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SENATE AMENDED
PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 236
PRINTER'S NO. 2177
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
265
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY STAATS, KAUFFMAN, JAMES, SAYLOR, QUINN, D. MILLER,
BOBACK, IRVIN, OBERLANDER, GLEIM, HILL-EVANS, ROEBUCK, RADER,
GABLER, PICKETT, KORTZ, MURT, JOZWIAK, PASHINSKI, SIMMONS,
BARRAR, STRUZZI, NEILSON, DEASY, POLINCHOCK, FEE, THOMAS,
RAPP, BROWN, FARRY, T. DAVIS, MIZGORSKI AND MOUL,
JANUARY 29, 2019
SENATOR LANGERHOLC, EDUCATION, IN SENATE, AS AMENDED,
JUNE 18, 2019
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 transfers of credits between
institutions of higher education, further providing for
definitions, for duties of public institutions of higher
education and State-related institutions, for Transfer and
Articulation Oversight Committee and for duties of
department. 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 CAREER INFORMATION AND
RECRUITMENT; IN TERMS AND COURSES OF STUDY, FURTHER PROVIDING
FOR COMMISSION FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION EXCELLENCE; IN
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION, FURTHER PROVIDING FOR CAREER AND
TECHNICAL EDUCATION EQUIPMENT GRANTS AND PROVIDING FOR
UTILIZATION OF CREDITS; PROVIDING FOR CLASSIFICATION OF
PROGRAM CODE; AND, IN TRANSFERS OF CREDITS BETWEEN
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, FURTHER PROVIDING FOR
DEFINITIONS, FOR DUTIES OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
EDUCATION AND STATE-RELATED INSTITUTIONS, FOR TRANSFER AND
ARTICULATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AND FOR DUTIES OF
DEPARTMENT.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
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hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 2001-C of the act of March 10, 1949
(P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949,
amended November 6, 2017 (P.L.1142, No.55), is amended to read:
Section 2001-C. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this article
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Advanced Placement Program." A program authorized by the
college board that allows a student to study college-level
subjects while enrolled in high school and to receive advanced
placement and college credit for earning a qualified score on
the course-related Advanced Placement Program exam.
"Career, technical or applied courses." Courses usually
offered as part of an associate degree curriculum designed to
prepare students for entry-level professions, not for transfer
to baccalaureate programs for advanced studies.
"College-Level Examination Program." A set of standardized
tests developed by the college board for various subjects, and
on which a qualifying score can be used to earn college credit.
"Community college." An institution created pursuant to
Article XIX-A or the act of August 24, 1963 (P.L.1132, No.484),
known as the Community College Act of 1963.
"Credit for prior learning." College-level credit granted
toward the award of a postsecondary degree or certificate for
experiential learning that can be demonstrated through various
means of assessment to be the equivalent of learning gained
through formal collegiate instruction, including an Advanced
Placement Program exam, International Baccalaureate Diploma
Program exam, a College-Level Examination Program exam and
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Dantes Subject Standardized Tests.
"Dantes Subject Standardized Tests." A set of subject exams
approved by the American Council on Education that tests
knowledge of both lower-level and upper-level college material.
["Degree objective courses." Courses required for completion
of a major in a subject area.]
"Department." The Department of Education of the
Commonwealth.
"Developmental or remedial courses." Courses typically
consisting of reading, writing and math designed to prepare
students for college-level courses and that are not
transferable.
"Equivalent courses." Courses determined to have generally
equivalent content and level as determined by the faculty of an
institution of higher education consistent with the policy at
each institution of higher education.
"Foundation courses." Courses required to be completed by
students that provide an academic foundation for the degree,
general education or advanced study in a major.
"Independent institution of higher education." An
institution of higher education which is operated not for
profit, located in and incorporated or chartered by the
Commonwealth and entitled to confer degrees as set forth in 24
Pa.C.S. § 6505 (relating to power to confer degrees) and to
apply to itself the designation "college" or "university" as
provided for by the standards and qualifications prescribed by
the State Board of Education pursuant to 24 Pa.C.S. Ch. 65
(relating to private colleges, universities and seminaries).
"Industry-recognized credential." A credential that:
(1) is sought or accepted by employers within the
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industry or sector involved as a recognized, preferred or
required credential for recruitment, screening, hiring,
retention or advancement purposes;
(2) where appropriate, is endorsed by a nationally
recognized trade association or organization representing a
significant part of the industry or sector; and
(3) is approved by the department.
"Institution of higher education." Any of the accredited
following:
(1) A public institution of higher education.
(2) A rural regional college.
(3) A State-related institution.
