Apr. 13, 2022
HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today approved legislation, sponsored by Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny), to increase learning opportunities by establishing a course catalog for online courses for K-12 students and professional development for teachers.
“This bill would allow all schools and students to benefit from courses available from other school districts and providers in a virtual course catalog managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education,” Ortitay said. “There were instances in my own high school education where certain courses were not offered due to various reasons, like not enough student interest for a particular class or the lack of economic efficiency for a school to offer a specialized class. This course catalog would solve these problems, level the playing field for all students in the Commonwealth no matter where they live and give students the opportunity to take courses they don’t have access to today.”
House Bill 1330 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to create a clearinghouse of online courses for students in grades K-12 to be accessible to public schools, nonpublic schools, home education programs and the general public. Schools may opt to participate in the programs as they see fit. The courses would be phased in beginning with high school classes in the 2024-25 school year, followed by middle and then elementary school courses. In addition, a professional development course catalog for teachers would be created. This legislation would enhance and improve Pennsylvania schools and serve as a model for the rest of the country.
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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tpolovick@pahousegop.com
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