The study required by HB 7704 will delve into various aspects, including how remote learning and the suspension or reduction of special education services have influenced the educational outcomes of students with IEPs. By comparing data from before, during, and after the pandemic, the Secretary will gauge the effectiveness of policies that were put in place during this unprecedented time and how they may have either supported or hindered the educational progress of vulnerable student populations.
Summary
House Bill 7704, titled the 'Think DIFFERENTLY About Ending Learning Loss Act', mandates the Secretary of Education to conduct a comprehensive study regarding the impact of education policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic on students with individualized education programs (IEPs). The bill specifically aims to analyze the academic achievements and functional performance of these students from the 2018-2019 school year to the 2023-2024 school year, scrutinizing how these achievements have been affected during and post the pandemic.
Contention
While proponents of the bill argue that it is crucial to understand the educational impacts of the pandemic to enhance future educational practices and policies, there may be concerns about how the findings of the study could lead to changes in state laws or funding for special education services. Critics might question whether enough attention is being paid to the immediate needs of students currently affected by ongoing educational challenges as a result of the pandemic, thus indicating a potential need for balanced discourse around the proactive steps needed to improve educational practices in the short term while conducting the longer-term study outlined in the bill.