Special Education Amendments
The proposed legislation allocates a one-time appropriation of $5 million from the Public Education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account for fiscal year 2025 to support this initiative. The bill also empowers the state board of education to oversee the grant process, which will allow local education agencies (LEAs) to compete for funding to pilot their co-teaching models. This funding aims to directly influence the academic performance of students with disabilities by providing them with tailored instructional strategies and collaborative teaching environments.
House Bill 0485, titled 'Special Education Amendments', aims to establish a Special Education Co-teaching Pilot Program in Utah. The bill intends to create a model of collaborative instruction that involves both general education and special education teachers working together in the classroom. Its primary goal is to enhance educational outcomes for students with disabilities, particularly those with extensive support needs. By funding these programs, the bill seeks to promote innovative co-teaching practices that are expected to better serve students with special needs in inclusive settings.
While the bill's intentions have garnered support among stakeholders advocating for improved educational outcomes for students with special needs, concerns may arise regarding the effectiveness of the co-teaching model. Some educators may question the feasibility and impacts of implementing such collaborative approaches in diverse classroom settings. Additionally, the competitive nature of the grant program could lead to disparities in resources among LEAs, where wealthier districts might have better access to grant writing and funding opportunities compared to less affluent areas.