Regular Session 2019-2020 House Bill 0265 P.N. 2286

PRIOR PRINTER'S NOS. 236, 2177, 2241

PRINTER'S NO. 2286

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, MOUL, MULLERY,

CARROLL AND SOLOMON, JANUARY 29, 2019

AMENDMENTS TO SENATE AMENDMENTS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

JUNE 28, 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 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 ADVISORY COMMITTEES, PROVIDING FOR PASMART

ONLINE CAREER RESOURCE CENTER AND FOR A WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM CLEARINGHOUSE, FURTHER PROVIDING FOR career and

technical education equipment grants and providing for

utilization of credits; ESTABLISHING THE SCHOOLS-TO-WORK

PROGRAM AND PROVIDING FOR POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT

OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY; 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.; and providing for references to "area

vocational-technical school" in statute or regulation.

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

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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 career and 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

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).

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 career and

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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

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).

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(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

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

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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 career and 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

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 2.1. SECTION 1842 OF THE ACT IS AMENDED TO READ:

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SECTION 1842. ADVISORY COMMITTEES.--(A) EACH AREA

VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL BOARD OPERATING AN AREA VOCATIONAL-

TECHNICAL SCHOOL AND/OR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE SHALL APPOINT AN

ADVISORY COMMITTEE, COMPOSED OF REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL TRADES,

INDUSTRIES, BUSINESS RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES,

OCCUPATIONS, AND ADMINISTRATORS OF THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOL

DISTRICTS. THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHALL ADVISE THE AREA

VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL BOARD ON SUCH MATTERS AS THE NEED FOR A

PARTICULAR SHOP, LABORATORY, OCCUPATION, EQUIPMENT, CURRICULUM,

LABOR MANAGEMENT COORDINATION, BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL

REQUIREMENTS OR SELECTION OF PERSONNEL.

(B) AN OCCUPATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHALL BE ESTABLISHED

FOR EACH CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM OR CLUSTER OF

RELATED CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS OFFERED BY AN

AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL OR SCHOOL DISTRICT. THE

OCCUPATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE BOARD

OF DIRECTORS OF THE AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL OR SCHOOL

DISTRICT, AS APPLICABLE. A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE

OCCUPATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHALL BE EMPLOYES AND EMPLOYERS

IN THE OCCUPATION FOR WHICH THE CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

PROGRAM IS PROVIDED. EACH OCCUPATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHALL

MEET AT LEAST TWICE EACH YEAR TO:

(1) ADVISE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ADMINISTRATORS AND STAFF

ON CURRICULUM, EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS, SAFETY

REQUIREMENTS, PROGRAM EVALUATION AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS; AND

(2) VERIFY THAT THE PROGRAMS MEET INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND, IF

APPROPRIATE, LICENSING BOARD CRITERIA, AND THAT THE PROGRAMS

PREPARE STUDENTS WITH OCCUPATION-RELATED COMPETENCIES.

PARTICIPATION IN AN OCCUPATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE REQUIRED

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UNDER THIS SECTION, THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF MULTIPLE AREA

VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOLS OR SCHOOL DISTRICTS OPERATING

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS MAY AGREE TO ESTABLISH A

SHARED OCCUPATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO SERVE ALL AGREEING

AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOLS OR SCHOOL DISTRICTS, PROVIDED

THAT ALL AGREEING AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOLS OR SCHOOL

DISTRICTS ARE LOCATED WITHIN THE SAME INTERMEDIATE UNIT. IF A

SHARED OCCUPATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS FORMED UNDER THIS

SUBSECTION, THE OCCUPATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHALL BE

DESIGNED TO PROVIDE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL AGREEING AREA

VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOLS OR SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO PARTICIPATE,

INCLUDING SCHEDULING MEETINGS AT EACH AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL

SCHOOL OR SCHOOL DISTRICT ON A ROTATING BASIS.

SECTION 2.2. THE ACT IS AMENDED BY ADDING SECTIONS TO READ:

SECTION 1842.1. PASMART ONLINE CAREER RESOURCE CENTER.--(A)

THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND

INDUSTRY, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,

SHALL ESTABLISH A CENTRAL ONLINE CLEARINGHOUSE TO BE MADE

AVAILABLE ON A PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE INTERNET WEBSITE MAINTAINED

BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY. THE WEBSITE, WHICH

SHALL BE AVAILABLE NO LATER THAN THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE 2021-

2022 SCHOOL YEAR, SHALL AT A MINIMUM INCLUDE AN ONLINE DATABASE

OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) POSTSECONDARY PATHWAYS AND OPTIONS.

(2) CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE

OPPORTUNITIES.

(3) CAREER PATHWAYS.

(4) DATA AND STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND

COMPENSATION.

(5) STATEWIDE AND REGIONAL ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS.

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(6) OTHER RELEVANT CAREER RESOURCES.

(B) THE ONLINE DATABASE SHALL BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY

STUDENTS, PARENTS, EDUCATORS, SCHOOL OFFICIALS AND THE PUBLIC.

