An Act Establishing A Money-follows-the-child Approach To Providing Special Education.
By adopting the money-follows-the-child model, the state is expected to create a more equitable funding system for special education. This system is intended to ensure that funds are allocated directly to students rather than institutions, encouraging schools to compete for students based on the quality of their special education programs. Proponents of the bill believe this model will enhance the overall quality of education for children with disabilities and give families more control over their educational options.
House Bill 6216 proposes a significant change to the way special education is funded in the state by introducing a money-follows-the-child approach. This approach is designed to give parents greater choice in selecting educational settings for their children with special needs, thereby aligning funding with the actual needs of the students as they move between different educational institutions. The bill aims to replace the existing education cost sharing method that many argue is inefficient and does not adequately reflect the needs of individual students.
However, the bill has sparked controversy among various stakeholders in the education sector. Advocates for traditional public schools express concerns that this funding mechanism may divert essential resources away from public institutions, potentially undermining their ability to serve all students effectively. Critics argue that it may lead to an unequal playing field where only students who can afford to switch schools receive the best educational resources, leaving behind those who remain in underfunded public schools. Additionally, there are worries about accountability and oversight in how funds are utilized under this new system.