Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children is a strong, effective, and trusted voice for improving the health, education, and well-being of the Commonwealth’s children.
By 2014, PPC has helped Pennsylvania move into position as one of the top 10 states in the nation to be a child and to raise a child.
To achieve its vision, PPC seeks substantial gains toward these public policy goals:
All children enter school ready to learn.
All children have access to health care that meets their needs.
All children are raised in loving and knowledgeable families.
All school-age children have access to effective after-school and youth development programs.
All children have access to high-quality public education.
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NEW POLL SHOWS MAJORITY OF RESPONDENTS BACK EXIT EXAMS
Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (PPC) released poll results in May from Susquehanna Polling and Research that show a majority of respondents – 58 percent – support proposed high school graduation regulations from the State Board of Education as a way to ensure all high school students graduate with a minimum level of knowledge and skills.
Poll respondents were informed that Graduation Competency Assessments (GCAs), scheduled to take effect in 2013-2014, would replace traditional end-of-course final exams and that remediation courses would be required for students who do not pass the tests initially. Despite resolutions from school boards across the Commonwealth opposing GCAs, supporters outnumbered opponents by nearly a 2.5 to 1 margin. Support was equally strong among Republicans, Democrats, liberals, conservatives and voters who are the age of parents with school-age children. The poll was conducted May 1-7 and included 800 registered voters.
When asked if they believed these new regulations would take away local control from school boards, only 24 percent indicated they were opposed to exit exams for this reason.
"Media reports about anti-GCA resolutions being passed by school boards would have us believe the majority of Pennsylvanians do not think GCAs are a good way to prepare our youth for the future, but nothing could be further from the truth," said Joan L. Benso, president and CEO of PA Partnerships for Children. "In fact, a strong majority polled indicated they see the value in making sure high school students are prepared for college or career."
To read the full press release, click here
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Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children
116 Pine Street, Suite 430
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-236-5680 / 800-257-2030
Fax: 717-236-7745
Contact PPC/Questions
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