HARRISBURG, Pa. — A state lawmaker from the Lehigh Valley has proposed legislation that would let high school upperclassmen get academic credit for tutoring younger students.
State Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, said in a news release that tutoring benefits all students involved by increasing study habits, improving academic performance and boosting self-esteem.
“Tutoring is a time-honored and cost-effective way to enhance academic performance for both the student being tutored and the student who serves as a tutor."State Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton
“Tutoring is a time-honored and cost-effective way to enhance academic performance for both the student being tutored and the student who serves as a tutor,” Freeman said.
H.B. 827 was referred to the House Education Committee this month. That committee is chaired by state Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh.
The bill would require the state Department of Education to establish a “Cross-Age Tutoring Program,” according to the news release.
The program would be available to public schools, but not mandated.
'Might consider going into teaching'
Through the program, juniors and seniors would serve as tutors under the guidance of a certified teacher or paraprofessional.
The bill includes a provision to encourage juniors and seniors who are not meeting academic benchmarks to be tutors in the hopes of bolstering their own grades while they assist younger students.
“Pennsylvania is experiencing a considerable teacher shortage."State Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, in a release
“Pennsylvania is experiencing a considerable teacher shortage," Freeman said.
"One of the possible benefits of my tutoring proposal is that tutors might consider going into teaching after their experience as a tutor.”
Freeman sponsored a similar bill during the 2023-24 legislative session.
It passed the House 141-60 and was approved by the Senate Education Committee, but it did not get a final vote in the state Senate.
