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Good Morning,

The Graduation Competency Assessments (GCA's) are being proposed by the PA Dept of Education. The hearings were held on Friday, March 13, 2009 from 10am to 12:30pm at the Free Library of Philadelphia on 19th and Vine St. Basic components are: 1. Students must pass 6 of 10 subjects to graduate high school. 2. School Districts can use test approved by the Dept of Ed, however, test must be validated (scored) by Dept of Ed. 3. School Districts can use 11th grade PSSA's.

The general consensus for NOT wanting these tests by opponents were: 1. PSSA's takes 30 days away from classroom instructional time. This would take even more instructional time from students. 2. Unfair to struggling learners who do not do well on standardized tests. 3. Teachers have to do more administrative work giving these tests, which take away from valuable instructional time. 4. Although students with IEP's, through the IEP team, can be exempt from proficiency, they still have to take the exam. Additionally, will teachers provide the optimal educational tools to these students because they don't have to be proficient. 5. If regular education parents of struggling students hear of provision for special needs students, possibility of increase in students with Learning Disabilites, Specific Learning Disabilities, Emotional Support (etc), just to avoid being proficient on the exams. If so, will Districts feel absolved from providing the needed supports, resources, and services entitled to these struggling learners.

The general consensus FAVORING tests: 1. Dr. Lori Shor (speaking on behalf of herself and Mayor Nutter) feel District will be held accountable to prepare students for college. 2. Dr. Shor also stated she was one of the original writers of this proposal when she worked for the PA Dept of Ed. 3. Dr. Ackerman testified this is a must needed test which will prepare students for college and make teachers accountable to students learning.

Furthermore, Dr. Ackerman has volunteered Philadelphia as one of the first Districts to require students to take these exams to graduate. I informed the Dept of Ed the parents of Philadelphia do not want these tests. If the hearings were held from 6pm-8pm, you would have a room full of parents opposed to these tests.

Finally, this will be televised (it was taped) tonight on cable station PCN (PA Cable Network) at 8pm. You will see Dr. Ackerman's testimony (she was 1st to speak). You can watch on Comcast Channel 63, or watch on the internet at [] Go to the ONLINE ONLY box and click PCN ANYTIME arrow. If you want to be heard live, Lt. Gov. Joe Scarnati will be live from 7pm - 8pm. Let him know how you feel about the GCA's. Call in at 1-877-726-5001.

Cecelia Thompson Chairperson, Philadelphia Right to Education Local Task Force