PRINTER'S NO. 831
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
847
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY McCLINTON, SANCHEZ, GUZMAN, MADDEN, D. WILLIAMS,
HILL-EVANS, KIRKLAND, MERSKI, KINSEY, ISAACSON, SCHLOSSBERG,
CIRESI, KINKEAD, HOHENSTEIN, BURGOS, SCHWEYER, FREEMAN,
DeLUCA, FRANKEL, ROZZI, GALLOWAY, DELLOSO AND PARKER,
MARCH 9, 2021
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, MARCH 9, 2021
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 2022-2023 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
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of study and shall include, but not be limited to, information
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, gender identities and sexual
orientations, 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) A school entity may utilize appropriate public or
private materials, personnel and other resources in developing
and implementing the conflict resolution instruction required
under paragraph (1) and may utilize curriculum or an 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 2022-2023 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 2022-2023 school year and every three
(3) years thereafter, a 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 immediately.
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