Rep. Bernie O’Neill’s (R-Bucks) legislation requiring set academic standards for business, computer, and information technology (BCIT) courses was today unanimously passed by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

“My legislation helps put Pennsylvania’s students on the path to success,” O’Neill said.  “With businesses and individuals relying more and more on technology, it’s important that we have set standards to ensure that students receive a basic level of education in BCIT courses, better preparing them for life after graduation.  The state has established academic standards for nearly every course in our public school system.  Creating standards for BCIT courses was long overdue.”

O’Neill’s legislation, House Bill 870, requires the secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education to establish state academic standards for business, computer and information technology (BCIT) courses.  Over the years, teachers and education advocates have said that the lack of academic standards for BCIT courses has had a negative impact on the level of education students taking these courses receive.  O’Neill’s legislation brings BCIT courses in line with the academic standards already in place for most of the courses offered in Pennsylvania’s public schools.  

As a former special education teacher, O’Neill has passionately fought for bettering the education standards for Pennsylvania students.  He has been a member of the House Education Committee since his first term in 2003.  He currently serves as chairman of the House Education Committee’s Subcommittee on Basic Education and co-chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee’s Education and Job Training Task Force.

The legislation was adopted by the House with a vote of 196-0 and now goes to the Senate for a vote. 

Rep. Bernie O’Neill
29th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(215) 441-2624

(717) 705-7170

Contact:  Raymond Smith

House Republican Public Relations

(717) 705-1834

Member site:  RepONeill.com

Caucus site:  PAHouseGOP.com