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Road to a better education is newly paved

Article III, Section 14 of the Pennsylvania Constitution states that the General Assembly "shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the Commonwealth."

To help determine what that truly means, last year and for the first time ever the legislature commissioned a study to find out what it takes to meet the established academic standards that all children are expected to reach.

The results of that independent study were unveiled this week in a report based on independent, verifiable and credible information. The report tells us how much in state and local funding is needed to ensure that all children can meet these standards and succeed. And it gives us real facts to consider, allowing the debate over education reform in Pennsylvania to become less divisive and far more productive.

We believe House Resolution 460 takes the next productive step, providing an inclusive structure that will allow the legislature and stakeholders to thoughtfully move toward more adequately investing in our students.

The House Democrats encourage you to read the report and engage with us in this debate. Do you believe Pennsylvania is adequately investing in the education of each student? Visit www.pahouse.com to take our online poll.

To read Gov. Ed Rendell's weekly newsletter, click this link:k:
http://www.virtualtours.state.pa.us/newsletter/default.asp