PRINTER'S NO. 1966
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No.
1328
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY DINNIMAN, LANGERHOLC, FONTANA, MENSCH, PITTMAN,
ARGALL, BOSCOLA, FARNESE, BLAKE, COLLETT, AUMENT AND SCHWANK,
SEPTEMBER 18, 2020
REFERRED TO EDUCATION, SEPTEMBER 18, 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 or distance learning program assessment and
evaluation.
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 or Distance Learning Program Assessment
and Evaluation.--(a) If a school district offers online or
distance learning to the students of the school district and
identifies a demographic population of students attending school
through the online or distance learning program that are
performing below the average of the total students enrolled in
the school district in the same grade level, whether attending
online or in-person, the school district may request the
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department to assess and evaluate the online or distance
learning program of the school district.
(b) Once the school district makes the request of the
department under subsection (a), the department shall:
(1) Assess whether each online or distance learning program
offered by the school district is meeting the goals of the
school district.
(2) Review the performance on the Pennsylvania System of
School Assessment test, standardized tests and other performance
indicators to ensure compliance with 22 Pa. Code Ch. 4 (relating
to academic standards and assessment) or subsequent regulations
promulgated to replace 22 Pa. Code Ch. 4 of each student
identified in the demographic population performing below
average and compare the findings to the students enrolled in the
school district in the same grade level to determine where the
gap in performance is occurring.
(3) Collaborate with the appropriate intermediate unit to
design guidance and educational support material for training in
online or distance learning services and programs within the
school district to close the gap for the demographic population,
which may include materials already publicly available.
(4) Collaborate with the appropriate intermediate unit to
design guidance and a model online or distance learning program
with supplemental educational material to assist the school
district to improve the online or distance learning program in
the area that created the gap for the demographic population,
which may include materials already publicly available.
(5) Have ongoing access to all records, instructional
materials and student and staff records as so needed to ensure
that the school district's online or distance learning program
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meets the needs of the demographic population that triggered the
initial request for department involvement.
(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:
"Online or distance learning." Includes the provision of
continuity of education to students using alternative means
during a period of school closure due to a declaration by the
Governor of disaster emergency under 35 Pa.C.S. ยง 7301(c)
(relating to general authority of Governor).
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
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