Creating the drug abuse resistance education (D.A.R.E.) educator position.
Impact
If enacted, SB101 is expected to enhance drug prevention education within Kansas schools by formalizing the role of a D.A.R.E. educator. This initiative aims to provide structured support to schools in their efforts to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse and to equip them with the necessary knowledge to resist engaging in substance use. The annual reporting requirement to the legislature concerning curriculum modifications and school participation will ensure accountability and adaptability in the program's implementation.
Summary
Senate Bill 101, proposed by Senator J.R. Claeys, aims to establish a designated position of a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) educator within the state of Kansas. This educator will be appointed by the attorney general and will play a critical role in delivering drug education courses focused on addressing issues related to substance abuse, including specific mentions of fentanyl and other opioid drugs. The curriculum for these courses will be approved by the attorney general and is intended for public elementary and secondary schools across the state.
Contention
While the intent behind SB101 revolves around improving drug education, potential points of contention include the adequacy of funding for the program and the actual effectiveness of D.A.R.E. initiatives in preventing drug abuse among youth. Critics may argue that simply creating a position and utilizing a historical program will not address the underlying causes of drug abuse in communities. There could also be debates regarding the appropriateness of the curriculum and its alignment with current drug trends and education strategies.
Creating the statewide drug abuse resistance education (D.A.R.E.) program educator position, establishing the drug abuse resistance education fund and providing funding for such fund by annual transfer of state moneys.
House Substitute for SB 387 by Committee on K-12 Education Budget - Making appropriations for the department of education for FY 24, FY 25 and FY 26 and enacting, revising and abolishing certain statutes relating to the educational system.
Establishing the Kansas education enrichment program to provide educational awards to elementary and secondary school students for qualifying expenses for educational goods and services.
Establishing parents' right to direct the education, upbringing and moral or religious training of their children including the right to object to harmful and inappropriate educational materials.
House Substitute for SB 83 by Committee on K-12 Education Budget - Making appropriations for the state department of education for FY 2024, establishing the sunflower education equity act to provide education savings accounts for qualified students, requiring school districts to provide a salary increase to all licensed teachers and defining enrollment of small school districts as the highest enrollment from the preceding four years under the Kansas school equity and enhancement act.
Establishing the Kansas blueprint for literacy and a literacy advisory committee, directing the board of regents to appoint a director of literacy education, requiring the board of regents and board of education to collaborate on a literacy micro-credential, providing university presidents and deans of education oversight over postsecondary literacy courses, requiring a plan to establish centers of excellence in reading, requiring the board of education to submit annual reports to the legislature on literacy goals; establishing the Kansas education opportunity scholarship to replace the Kansas ethnic minority scholarship, removing limits on Kansas nursing service scholarship awards and modifying the interest rate terms and repayment obligations for such awards, eliminating the requirement to subtract other aid from the state payment for the AO-K program, modifying financial limitations on Kansas hero's scholarship awards and broadening eligibility requirements for such awards.