Philadelphia+Budget

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New results from a poll conducted by Susquehanna Polling show broad support for increasing state funding for education and continued implementation of proposed funding formula improvements. Governor Rendell announced a proposal yesterday to utilize federal stimulus dollars to fund the basic education funding level targets for 2009-2010 set by the six year plan to fix the funding formula in PA. (Tellis 5/1)
 * Education Voters "PA" sent you a message on Facebook**

Wednesday, April 1, from 5:00 p.m.-8:00p.m** A public hearing on the city budget is being held at Temple University in Ritter Hall. Come talk to the City Council about the budget cut, and how it wiill affect parents and students on issues such as after school, counseling, parent support, tutoring, libraries, or health centers. For more informatin conact Sharon Ortiz at (215) 686-3407. (3/31 tellis)
 * Kid's Budget Campaign supporter


 * Letter by Edward G. Rendell** "Pa. gaming revenue brought wide tax cuts!" Had the state imposed a nearly $1 billion tax increase, there would be a groundswell of frustration and anger. That's why it's important to note that something unique happened in 2008 with very little notice: Pennsylvanians received $786 million in tax relief...To read more of the letter follow this link: Pa. Gaming Tax Cuts //(3/10 ramosfredd)//

"**State Budget Basics 101 in Media PA**" **on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00pm**. "What Every Progressive Leader Should Know" What: Club/Group Meeting Host: Education Voters PA Start Time: Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00pm End Time: Wednesday, March 25 at 8:30pm Where: Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below: http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=146977890256&aref=3105808

Washington, Jan. 9 -- U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings yesterday issued letters providing every state with an updated status on No Child Left Behind standards and assessments for reading and mathematics. A total of 39 states have received "Full Approval" or "Approval with Recommendations," leaving nine states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico at "Approval Pending." Some of the latter states are operating under a memorandum of agreement (MOA) or a compliance agreement.
 * Obama Urges Swift Action on Stimulus; Last Session's Bills Are a Starting Point**

According to Spellings, most states also met the basic criteria to administer and report results from science assessments in school year 2007-08. All states must have fully approved general and alternate science assessments in 2008-09. Already, 11 states have achieved "Full Approval" based on a peer review conducted in October 2008, while another peer review will be conducted in March 2009.

Due to concerns about the technical quality of "alternate assessments based on modified achievement standards," ED has indicated that these assessments will not be considered in determining the status of a state's standards and assessment system. These assessments are intended to measure the achievement of children with disabilities who are not significantly cognitively disabled but cannot be expected to achieve proficiency within the school year. The tests must be aligned with appropriate grade-level content, but may be simpler than tests administered to non-disabled children. Developing these tests has proven to be very challenging, and none of the seven states that have submitted their alternate assessments based on modified achievement standards have received approval.

A [|state status chart] is available as well as [|individual state letters].


 * Op-Editorial** about the **City of Philadelphia Library closings** and the **3/4 of Philadelphia public schools** lacking school librarians. Click **[|HERE]** //Submitted by Helen Gym.// (2/24 GMora)

Read about stimulus package **as it pertains to the School District. Here.**


 * Help Keep Libraries Open by Writing to the Mayor.** The city’s financial crisis is of real concern. However, as reported on NBC News, the demand for library services and the number of library card holders are up 40%, reaching an all time high. The Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia and our affiliate Friends Groups believe that we should and can share in the sacrifice by reducing library operations equally throughout the entire 54 branch system through the current school year and not permanently shutter these 11 branches. E-mail: mayor.nutter@phila.gov or send a message via the web: http://www.phila.gov/mayor/ //Submitted by: sduckworth@libraryfriends.info (2/13 ramosfredd)//


 * FRIENDS OF THE FREE LIBRARY & THE COALITION TO SAVE THE LIBRARIES INVITE YOU TO . . .** I love my library day. Come join the coalition to save the libraries by coming out and showing your support. There will food, games and crafts for the whole entire family to enjoy. Dates of events //submitted by Steven Duckworth// (2/11 falvarado)