Department of Education | Department of Education – Governor Tom Wolf

Dr. Kate Shaw: Leading Efforts for Higher Education in Pennsylvania

Dr. Kate Shaw serves as Deputy Secretary and Commissioner for Postsecondary Education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Since her arrival in March of 2023, she has led efforts on behalf of Governor Josh Shapiro to craft a bold new vision for higher education in Pennsylvania.

Significant Investments in Student Support

Under Dr. Shaw’s leadership, Pennsylvania has allocated over $140 million in student support, ensuring that students have the resources they need to succeed in their educational journey. These investments aim to address the challenges faced by students and promote equitable access to higher education.

Increased Funding for Publicly-Funded Colleges and Universities

Recognizing the importance of publicly-funded institutions in Pennsylvania, Dr. Shaw has secured over $55 million in new appropriations for colleges and universities. This funding will enable these institutions to enhance their programs, infrastructure, and student services, ultimately benefiting the entire higher education sector in the Commonwealth.

Establishment of the State Board of Higher Education

Dr. Shaw’s visionary approach includes the creation of a new State Board of Higher Education. This board will provide the necessary leadership and capacity to coordinate and strengthen Pennsylvania’s colleges and universities. By bringing together key stakeholders, the board aims to foster collaboration and drive positive change in the higher education sector.

Appointment as Executive Director of the State Board of Higher Education

In October 2024, Dr. Shaw was appointed as the Executive Director of Pennsylvania’s new State Board of Higher Education. In this role, she provides a broad range of support, expertise, and capacity to the board and the higher education sector. Her extensive experience and knowledge contribute to the coordination and strengthening of colleges and universities across the Commonwealth.

Prior Experience and Achievements

Before her current role, Dr. Shaw served as a Senior Advisor at HCM Strategists, collaborating with multiple states and organizations to improve postsecondary education funding and policy. She also held the position of Deputy Secretary under Governor Ed Rendell, overseeing significant reforms in postsecondary access, teacher preparation, community colleges, and retention programs.

Dr. Shaw’s tenure as the Executive Director of Research for Action spanned over a decade. During this time, she led a robust portfolio of research on state postsecondary policy, including studies on funding and accountability systems, credit recognition and transfer, college Promise programs, college placement reforms, and retention reforms. Additionally, she served as a faculty member at Temple University, where she held the position of tenured department chair in Urban Education and Policy Studies.

Commitment to Education at All Levels

Dr. Shaw’s dedication to education extends beyond higher education. She has twice been elected to serve as a Board member for the West Chester Area School District, demonstrating her commitment to fostering educational excellence at all levels.

Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Dr. Shaw’s work aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education. Through her efforts, she strives to ensure equitable access to quality education, promote lifelong learning opportunities, and enhance educational infrastructure and resources.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
   • Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
   • Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.
   • Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
   • Indicator 16.7.1: Proportions of positions (by sex, age, persons with disabilities, and population groups) in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service, and judiciary) compared to national distributions.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:

• Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
• Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
• Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.
• Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months.
• Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training.
• Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law.
• Indicator 16.7.1: Proportions of positions (by sex, age, persons with disabilities, and population groups) in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service, and judiciary) compared to national distributions.

Source: pa.gov