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PRINTER'S NO. 1194
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No.
890
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY DINNIMAN, DiSANTO, MARTIN, McGARRIGLE, BLAKE,
KILLION, BREWSTER, FOLMER, COSTA AND WARD, SEPTEMBER 25, 2017
REFERRED TO EDUCATION, SEPTEMBER 25, 2017
AN ACT
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
act relating to the public school system, including certain
provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
laws relating thereto," in preliminary provisions, providing
for excusal of children from assessments.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known
as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a
section to read:
Section 121.1. Excusal of Children from Assessments.--(a)
(1) A parent or guardian of a child may submit to the public
school entity where the child is enrolled a written request to
excuse the child from any or all parts of an assessment based on
the parent or guardian's objection on religious or philosophical
grounds, the basis of a strong moral or ethical conviction
similar to a religious belief, privacy concern or due to health
concerns for the child. Such health concerns may include stress
and anxiety in preparation for the assessment.
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(2) A parent or guardian's objection on religious grounds
shall follow the process specified under 22 Pa. Code ยง 4.4(d)
(relating to general policies).
(b) (1) Notwithstanding any provision of law, a parent or
guardian's written request to school officials to excuse his or
her child from any or all parts of the assessments administered
under this article shall be granted.
(2) No public school entity shall be penalized because a
parent or guardian exercises the right established under
subsection (a).
(c) For the purposes of this section:
"Assessment" or "accountability" shall mean the Pennsylvania
System of School Assessment test, the Keystone Exam, an
equivalent local assessment or another test established or
approved by the State Board of Education or General Assembly to
meet the requirements of section 2603-B(d)(10)(i) and required
under the Every Student Succeeds Act (Public Law 114-95, 129
Stat. 1802) or its successor statute.
"Public school entity" shall mean a school district,
intermediate unit, joint school, area vocation-technical school,
charter school or cyber charter school.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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