Asked & Answered

Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director

A recent call was from a building administrator wanting clarification on Act 426 of 2023, the new law regarding foreign exchange students. Act 426 requires schools to take exchange students, no fewer than one per 50 enrollment. For example, a high school with 400 students would be required to take no less than 8 exchange students. The school can accept more than this number if it so chooses.

In addition, Act 426 allows schools, again, if it so chooses, to (1) require the placement organization to be certified by the Council on Standards for International Travel, (2) require documented proof of a student's English proficiency, and (3) require three-week notification of intent to enroll before the start of an academic semester. Also, the school has the option to include exchange student test results on statemandated tests.

For districts that subscribe to the ASBA model policy service, that is a model policy (4.2) that has updated language due to the passage of Act 426.

If you have questions for Mike, email him at m.mertens@theaaea.org .