HARRISBURG – Legislation to review teacher training mandates and save taxpayer dollars, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Berks/Lehigh), was unanimously adopted by the House of Representatives last week.

 

“Pennsylvania’s public schools routinely conduct certain teacher training exercises that are required under state and federal mandates,” said Mackenzie. “My resolution calls for a comprehensive study to determine if the training programs can be streamlined by eliminating certain programs. By doing that, we can create a more efficient training process that saves time and reduces the cost to taxpayers.” 

Specifically, House Resolution 163 would direct the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee to review the training mandates for educators in Pennsylvania’s public school system, which includes school districts, area career and technical schools, intermediate units, charter schools, regional charter schools, and cyber charter schools. The committee would also evaluate any potential negative impacts of ending certain training mandates and include any recommendations relating to their elimination.

The Joint State Government Commission, which serves as the bipartisan and bicameral research agency of the General Assembly, has up to 18 months to issue a report to the House of Representatives of its findings and recommendations.

Mackenzie noted that the resolution is supported by the Coalition of Public Charter Schools, Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, Pennsylvania Principals Association, and Pennsylvania School Board Association.

 
Information provided to TVL by:
Andy Briggs
Representative Ryan Mackenzie
134th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
http://www.repmackenzie.com/

 

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