FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 998

91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES MERIDETH, CARNAHAN,

BOUCHER AND GRAHAM (Co-sponsors).

Read 1st time March 15, 2001, and 1000 copies ordered printed.

TED WEDEL, Chief Clerk

2261L.01I

AN ACT

To amend chapter 167, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to a family training program for special education.



Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

Section A. Chapter 167, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 167.675, to read as follows:

167.675. 1. The "Missouri Family Training Program for Special Education" is hereby established to provide training and in-depth information to all Missouri families who have children who receive special education services, such to include information on:

(1) Laws, regulations, policies and plans which influence the special education system in the state of Missouri, including an explanation of the "procedural safeguards" form;

(2) School, family and community responsibilities in the special education process, with a special emphasis on the individualized education program process;

(3) Methods of interacting and communicating effectively with professionals and appropriate methods of resolving conflicts with others;

(4) Participation in, and the significance of local and statewide assessment programs and achievement tests;

(5) State and local requirements for graduation; and

(6) Transition planning for life after the formal educational career has ended.

2. There is hereby created in the state treasury the "Missouri Family Training Fund for Special Education" which shall be administered by the division of special education of the department of elementary and secondary education. Moneys in the fund shall, upon appropriation, be used to establish and maintain the Missouri family training program for special education, pursuant to the provisions of this section. The provisions of section 33.080, RSMo, to the contrary notwithstanding, all the moneys in the fund created in this section shall not be transferred and placed to the credit of the general revenue fund at the end of each biennium.

3. The division of special education shall implement the Missouri family training program for special education by the provision of financial assistance, subject to appropriations to the Missouri family training fund, in the form of grants to recipients of the "parent training and information centers grant" pursuant to Section 682 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The division shall ensure program accountability and shall monitor and evaluate all organizations which receive grants pursuant to the provisions of this section. Such evaluations shall contain, but need not be limited to the following:

(1) A determination that the organization maintains a philosophy which holds that all children should receive an education which enables them to achieve their personal educational goals, and that a high level of family involvement in the educational process is critical to this endeavor;

(2) Evidence that the organization provides Missouri's families with information and training that will enable them to become full, active participants in the education of their children;

(3) Evidence that the organization provides information and training in clear and concise language and in accessible formats for the benefit of all Missourians;

(4) A determination that the organization has clear program priorities, explores the use of new information technologies, and investigates methods of increasing program effectiveness through annual program and financial planning;

(5) Evidence that the organization uses sound organizational, personnel and volunteer management practices;

(6) Evidence that the organization practices sound fiscal management; and

(7) Evidence that the organization maintains an evaluation system adequate to measure the performance of the program and maintains records of these evaluations for a minimum period of three years.

4. All organizations receiving funds from the Missouri family training program for special education grant shall utilize the most modern and efficient technologies available and work closely with local community partners to deliver the products and services described in this section.

5. It shall be the responsibility of local school districts to distribute an informational product, developed and provided by the Missouri family training program for special education, to all families of Missouri students who receive special education services.

(1) This product shall contain:

(a) A clear overview of the special education process, emphasizing the parent's and student's roles in the process;

(b) Information designed to clarify the rights and responsibilities described within the "Procedural Safeguards for Children and Parents" statement; and

(c) Resources that families can access to provide more in-depth information and training on issues related to the education of their children.

(2) This product shall be provided to local districts prior to the beginning of each academic year and shall be distributed to the parents of students whenever:

(a) A student has been referred for evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services;

(b) Notification is given of an upcoming individualized education program meeting; or

(c) Consideration is given to the reevaluation of the student's eligibility for special education services.

6. The department of elementary and secondary education shall promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation of this section. No rule or portion of a rule promulgated pursuant to the authority of this section shall become effective unless it has been promulgated pursuant to the provisions of chapter 536, RSMo.


Missouri House of Representatives