Requests the Department of Education to study special education needs in the Recovery School District with an emphasis on charter schools.
Impact
The resolution, if acted upon, highlights the responsibilities of both charter schools and the Recovery School District to address the educational requirements of students with special needs. It could potentially lead to enhanced support structures and resources for these students, ensuring they are proportionately represented and catered for in educational environments. This undertaking is pivotal given the broader implications for inclusivity in education, aligning with federal mandates set by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Summary
SCR128 requests the Louisiana Department of Education to conduct a study of special education needs within the Recovery School District, particularly focusing on charter schools. The resolution emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, receive adequate educational services as mandated by federal and state laws. It aims to address the educational access disparities for students with exceptionalities across the various learning facilities managed by the Recovery School District.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR128 appears to be supportive, as it seeks to underscore the necessity of proper educational resources for students with special needs. Stakeholders such as educators and advocates for special education are likely to view the resolution positively, seeing it as a commitment to improving educational outcomes for vulnerable student populations. Nevertheless, engagement from various educational stakeholders will be critical in determining the effectiveness of the proposed study.
Contention
While the resolution serves a crucial purpose, potential points of contention may arise regarding the implementation and the actual recommendations that follow the study. Concerns might be raised about how effectively charter schools will meet the diverse needs identified in the study, as well as funding and resource allocations necessary to support those needs adequately. There may also be debate over whether the emphasis on charter schools could divert attention from existing public schools within the Recovery School District.
Requests BESE to review rules and regulations for the education of dyslexic students and procedures for compliance monitoring of schools and school districts.
Requests the Department of Education to establish a group to study the current state of agriculture education in elementary and secondary schools. (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Creates the Local Schools Commission of Orleans to study the feasibility of returning control of all Recovery Schools District schools located in Orleans Parish back to the Orleans Parish School Board.
Requests the Department of Agriculture and Forestry and the Department of Education to implement a Farm to School Program and to assist schools with local procurement options for fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, and seafood.
Requests that the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education reconsider its decision to close Benjamin E. Mays Preparatory School and that the Orleans Parish School Board and Recovery School District study working collaboratively to provide education services to this school's students