PRINTER'S NO. 1874
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No.
1250
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY DINNIMAN, LANGERHOLC, KILLION, MENSCH, KEARNEY,
AUMENT, STEFANO AND BOSCOLA, AUGUST 11, 2020
REFERRED TO EDUCATION, AUGUST 11, 2020
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 online and distance learning access.
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 129. Online and Distance Learning Access.--(a) (1)
A school entity that provides instruction through online or
distance learning shall establish and implement a plan to
require the following:
(i) Lessons provided through online or distance learning be
recorded and stored electronically for access by students at a
later time.
(ii) If more than ten percent (10%) of students attending a
school within a school entity are English as a Second Language
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students and whose first spoken language is the same language, a
computer-based simultaneous translation program be provided with
the online or distance learning.
(2) Requirements under paragraph (1) may exclude instruction
and services for a student who receives services under an
Individualized Education Program under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 91-230, 20 U.S.C. § 1400
et seq.) if the instruction and services require live
interaction.
(b) A school entity shall submit the plan under subsection
(a) to the Department of Education.
(c) The Department of Education shall provide guidance to
school entities and intermediate units may provide technical
assistance.
(d) 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:
"Disaster emergency." A declaration of disaster emergency
issued by the Governor under 35 Pa.C.S. § 7301(c) (relating to
general authority of Governor).
"Online or distance learning." Includes the provision of
continuity of education to students using alternative means
during a period of closure due to a disaster emergency.
"School entity." A school district, intermediate unit, area
career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter
school or regional charter school.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
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