PRINTER'S NO. 2263
No. 1580 Session of 1998
INTRODUCED BY SCHWARTZ, NOVEMBER 9, 1998
REFERRED TO EDUCATION, NOVEMBER 9, 1998
AN ACT
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
act relating to the public school system, including certain
provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
laws relating thereto," providing for instruction relating to
nonviolent behavior and conflict resolution.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known
as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a
section to read:
Section 1550. Nonviolent Behavior and Conflict Resolution
Instructional Program.--(a) Beginning with school year 1999-
2000 and each year thereafter, each public school student shall
receive mandatory instruction in nonviolent behavior and
conflict resolution in every year in every grade from
kindergarten through grade twelve. The instruction shall be
integrated within the health course of study required in
accordance with the State Board of Education regulations. In
grades where health is not offered, instruction may also be
integrated into other appropriate courses of study. In grades
where health is not offered, instruction shall be integrated
into an appropriate curriculum requirement.
(1) This instruction:
(i) Shall be age appropriate.
(ii) Shall be sequential in method of study.
(iii) Shall discourage violent behavior.
(iv) Shall communicate that acting in a violent manner is
wrong and does not resolve conflict.
(2) School districts may utilize any appropriate public or
private materials, personnel and other resources in developing
and implementing this program of instruction. The Office of
Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police and the
Department of Health shall make available information about
appropriate curriculum materials upon request of a school
district.
(b) Each school district is hereby authorized to develop and
offer programs relating to nonviolent behavior and conflict
resolution for parents of students enrolled in the public
schools. Such programs shall be offered at no cost to parents.
(c) The Secretary of Education, in consultation with the
Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police and
the Department of Health, shall develop curriculum guidelines
for instruction on nonviolent behavior and conflict resolution.
These guidelines shall encourage the inclusion of the following
elements where appropriate in the instruction:
(1) Detailed factual information regarding the
physiological, psychological, sociological and legal aspects of
violent behavior.
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(2) Instruction and practice in skills which are needed
outside the classroom, such as skills for resisting peer
pressure, conflict management skills and decision making skills.
(3) The goals of quality education as set forth in 22 Pa.
Code § 5.201 (relating to goals of quality education).
(4) The opportunity for self-reflection and role-play of
coping mechanisms and emotions.
(5) Development of competency and leadership skills to
address issues with peers and in the community.
(6) Skills needed to evaluate media portrayals of violent
behavior.
(7) Detailed instruction on the need for and the role of
lawful authority and law-abiding behavior, including interaction
with members of the legal and justice community.
(d) Beginning with the 1999-2000 school year and each year
thereafter, the Department of Education, in consultation with
the Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police
and the Department of Health, shall make available, to all
school districts and intermediate units, in-service training
programs based upon the instruction requirements established in
subsection (a) and the curriculum guidelines established in
subsection (c). The programs shall provide preparation for the
teaching of mandated instruction in nonviolent behavior and
conflict resolution. The in-service programs may utilize
institutions, agencies or persons knowledgeable or experienced
in nonviolent behavior and conflict resolution instruction as
the Secretary of Education deems appropriate.
(e) Beginning with the 1999-2000 school year, each school
district shall provide, as part of its in-service training,
programs on nonviolent behavior and conflict resolution for all
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instructors whose teaching responsibilities include courses of
study in which mandated instruction concerning nonviolent
behavior and conflict resolution is integrated. To comply with
this requirement, a school district may utilize the programs
made available by the Department of Education or use other
alternative programs.
(f) The governing board of each intermediate unit in which a
nonpublic school is located shall have the authority and the
duty to loan to all students attending nonpublic schools within
the intermediate unit all educational materials developed by the
Department of Education, the Office of Attorney General, the
Pennsylvania State Police or the Department of Health, pursuant
to this act for the instruction of public school students on the
nature and effects of violence. Local school boards shall not be
required to expend funds which are not provided by either the
Federal or State Government for education programs for the use
or loan of these materials. A nonpublic school may utilize the
in-service training programs made available by the Department of
Education through the intermediate unit.
(g) On or before June 1, 1999, the Secretary of Education
shall recommend to the General Assembly a plan to require and
assist each school district to establish and maintain a program
to provide appropriate counseling and support services to
students who experience problems related to violence.
(h) On or before June 1, 2000, the Secretary of Education
shall report to the General Assembly concerning the 1999-2000
school year activities of the Department of Education pertaining
to the provisions of this section and concerning proposed 2000-
2001 school year activities of the Department of Education
pertaining to this section.
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(i) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules and
regulations necessary for the implementation of this section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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