HARRISBURG – The Senate Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27), approved three bills on Tuesday to boost career and technical education (CTE), identify student vision problems earlier and give school districts the opportunity to offer a seal of biliteracy on diplomas.
Senate Bill 366 would temporarily waive the requirement that CTE programs end only in 12th grade. The change would allow students to take their end-of-program assessment earlier and free up seats for more CTE students.
Senate Bill 720 would require a comprehensive eye health exam performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist before a child is admitted to school for the first time.
House Bill 1877 would give school districts the opportunity to offer a seal of biliteracy on diplomas of students who are fluent in English and another language. Biliteracy can improve the job prospects of students and make Pennsylvania’s workforce more competitive.
“These measures are designed to help position students for success in school and beyond,” Culver said. “I’m pleased the committee gave its backing and advanced them in the legislative process.”
The bills now move toward consideration by the full Senate.