|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. James Roebuck |
|
House passes Roebuck’s school-age bill for Philadelphia students
HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 –The state House today passed legislation (H.B. 118) introduced by Rep. James Roebuck, D-Phila., which would require children in the Philadelphia School District to begin school at age 6 rather age 8, as required by current state law.
“Our schools are tasked with preparing students for a globally competitive economy, yet the school-age requirement is a relic from the mid-1900s when children were expected to help their families work the fields and factories,” said Roebuck, chairman of the House Education Committee.
“Study after study shows us the importance of starting the learning process as early as age 3 and 4. We must update the age requirement for the Philadelphia school system to reflect the realities of the 21st century so every child gets an early start to his or her education.”
Roebuck noted that, as the largest school district in the state, the Philadelphia School District is responsible for educating more than 211,000 students, accounting for more than one out of every 10 students in Pennsylvania.
The Philadelphia School District has reported that more than 1,500 students enter the district each year between the ages of 7 and 8, a fact that highlights a very distinct problem to be addressed. Roebuck said H.B. 118 would greatly improve the school district’s ability to provide a quality education for all students.
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
###mds/2007/mjh
l:\print\releases\SchoolAgePass.188
|
CONTACT: Mike Storm |