CLEARFIELD – Due to questions surrounding available funding, the Clearfield Area School District Board of Directors discussed its opposition against the State Board of Education’s proposal to require a new graduate competency assessment at Monday night’s regular meeting.
Board Vice President Dave Glass said the state board can enact any changes, and the Pennsylvania School Board Association has asked the board to state its opposition.
According to the state board’s proposal, the new high school graduation requirements would apply to all public schools and necessitates students demonstrate proficiency in English, math, science and social studies by the time they graduate. The new requirements would go in effect with the 2014 graduating class.
In addition, the proposal stated students would have the opportunity to take ten end-of-course assessments in the four subject areas over their middle and high school career. Students who do not pass the first time would receive additional help and have multiple chances to retake the full exam or the portion of the test that they did not pass.
“We need to put this GCA issue to bed,” Glass said. “We need to draw up a resolution.”
Board President R. Denning Gearhart asked if he wanted the resolution to state the board’s opposition.
“That’s what we’ve been asked,” Glass said.
Superintendent Dr. Denise Keltz asked the board what part of the assessment it was opposed to.
Glass said he questioned the potential costs, the need and the load on the teachers.
“I’m not sure it’s a good idea yet,” he said. “I want to make sure there would be funding available. I don’t want the local taxpayers to bear this burden.”
Middle School Principal Tim Meckey said the drafted resolution would require specific writing. “We’re not opposed to the concept but the unfairness with funding.”
Gearhart suggested the issue be tabled for further discussion.
Board Member Larry Putt agreed and said it would allow the board to establish a better understanding and review a draft.
“I don’t have a problem with that,” Glass said.
