HARRISBURG – The state Senate Education Committee on Tuesday approved a bill introduced by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) that would require schools in Pennsylvania to post online the curriculum and textbooks used in classrooms to teach students.
“Openness and transparency are something we should promote in all facets of our government entities and that includes our taxpayer-funded local schools,” Mastriano said. “By having easy access to an online link that is regularly updated, time-strapped parents will be better informed to make future educational decisions for their child.”
Mastriano’s Senate Bill 340 would require school districts, intermediate units, career and technical schools, charter schools and cyber charter schools to post online an internet link or the title of every textbook used to teach students in kindergarten through the 12th grade. The school entity also would have to post a course syllabus or written summary of every class offered to students and the state academic standards for each course.
Schools would have 30 business days to update the information any time the material is changed.
Mastriano’s bill would take effect during the 2024-25 school year.
“There are things being taught in some classrooms across our nation that have parents and taxpayers concerned and upset,” Mastriano said. “I want to make sure the public has access to this information so people can raise questions and receive answers. Pennsylvanians deserve to know this fundamental information about their taxpayer-supported education system.”
Mastriano’s bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
Constituents of the 33rd District can learn more about Mastriano by visiting his website at SenatorMastriano.com or following him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano.
Media contact: Josh Herman
717-787-9603