Pennsylvania House Bill HB1214

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/22/23
• Refer: 5/22/23

Caption

In pupils and attendance, further providing for exceptional children, education and training.

Impact

The passage of HB 1214 would significantly impact how public schools manage the assessment and placement of students with disabilities. By implementing a strict timeline for evaluations, the bill aims to streamline the process and potentially improve the responsiveness of educational institutions to the needs of exceptional children. This legislative change is expected to enhance educational outcomes for these children by ensuring they receive necessary interventions promptly. This could further reinforce state laws relating to education and disability services throughout Pennsylvania.

Summary

House Bill 1214 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the act of March 10, 1949, known as the Public School Code of 1949. This bill specifically addresses the educational provisions for exceptional children, establishing new requirements for the evaluation process of children with disabilities in the state’s public school system. One of the key features of the bill is that it mandates that an initial evaluation by a school entity must be completed no later than sixty school days after parental consent is obtained for such an evaluation. This provision seeks to ensure timely support for children with disabilities who may need special education services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1214 appears to be largely positive, particularly among advocates for children with disabilities and their families. Supporters argue that the bill is a crucial step in formalizing and improving the educational framework for these students. By establishing clear timelines, they hope to see an increase in timely support and services. However, some concerns may arise amongst education professionals regarding the potential burden this may place on school entities, particularly if they do not have the resources or staff to meet the new requirements within the designated timelines.

Contention

Notable points of contention in discussions regarding HB 1214 may center on the implications of the fixed evaluation timeline. Critics may question whether the mandate will lead to adequate resource allocation for schools and if it could create pressure that hampers the quality of individual evaluations. There's also a concern that charter schools and cyber-charter schools, which are explicitly excluded from the definition of 'school entities' under the bill, might lead parents to seek alternatives outside of traditional public schools, potentially complicating the overall educational landscape for exceptional children.