Connecticut Senate Bill SB00676

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/17
• Refer: 1/25/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Creation Of An Individualized Education Program Teacher.

Impact

If implemented, SB00676 would fundamentally change the approach schools take towards fulfilling their obligations under special education laws. By designating a specific IEP teacher without classroom responsibilities, the bill aims to ensure that administrative tasks associated with special education are handled more efficiently. This could lead to improved support for students with disabilities, as there will be dedicated personnel focused solely on their educational requirements and related services.

Summary

SB00676 is a proposed act concerning the establishment of an individualized education program (IEP) teacher within schools that have students enrolled in IEPs. The bill mandates that each such school assign a designated employee, who will be solely responsible for managing all administrative tasks related to the provision of special education services. The intent behind this legislation is to alleviate the compliance burdens faced by school districts, which often struggle to meet the extensive requirements of special education laws while managing regular classroom duties simultaneously.

Contention

The bill's introduction highlights a growing awareness of the challenges faced by educators in balancing classroom responsibilities with the specific needs of students with IEPs. Proponents argue that having a dedicated IEP teacher will enhance the quality of education and support services provided to these students. However, potential critics may raise concerns regarding the allocation of resources, such as whether this model could inadvertently lead to increased costs for schools or whether it might limit classroom integration opportunities for special education students.