An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, further providing for continuing professional development; providing for access to advanced courses for all students; establishing the Access to Advanced Courses for All Students Grant Program; and imposing duties on the Department of Education.
SB 547 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to expand access to advanced courses for secondary students (grades 7-12) and support school entities in meeting new benchmarks. It establishes the "Access to Advanced Courses for All Students Grant Program" to fund educator training, exam fee assistance for students, and nationally normed assessments. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, schools must report course offerings and student participation, while the Department of Education will set access benchmarks and identify schools needing support. The bill directly affects school districts, charter schools, and their students by requiring expanded opportunities in core academic areas like math, science, and computer science. It also adds new teacher professional development options, including workplace visits and advanced coursework coaching.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Apr 4, 2025
Last action Apr 4, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Apr 4, 2025
Committee
Referred to Education
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Dan Laughlin
RRepublican
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