Lawmakers OK plan to let students repeat year because of pandemic

HARRISBURG, Pa. — It’s summertime! Kids are hitting the pools and the parks. School is the furthest thing from their minds.

But their parents on the other hand, only have a few weeks to decide whether they’re sending their kids into the next grade or having them repeat it.

“Those times at home were hard. They want to play. He turned his camera off. Teacher saying put your camera back on. I’m running up and down the stairs. Are you in your lesson? Are you in your lesson?,” said Jennifer Haley, a Pine-Richland parent.

A school year unlike any other, Haley knows all about the chaos and confusion.

She has 6 kids ranging in age from two to 16 years old.

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“I think there could have been loss of learning at home during closures for students who weren’t able to go back into the classroom. There’s definitely a decrease in learning even though school districts did their best,” said Haley.

State lawmakers unanimously passed a bill allowing parents to decide whether their kids should repeat a grade.

Next, it heads to Governor Tom Wolf’s desk.

“In many cases, many students were being taught by their parents at home and I don’t know who would have a better understanding of what the educational loss would be more than the parents,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman.

This applies just to the 2021-22 school year to address learning gaps related to the pandemic.

Parents have until July 15 to let schools know their decision.

“Although normally, these decisions are made by the school district with the close consolation of the parents, I think this year’s extraordinary year needs this type of response to allow the parents to ultimately make the final decision,” said Corman.

Students 18 years of age and older can decide on their own.

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The bill also allows students in special education to return for another year, even if they have reached the maximum age of 21.

As for extracurricular activities, students would be able to participate.

But when it comes to sports, they would not get another year of eligibility if they have already maxed out.

Haley said she now needs to think about what’s going to be best for her kids.

“I certainly applaud all the teachers. I applaud the districts but I think the parents should have that right,” said Haley.

Butler Area School District preparing for upcoming school year

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