Chalkbeat Philly by Neena Hagen, July 6, 2021 
 
Families have until July 15 to opt in 
 
Gov. Tom Wolf has signed legislation that would allow 21-year-old students with disabilities to receive another year of instruction. The new law, Act 66, also would permit students enrolled in the 2020-21 school year to repeat their most recent grade, even if they met the requirements for promotion and don’t have a disability. The decision would be up to their parents, not the school or district. The law, which passed the General Assembly unanimously, provides more time for students with disabilities who usually would “age out” of the public school system. Under federal law, school districts are required to provide specialized services to students with individualized education programs, or IEPs, at least through the school year in which they turn 21. Students whose IEPs call for services up to age 21 typically have disabilities that require support for life skills. To opt for an extra year, or to choose to repeat a year, families must fill out a form on the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s website and submit it to their school or district before July 15. 
 
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