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
By establishing a clear delineation of authority, SF80 intends to create a more inclusive environment for students with IEPs in school athletic programs. This could encourage greater participation among students who may previously have been excluded due to a lack of understanding of their educational requirements within the context of school sports. The implications for state laws include modifications related to other eligibility requirements for athletes, focusing more on educational performance metrics such as attendance and passing grades.
Summary
Senate File 80, introduced by Senator Donahue, addresses the eligibility of students with individualized education programs (IEPs) to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions in public and nonpublic schools. The bill assigns the responsibility of determining eligibility to the lead special education teacher specified in the student's IEP, thereby removing that authority from coaches or athletic directors. This change aims to ensure that decisions regarding student participation are made by educators familiar with the student's specific educational needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
Overall, SF80 represents a legislative effort to rethink how education policy impacts extracurricular participation for students with special needs, seeking to empower educators while providing equitable opportunities in school sports.
Contention
Notable points of contention might arise from various stakeholders, including athletic associations that may argue this bill complicates current eligibility standards, which generally include assessments from coaches. Some educators may be concerned about being overburdened with additional responsibilities, while advocates for students with disabilities may highlight the importance of this regulation in promoting equity and access in extracurricular activities.
A bill for an act relating to the eligibility of students with individualized education programs to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions.
A bill for an act relating to the participation in extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests and competitions by students with disabilities who are enrolled in public schools or nonpublic schools.
A bill for an act relating to the eligibility of students enrolled in nonpublic schools to compete in extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests or competitions provided by public schools.(Formerly HF 2214.)
A bill for an act relating to the eligibility of students enrolled in public schools or nonpublic schools to compete in extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests or competitions provided by other public schools or nonpublic schools.(See HF 2553.)
A bill for an act relating to the participation in extracurricular interscholastic contests or competitions by students enrolled in public schools or nonpublic schools in grades nine through twelve.
A bill for an act relating to the eligibility to participate in varsity interscholastic athletic contests and athletic competitions of pupils who participate in open enrollment due to the death of the pupil's friend or relative.
A bill for an act relating to the eligibility of students enrolled in public schools or nonpublic schools in border states or in counties that border another state to compete in interscholastic athletic activities provided by public schools or nonpublic schools in the other state.
A bill for an act relating to robotics extracurricular activities, including requiring the department of education to provide technical assistance to school districts related to chartering career and technical student organizations related to robotics and authorizing high school athletic organizations to sponsor interscholastic contests related to robotics.(Formerly SF 264.)