A bill for an act relating to the eligibility of students with individualized education programs to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions.
Impact
The enactment of SF2066 is expected to alter the landscape of how eligibility for athletic participation is evaluated, specifically for students with IEPs. By assigning this authority to lead special education teachers, the bill promotes a more tailored evaluation process that considers both attendance and academic performance. It acknowledges the unique challenges that students with disabilities may face and attempts to provide a fairer system for determining their participation in sports.
Summary
Senate File 2066 addresses the eligibility criteria for students with individualized education programs (IEPs) to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games and competitions within public and nonpublic schools. The bill stipulates that the lead special education teacher designated in a student's IEP will hold the responsibility for determining the student’s eligibility, rather than a coach or athletic director. This approach aims to prioritize educational assessments and ensure that decisions regarding participation are made by professionals familiar with the students' individual needs and educational records.
Contention
While there are safeguards within the bill, such as exclusion for students requiring special education due to severe or profound disabilities, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of these criteria across various school districts. Stakeholders might debate whether this shift reduces the influence of athletic staff in determining eligibility or whether it sufficiently supports students' rights to engage in extracurricular activities. The bill thus holds potential for both support and opposition as it fundamentally changes established norms within educational institutions.