Education

Children who learn in high-quality Pre-K programs perform better in school, are more likely to graduate, and earn more throughout their lives compared to peers without access to early learning programs. Eligibility is based on age and income. Children must be 3 or 4 years-old and families must earn less than 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

According to a December 2020 evaluation of the of PA Pre-K Counts (PA PKC) by the William Penn Foundation, PA PKC participation has a positive impact on children’s language and math outcomes. Kindergarten students who attended PA PKC had significantly higher levels of language skills and math skills compared to children who did not attend PA PKC. Children must be 3 or 4 years-old and families must earn less than 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

Preschool Early Intervention (EI) ensures that children age 3  to 5 with developmental delays or  at risk of substantial delay have the best chance for healthy development. EI provides children with developmental and social-emotional services, such as speech and language, occupational, and physical therapies, and social work services. Families also receive coaching and support to further the gains their children make in therapy.

The annual Pennsylvania System School Assessment (PSSA) exams in Math, Science, and English Language Arts are one tool used to measure student progress towards academic standards established by the State Board of Education. The U.S. Department of Education also uses the exam results and other factors to identify schools that need additional state and federal assistance to improve educational services for students.

Developing literacy skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening is essential to student success. Under the Pennsylvania State Literacy Plan, all students from birth through Grade 12 will become well-educated citizens with a command of literacy that prepares them for the challenges of the 21st century and enables them to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Over the next decade, seven in 10 new jobs in Pennsylvania will require workers to use computers and new technologies. The Commonwealth must continue to grow its supply of skilled workers to keep up with the constantly changing economy and emerging industries. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education helps to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to enter the workforce and be successful in a tech-driven, global economy.

There is no one-size-fits-all postsecondary path for every high school student, so it is critical for them to be prepared for success on whatever path they take after graduating – whether they enter the workforce, join the military, or continue their education. Career and technical education allows students to develop critical skills through classroom work, hands-on learning, and real-world problem solving.

POWER Library helps public and school libraries bridge the digital divide by providing communities with access to live research assistance, information, and electronic educational resources during times of rapid change and restrictions.

Each year more than 5 million people of all ages participate in programs at libraries across the commonwealth either virtually or in-person.

With more than 6oo locations statewide, public libraries provide Pennsylvanians with free access to reliable high-speed internet and technology.

All Pennsylvania communities have residents who have difficulty using standard print materials because of a visual, physical, or reading disability. Whether these individuals are studying for school, seeking a new job, or expanding their general knowledge, the library offers vital materials and support.

The State Library of Pennsylvania is a major research library established by statute to provide library services for state government, commonwealth residents, and local libraries.

The postsecondary enrollment rate of each high school graduating class is an important indicator of postsecondary access. PDE follows each high school graduating class and their postsecondary enrollment within 16 months of earning their high school diploma. This data captures enrollment at public and private colleges both within Pennsylvania and out-of-state.

The college graduation rates of high school graduates is an important indicator of postsecondary completion. PDE follows each high school graduating class and the extent to which they earned a degree within six years after obtaining their high school diploma. This data captures enrollment at public and private colleges both within Pennsylvania and out-of-state.

Time to degree is an important indicator of both postsecondary completion and affordability. The way in which the federal government and, subsequently, state governments, design financial aid programs around a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester for full-time students has contributed to the growing acceptance of the six-year graduation rate for four-year baccalaureate degree programs. The federal Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) calculates graduation rates for first-time, full-time students attending state system and state-related universities within 150 percent of normal time, or six years.

Time to degree is an important indicator of both postsecondary completion and affordability. The way in which the federal government and, subsequently, state governments, design financial aid programs around a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester for full-time students has contributed to the growing acceptance of the three-year graduation rate for degree- and certificate-seeking students. The federal Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) calculates graduation rates for first-time, full-time students attending community colleges within 150 percent of normal time, or three years.

In 2018, the State Board of Education Council of Higher Education approved Pennsylvania's postsecondary attainment goal that 60 percent of the population ages 25-64 would hold a postsecondary degree or industry recognized credential by 2025, with a particular focus on closing attainment gaps for historically underrepresented populations. Lumina Foundation's annual report, Stronger Nation, calculates postsecondary attainment rates that captures the percentage of state residents with quality post-high school credentials, including postsecondary certificates, degrees, and industry certifications.