In response to WCRIS concerns outlined in testimony to the Assembly Education Committee recently, the DPI has agreed to adjust proposed administrative rules on certain learning disabilities so that they don’t block student access to the Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP).
WCRIS Executive Director Sharon Schmeling told the committee on April 22, that while WCRIS generally supports simplification of rules governing the state’s implementation of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the proposed rule changes inadvertently created unintended consequences around IEPs.
Legislators noted WCRIS’s concerns and indicated that they would block the rule, prompting the DPI to agree to clarify the language to prevent potential problems. Schmeling is working with DPI staff to hammer out new language for the committee to approve.
The Committee also took up bills that would: clarify the responsibilities of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) in transporting students (AB 160/SB 221); increase the income eligibility for the WPCP to 300% of poverty (AB 59/SB 41); and, grant DPI Waiver authority for private school rules until October 31, 2020.
The bills also received a hearing in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday (4/21). See WCRIS Senate testimony here and Assembly testimony here.
You can learn more about the connection between SNSP and IDEA in our WCRIS SNSP Handbook. You can learn more and purchase a copy here.
