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
COVID 19
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
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Finalizes Rule, Providing Federally Funded Programs Discretion on Religious Grounds
Former President Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved a bill that would make it possible for foster care and adoption agencies to refuse LGBTQ families the ability to adopt children based on religious reasons. On January 7th, 2021, the final proposed rule was released, removing regulations barring discrimination on sex, religion, sexual orientation, and gender … [Read more...] about U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Finalizes Rule, Providing Federally Funded Programs Discretion on Religious Grounds
Extending the FFCRA May Assist Districts Trying to Resume In-Person Instruction
On January 4, 2021, just under half of all Chicago Public School teachers failed to report to work. When the approximately 1,000 teachers did not return, Chicago Public School officials warned that they would face “disciplinary action that could lead to termination.” In Pennsylvania, school districts also face many challenges presented by COVID-19, not least of which is the understandable … [Read more...] about Extending the FFCRA May Assist Districts Trying to Resume In-Person Instruction
What To Expect: The Impact of COVID-19 on Assisted Reproductive Technology
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique circumstances and dilemmas surrounding Assisted Reproductive Technology (“ART”). On March 17, 2020. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (“ASRM”) issued guidance for its members to manage patients amid COVID-19. This guidance was created by an expert Task Force made up of physicians, embryologists, and mental health professionals. The … [Read more...] about What To Expect: The Impact of COVID-19 on Assisted Reproductive Technology
OSEP and OCR Release Guidance for Special Education During COVID
On September, 28, 2020, The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services’ Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the United State Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) each released Q & A documents addressing the implementation of special education services and accommodations under Section 504 during the ongoing COVID-19 environment. These documents do not … [Read more...] about OSEP and OCR Release Guidance for Special Education During COVID
