K-12 Education

K-12 Education

Ensure each child in Pennsylvania has the opportunity for an adequate and equitable high-quality public education. 

All children in Pennsylvania deserve to be provided an adequate and equitable high-quality education, regardless of the zip code they live in. This includes equipping students with supports to meet their special education needs and focuses on building skills to successfully graduate, transition to higher education, or enter the workforce career ready.  

K-12 Education Policy Goals

  • Ensure adequate state funding for career and technical education (CTE) so that every child who is interested can participate. 
  • Support increased investments in basic education, adequacy targets, and special education funding, as well as evaluate and recommend strategies to address and advance adequacy and equity. 

K-12 Education Publications

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Fast Facts about K-12 Education in PA

  • 61.9% of 3rd grade students and 57.9% of 8th grade students score proficient or advanced in English Language Arts as measured by the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA).
  • 56.0% of 3rd grade students and 32.2% of 8th grade students score proficient or advanced in math as measured by the PSSA.
  • More than 1 in 8 students who entered 9th grade four years ago did not graduate by the end of the four years.
  • Pennsylvania ranks 43rd in the nation in the state’s share of education funding.
  • The share of CTE funding is 90% local, 8% state, and 2% federal.
  • 65,536 students are enrolled in career and technical education programs.