Section 11.8. Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

Instructional activities—The term includes the following:

(i) Classroom instruction and instructional activities provided under the direction of certified school employees.

(ii) Student services, such as guidance and counseling services, psychological services, speech pathology and audiology services and student health services.

(iii) Opening exercises.

(iv) Homeroom periods.

(v) Supervised study halls.

(vi) Assemblies.

(vii) Clubs, student councils and similar activities conducted during school hours.

(viii) School, group or class educational trips, to which admission is not charged to students or parents and a certified school employee accompanies the students.

(ix) Civil defense, fire, bus evacuation and similar drills.

(x) Prekindergarten or kindergarten orientation, snack-time and play-time if they are an integral part of the kindergarten curriculum.

(xi) Up to 3 days for graduation preparation by students in graduating classes, so long as the preparation occurs within 60 days of the commencement ceremony and under the supervision of certified school employees.

(xii) Early dismissal and delayed opening due to inclement weather.

Meritorious educational program—An educational program that, in the opinion of the Secretary, warrants an exception to the dates and times of school terms and sessions as provided in section 1504(a) of the Public School Code of 1949 (24 P. S. § 15-1504(a)).

Out-of-school programs—Programs conducted off school grounds, such as cooperative education, job shadowing, internships, community exploration, registered apprenticeships and community service-learning designed to provide students with real world experiences under the general supervision of professional school staff.

Postsecondary institution—A community college, 2-year college, college, university or other authorized degree granting institution approved by the Department in accordance with Chapters 31 and 40 (relating to higher education general provisions; and institutional approval).

Prekindergarten—A program operated by a school district or by a community agency under contract from a school district that is open to children who are at least 3 years of age and completed prior to the school district’s entry age for kindergarten.

The provisions of this § 11.8 adopted October 22, 2004, effective October 23, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 5798; amended December 15, 2006, effective December 16, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 7542. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (307703) to (307704).

Notation

Authority

The provisions of this § 11.8 adopted under section 2603-B of the Public School Code of 1949 (24 P. S. § 26-2603-B).