I oppose HB-166 mostly due to the fact that VDOE is in a lot of hot water, and has been for years over special education problems. Additionally burdening VDOE over something that LEAs can implement on their own through the science curriculum, 4-H, or other environmental stewardship clubs, while only requiring that LEAs have access to, upon request...? is sadly, simply a poor utilization of time and resources by VDOE employees for something that LEAs are not going to willingly implement without extra funding to do so, and they are likely not to follow the guidance available anyhow.
With many special education students around the state of Virginia unlawfully without education, while this bill is honorable in intent, it requires expensive labor to design and implement and will not result in the benefits being sought as written.
I oppose HB-166 mostly due to the fact that VDOE is in a lot of hot water, and has been for years over special education problems. Additionally burdening VDOE over something that LEAs can implement on their own through the science curriculum, 4-H, or other environmental stewardship clubs, while only requiring that LEAs have access to, upon request...? is sadly, simply a poor utilization of time and resources by VDOE employees for something that LEAs are not going to willingly implement without extra funding to do so, and they are likely not to follow the guidance available anyhow. With many special education students around the state of Virginia unlawfully without education, while this bill is honorable in intent, it requires expensive labor to design and implement and will not result in the benefits being sought as written.