Amendment ID: S2888-16

Amendment 16

Delivery of Special Education Services Study

Mr. Tarr moves that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___  the following section:-

"SECTION X. The department of elementary and secondary education, in consultation with at least 1 public institution of higher education, shall study and report on the delivery of special education and services for students with disabilities pursuant to chapter 71B of the General Laws and all applicable federal laws, including, but not limited to, the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act of 1990 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The report shall include: (i) best practices and national standards for the delivery of education and services for students with disabilities; (ii) social and societal factors that impact students diagnosed with a disability pursuant to section 3 of said chapter 71B; and (iii) a comprehensive evaluation of existing and potential models for providing education and services for students with disabilities in-district and out-of-district settings and the associated costs and benefits including, but not limited to, personnel, transportation, housing, specialized services and supports and assistive technologies.

The department shall submit a report with recommendations, including any legislative or regulatory changes that may be necessary. The report shall be submitted to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, the joint committee on education and the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than May 1, 2025."