Senate Approves Measure Giving Schools Option to Utilize Flexible Instructional Days

HARRISBURG – A bill that would give school districts the option to implement flexible instructional days in the event of a school closure was recently approved by the state Senate, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), who supported the measure.

Senate Bill 440 makes permanent a pilot program that the Pennsylvania Department of Education opened up to a dozen school districts across the commonwealth. The pilot program is set to expire later this year.

Senator Yaw noted that the legislation paves the way for any public school entity to use up to five flexible instructional days in special instances such as weather-related closures, building or infrastructure problems, or if threats are made against buildings.

“A flexible instructional day could be used to cover necessary coursework, including English, math, social studies and science,” Sen. Yaw said.  “School districts have the option to use technology for the purposes of fulfilling the coursework.”

Schools eligible to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education include public school districts, intermediate units, vocational-technical schools and charter schools.  Approved applications would be valid for three years, when the school would need to reapply.

The legislation has moved to the House of Representatives for its consideration.

For more state-related news and information visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or on Facebook and Twitter @SenatorGeneYaw.

CONTACT:

Rita Zielonis, Chief of Staff
(717) 787-3280

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