In order to provide support and aid to school districts across the country amid the ongoing pandemic, Congress is allocating funds to schools and districts to address the impact COVID-19 had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools. More than a year ago, on March 27, 2020, The U.S. Department of Education passed the $2 trillion CARES Act, and within that, about $30.75 billion … [Read more...] about What Are the Contractual Guidelines for ESSERS Funding?
School Law Bullet
Disappointment or Disruption? SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments in BL v Mahanoy Area School District
Will Tinker survive social media? This morning, April 28, 2021, The Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments regarding Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., a case about whether a school can regulate students’ off-campus speech. B.L., a female junior, former varsity cheerleader, posted a picture to her Snapchat account with her middle finger raised and numerous obscenities … [Read more...] about Disappointment or Disruption? SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments in BL v Mahanoy Area School District
USDOE Mandates Standardized Tests, But Does Provide Some Flexibility in Pandemic Year
On Monday, February 22, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education (“DOE”) informed states they must administer federally mandated standardized exams for the 2020-2021 school year. However, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the DOE provided states with flexible options with respect to assessment, accountability, and reporting systems. Accountability and School Identification Waiver: The … [Read more...] about USDOE Mandates Standardized Tests, But Does Provide Some Flexibility in Pandemic Year
How Are We Doing? Special Education Services A Year Into COVID
The more things change, the more they stay the same. A year ago, students and staff in Pennsylvania schools packed up classrooms and prepared to stay home for two weeks as directed by the Governor in response to COVID-19. The closure eventually extended for the remainder of the school year. Schools worked to resume instruction via remote means and tackled the task of ensuring all students could … [Read more...] about How Are We Doing? Special Education Services A Year Into COVID
CDC Releases Guidelines and Recommendations for Returning to In-Person Instruction
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance and recommendations today for schools getting ready to start full in-person instruction again during the pandemic. With the new administration, there has been a strong push for schools to reopen and to get children physically back into the school setting. Guidance Emphasizes Importance of Screening According to a CNN … [Read more...] about CDC Releases Guidelines and Recommendations for Returning to In-Person Instruction
Governor’s Proposed Budget Could Be Game Changer for School Funding
On February 2, 2021, Governor Tom Wolf announced his budget proposal for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Governor Wolf addressed concerns regarding barriers that Pennsylvanians are currently facing, and he emphasized his interests in focusing on Pennsylvania’s ‘unequal and underfunded’ education system. Summary of Education Budget: Basic Education Funding (BEF): Governor Wolf proposed an increase in … [Read more...] about Governor’s Proposed Budget Could Be Game Changer for School Funding
