The PSBA 2026 State of Education report is available via this link.
Since 2017, the State of Education report has provided a clear, data‑driven look at the condition of public education in Pennsylvania. This year’s report continues that work, drawing on a statewide survey of chief school administrators and extensive, publicly available data to capture the trends and pressures shaping schools across the commonwealth.
The 2026 report highlights several important takeaways:
Budget pressures intensified, with mandated costs like charter tuition, special education and pensions outpacing revenue growth.
Student mental health needs remain the top instructional challenge, though districts report gradual signs of improvement compared to recent years.
Staffing shortages persist, especially in special education, substitute teaching and key secondary subject areas.
Special education enrollment continues to rise, significantly increasing demand for services as state and federal funding lags behind actual costs.
Districts are adapting to AI, with most providing training and beginning to integrate generative AI tools into instruction, even as concerns about academic integrity and teacher support remain.