Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus
08/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/06/2024 14:24
Mackenzie, Policy Committee Host Hearing on Centennial School’s Program for Students with Emotional Disturbance and Autism
Aug. 06, 2024
BETHLEHEM-Today, Rep. Milou Mackenzie (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton) and the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), convened a hearing to highlight the Centennial School's unique program for students with emotional disturbance and autism. The K-12 school, affiliated with Lehigh University College of Education, also prepares high-quality special education teachers to enter the workforce in Pennsylvania.
The hearing, titled "Back to School," took place at the Centennial School. The first panel of testifiers featured Robin Hojnoski, dean, Lehigh University College of Education; Julie Fogt, director, Centennial School; Heather Caricari, lead teacher, Centennial School; and Sara C. Heintzelman, technology integration specialist, Centennial School. The second panel of testifiers featured Centennial School parents Judy Holden, Kristi Sadow, Melissa Howard Heptner and Jim Shields. The hearing opened with remarks from Joseph J. Helble, president, Lehigh University.
"We thank the committee for the opportunity for our Lehigh University and Centennial School educators to share insights about this unique model. We strongly believe in bridging the divide between theory and practice, and we take great pride in the impact Centennial School is having. And we are grateful for the continued support of the Commonwealth," said Helble.
Increasingly, schools throughout Pennsylvania are looking for teachers with special education training. The Centennial School prepares teachers for not only data-driven special education of students, but also family collaboration and management of the school environment.
"I applaud the Centennial School for the positive impact it has had on the Lehigh community and the value it is adding to schools throughout Pennsylvania. The Centennial School's science-based approach has set new precedents for how children with special needs learn and the importance of the environment in which they learn," said Mackenzie. "We desperately need to modernize our school system, and Centennial School is playing a critical role in doing just that."
"Pennsylvania's 19th century school system is not equipped to educate 21st century students. The Centennial School is the exception, advancing knowledge, using data, creating ideal environments for students in need, and ensuring the next generation of special education teachers have the skills," said Kail.
To watch the complete hearing, visit pagoppolicy.com/video/policy.
Representative Milou Mackenzie
131st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Will Jones
717-260-6615
[email protected]
repmiloumackenziepa.com
The hearing, titled "Back to School," took place at the Centennial School. The first panel of testifiers featured Robin Hojnoski, dean, Lehigh University College of Education; Julie Fogt, director, Centennial School; Heather Caricari, lead teacher, Centennial School; and Sara C. Heintzelman, technology integration specialist, Centennial School. The second panel of testifiers featured Centennial School parents Judy Holden, Kristi Sadow, Melissa Howard Heptner and Jim Shields. The hearing opened with remarks from Joseph J. Helble, president, Lehigh University.
"We thank the committee for the opportunity for our Lehigh University and Centennial School educators to share insights about this unique model. We strongly believe in bridging the divide between theory and practice, and we take great pride in the impact Centennial School is having. And we are grateful for the continued support of the Commonwealth," said Helble.
Increasingly, schools throughout Pennsylvania are looking for teachers with special education training. The Centennial School prepares teachers for not only data-driven special education of students, but also family collaboration and management of the school environment.
"I applaud the Centennial School for the positive impact it has had on the Lehigh community and the value it is adding to schools throughout Pennsylvania. The Centennial School's science-based approach has set new precedents for how children with special needs learn and the importance of the environment in which they learn," said Mackenzie. "We desperately need to modernize our school system, and Centennial School is playing a critical role in doing just that."
"Pennsylvania's 19th century school system is not equipped to educate 21st century students. The Centennial School is the exception, advancing knowledge, using data, creating ideal environments for students in need, and ensuring the next generation of special education teachers have the skills," said Kail.
To watch the complete hearing, visit pagoppolicy.com/video/policy.
Representative Milou Mackenzie
131st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Will Jones
717-260-6615
[email protected]
repmiloumackenziepa.com
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