This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to update the certification requirements for teachers, specifically focusing on instructional certificates for special education. The bill changes the heading of Section 1202.1 from "Instructional" to "Special Education" and outlines new duties for the Department of Education. It mandates that within sixty days of the bill's effective date, the Department must notify teacher preparation programs and individuals holding early childhood certificates about the opportunity to extend their certification to include grades five and six, contingent upon achieving qualifying assessment scores. This provision will expire three years from its effective date.

Additionally, the bill introduces Section 1202.2, which establishes new grade spans and age levels for instructional certificates issued after June 1, 2027. It specifies that primary certificates will cover prekindergarten through grade six, secondary certificates will cover grades six through twelve, and specialized area certificates will encompass prekindergarten through grade twelve. The bill also provides pathways for individuals holding early childhood and elementary/middle instructional certificates to expand their certification scope through continuing education or assessments. Furthermore, it allows certain educator preparation programs to continue accepting students under previous certification standards until December 31, 2025, after which new candidates will not be accepted under those standards. The regulations at 22 Pa. Code 49.85(c) and (d) are abrogated, and the changes will take effect starting with the 2027-2028 academic year.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1605 (May 05, 2025): P.L.30, No.14
Printer's No. 2106 (Jul 09, 2025): P.L.30, No.14