5973-S2 AMH ED MCLA 470

2SSB 5973 - H COMM AMD

By Committee on Education

NOT CONSIDERED 4/13/2009

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds compelling evidence from five commissioned studies that additional progress must be made to address the achievement gap.  Many students are in demographic groups that are overrepresented in measures such as school disciplinary sanctions; failure to meet state academic standards; failure to graduate; enrollment in special education and underperforming schools; enrollment in advanced placement courses, honors programs, and college preparatory classes; and enrollment in and completion of college. The studies contain specific recommendations that are data-driven and drawn from education research, as well as the personal, professional, and cultural experience of those who contributed to the studies.  The legislature finds there is no better opportunity to make a strong commitment to closing the achievement gap than in legislation and to affirm the state's constitutional obligation to provide opportunities to learn for all students without distinction or preference on account of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or gender."

    Correct the title.

EFFECT:   Replaces all provisions of the bill with legislative findings that progress is needed to address the achievement gap and that there is an opportunity to make a strong commitment to closing the gap.

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