(4) The Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
"International Baccalaureate Diploma Program." An
academically challenging two-year precollege diploma program
comprised of three core requirements and six academic subject
areas with final examinations that prepare students, 16 to 19
years of age, for higher education and life in a global society.
"Public institution of higher education." A community
college or an institution which is part of the State System of
Higher Education pursuant to Article XX-A.
"Public school." Any of the following:
(1) A school district.
(2) An intermediate unit.
(3) An area vocational-technical school.
(4) A charter school, as defined in section 1703-A.
(5) A regional charter school, as defined in section
1703-A.
(6) A cyber charter school, as defined in section 1703-
A.
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"Rural regional college." A rural regional college operating
under Article XIX-G.
"State-related institution." The Pennsylvania State
University, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University,
Lincoln University and their branch campuses.
"Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee." The
committee established under section 2004-C.
Section 2. Section 2003-C of the act is amended to read:
Section 2003-C. Duties of [public] institutions of higher
education and [State-related institutions] public
schools.
(a) Agreements.--Each [public] institution of higher
education and [State-related institution] public school shall
provide the Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee and
the department with copies of all articulation agreements for
inclusion in the electronic database or software program and
portal provided for under section 2005-C(4) within 180 days of
the effective date of this section and within 30 days of
entering into any subsequent articulation agreement.
(b) Reporting requirements.--The following shall apply to
reporting requirements:
(1) Each [public] institution of higher education [and
State-related institution] shall submit to the department a
series of interim reports that describe the status of the
institution's articulation agreements, which shall include
all of the following:
(i) The number of students who have transferred to
the [public] institution of higher education [or State-
related institution] by institution of origin within the
last academic year or since submittal of the
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institution's last interim report required under this
section.
(ii) The total number of credits completed by
transfer students at the institution of origin.
(iii) The total number of credits from each
institution of origin that transferred to the [public]
institution of higher education [or State-related
institution] for each academic year.
(iv) An explanation of the credit transfer process
at the institution.
(v) Any other information related to the credit
transfer process as requested by the department,
including the useability of transfer credits.
(2) Each [public] institution of higher education [and
State-related institution] shall submit its first interim
report required under this section 180 days after the
effective date of this section and by September 30 of each
year thereafter.
Section 3. Section 2004-C(a)(1) introductory paragraph is
amended and subsection (c) is amended by adding a paragraph to
read:
Section 2004-C. Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee.
(a) Establishment and membership.--
(1) In order to develop and implement equivalency
standards as provided for in subsection (c)(1) and provide
access to articulation agreements, there is hereby
established within the department, the Transfer and
Articulation Oversight Committee. The committee shall be
comprised of the following members:
* * *
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(c) Duties of Transfer and Articulation Oversight
Committee.--The committee shall:
* * *
(7) Meet on a regular basis at least quarterly.
Section 4. Section 2005-C(4) of the act is amended to read:
Section 2005-C. Duties of department.
The department shall:
* * *
(4) Provide for an electronic database or software
program and portal for the purpose of providing access to all
of the following information on an Internet website:
(i) Articulation agreements and agreements that
award credit for an industry-recognized credential
entered into by [public institutions of higher education
and institutions that elect to participate under section
2006-C.] institutions of higher education, public schools
and institutions described under clause (C). The
following apply:
(A) The department shall extract transfer
information from each articulation agreement and each
agreement that awards credit for an industry-
recognized credential and enter the information into
the electronic database or software program and
portal and provide a meaningful, user-friendly and
interactive search engine for access to the
information.
(B) The department shall, within 60 days of
receiving an articulation agreement or agreement that
awards credit for an industry-recognized credential ,
update the database and post each articulation
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agreement and each agreement that awards credit for
an industry-recognized credential on its publicly
accessible Internet website.
(C) An institution which is not subject to the
duties under section 2003-C may submit to the
department any articulation agreement or agreement
that awards credit for an industry-recognized
credential into which the institution enters. Each
submitted articulation agreement and each agreement
that awards credit for an industry-recognized
credential shall be subject to this paragraph.
(ii) The annual report to the General Assembly as
required by section 2004-C(c)(5).
[(iii) At the request of a public institution of
higher education or an institution that elects to
participate under section 2006-C, any articulation
agreements.]
Section 5. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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 128. CAREER INFORMATION AND RECRUITMENT.--(A)
SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (D), A SCHOOL ENTITY SHALL OFFER
REPRESENTATIVES OF SKILLED TRADES, PUBLICLY IDENTIFIED PRIORITY
OCCUPATIONS, AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY
COLLEGES OPERATING UNDER ARTICLE XIX-A AND INSTITUTIONS OF
HIGHER EDUCATION THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
FOLLOWING:
(1) DELIVERY OF INFORMATION REGARDING EMPLOYMENT, EMPLOYMENT
TRAINING OR EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE
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SCHOOL ENTITY.
