This past week, Governor Wolf signed SB 664/Act 66, a law that offers parents and adult students the authority to request retention and, in some cases, an additional year of education as a result of learning lost during the pandemic. What the Law Says Following minor revisions, Senate Bill 664 moved quickly through the Legislature and was signed into law on June 30, 2021. The revisions shifted … [Read more...] about Governor Wolf Signs Act 66, Offering Optional Year of Education Due to COVID
School Law Bullet
Federal Court Determine Tuition Reimbursement Is An Available Remedy in Early Intervention Matters
The decision in K.S. v. Montgomery County Intermediate Unit No. 23 was issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on Jun 29, 2021 and includes general legal conclusions that may apply to all early intervention students going forward. What Happened K.S. is an eligible young student, with a need for early intervention services under the educational category … [Read more...] about Federal Court Determine Tuition Reimbursement Is An Available Remedy in Early Intervention Matters
Masks, Vaccines, Safety Plans…. School Strategies for Back to School Hinge on CDC Guidance
As parents and School Districts prepare for the return of in-person instruction this fall, the question remains… can and should School Districts enforce mask mandates for students and staff? For now, the answer is unclear, and School District responses are divided. In May, the CDC issued guidance with regard to the mask mandate and those individuals who are fully vaccinated. Shortly thereafter, … [Read more...] about Masks, Vaccines, Safety Plans…. School Strategies for Back to School Hinge on CDC Guidance
SCOTUS Lets Mahanoy Cheerleader Vent, Confirms Schools Need to Weigh Off Campus Speech Case by Case
In an 8-1 majority opinion, the Supreme Court ruled in Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. that a Pennsylvania high school violated a student’s First Amendment rights when the school suspended her from the cheerleading squad after posting profane language and gestures on her social media account. Background on the case and our article on the case’s oral argument can be found here. “Bright … [Read more...] about SCOTUS Lets Mahanoy Cheerleader Vent, Confirms Schools Need to Weigh Off Campus Speech Case by Case
Legislation By Policy: Policy Mandates Challenge Schools to Keep PACE
Increasingly over the last few years, both State and Federal legislators have written laws directed at some broad public policy purpose, but without the legal or practical wherewithal to actually implement them on the local level. Notwithstanding, the newfound popularity in legislation policies remain the low man on the legal totem pole. A policy may be required by law, but it doesn’t have … [Read more...] about Legislation By Policy: Policy Mandates Challenge Schools to Keep PACE
Potential Legislation Addresses Post-COVID Student Retention Matters
Senate Bill 664 was unanimously approved by the Senate on 5/12/21. What will this mean for Pennsylvania schools going forward? Sponsored by Republican Jake Corman, the Bill grants parents the authority to have their children repeat a grade in school during the 2021-22 school year. Current law places all discretion with regard to retention and promotion determinations with the classroom teacher … [Read more...] about Potential Legislation Addresses Post-COVID Student Retention Matters
