Oct. 20, 2016
HARRISBURG – Legislation designed to provide career and technical education students with alternative pathways to fulfill graduation requirements was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, said House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny), who sponsored the legislation.
House Bill 2381 would allow career and technical education students, in addition to exhibiting subject area mastery, to show career readiness through other industry-related factors, such as industry-based competency certifications including the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) or the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
“The General Assembly continues to recognize the importance of providing multiple avenues for students to demonstrate educational achievement, particularly for students enrolled in career and technical education,” said Turzai. “One size does not fit all, and our approach to education policy must reflect that reality. To grow our economy, we must have a diverse workforce and encourage students to obtain training in various trade occupations.
“We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate to ensure this piece of legislation makes it to the governor’s desk before the conclusion of the 2015-16 voting session,” Turzai added.
This substitution option would only be available during school years in which demonstrated proficiency on a Keystone Exam is a requisite condition for high school graduation. Act 1 of 2016 delayed implementation of the Keystone Exams as a high school graduation requirement until the 2018-19 school year.
Representative Mike Turzai
Speaker of the House
28th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Steve Miskin
717.772.9943 (office), 717.756.3936 (cell)
Smiskin@pahousegop.com
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