Streamlined Processing for CPE Credits & Act 48 Hours You probably already know that the AIU offers hundreds of professional development opportunities throughout the year. But you might not realize the work done behind the scenes to make sure those earned credits are properly recorded and reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Continuing Professional Education Course instructors document successful completion of AIU continuing professional education (CPE) courses via a roster data sheet that they submit to the AIU’s pro fessional education coordinator within a week of the course’s completion. The coordinator then uses the course registration system to mark the educator’s final status, at which time three CPE credits and 90 Act 48 hours are automatically transferred to the educator’s PERMS record. Educators can request their official transcripts, which contain a complete record of all CPE courses completed through Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Official transcripts can be electronically submitted to PDE upon request and payment of a $10 processing fee. Learn more at aiu3.net/transcripts.
Act 48 Credits
Photo: Michael Tarquinio
Educators who attend Act 48-approved workshops hosted by the AIU must sign in and out to document the total number of hours earned. The workshop provider or facilitator submits documentation to the AIU for confirmation and submission to PERMS, at which time Act 48 hours are distributed to the educator’s official record. The AIU can also report Act 48 hours for the completion of professional development workshops facilitated by external organizations. Learn more at aiu3.net/act48. AIU Connections • Winter/Spring 2024
Addressing Inequities in Gifted Education The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced last September that a $3.5 million federal grant from the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program will help expand access to gifted education programming in schools and serve more students through the Pennsylvania Gifted Equity Initiative. Research shows a growing gap at the top of the achievement scale between white students and students of color and between students from low-income backgrounds and those from more advantaged circumstances, according to the National Association for Gifted Children. The AIU will work in partnership with PDE and the Montgomery County IU to lead the initiative, providing school districts with tools, training and resources to close the achievement gap currently found in Pennsylvania school districts through improved identification of gifted students among those who are not traditionally identified. Amy Davis McShane, AIU coordinator of Career Education and Academic Events, serves as the project co-coordinator statewide lead. ““There are many masking factors that cause us to miss students that may need gifted services,” she said. “This grant will allow us to take a look at the gifted regulations in the state and how we can better identify our students who need specially designed instruction.” 9
