On Friday, May 7, the Pennsylvania Senate introduced Senate Bill 664, which will offer another year of school to special education students whose learning was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In order to qualify for an additional school year, a student must have a disability as defined in the Pa. Code § 14.101, be 21 years old, and be enrolled in the 2020-2021 school year. Parents will be required to enroll their child for the additional year of school.

The additional year will offer more time for the student to progress with the implementation of their individualized education plan (IEP) and extended school year (ESY) services should they need it. The General Assembly has introduced this bill “to ensure that the present generation of school age children do not lose educational opportunities due to COVID-19.”

The Appel, Yost & Zee LLP Education Law Group will keep an eye on this newly introduced bill and keep our clients informed should any further developments occur.