG to explore professional resources, to speak out on public policy issues and to build a community of charter school educators. Philadelphia charter school teachers and staff launched their own Website: www.phillyacts.org.

Most adults favor legislation that makes it easier for workers to bargain with employers for better wages, benefits and working conditions, says a new opinion poll released on Jan. 8. Join AFT members to pass EFCA in President Obama's first 100 Days.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR PFT MEMBERS, STUDENTS, FAMILIES!
Union members can take advantage of NEW grant, scholarship and award opportunities for themselves, their schools and their students. New listings weekly. 2009 Summer Holocaust Institute in Poland and Israel, low-cost computers for low-income families and PA Hospital education program just added.

New state regulations require special education paraprofessionals to obtain 20 hours of professional development a year.