HARRISBURG- The Senate Education Committee, chaired by Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27), advanced legislation to implement evidence-based reading instruction and establish the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) Scholarship Program, both of which aim to provide students with resources for learning and advancing in and out of the classroom.
“Structured literacy is a top priority for me as Chair of the Education Committee, as we have students in all grades that are not able to read at grade level,” stated Culver. “Methods used in recent years for teaching letters, words, and reading comprehension are doing a disservice to an entire generation, and research backs the need for change.”
Senate Bill 700, a bipartisan initiative sponsored by Sen. Devlin Robinson and Sen. Vincent Hughes, requires schools to implement evidence-based reading instruction, conduct reading screenings for K–3 students, and provides grant funding to support literacy development.
“Underperforming schools are also doing our students a disservice,” expressed Culver. “PASS Scholarships allow parents and students to determine the best learning environment for them.”
Senate Bill 10, a bipartisan proposal sponsored by Sen. Judy Ward and Sen. Anthony Williams, uses state testing performance metrics to identify the bottom 15% of schools, in order for parents to qualify for PASS scholarships that could be used to attend an alternative school.
The committee also approved the following additional legislation:
- Senate Bill 310 (Sen. Scott Martin): Establishes a requirement for students to complete the FAFSA or an opt-out form as a condition for public high school graduation, supporting college and career readiness.
- Senate Bill 114 (Sen. David Argall): Expands the availability of long-term care training programs and nurse aide certification opportunities to address workforce shortages.
- Senate Bill 127 (Sen. Doug Mastriano): Requires schools to provide instruction on the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights violations, and post related resources online.
- Senate Bill 227 (Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill): Applies the Right-to-Know Law to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, increasing transparency in school governance.
- Senate Bill 246 (Sen. Jarrett Coleman and Sen. Tina Tartaglione): Requires notification to parents and school staff when a weapon is found on school property to promote communication and safety.
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