Rule 302. Judicial Education Standards.
Judicial education courses developed under these rules shall meet the following standards:
(a) Judicial education must, to the greatest extent possible, address judges’ distinct educational needs.
(b) A course shall have significant intellectual or practical content, the primary objective of which is to improve the participants’ professional competence and ethical behavior.
(c) A course shall be an organized program of learning to deal with matters directly related to subjects which satisfy the objectives of 42 Pa.C.S. § 3113 and § 3118 and these rules.
(d) A course must be presented in a suitable setting, conducive to a good educational environment, which provides attendees with adequate writing space or surface.
(e) The Board may limit class sizes to create and maintain environments that are conducive to learning and that provide maximum engagement by the learner.
(f) The Board may, at its discretion or as budgetary and administrative circumstances require, allow for distance education to satisfy some or all judicial education required by 42 Pa.C.S. § 3113 and § 3118 and these rules. Courses delivered by distance education must:
1. provide mechanisms to ensure interactivity and/or monitor course participation;
2. be completed in such a manner that certification of attendance is controlled and proof thereof is determined by the Board; and
3. include a mechanism to allow for course evaluations in a format determined by the Board.
(g) Self-study will not be approved for certification, continuing education or supplemental practicum requirements.
(h) Program leaders or presenters shall be qualified with the practical and/or academic experience necessary to conduct the program effectively.
(i) Leaders or presenters may receive compensation at a rate determined by the Board, subject to the approval of the Court Administrator.
(j) Though written materials may not be appropriate to all courses, they are expected to be utilized whenever possible. When written materials are deemed appropriate, each attendee shall be provided with a thorough, high quality and carefully prepared copy before or at the time of the course.
(k) The Board shall make reasonable accommodations, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, for certification course, continuing education and supplemental practicum attendees as required.
(l) The Board shall develop and implement methods to evaluate its course offerings to determine their effectiveness and the extent to which they meet judges’ unique educational needs.
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