Earlier this week, the PA Senate unanimously passed SB 144, which is legislation that would help school districts pay for needed accommodations for students receiving homebound instruction as a result of a serious injury or illness. The bill would require PDE to develop guidelines and to award up to $300,000 per year in unused grant funding to IUs that apply for the leftover money to help with homebound instruction costs. If secured, those funds could be used to purchase equipment that would help such students participate in real time with classroom activities through a video link. Ultimately, the intent of this legislation would help to avoid instances whereby homebound students are instructed by a homebound instructor who isn’t as familiar with the subject matter as the student’s regular teacher.

The bill now moves on to the PA House.