State Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40) issued the following statement in reaction
to the Department of Education, State Board of Education, and Pennsylvania
School Boards Association agreement on high school graduation testing:
"During these difficult economic times, I continue to be opposed to any
new state program. The most detailed figures I have received state that the
costs of the tests will be $45 million in a few years -- or $171 million
over five years. I cannot in good conscience support such spending on a new
test while the Governor is proposing to eliminate many programs, including
the Scranton School for the Deaf.
Additionally, while the agreement is said to be optional, I am extremely
leery that today’s action will lead down the road toward making these tests
mandatory, as the Administration originally proposed. Furthermore, I am
skeptical of how many school districts will buy into an ‘optional’ test.
While the School Boards Association was strongly opposed to the testing
scheme until today, many educational organizations remain opposed.
The truth is, we already know what schools are struggling and what
students are failing. This test will simply cost more in the long run in
terms of remedial education. We need to put our supports up front, not
adding a new hoop for students to jump through.
I again call on the Department of Education and State Board of Education
to cease any action on this issue until the General Assembly passes
legislation specifically authorizing any new graduation requirement."
Senator Orie has introduced Senate Bill 281, which is currently in the Senate
Education Committee.
