2. Spreading the Principles of Equity and Inclusion: The History of Pennsylvania School Code Shifted to Mandate Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Educator Competencies

• In Event: Dismantling Racial+ Injustice Through Systems Change Work: A Conversation About Pennsylvania’s Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Educational Practices

Abstract

In 2018 an opportunity became available to revise the Chapter 49 requirements in the Pennsylvania School Code (relating to the Certification of Professional Personnel) to include expectations for pre-service and in-service teacher preparation and professional development as is allowed every 10 years. The then-Secretary of Education, Pedro Rivera, conducted listening sessions with students, families, educators, and community members to learn more about what is needed from teachers in Pennsylvania, and it became clear that expectations related to creating school and classroom cultures that valued each student and their background was paramount. A brief overview of how the Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Education (CRSE) Competencies were developed, approved, and finalized will be shared in this presentation.

Authors

• Ronald William Whitaker, Duquesne University

• Sarah Anne Eckert, Eastern University

• Eric Hagerty, Mercury Public Affairs