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For Immediate Release
State Senate Passes Rhoades Measures 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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