Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2883

Introduced
1/17/22  
Refer
1/17/22  

Caption

Exceptional students with significant developmental disabilities and complex communication needs; clarify pathways.

Impact

The bill clarifies the roles of qualified instructors, including speech-language pathologists and educational audiologists, allowing them to serve as lead educators within the university-based programs. The arrangement is designed to enhance educational outcomes for children aged 3 to 21 by integrating specialized professionals into their learning environments. Furthermore, it establishes that the placement of exceptional students is determined collaboratively with local school districts, aligning with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process as mandated by federal law.

Summary

Senate Bill 2883 amends Section 37-23-31 of the Mississippi Code to provide educational services for students with significant developmental disabilities, complex communication needs, and significant language or learning deficits. The bill allows these students, who cannot have their educational needs met within public school special education programs, to receive instruction and related services from state-supported universities or colleges. This measure aims to ensure that students who face challenges in traditional educational settings have access to appropriate resources and training tailored to their specific needs.

Contention

While the intent behind SB 2883 is widely seen as beneficial, there may be concerns regarding the allocation of funding and the administrative burden placed on local school districts. The bill mandates that the Mississippi Department of Education distribute state funds directly to the universities or colleges, which could impact the resources available for local educational programs. Stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of this model in adequately meeting the diverse needs of students and whether it will lead to any unintended disparities in educational outcomes across districts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB494

Exceptional students with significant developmental disabilities and complex communication needs; clarify pathways for receiving educational instruction and training in a UBP.

MS HB881

University-based programs of education for children with developmental disabilities; revise certain provisions.

MS HB1630

"Mississippi Student Funding Formula"; revise to clarify certain provisions related to.

MS SB2616

Education funding; update language, and include grades 7-8 in CTE multiplier for grades 9-12.

MS S0112

Children with Developmental Disabilities

MS H0591

Children with Developmental Disabilities

MS SB2686

The Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act; extend repealer.

MS HB06883

An Act Concerning Students With Developmental Disabilities.

MS HB1251

Children with disabilities; require LEAs to provide services to private schools and home schooled students at the place of enrollment.

MS HB1229

Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act; extend repealer on educational scholarship accounts (ESA).

Similar Bills

MS HB881

University-based programs of education for children with developmental disabilities; revise certain provisions.

MS HB494

Exceptional students with significant developmental disabilities and complex communication needs; clarify pathways for receiving educational instruction and training in a UBP.

MS SB2616

Education funding; update language, and include grades 7-8 in CTE multiplier for grades 9-12.

MS HB1161

Mississippi Autism Scholarship Program Act; establish.

MS HB1433

The "Flexible and Rightful Education Enrollment (FREE) Act;" establish for students in "D" and "F" schools and districts.

MS HB1204

MS Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia; revise eligibility beginning with kindergarten.

MS HB752

MS Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia; revise eligibility beginning with kindergarten.

MS HB1662

Workforce development; revise certain provisions related to.