Freeman tutoring bill approved by Senate committee

Rep. Robert L. Freeman    June 6, 2023 | 1:57 PM

HARRISBURG, June 6 – The state Senate Education Committee today approved by a bipartisan vote legislation written by state Rep. Robert Freeman that would provide academic credit to high school juniors and seniors for tutoring students in lower grades.

“This proposal is a win-win situation for the students serving as tutors, as well as the students receiving the tutoring. Tutoring can help to put students in charge of their own learning process as they pass that knowledge on to other students. It can lead to better study habits, improve academic performance, and boost self-esteem. Students in lower grades are typically more receptive to learning from a high school student who would serve as a mentor. The students receiving the tutoring also would get the extra attention they need to improve their academic performance,” said Freeman, D-Northampton.

Freeman said his legislation is not a state mandate; rather, it is a program public school entities can choose to utilize at little or no cost to taxpayers. It would require the state Department of Education to establish tutoring program guidelines, which would provide academic credit to students in 11th and 12th grades for tutoring students in lower grades.

Freeman said Pennsylvania is currently experiencing a considerable teacher shortage and it’s possible that his program may encourage students to consider going into teaching after their experience as a tutor.

House Bill 100 heads to the full state Senate for consideration.