Relates to including at least one person who is familiar with the needs of students with disabilities in the development of school safety plans; provides that building-level response plans shall include a list including each student with a disability enrolled at the site together with information from the student's individualized education program (IEP) that is relevant to ensuring the student's safety and the role of the staff member responsible for assisting the student in an emergency.
Summary
Bill A03435 amends the education law to require that school safety plans include the input of at least one individual familiar with the needs of students with disabilities. This individual will be involved in the development of safety plans and will ensure that the specific needs of students with disabilities are considered during emergencies. Additionally, the bill mandates that building-level emergency response plans include a list of each student with a disability enrolled at the school, along with relevant information from their individualized education programs (IEPs) to facilitate their safety during emergencies.
Impact
The passage of this bill would enhance the safety protocols in schools by ensuring that the unique needs of students with disabilities are adequately addressed in emergency response plans. It modifies existing education law to require the inclusion of specific personnel in safety teams and mandates the documentation of students with disabilities in safety plans, thereby potentially improving the overall safety and preparedness of schools in New York State.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A03435 appears to be generally supportive, as it aims to improve safety for a vulnerable population within schools. However, there may be some concerns regarding the implementation of these requirements and the additional resources needed to effectively include and address the needs of students with disabilities in emergency planning.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise around the practical implications of implementing the bill, particularly regarding how schools will identify and include the necessary personnel familiar with the needs of students with disabilities. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the adequacy of training for these individuals and the potential burden on school resources to comply with the new requirements.
Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).
Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).
Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).
Requires school bus personnel members working with students with disabilities to call 911 emergency line in potential life-threatening emergencies; requires school buses transporting students with disabilities to be equipped with certain safety features.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the duties of the department of education, the discipline of students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools who exhibit disorderly conduct in the classroom, the responsibilities and powers of the department of education, school district teachers, and other educational staff related to students who have individualized education programs or plans under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, and school district professional development plans, and authorizing teachers to request a meeting of a student's individualized education program team. (Formerly HF 2122.)