(2) RECRUITMENT OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE SCHOOL ENTITY.
(B) EACH SCHOOL ENTITY RECEIVING ASSISTANCE UNDER THE EVERY
STUDENT SUCCEEDS ACT (PUBLIC LAW 114-95, 129 STAT. 1802) SHALL
PROVIDE MILITARY RECRUITERS THE SAME ACCESS TO STUDENTS AS
PROVIDED UNDER SUBSECTION (A).
(C) REPRESENTATIVES UNDER SUBSECTION (A) MUST BE COMPLIANT
WITH THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER 23 PA.C.S. § 6344.2 (RELATING TO
VOLUNTEERS HAVING CONTACT WITH CHILDREN) AND SHALL GIVE NO LESS
THAN THIRTY (30) DAYS' NOTICE WHEN REQUESTING ACCESS FROM A
SCHOOL ENTITY UNDER SUBSECTION (A)(1) OR (2).
(D) A SCHOOL ENTITY SHALL:
(1) OFFER EACH OF THE REPRESENTATIVES UNDER SUBSECTIONS (A)
AND (B) AT LEAST ONE OPPORTUNITY DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR TO
PROVIDE AGE-APPROPRIATE INFORMATION TO ALL STUDENTS IN GRADES
FOUR THROUGH TWELVE REGARDING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES,
EMPLOYMENT TRAINING OR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, INDIVIDUALLY OR IN
A GROUP SETTING, THROUGH MAKING A PRESENTATION AT A SCHOOL
ASSEMBLY, HOSTING STUDENTS FOR A VISIT TO AN AREA VOCATIONAL-
TECHNICAL SCHOOL, COMMUNITY COLLEGE, INSTITUTION OF HIGHER
EDUCATION OR PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT OR ANY OTHER METHOD OF SPEAKING
DIRECTLY TO STUDENTS.
(2) DOCUMENT ANNUALLY THE FOLLOWING IN THE PLAN DEVELOPED
UNDER 22 PA. CODE § 339.31 (RELATING TO PLAN):
(I) THE SCHOOL ENTITY'S COMPLIANCE WITH THIS SECTION FOR THE
IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING SCHOOL YEAR.
(II) THE SCHOOL ENTITY'S PLAN TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH
ACCESS TO INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS AND CAREER PRESENTERS AS
REQUIRED UNDER THIS SECTION IN THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL YEAR.
(3) POST THE PLAN ON THE SCHOOL ENTITY'S PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE
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INTERNET WEBSITE.
(E) A SCHOOL ENTITY MAY NOT DISCOURAGE STUDENTS FROM
PURSUING ANY EDUCATIONAL OR CAREER PATH AND SHALL ENSURE THAT
EACH STUDENT ENROLLED IN THE SCHOOL ENTITY HAS ACCESS TO THE
INFORMATION AND ACTIVITIES REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED UNDER THIS
SECTION.
(F) THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY, SHALL DEVELOP:
(1) STANDARD INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS WHICH INCLUDE, BUT ARE
NOT LIMITED TO, A SUMMARY OF REGIONAL WORKFORCE NEEDS PRODUCED
BIENNIALLY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY, CAREER
CLUSTER OCCUPATIONS, PUBLICLY IDENTIFIED PRIORITY OCCUPATIONS,
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE EARNING POTENTIAL. THE
MATERIALS SHALL BE REVIEWED AND UPDATED ANNUALLY. EACH SCHOOL
ENTITY SHALL ENSURE THAT ALL STUDENTS IN GRADES FOUR THROUGH
TWELVE ARE PROVIDED ACCESS TO THE MATERIALS DURING THE SCHOOL
YEAR AND THE MATERIALS ARE ALSO MADE AVAILABLE AT ANY SCHEDULED
EDUCATIONAL OR CAREER FAIR OR ACTIVITY UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OR
(D).
(2) GUIDELINES TO ASSIST SCHOOL ENTITIES IN THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS SECTION.
(G) AS USED IN THIS SECTION, THE FOLLOWING WORDS AND PHRASES
SHALL HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN THIS SUBSECTION UNLESS
THE CONTEXT CLEARLY INDICATES OTHERWISE:
"INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION." AN ACCREDITED ENTITY
WHICH IS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
(1) A UNIVERSITY WITHIN THE STATE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
UNDER ARTICLE XX-A.
