Combining the choice programs and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Impact
The legislation will have a significant impact on current and future private schools that participate in state-funded choice programs. By enforcing strict accreditation requirements, the bill aims to improve the quality of education provided to pupils. Additionally, it mandates that teachers and administrators in these schools meet specific qualification thresholds, such as obtaining teaching licenses or degrees from accredited institutions, thereby enhancing educational standards. The financial audit process for these schools will also be standardized to ensure more robust oversight and accountability, aligning the audits of SNSP and Private School Choice Programs.
Summary
Senate Bill 989 aims to amend the parameters surrounding Private School Choice Programs, specifically regarding accreditation, funding, and operational standards for private schools participating in these programs. The bill stipulates that starting from the 2025-26 school year, only accredited private schools will be allowed to participate in the Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP), effectively raising the bar for school eligibility. This change is accompanied by a provision for existing schools that were already part of the SNSP before the transition, allowing them to continue operating under the previous rules until they comply with the new accreditation requirements.
Contention
Key points of contention surrounding SB989 include concerns from educators and advocates who argue that these stringent requirements may limit access to private education for students with special needs. Critics highlight that raising accreditation standards might disproportionately affect smaller, less-resourced schools that cater to specific communities. Furthermore, there are debates about whether the increased regulatory measures will indeed lead to improved educational outcomes or simply create unnecessary barriers for schools trying to participate in state-funded programs. Opponents of the bill emphasize the need to balance accountability with accessibility in educational opportunities for all students.
Reading instruction in public schools and private schools participating in parental choice programs, an early literacy assessment and intervention program, providing an exemption from rule-making procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Reading instruction in public schools and private schools participating in parental choice programs, an early literacy assessment and intervention program, providing an exemption from rule-making procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Phasing out parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship Program, repealing the achievement gap reduction program and the student achievement guarantee program, creating a new student achievement guarantee program, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Phasing out parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship Program, repealing the achievement gap reduction program and the student achievement guarantee program, creating a new student achievement guarantee program, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Various changes to the unemployment insurance law, federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment grants, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Increasing the per pupil payments in parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship program and the per pupil payments made to independent charter schools and increasing the revenue ceiling for school districts. (FE)
Pupil discrimination and private school participating in a parental choice program or the Special Needs Scholarship Program, discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression, and providing a penalty.
Pupil discrimination and private school participating in a parental choice program or the Special Needs Scholarship Program, discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression, and providing a penalty.