Bill Text: PA HB341 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: In terms and courses of study, providing for violence programs.

Sponsorship: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2009-02-10 - Referred to EDUCATION [HB341 Detail]

Download: Pennsylvania-2009-HB341-Introduced.html

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PRINTER'S NO. 372
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 341 Session of2009
INTRODUCED BY BISHOP, BEYER, CALTAGIRONE, FRANKEL, W. KELLER, READSHAW, SIPTROTH, STABACK, WALKO, WATSON AND YOUNGBLOOD, FEBRUARY 10, 2009
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 10, 2009
AN ACT
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
act relating to the public school system, including certain
provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
laws relating thereto," in terms and courses of study,
providing for violence programs.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known
as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a
section to read:
Section 1551. Violence Program.--(a) Each public school
student shall receive mandatory instruction in prevention of
violence in society and in schools in every grade from
kindergarten through grade twelve. The instruction shall be
integrated within the health course of study required in
accordance with the State Board of Education regulations. In
grades where health is offered, instruction may also be
integrated into other appropriate courses of study. In grades
where health is not offered, instruction shall be integrated
into an appropriate curriculum requirement.
(1) This instruction:
(i) Shall be age appropriate.
(ii) Shall be sequential in method of study.
(iii) Shall explain the causes of violence.
(iv) Shall espouse the rejection of violence in society in
general and in schools in particular.
(2) School districts may utilize any appropriate public or
private materials, personnel and other resources in developing
and implementing this program of instruction. The Pennsylvania
State Police shall make available information about appropriate
curriculum materials upon request of a school district.
(b) Each school district may develop and offer instruction
and discussion relating to this program for parents of students
enrolled in the public schools.
(c) The Department of Education shall develop curriculum
guidelines for this program.
(d) The Department of Education shall make available to all
school districts and intermediate units in-service training
programs based upon the instruction requirements established in
subsection (a) and the curriculum guidelines established in
subsection (c).
(e) Each school district shall provide, as part of its in-
service training, programs on violence for all instructors whose
teaching responsibilities include courses of study in which
mandated instruction concerning violence is integrated. To
comply with this requirement, a school district may utilize the
programs made available by the Department of Education or use
other alternative programs.
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(f) The governing board of each intermediate unit in which a
nonpublic school is located shall loan to all students attending
nonpublic schools within the intermediate unit all educational
materials developed by the Department of Education pursuant to
this section. Local school boards shall not be required to
expend funds which are not provided by either the Federal
Government or State government for the use or loan of these
materials. A nonpublic school may utilize the in-service
training programs made available by the Department of Education
through the intermediate unit.
Section 2. The addition of section 1551 of the act shall
apply to school years which begin after the effective date of
this section.
Section 3. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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