(2) THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE UNIVERSITY OF
PITTSBURGH, TEMPLE UNIVERSITY, LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OR ANY OTHER
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INSTITUTION DESIGNATED AS STATE-RELATED BY THE COMMONWEALTH.
(3) THE THADDEUS STEVENS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY.
(4) A COLLEGE ESTABLISHED UNDER ARTICLE XIX-G.
(5) AN INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION LOCATED IN AND
INCORPORATED OR CHARTERED BY THE COMMONWEALTH AND ENTITLED TO
CONFER DEGREES AS SPECIFIED IN 24 PA.C.S. § 6505 (RELATING TO
POWER TO CONFER DEGREES) AND AS PROVIDED FOR BY THE STANDARDS
AND QUALIFICATIONS PRESCRIBED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
UNDER 24 PA.C.S. CH. 65 (RELATING TO PRIVATE COLLEGES,
UNIVERSITIES AND SEMINARIES).
(6) A PRIVATE SCHOOL LICENSED UNDER THE ACT OF DECEMBER 15,
1986 (P.L.1585, NO.174), KNOWN AS THE PRIVATE LICENSED SCHOOLS
ACT.
(7) A FOREIGN CORPORATION APPROVED TO OPERATE AN EDUCATIONAL
ENTERPRISE UNDER 22 PA. CODE CH. 36 (RELATING TO FOREIGN
CORPORATION STANDARDS).
"PUBLICLY IDENTIFIED PRIORITY OCCUPATION." A PROFESSION
THAT:
(1) IS HIGH-WAGE AND HIGH-SKILL FOR WHICH THERE IS EXCESS
EMPLOYER DEMAND AS MAY BE INCLUDED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND INDUSTRY'S CURRENT YEAR'S HIGH-PRIORITY OR IN-DEMAND
OCCUPATIONS LIST OR THE STATE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION'S
WORKFORCE NEEDS ASSESSMENT.
(2) REQUIRES A CREDENTIAL, CERTIFICATION, LICENSING,
POSTSECONDARY TRAINING, ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE, BACHELOR'S DEGREE,
MASTER'S DEGREE OR DOCTORAL OR FIRST PROFESSIONAL DEGREE.
"SCHOOL ENTITY." AN AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL, SCHOOL
DISTRICT, INTERMEDIATE UNIT, CYBER CHARTER SCHOOL, CHARTER
SCHOOL OR REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL.
SECTION 2. SECTION 1549.1(L) OF THE ACT IS AMENDED BY ADDING
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A PARAGRAPH TO READ:
SECTION 1549.1. COMMISSION FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
EXCELLENCE.--* * *
(L) THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE ALL THE FOLLOWING POWERS AND
DUTIES:
* * *
(6) IN CONSULTATION WITH AND WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, DEVELOP GUIDELINES TO IDENTIFY THE
CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN A STUDENT WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES AN
ACADEMIC COURSE, PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY FOR CREDIT MAY APPLY THE
CREDIT TOWARD THE COMPLETION OF AN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
PROGRAM. THE GUIDELINES DEVELOPED UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL BE
POSTED ON THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE
INTERNET WEBSITE WITHIN FIFTEEN (15) DAYS OF APPROVAL. THE
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL REVIEW THE GUIDELINES AT LEAST
EVERY FIVE (5) YEARS. ANY PROPOSED UPDATE TO THE GUIDELINES
SHALL BE DEVELOPED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMISSION.
* * *
SECTION 3. SECTION 1855 OF THE ACT IS AMENDED BY ADDING A
SUBSECTION TO READ:
SECTION 1855. CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION EQUIPMENT
GRANTS.--* * *
(B.1) A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT PURCHASED WITH MONEY FROM THE
GRANT PROGRAM MUST SATISFY THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
(1) SUPPORT STUDENT HANDS-ON TRAINING IN APPROVED CAREER AND
TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS THAT LEAD TO HIGH-GROWTH OR HIGH-
DEMAND CAREERS.
(2) COST THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($3,000) OR MORE PER UNIT OR
PER COMPLETE SET OF TOOLS.
(3) RETAIN ITS ORIGINAL SHAPE, APPEARANCE AND CHARACTER WITH
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USE.
(4) RETAIN ITS IDENTITY THROUGH FABRICATION OR INCORPORATION
INTO A DIFFERENT OR MORE COMPLEX UNIT OR SUBSTANCE.
