HSB 705

This bill relates to education by modifying provisions related to open enrollment, teacher librarian endorsements, and the placement of children identified as requiring special education in competent private instruction. DIVISION I —— PRIVATE INSTRUCTION —— SPECIAL EDUCATION. The bill provides that a child of compulsory attendance age who is identified as requiring special education is eligible for placement under competent private instruction without prior approval of the placement by the director of special education of an area education agency. The bill also provides that a child who is identified as requiring special education may request dual enrollment and the appropriate special education services for the child shall be determined pursuant to Code chapter 256B (special education). DIVISION II—— OPEN ENROLLMENT.1. _____ bill provides that this right of appeal also applies to a decision of either board to deny an open enrollment application related to the sibling or stepsibling of such a student. Additionally, the bill authorizes the sibling or stepsibling of such a student, attending a grade in grades through 12, who does participate in open enrollment to participate immediately in a varsity interscholastic sport. DIVISION III —— TEACHER LIBRARIANS. The bill removes the requirement that the holder of a teacher librarian endorsement have a master’s degree.