HB 2012-S - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Creates the special services pilot program. The purpose of the program is to encourage participating school districts to provide early intensive reading and language assistance to students who are struggling academically. The goal of such assistance is to effectively address reading and language difficulties resulting in a substantially greater proportion of students meeting the progressively increasing performance standards for both the aggregate and disaggregated subgroups under federal law.

Provides that a maximum of two school districts may participate. Interested districts shall apply no later than May 15, 2003, to the superintendent of public instruction to participate in the pilot program established by this act. The superintendent shall make a decision no later than June 15, 2003, regarding which two school districts may participate in the program.

Declares that the pilot program is intended to be six years, to begin in the 2003-04 school year and conclude in the 2008-09 school year, unless the program is extended by the legislature.

Provides that school districts participating in the pilot program shall receive state special education funding in accordance with state special education funding formulas and a separate pilot program appropriation from sources other than special education funds equal to the district's special education funding for its average percentage enrollment in the 2001-02 and 2002-03 school years minus the district's annual actual funding for special education.

Provides that, by December 15, 2007, the superintendent of public instruction shall submit a report to the governor and legislature that summarizes the effectiveness of the pilot program. The report shall also include a recommendation as to whether or not the pilot program should be continued, expanded, or otherwise modified.

Expires June 30, 2010.