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For Immediate Release
6/4/09
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Pippy Lauds Committee Approval of Legislation Placing Moratorium on Graduation Competency Assessment Exams          

Harrisburg – Sen. John Pippy (R-37) lauded committee passage this week of legislation that places a moratorium on the implementation of statewide high school graduation assessments without legislative approval.

Senate Bill 281, which Sen. Pippy co-sponsors, was unanimously approved by the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday.  The bill also bars the Department of Education from developing the test until it received funding from the Legislature to do so.

Last year, the General Assembly passed and the Governor signed into law legislation prohibiting the department from promulgating, approving, or proposing a regulation to change or establish high school graduation requirements during the 2008-09 Fiscal Year.  Despite this ban, the department has proceeded with the development of the controversial tests, and is working on a seven-year contract with Data Recognition Corp. of Minnesota to develop the tests.  The total expected cost of the Keystone Exam project is $210 million

"Given the current shortfall in the Commonwealth's budget, I question the decision by the department of Education to rush into this project when my colleagues and I have clearly indicated a preference for moving more slowly" said Pippy.

The senator said he is confident that local school districts are committed to educating Pennsylvania's children and preparing them for the future.  "I continue to have confidence in the ability of school districts in Pennsylvania to creatively address and assess the mastery of the content required to succeed in a 21st century workforce," said Pippy.  "Additionally, I firmly believe that the unique education that every student receives as a result of this system is an asset, not a detriment, to his or her future success."

Contact:

Greg Mahon
(717) 787-5839