Senators gave first-round approval Feb. 13 to a bill that would provide special assistance to the state\u2019s lowest performing schools.<\/p>\n
Under LB438, as originally introduced by York Sen. Greg Adams, an intervention team appointed by the State Board of Education would assist the school district and school staff in diagnosing issues and designing and implementing strategies to address them. A school would retain the priority designation until the State Board of Education determines it is no longer necessary.<\/p>\n
Adams said the state currently has no way to intervene in failing school districts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe already collect the data but we don\u2019t have an accountability system,\u201d he said. \u201cThere is nothing in statute that gives the state board the authority to intervene and fix problems.\u201d<\/p>\n
An Education Committee amendment, adopted 34-0, replaced the bill and decreased the number of eligible priority designation schools from five to three. Under the bill as amended, the intervention team \u2014 in conjunction with school district staff \u2014 would be required to develop a progress plan to include specific action by the school and district to remove the priority designation. Any priority school would be required to comply with the progress plan for the school district to maintain accreditation.<\/p>\n
The State Board of Education would review progress plans annually and suggest any modifications. If a school is designated as a priority school for five consecutive years, the board would be required to reevaluate the progress plan.<\/p>\n
Sullivan said the current education system is good, but far from perfect.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know we have shortcomings, but we need to address them in a collective manner,\u201d she said. \u201cWe often talk about the value of the resources we have in the state. Our most valuable resource is the human capital and the young people we have.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scottsbluff Sen. John Harms supported the bill, saying that investment in education, including early childhood education, is paramount.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo many children come into our school systems with deficiencies,\u201d he said. \u201cIf we don\u2019t start to place dollars into early childhood education, many of those children are starting five years behind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Omaha Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh supported increased accountability but questioned whether the bill went far enough.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis bill will create the potentiality of the state intervening in a couple of districts, but there are 90 to 150 schools that warrant our attention right now,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is meant to bring accountability, but what happens on the back end if they don\u2019t perform?\u201d<\/p>\n
Following the adoption of a technical amendment, senators voted to advance the bill to select file on a 35-0 vote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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