Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2302

Introduced
2/12/24  
Introduced
2/12/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to students who require special emotional, social, or behavioral supports in education, including calculations for funding and the establishment of regional special schools, and making appropriations.

Impact

The bill’s adjustments are expected to significantly impact state laws concerning the funding and operation of special education programs. By introducing a new weighting system, the bill allocates additional funding for students whose needs may not previously have been recognized as qualifying for special education but who still require tailored support. This change is anticipated to improve educational outcomes for affected students and ensure that schools have the resources necessary to meet diverse needs.

Summary

Senate File 2302 aims to enhance educational support for students requiring special emotional, social, or behavioral care. The bill proposes certification protocols for children needing specialized supports, ensuring that those who do not currently qualify for special education can still receive necessary assistance to thrive in academic settings. This inclusion aligns with the intent to address the needs of a wider range of students facing challenges that traditional educational frameworks may not accommodate. The bill establishes a weighted funding strategy that increases the financial resources available to schools catering to these students.

Contention

However, the bill has garnered debate regarding the distribution of resources and the implications of expanding the eligibility parameters for special educational supports. Critics may argue that this new framework could strain existing budgets and lead to an uneven allocation of resources among districts. Moreover, there are concerns about how school districts will manage the integration of these additional classifications within their existing systems, potentially leading to disparities in the quality of educational support across regions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF442

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the calculation of the teacher salary supplement district cost per pupil, teacher preparation requirements, out-of-state placement of certain specified students requiring special education, the duties of the department of education, and minimum teacher salaries, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1100.)

IA SSB1100

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the calculation of the teacher salary supplement district cost per pupil, teacher preparation requirements, out-of-state placement of certain specified students requiring special education, the duties of the department of education, and minimum teacher salaries, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 442.)

IA HSB147

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the calculation of the teacher salary supplement district cost per pupil, teacher preparation requirements, out-of-state placement of certain specified students requiring special education, the duties of the department of education, and minimum teacher salaries, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 787.)

IA HF2211

A bill for an act relating to special education weighting for children enrolled in accredited nonpublic schools.

IA SSB1145

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, modifying provisions related to student health screenings and the curriculum in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, competent private instruction, and special education, making appropriations, and providing civil penalties.(See SF 496.)

IA HSB222

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, modifying provisions related to student health screenings and the curriculum in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, competent private instruction, and special education, making appropriations, and providing civil penalties.

IA AB1479

Pupil health: social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health supports.

IA SB568

Relating to special education in public schools, including funding for special education under the Foundation School Program.

IA SF2223

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including by modifying provisions related to a parent's or guardian's rights to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, the educational program and human growth and development curriculum provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, student health screenings, school district library programs, special education, and other duties of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools.

IA SF113

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including by modifying provisions related to a parent's or guardian's rights to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, the educational program and human growth and development curriculum provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, student health screenings, school district library programs, special education, and other duties of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools.

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