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For Immediate
Release
3/14/07
CONTACT:
Dave Broderic
(717) 787-2637
PA
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725
State Senate Passes Rhoades Measures
 - SB 154
- SB 155
- SB 157
- SB 158
HARRISBURG – Yesterday, the state Senate passed four
important measures, all authored by Senator James J.
Rhoades ( R-29), designed to assist school districts
fulfill the requirements of the federal No Child Left
Behind Act (NCLB).
Senate Bill 154, Senate Bill 155, Senate Bill 157 and
Senate Bill 158 all passed the Senate by an
overwhelming vote.
"The federal NCLB act sets high standards for our
schools, teachers and students," said Senator James J.
Rhoades (R-29). "As a state, our job is to provide any
assistance we can to make those goals achievable."
Rhoades explained that Senate Bill 154 identifies
continuing professional education options that will
assist teachers in improving the academic performance
of students in subject areas and demographic subgroups
in which the school entity did not meet academic
performance targets.
Senate Bill 155 would require the Department of
Education to provide technical assistance to schools
that have not met state academic performance targets
or that have been identified for school improvement or
corrective action.
The senator went on to say that Senate Bill 157
directs intermediate units to coordinate academic
improvement programs for school districts with a
school or schools on the state warning list. In
addition, the legislation establishes academic
improvement teams for school districts needing
additional assistance.
"Pennsylvania remains committed to utilizing all of
our available resources to help our schools comply
with the NCLB act," said Rhoades. "These bills target
state assistance to where it is needed."
The federal No Child Left Behind Act also created a
system of academic accountability for all states and
school districts. As part of its design, the law
placed a premium on parent involvement and encouraged
school districts to more actively involve parents in
the education of their children.
The senator said that Senate Bill 158 provides
guidance to school districts in this regard, by
directing school districts to create parent
involvement programs, policies and committees. In
addition, the legislation would direct the Department
of Education to establish a clearinghouse of
information related to strategies, resources and
materials that can be used as part of parent
involvement programs and policies.
"Family involvement can have a significant effect on
student achievement. We must assess families needs and
set clear and measurable objectives based on parent
and community input," said Rhoades. "Together, we can
build a program that emphasizes parents getting
involved in their child's education, and providing our
local schools with the resources necessary to achieve
this goal."
The measures now go to the House of Representatives
for consideration.
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