South Dakota House Bill HB1190

South Dakota 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/22
• Refer: 1/31/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Establish the paraprofessional tuition assistance program, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

Impact

The program will particularly focus on schools that have a student population where academic performance is below the statewide average for English language arts and mathematics, as indicated by assessment results from the 2021-2022 academic year. This is expected to address educational disparities and encourage paraprofessionals to attain higher qualifications. With an appropriation of $500,000 allocated for this initiative, the bill represents a significant investment in addressing educational challenges faced by certain communities, particularly those with a substantial Native American demographic.

Summary

House Bill 1190, introduced by Representative Bordeaux, aims to establish the Paraprofessional Tuition Assistance Program to provide financial support to paraprofessionals working in qualifying South Dakota schools. This program is designed to facilitate the pursuit of full teacher certification for these employees, which is intended to improve the quality of education in schools that serve a high percentage of Native American students. The bill outlines eligibility criteria, such as employment in a qualifying public school and enrollment in an accredited postsecondary institution offering education degrees.

Contention

Although HB1190 aims to enhance educational outcomes, there may be varying opinions regarding its implementation. Supporters advocate that the bill will improve teacher quality and educational equity, while opponents could argue about the sufficiency of funding or the effectiveness of the proposed criteria in genuinely uplifting underperforming schools. Furthermore, ensuring that the financial assistance reaches the right candidates and is managed appropriately may also raise concerns about administrative oversight and the adequacy of support for varying needs within different educational contexts.