Signed by Governor Ed Rendell

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that makes various changes related to public school policies, funding, and operation.

Highlights:

-Prohibits the making of changes to high school graduation requirements in the 2008-2009 fiscal year (Sec. 2). -Allows parents to request that twins or higher order multiples in the same grade level be placed in the same or in separate classrooms (Sec. 4). -Allows the Office for Safe Schools to make targeted grants for programs that address school violence (Sec. 5). -Requires all schools to adopt or amend bullying policies and to incorporate these policies into their codes of conduct by January 1, 2009 (Sec. 6). -Defines "bullying" as an intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act directed at other students in a school setting that is severe, persistent, or pervasive and has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education, creating a threatening environment, or substantially disrupting the orderly operation of school (Sec. 6). -Establishes the Virtual High School Study Commission to examine the costs and feasibility of creating a state-run, internet-based high school (Sec. 9). -Mandates that the number of students enrolled in a charter school or cyber charter school shall not be limited (Sec. 12).

Full Bill Text