HARRISBURG, May 2 – High school juniors and seniors would receive academic credit for tutoring students in lower grades under legislation that passed the state House of Representatives today, said the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. Robert Freeman.

“This proposal is a win-win situation for the students serving as tutors, as well as the students receiving the tutoring. Tutoring can help to put students in charge of their own learning process as they pass that knowledge onto other students. It can lead to better study habits, improve academic performance, and boost self-esteem. Students in lower grades are typically more receptive to learning from a high school student who would serve as a mentor. The students receiving the tutoring also would get the extra attention they need to improve their academic performance,” said Freeman, D-Northampton.

Freeman said his legislation is not a state mandate, rather it is a program public school entities can choose to utilize. It would require the state Department of Education to establish tutoring program guidelines, which would provide academic credit to students in 11th and 12th grades for tutoring students in lower grades.

“Pennsylvania is currently experiencing a considerable teacher shortage. One of the possible benefits of my tutoring proposal is that tutors might consider going into teaching after their experience as a tutor,” Freeman said.

Public school entities would be able to implement the program at little or no cost to taxpayers, according to Freeman.

House Bill 100 heads to the state Senate for consideration.

Information provided to TVL by:
Tom Andrews
House Democratic Communications Office

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