Comments Document
Regarding HB131 - This spirit of this bill is commendable, and I am in agreement, however, with a few minor adjustments.
A. Supporting the School Divisions (LEAs) who have already been extensively with emergency pandemic funding and which failed to use it directly for student support/teaching/tutoring, and after multiple different 'bail-outs' by Governor Youngkin, the focus needs to be on DIRECT support for the Students who remain woefully behind due to the impacts of the Pandemic. Many special education students simply are unable to readily perform/learn on the computers provided and continue to require BOOKS, which are sorely lacking in availability to all students, especially those with disabilities who need them most, since the Pandemic.
B. This bill should contain language pertaining to 'school age non-graduated students' rather than 'enrolled'...IDEA/FAPE requires that special education services and supports follow each student's RESIDENCE, not Enrollment. (Citation: Endrew F. vs. Douglas County Landmark Special Education Supreme Court Case)
I look forward to continuing to advocate for our Commonwealth's truly most vulnerable population, Disabled Children, to change the landscape in education to one that truly honors and protects their Civil Right to Appropriate Education tailored to each one's NEEDS as defined by the IDEA and FAPE.
Wendy Little
(Eryn's Mom)
804-909-3639
Comments Document
Regarding HB131 - This spirit of this bill is commendable, and I am in agreement, however, with a few minor adjustments. A. Supporting the School Divisions (LEAs) who have already been extensively with emergency pandemic funding and which failed to use it directly for student support/teaching/tutoring, and after multiple different 'bail-outs' by Governor Youngkin, the focus needs to be on DIRECT support for the Students who remain woefully behind due to the impacts of the Pandemic. Many special education students simply are unable to readily perform/learn on the computers provided and continue to require BOOKS, which are sorely lacking in availability to all students, especially those with disabilities who need them most, since the Pandemic. B. This bill should contain language pertaining to 'school age non-graduated students' rather than 'enrolled'...IDEA/FAPE requires that special education services and supports follow each student's RESIDENCE, not Enrollment. (Citation: Endrew F. vs. Douglas County Landmark Special Education Supreme Court Case) I look forward to continuing to advocate for our Commonwealth's truly most vulnerable population, Disabled Children, to change the landscape in education to one that truly honors and protects their Civil Right to Appropriate Education tailored to each one's NEEDS as defined by the IDEA and FAPE. Wendy Little (Eryn's Mom) 804-909-3639