PARTICIPATING STATE AGENCIES MAY UTILIZE EXISTING RESOURCES OR

CLEARINGHOUSES AVAILABLE FROM OTHER AGENCIES TO COMPILE THE

CLEARINGHOUSE INFORMATION.

POSSIBILITY OF FEDERAL OR PRIVATE FUNDING TO SUPPORT THE

CLEARINGHOUSE.

(D) THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY, IN COOPERATION

WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF

AGRICULTURE, SHALL ENSURE THAT THE CLEARINGHOUSE IS UPDATED

ANNUALLY.

SECTION 1842.2. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

CLEARINGHOUSE.--(A) THE PENNSYLVANIA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

BOARD SHALL, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION,

CONDUCT A SURVEY TO DETERMINE THE NUMBER AND TYPES OF WORKFORCE

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS OFFERED AT SECONDARY AND POSTSECONDARY

INSTITUTIONS. THE PENNSYLVANIA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD MAY,

IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, COMPILE A

CLEARINGHOUSE OF MODEL PROGRAMS DISCOVERED DURING THE SURVEY.

(B) THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

AND INDUSTRY SHALL ENCOURAGE THE USE OF THE MODEL PROGRAMS,

WHICH MAY INCLUDE PRIORITIZING AVAILABLE GRANT FUNDING FOR

APPLICANTS SEEKING FUNDS TO ESTABLISH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAMS WHICH ARE MODELED AFTER THE PROGRAMS INCLUDED IN THE

SURVEY, BY SECONDARY CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS,

POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS AND BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY TO:

(1) EXPAND EXISTING PROGRAMS INTO AREAS OF THIS COMMONWEALTH

WHERE THERE IS A NEED; AND

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(2) FOSTER BUSINESS-EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS.

REPORT ITS FINDINGS AND ACTIONS UNDER THIS SECTION TO THE

CHAIRMAN AND MINORITY CHAIRMAN OF THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

OF THE SENATE, THE CHAIRMAN AND MINORITY CHAIRMAN OF THE

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE

CHAIRMAN AND MINORITY CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE OF THE

SENATE AND THE CHAIRMAN AND MINORITY CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION

COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, NO LATER THAN ONE

YEAR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION.

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

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

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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 career and technical school, technical

institute or career and technical school or department.

Section 5. The act is amended by adding an article ARTICLES

to read:

ARTICLE XVIII-A

SCHOOLS-TO-WORK PROGRAM

SECTION 1801-A. SCOPE OF ARTICLE.

THIS ARTICLE RELATES TO THE SCHOOLS-TO-WORK PROGRAM.

SECTION 1802-A. 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:

"DEPARTMENT." THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY OF THE

COMMONWEALTH.

"PROGRAM." THE SCHOOLS-TO-WORK PROGRAM ESTABLISHED UNDER

SECTION 1803-A.

"SCHOOL." A SCHOOL IN A SCHOOL DISTRICT, CHARTER SCHOOL,

REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL, CYBER CHARTER SCHOOL, INTERMEDIATE UNIT

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<--

<--<--

OR CAREER AND TECHNICAL SCHOOL IN THIS COMMONWEALTH.

"SPONSOR." AN ENTITY WHICH IS OR WILL BE REGISTERED WITH THE

DEPARTMENT AS A PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM AND WHICH WILL HAVE

THE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATION OF

THE PROGRAM.

SECTION 1803-A. SCHOOLS-TO-WORK PROGRAM.

(A) ESTABLISHMENT.--THE DEPARTMENT SHALL, IN CONSULTATION

WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, ESTABLISH A SCHOOLS-TO-WORK

PROGRAM TO AWARD GRANTS ON A COMPETITIVE BASIS TO SUPPORT THE

ESTABLISHMENT OR ENHANCEMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN SCHOOLS, EMPLOYERS, ORGANIZATIONS OR

ASSOCIATIONS TO CREATE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PATHWAYS.

(B) GRANT PROPOSALS.--IN ORDER TO APPLY FOR A GRANT UNDER

THE PROGRAM, A SPONSOR MUST SUBMIT A GRANT PROPOSAL TO THE

DEPARTMENT THAT INCLUDES ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) PARTNERSHIP WITH AT LEAST ONE SCHOOL.

(2) LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPATING STUDENTS,

INCLUDING CLASSROOM TRAINING, WORKPLACE VISITS, INTERNSHIPS,

APPRENTICESHIPS, MENTORSHIPS, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES,

SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSITION, CAPSTONE COOPERATIVE EDUCATION,

JOB SHADOWING OR EXTERNSHIPS.

(3) IDENTIFICATION OF THE QUALIFICATIONS AND

CERTIFICATIONS NECESSARY TO FILL CURRENT AND ANTICIPATED

REGIONAL LABOR MARKET NEEDS.

(4) DESCRIPTION OF OUTCOMES FROM THE SUCCESSFUL

COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM, WHICH MAY INCLUDE THE ATTAINMENT

OF INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS OR

COLLEGE CREDITS, AND AN EXPLANATION OF HOW COLLEGE CREDITS

EARNED WILL BE TRANSCRIPTED AND TRANSFERRABLE.

