GCAs, again

Of the several interesting topics discussed at Monday's board meeting, the most urgent dealt, once again, with the governor's proposal for new state-wide Graduation Competency Assessments (read: exams).

The public comment period to the State Board of Education runs until June 16th. (Comments should be sent to: Jim Buckheit, at: jbuckheit@state.pa - you are welcome to borrow from my comments, here.)

That, however, has become almost irrelevant.  Since the state Board of Education appears to be firmly committed to approving the GCA proposal beginning with the fiscal year that starts in July, (the money for it is already in the governor's budget), it is actually more important that citizens contact their state representatives as soon as possible concerning recently introduced legislation that would give the Legislature the sole right to impose the new graduation requirements.

Yesterday, the Senate Education Committee voted 11-1 to approve this legislation, sponsored by Sen. James Rhoades. The full Senate could vote on the bill as early as Wednesday.  Similar legislation is also under consideration in the House Education Committee, on which local representative Scott Conklin sits.

Astonishingly, the chairman of the State Board has taken offense to the proposed legislation, "it's unfortunate they are doing this rather than continuing to engage in the debate."

Can you say "chutzpah?"