EARLY INTERVENING PROGRAM S.B. 634 (S-1):
FLOOR SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 634 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Senator Nancy Cassis
Committee: Education
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Revised School Code to require the Michigan Department of Education, by January 1, 2010, to develop or adopt a model early intervention program for kindergarten to third grade.
The model program would have to have the same goals and include the same elements as the early intervening model program described in Section 641 of the Code.
The Department would have to make the model program available to school districts, intermediate school districts (ISDs), and public school academies (PSAs). The bill would encourage each district, ISD, and PSA to adopt and implement the model program or one or more similar early intervening programs.
Section 641 of the Code permits an ISD to develop and make available to school districts and PSAs an early intervening model program for kindergarten to third grade. The model program must be designed to instruct classroom teachers and support staff on how to monitor individual pupil learning and how to provide specific support or learning strategies to pupils as early as possible in order to avoid inappropriate referrals to special education.
The model program must be based on a program with documented positive results and outcomes and must include literacy and numeracy supports, sensory motor skill development, behavior supports, instructional consultation for teachers, and the development of a parent/school learning plan. The model program also must include a schoolwide system of academic and behavioral support based on a support team available to the classroom teachers.
Proposed MCL 380.1280c Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
State: The Department of Education likely would see a minimal increase in staff/administrative costs associated with the development, adoption, and dissemination of a model early intervention program. However, since the legislation would require that the program have the same goals and include the same elements as the program described in Section 641, the Department likely would not incur high costs in research and development of the program.
Local: The bill would have no fiscal impact on local government.
Date Completed: 9-10-09 Fiscal Analyst: Kathryn Summers
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb634/0910