(5) PATHWAYS FOR TRANSITION TO A REGISTERED

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APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM, POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAM OR

EMPLOYMENT.

(6) DEMONSTRATION OF EXISTING QUALIFIED PROGRAM

PERSONNEL, OR IDENTIFICATION OF ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL NEEDED,

IF ANY, TO ESTABLISH OR INCREASE PROGRAM CAPACITY TO MEET OR

CONTRIBUTE TOWARD MEETING CURRENT AND ANTICIPATED REGIONAL

LABOR MARKET NEEDS.

(7) DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM CURRICULA.

(8) A PROGRAM BUDGET, INCLUDING THE AMOUNT OF GRANT

MONEY BEING REQUESTED AND ANY ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL RESOURCES

BEING USED FOR THE PROGRAM.

PRIORITY TO PROPOSALS THAT:

(1) DEMONSTRATE A STRONG NEED TO BUILD NEW OR EXISTING

PROGRAM CAPACITY TO MEET OR CONTRIBUTE TOWARD MEETING CURRENT

AND ANTICIPATED REGIONAL LABOR MARKET NEEDS.

(2) INCORPORATE STUDENTS FROM GRADES NINE THROUGH

TWELVE.

(3) PRIORITIZE PROGRAM COMPLETION AND TRANSITION TO

POST-SECONDARY TRAINING, EDUCATION OR EMPLOYMENT.

(4) INVOLVE A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN MULTIPLE SCHOOLS OR

SCHOOL DISTRICTS, EMPLOYERS, ORGANIZATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS.

(5) DEMONSTRATE SUSTAINABILITY BY LEVERAGING ADDITIONAL

FINANCIAL OR PERSONNEL RESOURCES THAT WILL BE USED FOR THE

PROGRAM.

(D) GRANT DISTRIBUTION.--THE DEPARTMENT SHALL, IN

CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AWARD GRANTS

UNDER THE PROGRAM. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CONSIDER GEOGRAPHIC

DIVERSITY WHEN SELECTING GRANT RECIPIENTS.

(E) LIMITATION.--GRANT MONEY MAY BE USED ONLY FOR THE

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PURPOSES STATED IN THE GRANT PROPOSAL. ANY REMAINING GRANT MONEY

NOT USED FOR THE PROGRAM SHALL BE RETURNED TO THE DEPARTMENT.

SECTION 1804-A. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

(A) REPORTS TO THE DEPARTMENT.--A GRANT RECIPIENT SHALL BE

REQUIRED TO REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT ANNUALLY DATA RELATED TO A

PROGRAM, INCLUDING ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO ENTERED THE PROGRAM,

SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE PROGRAM OR EARNED INDUSTRY-

RECOGNIZED QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS OR COLLEGE CREDITS,

INCLUDING DESCRIPTIONS AND TOTALS OF EACH CREDENTIAL.

(2) THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO TRANSITIONED TO POST-

SECONDARY TRAINING, EDUCATION OR EMPLOYMENT.

(3) OTHER DATA DEEMED RELEVANT OR NECESSARY BY THE

DEPARTMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

(B) ANNUAL REPORTING.--THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE AN

INITIAL REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WITHIN TWO YEARS OF

COMMENCEMENT OF THE PROGRAM AND A REPORT EACH YEAR THEREAFTER

THAT THE PROGRAM IS IN EFFECT.

SECTION 1805-A. NOTICE OF FUNDING.

UPON THE INITIAL APPROPRIATION OF SUFFICIENT MONEY TO CARRY

OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE OR A DETERMINATION BY THE

DEPARTMENT THAT SUFFICIENT MONEY IS AVAILABLE FROM EXISTING

SOURCES TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE, THE

DEPARTMENT SHALL TRANSMIT NOTICE THAT THE PROGRAM WILL BE

IMPLEMENTED WITH AVAILABLE FUNDS TO THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE

BUREAU FOR PUBLICATION IN THE PENNSYLVANIA BULLETIN.

SECTION 1806-A. EXPIRATION.

THIS ARTICLE SHALL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2024, OR FIVE YEARS AFTER

THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ARTICLE, WHICHEVER IS LATER.

ARTICLE XIX-H

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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

instructional programs developed by the United States Department

of Education used to identify career and technical 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 career and 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

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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

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.

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"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

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

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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

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.

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"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 career and 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

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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

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. This subparagraph

shall not apply to a community college.

(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

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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:

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:

* * *

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

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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

agreement and each agreement that awards credit for

an industry-recognized credential on its publicly

accessible Internet website.

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

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higher education or an institution that elects to

participate under section 2006-C, any articulation

agreements.]

Section 9. A reference in statute or regulation to "area

vocational-technical school" shall be deemed a reference to

"area career and technical school."

Section 10. This act shall take effect as follows:

(1) The following provisions shall take effect

immediately:

(i) This section.

(II) THE ADDITION OF SECTION 1842.1 OF THE ACT.

(ii) (III) Section 9 of this act.

(2) The remainder of this act shall take effect in 60

days.

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