PRINTER'S NO. 1881
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
361
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY RAPP, SAYLOR, WARD, PICKETT, KINSEY, MILLARD AND
ROZZI, JUNE 1, 2017
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, JUNE 1, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an
advisory committee to conduct a study on alternative
education programs in this Commonwealth and to report its
findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives.
WHEREAS, Alternative education programs serve the purpose of
temporarily removing persistently disruptive students in grades
6 through 12 from regular school programs; and
WHEREAS, A disruptive student is a student in grades 6
through 12 who poses a clear threat to the safety and welfare of
other students or school staff, who creates an unsafe school
environment and whose behavior materially interferes with the
learning of other students or disrupts the overall educational
process; and
WHEREAS, Placement in alternative education programs is to be
temporary and should be considered only when severe or
persistent behavioral problems require more intensive
intervention services and after all other alternatives have been
exhausted; and
WHEREAS, The goal of alternative education programs is to
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continue providing educational services along with behavioral
interventions to help a student overcome the disruptive behavior
and return to the regular school environment; and
WHEREAS, Current alternative education programs for
disruptive students may not be effective; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
State Government Commission to conduct a study on alternative
education programs in this Commonwealth; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission
establish an advisory committee consisting of representatives
from the Department of Education, educational organizations,
public organizations involved in alternative education issues
and other organizations selected by the Joint State Government
Commission to consult with in conducting the study; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the study conducted by the Joint State
Government Commission include, but not be limited to, the
following:
(1) The number of disabled students who attend
alternative education programs.
(2) The number of students who drop out of alternative
education programs.
(3) The number of students who graduate from alternative
education programs.
(4) The number of students who are expelled from
alternative education programs.
(5) The average period of time students with
disabilities attend alternative education programs.
(6) The method of instruction, effectiveness and typical
class schedule of a student in alternative education
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programs.
(7) Statutes, best practices and legislative initiatives
in other states concerning students and disabled students in
alternative education programs;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission may, as
it deems necessary, hold informational meetings to receive
testimony from professionals or organizations with expertise in
alternative education; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission issue a
report of its findings and recommendations to the House of
Representatives no later than one year after the adoption of
this resolution.
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