(5) BE NONEXPENDABLE, SUCH THAT IF THE EQUIPMENT IS DAMAGED
OR SOME OF ITS PARTS ARE LOST OR WORN OUT, IT IS MORE FEASIBLE
TO REPAIR THE EQUIPMENT THAN TO REPLACE THE EQUIPMENT WITH AN
ENTIRELY NEW UNIT.
(6) BE EXPECTED TO SERVE ITS PRINCIPAL PURPOSE FOR MORE THAN
A TWELVE-MONTH FISCAL PERIOD UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS OF USE,
INCLUDING REASONABLE CARE AND MAINTENANCE.
(7) BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY OTHER CRITERIA DETERMINED BY
THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
* * *
SECTION 4. THE ACT IS AMENDED BY ADDING A SECTION TO READ:
SECTION 1856. UTILIZATION OF CREDITS.--THE DEPARTMENT OF
EDUCATION SHALL ISSUE GUIDELINES AND UPDATE THE GUIDELINES EVERY
FIVE YEARS TO IDENTIFY THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN A STUDENT WHO
SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES A COURSE, PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY IN SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING OR MATHEMATICS FOR CREDIT MAY APPLY THE
CREDIT TOWARD THE COMPLETION OF A COURSE, PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY
OFFERED BY ANY AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL, TECHNICAL
INSTITUTE OR VOCATIONAL SCHOOL OR DEPARTMENT.
SECTION 5. THE ACT IS AMENDED BY ADDING AN ARTICLE TO READ:
ARTICLE XIX-H
CLASSIFICATION OF PROGRAM CODE
SECTION 1901-H. DEFINITIONS.
THE FOLLOWING WORDS AND PHRASES WHEN USED IN THIS ARTICLE
SHALL HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN THIS SECTION UNLESS THE
CONTEXT CLEARLY INDICATES OTHERWISE:
"CLASSIFICATION OF PROGRAM CODE." A NUMERICAL CODING OF
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INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS DEVELOPED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT
OF EDUCATION USED TO IDENTIFY VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS.
"DEPARTMENT." THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OF THE
COMMONWEALTH.
"PUBLIC SCHOOL ENTITY." A SCHOOL DISTRICT, CHARTER SCHOOL,
REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL, CYBER CHARTER SCHOOL, INTERMEDIATE UNIT
OR AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL.
SECTION 1902-H. ESTABLISHMENT OR RENEWAL OF CLASSIFICATION OF
PROGRAM CODE.
THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ESTABLISH A STANDARD APPLICATION FORM
FOR A PUBLIC SCHOOL ENTITY SEEKING APPROVAL TO ESTABLISH OR
RENEW A CLASSIFICATION OF PROGRAM CODE. THE FORM SHALL BE
PUBLISHED ON THE DEPARTMENT'S PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE INTERNET
WEBSITE. THE FORM SHALL REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
(1) THE NAME OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL ENTITY SEEKING
A PPROVAL TO ESTABLISH OR RENEW A CLASSIFICATION OF PROGRAM
CODE .
(2) THE TITLE OF THE CLASSIFICATION OF PROGRAM CODE.
(3) THE OCCUPATIONAL COMPETENCY AREA OF THE
CLASSIFICATION OF PROGRAM CODE.
(4) A DESCRIPTION OF THE CLASSIFICATION OF PROGRAM CODE.
(5) A LIST OF SKILLS THAT A STUDENT MUST ATTAIN IN ORDER
TO COMPLETE THE CLASSIFICATION OF PROGRAM CODE.
(6) EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE CLASSIFICATION
OF PROGRAM CODE FROM THE PUBLIC SCHOOL ENTITY.
(7) ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT THE DEPARTMENT DEEMS
NECESSARY TO DETERMINE WHETHER TO APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE OF
THE CLASSIFICATION OF PROGRAM CODE.
SECTION 1903-H. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS.
NO LATER THAN JANUARY 31 OF EACH YEAR, A PUBLIC SCHOOL ENTITY
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MAY SUBMIT THE APPLICATION UNDER SECTION 1902-H TO THE
DEPARTMENT FOR APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF A CLASSIFICATION OF
PROGRAM CODE.
SECTION 1904-H. NOTICE OF APPROVAL OR DENIAL OF APPLICATIONS.
(A) NOTICE.--NO LATER THAN MAY 31 OF THE YEAR THE DEPARTMENT
RECEIVES AN APPLICATION UNDER SECTION 1902-H, THE DEPARTMENT
SHALL NOTIFY A PUBLIC SCHOOL ENTITY WHICH SUBMITTED THE
APPLICATION WHETHER THE DEPARTMENT APPROVED OR DENIED THE
APPLICATION.
