Pennsylvania HB 1401: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, providing for educator preparation admission.

Bill Text

PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 1600 PRINTER'S NO. 1683
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1401
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY YOUNG, SANCHEZ, MERSKI, PROBST, PIELLI,
SCHLOSSBERG, PROKOPIAK, HILL-EVANS, GIRAL, ISAACSON, PARKER,
ABNEY, O'MARA, OTTEN, TAKAC AND SCHWEYER, MAY 5, 2025
AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES, AS AMENDED, MAY 12, 2025
AN ACT
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 certification of teachers,
providing for educator preparation admission.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known
as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a
section to read:
Section 1207.5. Educator Preparation Admission.--(a) A
preparing institution OR AN ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM PROVIDER shall
recruit and admit applicants who demonstrate potential for
professional success in a public school by ensuring that each
applicant admitted to an initial preparation program culminating
in a bachelor's degree or higher shall have completed at least
forty-eight (48) semester credit hours or the full-time
equivalent of prior college or university coursework with a
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minimum grade point average of 2.8. ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM
PROVIDERS SHALL ENSURE THAT APPLICANTS HAVE COMPLETED A
BACHELOR'S DEGREE WITH A MINIMUM GRADE POINT AVERAGE OF 2.8.
(b) The criteria for admission to an advanced preparation
program shall include at least the following:
(1) An overall minimum grade point average of 2.8.
(2) Faculty and professional recommendations.
(3) A record of competence and effectiveness in professional
work.
(4) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or
university.
(c) A preparing institution may accept up to ten percent
(10%) of the applicants for admission to the initial preparation
program who do not meet overall minimum GPA requirements under
subsection (a). The criteria for admission of applicants under
this subsection shall be developed and documented by the
preparing institution and must include the requirements in 22
Pa. Code § 49.12 (relating to eligibility).
(d) As used in this section, the following words and phrases
shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Advanced preparation program." As defined in 22 Pa. Code §
354.1 (relating to definitions).
"ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM PROVIDER." AS DEFINED IN 22 PA. CODE §
49.1 (RELATING TO DEFINITIONS).
"Applicant." As defined in 22 Pa. Code § 354.1.
"Initial preparation program." As defined in 22 Pa. Code §
354.1.
"Preparing institution." As defined in 22 Pa. Code § 354.1.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
20250HB1401PN1683 - 2 -
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