Would provide for better communication between sending and receiving districts regarding students receiving special education services.
Impact
One significant change encompasses the handling of costs associated with providing educational services to special needs students. Specifically, from July 1, 2025, the bill stipulates that if the cost of providing special education services in the receiving district is less than the per-pupil expenditure of the sending district, the sending district will only be responsible for the lower cost. This adjustment intends to create a more balanced financial burden between districts and aims to streamline the funding process for special needs education.
Summary
S0390 is a legislative act introduced to improve communication and operational procedures between sending and receiving school districts concerning students receiving special education services. The primary objective of the bill is to ensure that children with disabilities receive appropriate educational resources, whether they are in public or private schooling. The provisions include stipulations about how school committees must handle these students, particularly emphasizing their right to free and appropriate education as set by the state board of education standards.
Contention
Some points of contention surrounding S0390 may arise regarding the exact definitions and criteria for what constitutes adequate services for children with disabilities, particularly for those that are parentally placed in private schools. Critics could argue that these changes may potentially lead to disparities in educational quality and accessibility for students with disabilities, especially between different districts. The enforcement and implications of such cost adjustments and reporting requirements may also spark discussion about accountability and transparency in student services across various educational jurisdictions.
Provides that parents and guardians of children with disabilities in private school have the same rights and remedies as parents/guardians of children in public school.
Provides that parents and guardians of children with disabilities in private school have the same rights and remedies as parents/guardians of children in public school.
Amends the local share of education funding to be paid to charter public schools based on a comparison of performance data between the specific school from which the student is coming and the specific charter school that will be receiving the student.
Establishes the RI ombud for special education who ensures school districts throughout the state meet the minimum standards required to comply with the individualized education programs for students with disabilities.
Provides that the permanent foundation educational aid program would provide state funding for school-based mental health services pursuant to specified conditions.
Provides that the permanent foundation educational aid program would provide state funding for school-based mental health services pursuant to specified conditions.
Requires the department of education to develop and make available for use in all schools a mental health curriculum. School districts would be required to provide four (4) hours of mental health instruction to seventh grade students.