Connecticut House Bill HB05214

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/20
• Refer: 2/20/20

Caption

An Act Concerning The Provision Of Special Education At Technical Education And Career Schools.

Impact

The proposed changes will centralize the responsibility for special education services at technical schools with the state. The bill mandates that the State Board of Education will identify special education needs, assess appropriateness of the curriculum, create individualized educational programs, and monitor the effectiveness of these programs. This shift is expected to enhance the quality of special education services in these institutions, providing students with specialized support within their chosen educational paths.

Summary

House Bill 05214, titled An Act Concerning The Provision Of Special Education At Technical Education And Career Schools, aims to reform the process by which special education is provided to students enrolled in technical education institutions. Specifically, the bill proposes the repeal of a provision that allowed special education students to be referred to their local school districts if their educational needs could not be met within the technical school setting. Instead, the State Board of Education will be responsible for ensuring that such students receive appropriate educational services directly within the technical school environment.

Contention

Notably, this bill may face contention concerning the rights of parents and guardians of special education students. The removal of the referral process to local school districts could raise concerns among families that their children might not receive the necessary support if it is not available at the technical school. Advocates for students with special needs may argue that this policy could limit options for students who may thrive better in a traditional school environment rather than a technical setting. As discussions continue, stakeholders will need to evaluate how these changes affect the overall educational landscape for students requiring special education.