Act 80 is a term used in Pennsylvania to refer to a day when schools are closed to students but teachers and staff are required to attend professional development or other educational activities. Act 80 days are authorized by Section 1504, as amended by Act 80 of 1969, which allows the Secretary of Education to grant exceptions to the requirement for 180 days of instruction or to the daily school hours "when in his opinion a meritorious educational program warrants". There is no limit on the number of Act 80 exceptions that may be requested as long as the required minimum instructional hours for the school year are met. Requests for Act 80 approvals should be submitted prior to the date of the Act 80 activity, and the approval cannot be used for time lost due to inclement weather, mechanical or power failures, or other causes not provided for in the school laws.