Butler County News

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has approved six changes to Pennsylvania's K-12 education standards. This decision follows a joint letter from Representatives Barb Gleim, Stephenie Scialabba, and Joe D’Orsie, who identified deficiencies in the current curriculum.

The revisions cover several areas, including economic standards, teamwork and collaboration, and elementary career education. Notable corrections include the removal of price controls as an example of promoting free markets and reconsidering labor unions' classification as non-political entities. Additionally, social emotional learning language was scrutinized in elementary education materials.

Joe D’Orsie expressed concern over economic misconceptions found in the curriculum. "It was surprising to see economic misconceptions inserted into curriculum that will be shaping young minds across the Commonwealth," he stated. He emphasized the importance of presenting objective truths in economic studies.

The representatives were able to submit their proposed edits before the IRRC's review session. Of their eight suggestions, six received approval. Stephenie Scialabba highlighted the significance of these changes: “It can’t be overstated how important it was to catch these problems.”

Barb Gleim also stressed the need for factual accuracy in education: “Ensuring students are presented with the facts and encouraged and enabled to use their own deductive reasoning skills is paramount.” She advocated against introducing agendas into educational content.

The effort by Gleim, Scialabba, and D’Orsie aims to ensure that students receive an unbiased education that fosters independent thinking.