School achievement coordinator proposed

The appointment of a student achievement coordinator was the focus of a bill heard by the Education Committee Feb. 24.

LB958, introduced by Omaha Sen. Tanya Cook, would authorize the state commissioner of education to appoint a person to evaluate and coordinate existing resources for low-achieving students. Cook said the bill addresses concerns raised about the use of state funds to alleviate the effects of poverty.

“[This bill] addresses concerns about the way we are funding poverty initiatives, supporting students with limited English proficiency and supporting the needs of highly mobile students,” she said. “It ensures greater accountability with the state’s limited resources and encourages best practices among the state’s districts.”

The person appointed would be required to have a background and training in addressing the unique needs of students in poverty, limited English proficient students and highly mobile students.

The coordinator would be responsible for reviewing successful poverty and limited English proficiency plans. The bill also would require the coordinator to develop a staggered review schedule for the plans and assist school districts in implementing proven best practices.

Jay Sears, representing the Nebraska State Education Association, testified in support of the bill. He said it’s important to provide information to all teachers on what works best for students with different needs.

“It’s important that [the state Department of Education] be given the resources for the position,” he said. “It’s important to actually review, analyze and get back to the districts, with these best practices.”

No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action on it.