(B) POSTING.--NO LATER THAN JUNE 15 OF THE YEAR THE
DEPARTMENT APPROVED THE APPLICATION UNDER SUBSECTION (A), THE
DEPARTMENT SHALL POST THE CLASSIFICATION OF PROGRAM CODE ON ITS
PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE INTERNET WEBSITE.
SECTION 6. SECTIONS 2001-C AND 2003-C OF THE ACT ARE AMENDED
TO READ:
SECTION 2001-C. DEFINITIONS.
THE FOLLOWING WORDS AND PHRASES WHEN USED IN THIS ARTICLE
SHALL HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN THIS SECTION UNLESS THE
CONTEXT CLEARLY INDICATES OTHERWISE:
"ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM." A PROGRAM AUTHORIZED BY THE
COLLEGE BOARD THAT ALLOWS A STUDENT TO STUDY COLLEGE-LEVEL
SUBJECTS WHILE ENROLLED IN HIGH SCHOOL AND TO RECEIVE ADVANCED
PLACEMENT AND COLLEGE CREDIT FOR EARNING A QUALIFIED SCORE ON
THE COURSE-RELATED ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM EXAM.
"CAREER, TECHNICAL OR APPLIED COURSES." COURSES USUALLY
OFFERED AS PART OF AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE CURRICULUM DESIGNED TO
PREPARE STUDENTS FOR ENTRY-LEVEL PROFESSIONS, NOT FOR TRANSFER
TO BACCALAUREATE PROGRAMS FOR ADVANCED STUDIES.
"COLLEGE-LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM." A SET OF STANDARDIZED
TESTS DEVELOPED BY THE COLLEGE BOARD FOR VARIOUS SUBJECTS, AND
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ON WHICH A QUALIFYING SCORE CAN BE USED TO EARN COLLEGE CREDIT.
"COMMUNITY COLLEGE." AN INSTITUTION CREATED PURSUANT TO
ARTICLE XIX-A OR THE ACT OF AUGUST 24, 1963 (P.L.1132, NO.484),
KNOWN AS THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACT OF 1963.
"CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING." COLLEGE-LEVEL CREDIT GRANTED
TOWARD THE AWARD OF A POSTSECONDARY DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE FOR
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING THAT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED THROUGH VARIOUS
MEANS OF ASSESSMENT TO BE THE EQUIVALENT OF LEARNING GAINED
THROUGH FORMAL COLLEGIATE INSTRUCTION, INCLUDING AN ADVANCED
PLACEMENT PROGRAM EXAM, INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA
PROGRAM EXAM, A COLLEGE-LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM EXAM AND
DANTES SUBJECT STANDARDIZED TESTS.
"DANTES SUBJECT STANDARDIZED TESTS." A SET OF SUBJECT EXAMS
APPROVED BY THE AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EDUCATION THAT TESTS
KNOWLEDGE OF BOTH LOWER-LEVEL AND UPPER-LEVEL COLLEGE MATERIAL.
["DEGREE OBJECTIVE COURSES." COURSES REQUIRED FOR COMPLETION
OF A MAJOR IN A SUBJECT AREA.]
"DEPARTMENT." THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OF THE
COMMONWEALTH.
"DEVELOPMENTAL OR REMEDIAL COURSES." COURSES TYPICALLY
CONSISTING OF READING, WRITING AND MATH DESIGNED TO PREPARE
STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSES AND THAT ARE NOT
TRANSFERABLE.
"EQUIVALENT COURSES." COURSES DETERMINED TO HAVE GENERALLY
EQUIVALENT CONTENT AND LEVEL AS DETERMINED BY THE FACULTY OF AN
INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION CONSISTENT WITH THE POLICY AT
EACH INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
"FOUNDATION COURSES." COURSES REQUIRED TO BE COMPLETED BY
STUDENTS THAT PROVIDE AN ACADEMIC FOUNDATION FOR THE DEGREE,
GENERAL EDUCATION OR ADVANCED STUDY IN A MAJOR.
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"INDEPENDENT INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION." AN
INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION WHICH IS OPERATED NOT FOR
PROFIT, LOCATED IN AND INCORPORATED OR CHARTERED BY THE
COMMONWEALTH AND ENTITLED TO CONFER DEGREES AS SET FORTH IN 24
PA.C.S. § 6505 (RELATING TO POWER TO CONFER DEGREES) AND TO
APPLY TO ITSELF THE DESIGNATION "COLLEGE" OR "UNIVERSITY" AS
PROVIDED FOR BY THE STANDARDS AND QUALIFICATIONS PRESCRIBED BY
THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION PURSUANT TO 24 PA.C.S. CH. 65
(RELATING TO PRIVATE COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND SEMINARIES).
"INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED CREDENTIAL." A CREDENTIAL THAT:
(1) IS SOUGHT OR ACCEPTED BY EMPLOYERS WITHIN THE
INDUSTRY OR SECTOR INVOLVED AS A RECOGNIZED, PREFERRED OR
REQUIRED CREDENTIAL FOR RECRUITMENT, SCREENING, HIRING,
RETENTION OR ADVANCEMENT PURPOSES;
(2) WHERE APPROPRIATE, IS ENDORSED BY A NATIONALLY
RECOGNIZED TRADE ASSOCIATION OR ORGANIZATION REPRESENTING A
SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE INDUSTRY OR SECTOR; AND
(3) IS APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
"INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION." ANY OF THE ACCREDITED
FOLLOWING:
(1) A PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
(2) A RURAL REGIONAL COLLEGE.
(3) A STATE-RELATED INSTITUTION.
(4) THE THADDEUS STEVENS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY.
"INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAM." AN
ACADEMICALLY CHALLENGING TWO-YEAR PRECOLLEGE DIPLOMA PROGRAM
COMPRISED OF THREE CORE REQUIREMENTS AND SIX ACADEMIC SUBJECT
AREAS WITH FINAL EXAMINATIONS THAT PREPARE STUDENTS, 16 TO 19
YEARS OF AGE, FOR HIGHER EDUCATION AND LIFE IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY.
"PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION." A COMMUNITY
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COLLEGE OR AN INSTITUTION WHICH IS PART OF THE STATE SYSTEM OF
HIGHER EDUCATION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XX-A.
"PUBLIC SCHOOL." ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
(1) A SCHOOL DISTRICT.
(2) AN INTERMEDIATE UNIT.
(3) AN AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL.
(4) A CHARTER SCHOOL AS DEFINED IN SECTION 1703-A.
(5) A REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL AS DEFINED IN SECTION
1703-A.
(6) A CYBER CHARTER SCHOOL AS DEFINED IN SECTION 1703-A.
"RURAL REGIONAL COLLEGE." A RURAL REGIONAL COLLEGE OPERATING
UNDER ARTICLE XIX-G.
"STATE-RELATED INSTITUTION." THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE
UNIVERSITY, THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, TEMPLE UNIVERSITY,
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY AND THEIR BRANCH CAMPUSES.
"TRANSFER AND ARTICULATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE." THE
COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED UNDER SECTION 2004-C.
SECTION 2003-C. DUTIES OF [PUBLIC] INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
EDUCATION AND [STATE-RELATED INSTITUTIONS] PUBLIC
SCHOOLS.
(A) AGREEMENTS.--EACH [PUBLIC] INSTITUTION OF HIGHER
EDUCATION AND [STATE-RELATED INSTITUTION] PUBLIC SCHOOL SHALL
PROVIDE THE TRANSFER AND ARTICULATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AND
THE DEPARTMENT WITH COPIES OF ALL ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS FOR
INCLUSION IN THE ELECTRONIC DATABASE OR SOFTWARE PROGRAM AND
PORTAL PROVIDED FOR UNDER SECTION 2005-C(4) WITHIN 180 DAYS OF
THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION AND WITHIN 30 DAYS OF
ENTERING INTO ANY SUBSEQUENT ARTICULATION AGREEMENT.
(B) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.--THE FOLLOWING SHALL APPLY TO
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:
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(1) EACH [PUBLIC] INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION [AND
STATE-RELATED INSTITUTION] SHALL SUBMIT TO THE DEPARTMENT A
SERIES OF INTERIM REPORTS THAT DESCRIBE THE STATUS OF THE
INSTITUTION'S ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS, WHICH SHALL INCLUDE
ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
(I) THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO HAVE TRANSFERRED TO
THE [PUBLIC] INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION [OR STATE-
RELATED INSTITUTION] BY INSTITUTION OF ORIGIN WITHIN THE
LAST ACADEMIC YEAR OR SINCE SUBMITTAL OF THE
INSTITUTION'S LAST INTERIM REPORT REQUIRED UNDER THIS
SECTION.
(II) THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CREDITS COMPLETED BY
TRANSFER STUDENTS AT THE INSTITUTION OF ORIGIN.
