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Bill > SB645
PA SB645
In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code and providing for handwriting instruction required; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.
summary
Introduced
04/21/2025
04/21/2025
In Committee
04/21/2025
04/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An act relating to the public school system, including certain provisions applicable as well to private and parochial schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the laws relating thereto," in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code and providing for handwriting instruction required; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the Pennsylvania Public School Code to address handwriting instruction and related definitions. Specifically, the bill updates the definition of "cursive handwriting" to include rounded angles, requires schools to teach cursive handwriting with the goal of ensuring students can read and write in cursive by the end of fifth grade, and adds cursive handwriting instruction as a mandatory subject alongside other core curriculum areas like English, arithmetic, and history. The bill also updates terminology, such as changing "Superintendent of Public Instruction" to "Secretary of Education" and extends the new handwriting instruction requirements to both traditional public schools and charter schools, including cyber charter schools. The new handwriting provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving schools time to prepare for implementing the new curriculum requirements. By mandating cursive handwriting instruction, the bill aims to preserve a traditional writing skill that some educators argue helps develop fine motor skills and cognitive development in students.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (10)
Wayne Langerholc (R)*,
Rosemary Brown (R),
Dan Laughlin (R),
Doug Mastriano (R),
Tracy Pennycuick (R),
Greg Rothman (R),
Lynda Schlegel-Culver (R),
Pat Stefano (R),
Elder Vogel (R),
Judy Ward (R),
Last Action
Referred to EDUCATION (on 04/21/2025)
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