May. 23, 2017
HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today approved legislation, sponsored by Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny), to increase learning opportunities by establishing a central repository of online courses for secondary students.
“I’m pleased we cleared the first hurdle in bringing innovative and personalized models of instruction to children in a centralized way,” Ortitay said. “While many schools already offer online courses, this bill would allow all schools to benefit from courses available from other school districts and providers. Many times smaller districts are unable to offer a full menu of courses to their students. This repository would level the playing field for all students in the Commonwealth no matter where they live. I’m hopeful the Senate will take up the bill this legislative session.”
House Bill 679 would require the Department of Education (PDE) to create a clearinghouse of online courses for students in grades 6-12 to be accessible to public schools, nonpublic schools, home education programs and the general public. To ensure high-quality options, the bill would require PDE to construct the clearinghouse in a way that provides clear information on each course and offers users the ability to provide feedback and course ratings. According to the legislation, if a school entity would decide to offer participation in the courses, policies and procedures must be established for eligibility, and parents and students must be made aware of the opportunity.
The bill would establish a two-phase implementation schedule. In the first phase, which would begin with the 2018-19 school year, the clearinghouse would offer courses at no cost related to content being tested on the Keystone Exams. In the second phase, which would begin with the 2019-20 school year, the clearinghouse also would offer other online courses from providers, subject to purchase.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
The 46th Legislative District includes Collier and South Fayette townships and Bridgeville, Heidelberg, McDonald and Oakdale boroughs in Allegheny County. It also encompasses Canton, Cecil, Mt. Pleasant, Robinson and Smith townships and Burgettstown, McDonald and Midway boroughs in Washington County.
Representative Jason Ortitay
46th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
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