(III) THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CREDITS FROM EACH
INSTITUTION OF ORIGIN THAT TRANSFERRED TO THE [PUBLIC]
INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION [OR STATE-RELATED
INSTITUTION] FOR EACH ACADEMIC YEAR.
(IV) AN EXPLANATION OF THE CREDIT TRANSFER PROCESS
AT THE INSTITUTION.
(V) ANY OTHER INFORMATION RELATED TO THE CREDIT
TRANSFER PROCESS AS REQUESTED BY THE DEPARTMENT,
INCLUDING THE USEABILITY OF TRANSFER CREDITS.
(2) EACH [PUBLIC] INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION [AND
STATE-RELATED INSTITUTION] SHALL SUBMIT ITS FIRST INTERIM
REPORT REQUIRED UNDER THIS SECTION 180 DAYS AFTER THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION AND BY SEPTEMBER 30 OF EACH
YEAR THEREAFTER.
SECTION 7. SECTION 2004-C(A)(1) INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH IS
AMENDED AND SUBSECTION (C) IS AMENDED BY ADDING A PARAGRAPH TO
READ:
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SECTION 2004-C. TRANSFER AND ARTICULATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.
(A) ESTABLISHMENT AND MEMBERSHIP.--
(1) IN ORDER TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT EQUIVALENCY
STANDARDS AS PROVIDED FOR IN SUBSECTION (C)(1) AND PROVIDE
ACCESS TO ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS, THERE IS HEREBY
ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT, THE TRANSFER AND
ARTICULATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE. THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE
COMPRISED OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS:
* * *
(C) DUTIES OF TRANSFER AND ARTICULATION OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE.--THE COMMITTEE SHALL:
* * *
(7) MEET ON A REGULAR BASIS AT LEAST QUARTERLY.
SECTION 8. SECTION 2005-C(4) OF THE ACT IS AMENDED TO READ:
SECTION 2005-C. DUTIES OF DEPARTMENT.
THE DEPARTMENT SHALL:
* * *
(4) PROVIDE FOR AN ELECTRONIC DATABASE OR SOFTWARE
PROGRAM AND PORTAL FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING ACCESS TO ALL
OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ON AN INTERNET WEBSITE:
(I) ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS AND AGREEMENTS THAT
AWARD CREDIT FOR AN INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED CREDENTIAL
ENTERED INTO BY [PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
AND INSTITUTIONS THAT ELECT TO PARTICIPATE UNDER SECTION
2006-C.] INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, PUBLIC SCHOOLS
AND INSTITUTIONS DESCRIBED UNDER CLAUSE (C). THE
FOLLOWING APPLY:
(A) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL EXTRACT TRANSFER
INFORMATION FROM EACH ARTICULATION AGREEMENT AND EACH
AGREEMENT THAT AWARDS CREDIT FOR AN INDUSTRY-
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RECOGNIZED CREDENTIAL AND ENTER THE INFORMATION INTO
THE ELECTRONIC DATABASE OR SOFTWARE PROGRAM AND
PORTAL AND PROVIDE A MEANINGFUL, USER-FRIENDLY AND
INTERACTIVE SEARCH ENGINE FOR ACCESS TO THE
INFORMATION.
(B) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL, WITHIN 60 DAYS OF
RECEIVING AN ARTICULATION AGREEMENT OR AGREEMENT THAT
AWARDS CREDIT FOR AN INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED CREDENTIAL ,
UPDATE THE DATABASE AND POST EACH ARTICULATION
AGREEMENT AND EACH AGREEMENT THAT AWARDS CREDIT FOR
AN INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED CREDENTIAL ON ITS PUBLICLY
ACCESSIBLE INTERNET WEBSITE.
(C) AN INSTITUTION WHICH IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE
DUTIES UNDER SECTION 2003-C MAY SUBMIT TO THE
DEPARTMENT ANY ARTICULATION AGREEMENT OR AGREEMENT
THAT AWARDS CREDIT FOR AN INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED
CREDENTIAL INTO WHICH THE INSTITUTION ENTERS. EACH
SUBMITTED ARTICULATION AGREEMENT AND EACH AGREEMENT
THAT AWARDS CREDIT FOR AN INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED
CREDENTIAL SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THIS PARAGRAPH.
(II) THE ANNUAL REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AS
REQUIRED BY SECTION 2004-C(C)(5).
[(III) AT THE REQUEST OF A PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF
HIGHER EDUCATION OR AN INSTITUTION THAT ELECTS TO
PARTICIPATE UNDER SECTION 2006-C, ANY ARTICULATION
AGREEMENTS.]
SECTION 9. THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT IN 60 DAYS.
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