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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Richard Grucela |
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Grucela bill would give schools more input on tutoring program funds
HARRISBURG, April 8 – State Rep. Richard Grucela, D-Northampton, introduced a bill (H.B. 2442) that would give school districts greater flexibility to utilize Educational Assistance Program grants.
The grants are used to increase achievement for students who have failed to reach the standards assessed on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment exam and other approved tests.
"Every school district has different needs and a unique student body, so tutoring is not always the best remedy to boost core academic standards," Grucela said. "Under my legislation, school districts for the first time would have additional local control to invest these resources based on students’ academic needs. That might be through tutoring, creating a longer school day or school year, implementing a new rigorous curriculum, expanding course offerings, or intensive teacher training. All of these are valid methods to improve student performance."
Grucela’s bill would expand the uses for which schools can spend the grant money, including for additional student instructional time, implementation of new curriculum or college-level and high-skills course offerings, and training to address the learning needs of students at risk of failing.
The grants would be part of the 2008-09 state budget, which is expected to continue $66 million in Educational Assistance Program funding for 175 school districts and career and technical centers.
In 2003, Gov. Rendell signed into law the Educational Assistance Program for targeted tutoring at a funding level of $38 million in the 2003-04 budget. This program provides extended learning opportunities and is designed to boost student achievement and help all students succeed.
Almost 35,000 students in 82 academically challenged school districts received extra help in the first year. The program was continued at the same funding level in 2004-05 and 46,055 students received tutoring in reading and mathematics.
Grucela said funding for the program increased after two successful years, and in recognition of the need to expand the tutoring initiative because of increased performance levels in reading and mathematics under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. In 2005-06 and 2007-08, the program received $66 million in funding and expanded to support tutoring in 175 school districts and career and technical centers.
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CONTACT: Ann Collis |