Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth
Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth Programs provide a combination of intense, individualized academic instruction and behavior modification counseling in an alternative setting to assist students to return successfully to the regular classroom.
BUILD Initiative
The Build Initiative is designed to help states build a coordinated system of programs, policies and services that respond to the needs of families, carefully use public and private resources, and effectively prepare young children for a successful future.
Career and Technical Education
Pennsylvania’s commitment to developing an educated workforce is evidenced in our dedication to career and technical education. We provide training and education for individuals ages 14 and up, as well as for business and industry partners.
Charter Schools
Charter Schools are self-managed public schools that are approved by local school districts. Cyber charter schools are approved by the PA Department of Education. They are created and controlled by parents, teachers, community leaders, and colleges or universities. Charter schools operate free from many educational mandates, except for those concerning nondiscrimination, health and safety and accountability. Charter Schools offer alternatives in education using strategies that may save money and improve student performance.
Classrooms for the Future
The Classrooms for the Future (CFF) initiative has transformed the way high school teachers teach and how students learn in over 540 Pennsylvania high schools, affecting over 12,000 teachers and 500,000 students, by equipping English, math, science and social studies classrooms with enhanced technology, internet connected laptop computers for teachers and every student, and other state-of-the art resources.
Coaching in PA
Instructional coaching is one model of professional development that has shown potential to improve the knowledge, skill, and practice of teachers. A key component of initiatives focused on reading, mathematics, and 21st century development in Pennsylvania, instructional coaching is intended to foster in participating schools collaborative learning communities that promote a collective responsibility to improving student achievement across the Commonwealth.
Comprehensive Planning (Formally eStrategic Planning)
Comprehensive Planning is a single, streamlined, yet systemic, comprehensive planning process and plan management system for LEAs and schools within the Commonwealth to ensure that:
· LEAs and their schools are using the same proven planning practices.
· All planning is collaborative, coordinated and representative of the participation of all stakeholders.
· School-level data analysis informs district-level planning; and district resources and activities directly support school improvement.
· Single plan will meet legislative requirements including, but not limited to Chapter 4, 12, 14, 16 and 49.
Continuous Comprehensive Planning is used to ensure that all students are achieving at high levels. All districts can create better environments so that more students are successful. Continuous planning of public districts is essential to providing increased student performance and quality results. Innovative, exemplary, and research-based programs, coupled with staff development, focused and aligned resources and public participation in planning, are critical factors in districts that demonstrate continuous growth.
