A bill introduced in the state Senate this week would eliminate the requirement for teachers to complete personalized education plans for academically struggling students.
Sen. Jerry Tillman, R-Randolph, introduced the bill on Wednesday, N.C. Policy Watch reported Friday.
State law has required the plans,
also called PEPs, since 2001. They are considered a tool for complying
with the Leandro v. State of North Carolina ruling that affirms every
North Carolina child’s right to basic public education.
The bill still has a ways to go
become law, but the threat of losing the PEP requirement has some
advocates concerned about potential harm to already disadvantaged
students.
“Removing PEPs would negatively
affect a layer of accountability and has the potential to impact having
more at-risk students,” said Lissa Harris, co-founder of the advocacy
group Parents Supporting Parents. The plans are one of many components
that have been created to improve academics and provide a monitoring and
communication tool between school, parents and students by documenting
intervention plans.”
The bill, coupled with other
changes in requirements for high school diplomas, would mean students
not performing at or above grade level as measured by standardized tests
will not be ready for college or a career, Harris said.
The PEPs help students who are
not performing on grade level, she said. That group includes more than
students with disabilities, she said.
“North Carolina students have a
constitutional right to a sound, basic education,” she said. “Removing
PEPs will negatively impact North Carolina students.”
Contact Marquita Brown at (336) 373-7002, and follow @mbrownNR on Twitter.
*http://www.news-record.com/blogs/the_chalkboard/plan-to-end-personalized-education-plans-for-students-raises-concern/article_4827dbb8-c9ce-11e4-9535-c3c25f309a13.htmlSource
*http://www.news-record.com/blogs/the_chalkboard/plan-to-end-personalized-education-plans-for-students-raises-concern/article_4827dbb8-c9ce-11e4-9535-c3c25f309a13.htmlSource