HB 1535 — An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, further providing for grading, classification and promotion of pupils.

Summary

Student Retention to Prioritize On-Pace Learning

Bill Text

• Printer's No. 1798 View text Current

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends the Public School Code to establish new requirements and procedures for grading, classification, and promotion of pupils based on performance assessments.

• Section 1531

  (a) Teachers in the public schools shall, under the direction of the proper superintendents of schools, grade and classify the pupils in their schools so that they may pursue the courses of study herein provided for, and all pupils found proficient may be promoted twice each year. (b) The following shall apply: ... .

  The section now includes a comprehensive framework for grading and promotion based on student performance levels and alternative indicators.

• Section 1531(b)(1)

  No later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of this subsection, the department shall establish individual student performance levels aligned with the PSSA test to identify the levels of individual performance: ... .

  It requires the establishment of performance levels for students based on standardized testing outcomes.

• Section 1531(b)(2)

  Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the department may approve alternative indicators of student performance in determining proficiency relative to State academic standards within the time period specified under paragraph (1).

  It allows for alternative assessments to gauge proficiency beyond standardized tests.

• Section 1531(b)(4)

  A student in grade three, four, five, six, seven or eight whose performance on the reading portion of the PSSA test indicates that the student is more than three (3) years below proficiency shall not be promoted to the next grade level unless ... .

  It establishes criteria that prevent promotion based on significant deficiencies in reading proficiency.

• Section 1531(b)(5)

  A student in grade three, four, five, six, seven or eight whose performance on the mathematics portion of the PSSA test indicates that the student is more than four (4) years below proficiency shall not be promoted to the next grade level unless ... .

  It sets similar rules for retention based on performance in mathematics, enhancing academic accountability.

• Section 1531(b)(6)

  A student who continues to demonstrate inadequate performance following a retention year may not be retained for an additional year but shall be provided with an individual improvement plan ... .

  It requires the development of individual improvement plans for students who do not improve after retention.

• Section 1531(b)(9)

  A school entity may require student participation in academic improvement activities in accordance with department regulations or the school entity's academic policies.

  It clarifies school entities' authority to mandate participation in academic improvement activities for struggling students.

• Section 1531(b)(10)

  An academic review committee shall be established by each school entity to hear parent or guardian appeals regarding the contents of an individual improvement plan.

  It mandates the formation of review committees to address parental concerns regarding improvement plans.

• Section 1531(b)(11)

  Paragraphs (4) and (5) shall not apply if the student has been formally classified as having any of the following: ... .

  It exempts certain classified students from the retention policies, recognizing individual educational needs.

• Section 1531(b)(12)

  The department shall promulgate regulations necessary to implement this subsection.

  It tasks the department with creating regulations to enforce the new grading and promotion policies.

Action History

1. June 02, 2025

   Referred to EDUCATION, June 2, 2025

Sponsors

• Napoleon J. Nelson · Primary
• Jose Giral · Cosponsor
• Benjamin V. Sanchez · Cosponsor
• G. Roni Green · Cosponsor

Subjects