Lawmakers probe special education, 'option enrollment' among Nebraska school districts
Lawmakers are exploring how to help more students who require special education take part in a Nebraska program that allows families the option to enroll in a different public school district.
State Sens. Dave Murman of Glenvil and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln each brought interim studies to probe the issue and better support students who need special education services and might be on individualized education plans, or IEPs. The study came Thursday as part of Legislative Resolutions 320 (from Conrad) and 425 (from Murman).
Murman described the study as a way to ensure every child gets their "fair chance" as a focus of the Education Committee, which Murman chairs.
The study also came after a Nebraska Department of Education report in August that about 86% of students who applied for "option enrollment" were accepted into the district of their choice. Among the 14% denied, a portion were students on IEPs.
Read the full story:
NebraskaExaminer.comRelated Entries
A win for collective advocacy, but the work to protect students is not over
On Monday, Voices for Children in Nebraska, Education Rights Counsel, and ACLU Nebraska joined community members, parents, educators, advocates, and others who spoke up about the use of electrified gloves in Nebraska schools. Our collective voice was heard. Those who raised concerns, shared their experiences, contacted decision-makers, and demanded better for Nebraska students helped make clear that these devices have no place in our schools.
Read More
Voices for Children, Education Rights Counsel, and ACLU of Nebraska issue joint statement on use of electrified gloves in schools.
Voices for Children in Nebraska, Education Rights Counsel, and ACLU of Nebraska stand together in strong opposition to the use of electrified gloves on children in schools and to School Resource Officers carrying these devices in school buildings. There will be an opportunity to share thoughts during time for public comment at the Omaha Public Schools board meeting on Monday, August 17, at 6 p.m. Families in other Omaha-area school districts should also reach out to their school boards to ask about their districts’ policies on use of force and memoranda of understanding with the Omaha Police Department.
Read More
Nebraska schools force kids into seclusion rooms. We don’t know how often it’s happening.
A Lincoln Journal Star investigation reveals that Nebraska schools are repeatedly isolating students with disabilities in seclusion rooms, often with little oversight and no statewide ban, prompting advocates to call for reform.
Read More