INCLUDE SCHOOL PSYCH. IN DEV'T PLAN S.B. 1421:
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 1421 (as introduced 7-21-10)
Sponsor: Senator Nancy Cassis
Committee: Education
Date Completed: 9-23-10
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Revised School Code to specify that a school psychologist should participate in developing, reviewing, and revising a pupil's educational development plan if the pupil received special education services.
Section 1278b of the Code requires the board of a school district or the board of directors of a public school academy to provide the opportunity for each pupil to develop an educational development plan (EDP) during 7th grade, and to ensure that each pupil reviews his or her EDP during 8th grade and revises it as appropriate before he or she begins high school. An EDP must be developed, reviewed, and revised by the pupil under the supervision of the pupil's school counselor or another designee qualified under the Code to act in a counseling role and selected by the school principal. An EDP must be based on high school readiness scores and a career pathways program or similar career exploration program, and must be designed to assist pupils to identify career development goals as they relate to academic requirements.
Under the bill, if the pupil received special education services, a school psychologist should participate in developing, reviewing, and revising the pupil's educational development plan.
MCL 380.1278b
BACKGROUND
Public Act 623 of 2006 amended Section 1278b of the Revised School Code to specify, among other things, that if a pupil receives special education services, a school psychologist should be included in the group developing the pupil's EDP.
Public Act 80 of 2010, which is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2011, amends Section 1278b to revise the educational development plan requirements and to add an alternative to the algebra II graduation requirement. The changes to the EDP requirements also delete the provision that a school psychologist should be included in the group developing a special education pupil's EDP. (The EDP requirements described above reflect the language of Public Act 80, rather than the requirements of current law. Those requirements, including the provision for a school psychologist, will remain in effect through June 30, 2011.)
Legislative Analyst: Patrick Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
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. sb1421/0910