At White House Summit, Pa. Education Secretary Discusses Ways to Move High Schools Forward

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera was among the invited guests for the White House Next Generation High Schools Summit Monday in Washington, D.C.

Rivera and other education leaders from around the country attended the summit to engage in a deep dialogue about how to redesign the high school experience so that it is rigorous and relevant for students graduating into today's global community.

"Today was a great opportunity to share our unique perspectives and collectively consider ideas for how we can improve our schools and create opportunities for students," Rivera said. "Like many of my colleagues, I've visited dozens of schools, and have spoken with hundreds of educators and stakeholders who provide me their ideas for best practices on how the state and communities can work together to impact education."

Rivera added that Pennsylvania is on the forefront of this educational evolution, through its stakeholder engagement process for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and through Governor Wolf's Schools That Teach initiative, which puts an emphasis on investing in high-quality Pre-K through postsecondary programs, expanding options for college and career readiness, and spurring an increase the number of STEM graduates. Since taking office, Governor Wolf has secured a historic $415 million in basic education funding for public schools, and worked with the state legislature to pass a new fair funding formula to ensure state education dollars are distributed in manner that provides access to a high-quality education for all Pennsylvania students, regardless of zip code.

Among the principles of a Next Generation High School that were highlighted at the summit are: 

• Redesigning academic content and instructional practices to promote active and hands-on learning, aligned with postsecondary and career-readiness;
• Personalizing and tailoring academic content and learning to strengthen the connection to the educational needs and interests of individual students;
• Providing and personalizing academic and wrap-around support services for those students who need them;
• Providing high-quality career and college exploration and counseling on options for students after high school graduation.

"The White House Summit provided me an opportunity to share the Wolf Administration's vision and commitment to expanding opportunities throughout the state for all students," Rivera said. "Additionally, I was also able to gain useful insight from other states and national organizations on how to improve Pennsylvania's path forward."

MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman, 717-783-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us