Provides relative to alternative education programs for suspended or expelled students (RE1 INCREASE EX See Note)
Impact
The implementation of HB 1209 signifies a shift in how educational authorities respond to disciplinary issues within schools. It lays down explicit requirements for monitoring and providing academic support to suspended or expelled students, thus holding parents and guardians accountable for ensuring their children's attendance in these programs. It also outlines developmental interventions, including behavioral and mental health support, that recognize the complexities of student behavior and the need for comprehensive support strategies beyond mere punishment.
Summary
House Bill 1209 focuses on the reinforcement and restructuring of alternative education programs for students who have been suspended or expelled from school in Louisiana. The bill mandates that students who face such disciplinary actions must be placed in alternative educational settings rather than being left without structured learning. These interventions include academic, behavioral, and mental health support services designed to ensure students continue their education despite facing disciplinary measures. This legislative move aims to improve educational outcomes for at-risk students and reduce their chances of entering the juvenile justice system.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around HB 1209 appears to be positive among educational advocates and stakeholders, who see it as a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by struggling students. Supporters appreciate the emphasis on interventions that could help mitigate the adverse impacts of suspension and expulsion. However, some concerns were raised about the effectiveness of alternative education programs and whether they would provide adequate support to meet the diverse needs of all students, particularly those impacted by trauma or behavioral issues.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding the bill involves the balance between maintaining school discipline and providing necessary support to students in distress. Critics argue that simply placing students in alternative settings may not suffice without proper resources and training for educators involved in these programs. Additionally, the bill's enforcement mechanisms concerning attendance and support could lead to debates about responsibility and the role of parents in the educational process, particularly for students who may have significant challenges outside of school.
Replaces
Permits, rather than requires, school systems to retain supervision of suspended or expelled students using alternative education programs (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)
Permits, rather than requires, school systems to retain supervision of suspended or expelled students using alternative education programs (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)
Requires local public school boards to provide transportation to certain students in BESE-approved alternative education programs for suspended or expelled students (OR INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Provides relative to BESE standards for approving alternative schools and alternative education programs for students suspended or expelled from public K-12 schools
Prohibits alternative programs and alternative schools from being operated at schools providing services to students other than those in the alternative program or school
Provides relative to the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program, parent petitions for certain schools to be transferred to the RSD, charter school authorizers, and course providers (EN INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Establishing the mental health intervention team program in the Kansas department for aging and disability services in state statute and providing incentives for coordination between school districts, qualified schools and mental health intervention team providers.