THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE BILL

INTRODUCED BY PICCOLA, FEBRUARY 20, 2009

REFERRED TO EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 20, 2009  

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 terms and courses of study,

providing for PSSA test requirements; and in high schools,

further providing for academic degrees.

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 1531.1.  PSSA Test Requirement.--(a)  The State Board

of Education shall develop regulations which provide that no

student is eligible for promotion to the next grade level if the

student scores lower than the basic level on the PSSA test in

each subject area.

(b)  The regulations shall provide for exemptions to the

promotion eligibility requirement for students with disabilities

or limited English proficiency and other students as may be

deemed necessary by the State Board of Education.

(c)  The State Board of Education shall promulgate

regulations under subsection (a) within two years of the

effective date of this section. The regulations shall provide

for a gradual implementation of the promotion eligibility

requirement with full implementation in phases over a period of

time not to exceed three years from the effective date of the

regulations.

Section 2.  Section 1611 of the act is amended by adding a

subsection to read:

Section 1611.  Academic Degrees.--* * *

(a.1)  Notwithstanding the provisions of Article XXVI-B, or

any other provision of law, any Statewide requirements for high

school graduation from a public school entity in this

Commonwealth, beyond any Statewide requirements in effect as of

the effective date of this subsection, shall be established only

by an act of the General Assembly. The Department of Education

may not expend any funds to develop such Statewide requirements

until an act of the General Assembly specifically authorizes the

expenditure.

* * *

Section 3.  This act shall take effect immediately.