PRINTER'S NO. 4436
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
2895
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY McCLINTON, KINSEY, SANCHEZ, GALLOWAY, STEPHENS,
WEBSTER, HOHENSTEIN, WILLIAMS, BURGOS, MADDEN, HOWARD, HILL-
EVANS, GREEN, CIRESI, HARRIS, SCHLOSSBERG, YOUNGBLOOD, DEASY
AND T. DAVIS, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, SEPTEMBER 29, 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 terms and courses of study,
providing for conflict resolution instruction.
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 1555. Conflict Resolution Instruction.--(a) (1)
Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, each school entity shall
provide instruction on conflict resolution to all students. The
instruction shall be integrated into an appropriate course of
study as determined by each school entity.
(2) The conflict resolution instruction required under
paragraph (1) shall be age appropriate and sequential in method
of study, and shall include, but not be limited to, information
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on the following topics:
(i) Skills of conflict resolution, including methods of
diffusing conflict situations and resolving differences
amicably.
(ii) The mediation process.
(iii) Respect for and awareness of different cultures,
beliefs, religions, races and sexual identities, including
empathy and compassion for others.
(iv) Effective communication.
(v) Establishing and maintaining positive social
relationships.
(vi) Effectively managing emotions.
(vii) Making responsible decisions.
(viii) The correlation between conflict and violence,
including gun violence.
(3) School entities may utilize any appropriate public or
private materials, personnel and other resources in developing
and implementing the conflict resolution instruction required
under paragraph (1). School entities may utilize any curriculum
or existing program that complies with the requirements of this
section.
(b) (1) Within six (6) months of the effective date of this
section, the department shall compile a list of appropriate
curriculum and materials that school entities may utilize to
comply with the requirements of this section and shall post the
list on the department's publicly accessible Internet website.
(2) Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, the department
shall make available to all school entities in-service training
programs based upon the conflict resolution instruction required
under this section . The in-service training programs developed
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under this subsection shall be revised when necessary to ensure
that the in-service training programs provide the most current
information.
(3) Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year and every three
(3) years thereafter, each school entity shall provide, as part
of the school entity's in-service training, programs based upon
the conflict resolution instruction requirements established
under this section for all instructors whose teaching
responsibilities include courses of study in which the mandated
conflict resolution instruction is integrated. A school entity
may utilize the in-service training programs developed by the
department under paragraph (2) or use other alternative programs
that are consistent with the provisions of this section.
(c) 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:
"Department" shall mean the Department of Education of the
Commonwealth.
"School entity" shall mean a school district, joint school
district, charter school, regional charter school, cyber charter
school, intermediate unit or area career and technical school.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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