HARRISBURG – The Senate Education Committee unanimously approved a measure that would require the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop model curriculum that schools could use to teach students about the events of Sept. 11, 2001, according to Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York).
“High school seniors did not witness the tragic events of that fateful morning more than 20 years ago, however, the impact of Sept. 11 is felt to this day,” Phillips-Hill said. “I am grateful for my colleagues on the Senate Education Committee for approving this measure that would give schools an optional resource to incorporate curriculum of the events on and after 9/11.”
Senate Bill 210, sponsored by Phillips-Hill, was amended into another measure offered during the committee meeting. Under the amendment, school districts would be able to utilize model curriculum developed and shared by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The department would also be required to share teaching resources on its website for school districts to utilize as each district deems necessary.
“This is not an unfunded mandate, but instead an available resource to help school districts that want to teach about the significant events of 9/11,” she added.
The underlying bill, Senate Bill 139, would establish a moment of silence in schools on the anniversary of Sept. 11.
The bill, as amended, advances to the full Senate for its consideration.