The conference committee is expected to meet soon to reconcile the differences between S. 254, the Violent and Repeat Juvenile Offender Accountability and Rehabilitation Act and H.R. 1501, the Consequences for Juvenile Offenders Act. The CCD Education Task Force sent a letter to all conferees last week regarding the damaging amendments to IDEA within both bills. The letter encourages Congress to adopt public policy that allows all students who are suspended or expelled to have access to immediate and appropriate services, including educational and mental health services necessary to prevent the behavior from reoccurring. Have schools establish research-based effective programs that prevent school violence Continue educational services to ALL students who are suspended or expelled. Students must have access to immediate and appropriate services to prevent the behavior from recurring.
Professional development is essential for classroom success.
Shortages in classroom personnel must be addressed Social promotion must not inappropriately penalize students with disabilities. Children and youth with disabilities must be included in after school programs. The number of preschool programs that serve children with disabilities must be increased. The House plans to reauthorize the act in sections. A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate.