March 30, 2012
Requests campuses of the California Community Colleges, California State University, and the University of California to designate a foster youth campus support program coordinator using new or existing resources to provide comprehensive support to all students who are current or former foster youth on public postsecondary educational institution campuses.
Category: Legislative Position
Health and Safety Code – Relating to Redevelopment
March 28, 2012
AB 2043 would add an order granting or denying class action certification, allowing appeal from the order at the discretion of the court of appeal. The bill would specify various factors the court would be required to consider in determining whether to allow the appeal.
Section 48911.2 of the Education Code
March 22, 2012
SB 1235 requires schools with excessive levels of student suspensions (25% of more of their students or of any numerically significant racial or ethnic subgroup) to adopt school-wide evidence-based strategies to not only reduce school suspension and improve school climate, but also increase attendance and academic achievement.
Welfare and Institutions Code – Relating to Foster Children
March 20, 2012
B 1909 ensures that school districts provide notification to a county child welfare designee and the court-appointed attorney for the foster youth when a foster youth is pending expulsion or subject to a manifestation determination Individualized Education Program.
Welfare and Institutions Code – Intellectual Disabilities
March 14, 2012
SB 1381 is a simple measure that provides an important terminology change to the disabled community throughout California. The term “mentally retarded” is outdated, pejorative, and not in current professional use in agencies, associations, and other countries. When it was originally introduced, the term “mentally retarded” or “mental retardation” was a medical term with a specific clinical connotation. However, today, the “R-word” is most commonly used to degrade or insult people.
GREAT Teachers and Principals Act
February 27, 2012
The Coalition for Teaching Quality has put forth a set of principles for ESEA reauthorization around preparing and supporting effective educators. Among these principles is a belief that all students are entitled to teachers who are qualified (fully prepared and fully certified), as well as effective; that preparation programs should be held to common, high standards; and that investments should be made in proven methods to recruit, prepare, develop, and retain fully prepared and effective teachers in shortage fields and hard-to-staff schools. S. 1250 undermines these principles.
Student Success Act
February 6, 2012
Rather than continuing to support students with disabilities in achieving a high school diploma and pursuing employment and postsecondary education, the elimination of the 1% regulation virtually encourages schools to expect less from students with disabilities.
ADA Notification Act
February 3, 2012
HR 881 would require that an individual provide a notice before filing a complaint alleging a violation of Title III or state law that conditions a violation of any of its provisions to provide the defendant with a written notice that identifies the alleged violation, and the date and location of the alleged violation.