Pennsylvania Code Title 22 - EDUCATION
Pennsylvania Code Title 22 - EDUCATION is a comprehensive body of regulations that governs virtually all aspects of education within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It's a vast collection of rules established by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Department of Education, and other related agencies, designed to ensure quality, access, and accountability in educational institutions from early childhood through postsecondary levels.
Here are the main topics and parts covered within Title 22:
I. Governance and Administration:
Part I - State Board of Education: Lays out the general powers, duties, and procedures of the State Board of Education, which is the primary rulemaking body for education in Pennsylvania.
Parts II, III, IV, V, VI - Private Schools (Academic, Licensed, Correspondence, Trade Schools, and Bureau of Private Schools and Veterans Education): These parts establish the licensing, oversight, and operational standards for various types of private schools, ensuring quality and consumer protection. This includes requirements for facilities, curriculum, instructors, student records, and financial responsibility.
Part VII - Office for Aid to Nonpublic Education: Details regulations concerning state assistance provided to nonpublic (private) schools.
Part XIII - Public School Employes' Retirement Board: Governs the retirement system for public school employees.
Part XIV - Professional Standards and Practices Commission: Deals with professional ethics, certification, and disciplinary actions for educators.
Part XV - Postsecondary Education Planning Commission: Focuses on planning and policy for postsecondary education.
II. Basic Education (K-12):
Part XII - Basic Education: This is a very significant section that covers:
Curriculum and Instruction (Chapter 4): Mandates planned instruction aligned with academic standards in core subjects like English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health, arts, and career education. It specifies minimum mandates for curricular instruction and entitlements at each grade level (elementary, middle, high school).
Student Services: Regulations regarding guidance counseling, health services, and other support services for students.
Special Education (Chapter 14 & 16): Extensive rules for providing a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) in the "least restrictive environment" (LRE) for students with disabilities. This includes Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), evaluations, parental rights, and procedural safeguards. It also covers gifted education.
School Attendance: Compulsory school attendance laws and exceptions (e.g., homeschooling, early graduation).
School Facilities: Standards for school construction, health, and safety.
School Governance: Regulations for school districts and school boards.
Student Discipline: Rules concerning disciplinary actions, including the use of restraints and policies for alternative education programs for disruptive youth.
English Language Learners: Requirements for providing support and programs for students learning English.
School Records: Rules on the privacy and management of student records.
Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting: Mandated training for school employees.
School Safety: Requirements for various safety trainings (e.g., situational awareness, trauma-informed approaches, emergency drills, concussion management, sudden cardiac arrest).
Teacher Certification (Chapter 49): Regulations for educator preparation, certification (Level I and Level II), professional development, and continuing education (Act 48 requirements).
Career and Technical Education (Chapter 339): Rules for vocational education programs.
Criminal History Record Information (Part XIX): Background check requirements for individuals working with students.
Charter Schools (Part XX): Specific regulations governing the establishment and operation of charter schools.
III. Higher Education:
Part VIII - Higher Education Assistance Agency: Governs financial aid programs and services for postsecondary students.
Part X - Board of State College and University Directors: Oversees the state colleges and universities.
Part XVII - State System of Higher Education: Provides regulations specific to the operation of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities, including academic programs, student transfer, and financial policies.
Part XVIII - Tuition Account Program: Deals with the state's tuition savings program.
Part XXIII - Reciprocity for Distance Education: Regulations related to out-of-state institutions offering distance education to Pennsylvania residents.
IV. Other Significant Areas:
Part IX - State Library and Advisory Council on Library Development: Regulations for state and public libraries.
Part XXII - Early Warning System: Rules related to identifying and addressing academic challenges.
In essence, Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code provides a comprehensive legal framework that dictates how educational institutions, educators, students, and parents interact within the state's educational system, aiming to uphold educational quality and student well-being.
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