Oklahoma House Bill HB1599

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Schools; authorizing school district to provide support staff to assist certain members of an individualized education program team; effective date.

Impact

The bill aims to facilitate better support systems within schools for the management of IEP team tasks, streamlining the transcription process while ensuring that only qualified educational personnel handle the critical elements of IEP development. By allowing support staff to assist with transcription, HB1599 provides a framework for schools to enhance their operational capacities without compromising the quality and oversight of educational plans mandated for students requiring special education services.

Summary

House Bill 1599 authorizes school districts in Oklahoma to provide support staff who can assist certain members of an individualized education program (IEP) team. This support staff is specifically permitted to assist regular education teachers or special education teachers in transcribing individualized education programs as defined by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, the bill explicitly prohibits this support staff from developing, reviewing, or revising these educational programs, thereby maintaining the integrity and responsibility of the qualified educational personnel involved in the education of students with disabilities.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB1599 may arise concerning the limitations placed on the support staff's role in the IEP process. While proponents of the bill may argue that its provisions support education by providing necessary assistance to teachers, critics could contend that the delineation of responsibilities might complicate the implementation of IEPs. Questions regarding the adequacy of oversight and the effectiveness of the transcription process conducted by support staff could also surface, raising concerns about the potential impacts on the quality of education for students with disabilities.